Tips & Tricks for Creating a Comfortable Budget After Settlement
Tips & Tricks for Creating a Comfortable Budget After Settlement Once you’ve bought your first home and settlement is done, your finances shift. The trick isn’t just making repayments — it’s building a budget that works long-term without feeling restrictive. Here are some simple, practical tips and tricks to help you stay in control of […]
Is loyalty costing you?
Is Loyalty to Your Bank Costing You? It’s a fair question — and one most homeowners never really stop to ask. You’ve stayed with the same bank for years. You make your repayments on time. You don’t complain. Everything works… or at least it feels like it does. But here’s the uncomfortable reality: when it […]
Prepare for pre-approval
Things to Prepare For Before Applying for Pre-Approval If you’re thinking about buying your first home, getting pre-approval is an exciting step — but it’s not something you should rush into unprepared. Pre-approval looks at more than just your income. Lenders assess your overall financial behaviour, including how you manage debt, spending, and savings. Taking […]
Benefits of a refinance?
The Benefits of Refinancing Your Home Loan — And Why Now Might Be the Right Time If you’ve ever wondered whether refinancing your home loan could make a real difference, you’re asking the right question. For many homeowners, refinancing isn’t about fixing a “bad” loan — it’s about making sure their mortgage still works for […]
How HECS and HELP Debt Affects Home Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers
How HECS and HELP Debt Affects Home Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers Many self-employed borrowers are surprised to learn how much HECS or HELP debt can affect their home loan application. While these debts don’t show up like traditional loans, lenders still factor them into servicing calculations. Understanding how HECS and HELP debt affects home loans […]
Saving Together Without Pressure
Saving Together Without Pressure Saving for a home as a couple can feel more emotional than expected. Different incomes, priorities, and comfort levels can turn saving into a source of tension if it’s not handled thoughtfully. The good news is that saving together doesn’t have to feel rigid or stressful. With the right approach, it […]
Combining Finances Before You’re Ready to Buy
Combining Finances Before You’re Ready to Buy When couples start thinking about buying a home, questions about money often come to the surface. Many people assume they need to fully combine finances early to be taken seriously by lenders or to “prove” readiness. In reality, there’s no single right way to manage money before buying. […]
What If One Partner Earns More?
What If One Partner Earns More? In many couples, one partner earns more than the other. While this is completely normal, it can create quiet uncertainty when preparing to buy a home together. Questions around fairness, responsibility, borrowing power, and future security often go unspoken. Understanding how income differences are viewed — both emotionally and […]
Buying With a Partner: Getting Aligned Early
Buying With a Partner: Getting Aligned Early Buying a home with a partner is exciting — but it can also introduce complexity. Different spending habits, risk tolerance, timelines, and expectations can quietly create tension if they’re not addressed early. Getting aligned before you’re ready to apply helps reduce stress, improve decision-making, and create a smoother […]
Undeclared Family Loans: Why Lenders Care and Why It Can Cause Problems
Undeclared Family Loans: Why Lenders Care and Why It Can Cause Problems Many buyers receive help from family with the understanding that the money will be repaid one day. While this may feel informal, lenders treat undeclared family loans very seriously. Failing to disclose a family loan can create major issues during assessment, approval, or […]