As part of its focus on easing cost of living pressures, the Australian government has announced that all 13.6 million taxpayers in Australia will receive a tax cut on July 1 through the already legislated stage 3 tax cuts. In addition to this, households, small businesses and renters, amongst others, will benefit from a range of rebates aimed at easing cost of living pressures. While it’s good news for Australian taxpayers, tax cuts could also impact borrowing power, opening the doors for first home buyers and those looking to upgrade their home.

Despite ongoing challenges with housing affordability, owning a home remains an important milestone for many first home buyers in Australia. While the path to home ownership may not always be straightforward, there are some things that can speed up the process. Read on as we explore three ways first home buyers can get into the property market sooner, including leveraging the Bank of Mum and Dad, accessing assistance from State Governments, and buying with family or friends.

If you’re a first home buyer ready to embark on your journey to home ownership, one important consideration is the size of your deposit. Not only does your deposit determine how much you could borrow, but it can also impact the interest rate and other fees you may be charged for your mortgage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through what you need to know about deposits, including how much you'll need, alternative options available, and some essential tips to help you secure your dream home.

As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it's important to take proactive steps to ensure you're making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual taxpayer, business owner, or investor, EOFY is when we wrap up the current financial year, complete bookkeeping tasks, lodge tax returns, and prepare for the new financial year. Set yourself up for financial success with these essential tax tips for end of financial year.

Tiny Houses are fast becoming a popular option for those seeking alternative housing solutions in today’s challenging housing market. These compact homes provide a minimalist lifestyle and financial freedom, making them an attractive solution for those looking to downsize and own their own home without the responsibility of a traditional mortgage. If you’re considering a Tiny House as your next home, here's everything you need to know about financing a tiny house in Australia.

Property values have continued to rise in the first quarter of 2024, with strong growth reported across all major capital cities. Despite a pessimistic outlook by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the value of residential real estate increased to an estimated $10.4 trillion at the end of February (a new record high), while combined capital values are up 10.2% over last year’s figures. With the possibility of interest rate cuts looming, the market is gearing up for a strong year ahead.

As retirement age approaches, many Australian homeowners grapple with the daunting prospect of carrying mortgage debt into their golden years. Recent trends indicate a significant number of retirees are entering retirement with mortgage debt, because of rising house prices, delayed entry into the property market, and other factors. Read on to find out more about what’s driving this trend, the impact it can have on homeowners, and potential solutions to alleviate the burden.

Refinancing your home loan to secure a lower interest rate or to access funds for a home renovation or debt consolidation can be a smart financial move that leads to significant savings over time. However, it's essential to approach the refinancing process with careful consideration and thorough preparation to determine both the short and long-term impact on your financial situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the refinancing process.

New car buyers are often concerned about buying a new car that depreciates the moment it leaves the showroom floor. One possible solution to this dilemma lies in Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) agreements offered by some car dealerships. These agreements promise buyers the final value of their car, provided they stick to the conditions outlined in the agreement. Before diving into this financial commitment, it's crucial for buyers to understand the ins and outs of GFV and whether it's the right choice for them.

Many Australians face challenges with managing their finances and repaying debt due to the ongoing high cost of living. Forced into using credit cards or high-interest loans to pay for essential purchases or unexpected medical expenses, they struggle to maintain a clean credit file. As a good credit score is essential when it comes to accessing favourable credit, here are 5 essential tips to help you clean up your credit file.