Despite a lengthy lockdown in Victoria and the ongoing battle against COVID, all signs are pointing towards a more positive economic outcome than previously anticipated. Mortgage deferrals are down as more homeowners return to repaying their mortgage, unemployment in certain regions appears to be recovering to pre-COVID levels, and a new report has highlighted opportunities that some industries could capitalise on in the years to come.

Most people don’t like to think about making a Will or what will happen when they pass. But an effective Will is an important legal document that needs serious consideration. Without a Will, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not be in line with your wishes. So that you understand the importance of a Will and how to write one, take a look at these 5 things to consider when preparing a Will.

Earlier this month, the Federal Government handed down the 2020/2021 budget, which outlined a range of measures designed to get the economy moving again post-COVID-19. Amongst those measures announced were new write-offs for businesses and an additional 10,000 places in the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, good news for many Australians. Below are some of the key measures of the 20-21 budget and what these might mean for you.

A surge in cyber-attacks, particularly in the financial sector, has been attributed to the recent shift to remote working and digital banking in response to the COVID-19 crisis. While most financial institutions have developed “good cyber risk awareness and mitigation measures”, it’s a timely reminder for anyone accessing online services just how important it is to be aware of cyber-safety. Here’s how you can protect yourself from cyber-attacks.

Living through a pandemic has changed most of us. From the way we work, to the way we communicate with those around us, to the things we used to do but can no longer do. Following on from last month’s article, which drew inspiration from Gilbert Enoka, this month Vicky Devine caught up with Christine Penford, top 10 Mortgage Express Finance Consultant for 2020. Christine shared her learnings from lockdown and we recorded an account of Vicky’s questions and Christine’s responses.

Negative interest rates are already being used in countries like Switzerland, Denmark and Japan, and there’s been some talk about a similar strategy here in Australia. A potential solution to stimulate an economy floundering in the wake of COVID-19, negative interest rates would make borrowing money much cheaper, but saving money more expensive, the opposite of what we have right now. As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, we asked the question, what would happen if Australia had negative interest rates?

If you’re feeling an extra spring in your step, you’re not alone! Longer, warmer, sunnier days – with a promise of summer – bring an extra bit of cheer, and a feeling of happiness and hopefulness to most of us. Scientists tell us that the start of spring can radically improve your mood and that “spring fever” is not as crazy as it sounds. Not convinced? Take a look at these 4 reasons why you might be feeling so good now.

Despite the ongoing global pandemic issues and the resulting economic concerns, interestingly there have been a growing number of enquiries into and then sales of vacant land around the country. Surprisingly, a large proportion of these are from first home buyers, keen to take advantage of Government’s HomeBuilder stimulus package. If you’re looking to enter the property market, now may be the perfect time.

Gilbert Enoka ONZM has been inspiring sporting greats like the All Blacks, Silver Ferns, Canterbury Crusaders and the Black Caps, for over 20 years. Closer to home, “Bert” has worked alongside Mortgage Express and Harcourts in his role as Director of Harcourts International, challenging and helping drive to greatness the team in Australia. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing stories from Bert and others in the team about their personal experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Earlier this year, the Australian Government launched the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, a loan scheme aimed at helping small to medium businesses with a Government-backed guarantee of 50 per cent of new unsecured loans up to three years, with an initial six month repayment holiday. Now Government is extending the loan scheme to “help businesses move out of hibernation”, with a few enhancements to the scheme. Find out what these are right here.