Bad credit can significantly impact your financial health, leading to higher interest rates on loans, difficulty securing credit, and even affecting your ability to get a mortgage. It happens when you miss repayments, default on loans, or make too many credit applications. Repairing bad credit is essential for gaining control of your finances and improving your financial position. Here are some actionable steps you can take to repair bad credit.

A home loan used to set you up for retirement, but now many Australians face working beyond retirement age or retiring with significant mortgage debt. As home buyers get older and rising house prices and living costs require bigger mortgages, "forever loans" are becoming more common. This shift in how Australians view mortgages requires new strategies like rent-vesting or buying with family or friends, while financially preparing for retirement is essential in this challenging landscape.

The end of the financial year (EOFY) is fast approaching and this year, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has highlighted it will focus on specific tax deductions that will receive closer scrutiny. As an Australian homeowner, property investor, or first home buyer, it’s essential to understand what these focus areas are and how to avoid making errors. To help you prepare for EOFY, here are three tax deductions under ATO scrutiny in 2024.

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.

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.

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.

The arrival of a new baby can turn life upside down in the best possible way, but many new parents get caught out by the challenges that come with managing a mortgage and a growing family. Amidst the joy and excitement, getting your finances in order can make parenting easier, while a little forward planning lets you focus on what’s most important: your family. Here are 9 practical tips for managing a mortgage with a new baby.

The ongoing high cost of living has many Australians looking for ways to keep more money in their own pockets and pay less at tax time. As tax season approaches, there’s no better time to explore financial strategies that could help reduce tax liabilities. By leveraging these financial tools and savvy techniques, it’s possible to save money while still being compliant with Australian tax laws. Read on as we share six effective methods to achieve this goal.