Your “set and forget” mindset could be costing you. As much as 4%, say the experts. That’s the amount of extra interest some homeowners are paying each year in “Loyalty Tax”. If you haven’t reviewed your mortgage recently, you could be doing the same. Read on to find out why it’s imperative you review your mortgage regularly and avoid paying “Loyalty Tax”.

When you buy a luxury home, you’re buying more than just a property: you’re investing in a complete lifestyle. Luxury homes are fast becoming the next best thing to gold these days. Given the fact that they’re always in demand, it’s not surprising really that so many buyers are reaping the rewards of better returns in the long term. Take a look at some of the properties featured in Harcourts' Luxury Property Selection. Which one would you pick?

A staggering 7.2 million Australians are said to be starting the New Year with a Christmas debt hangover. What’s more, according to research, one in four Aussies could take up until May to pay back their Christmas debt! If your big Christmas blow-out hit hard in January, it’s time to get your finances back on track starting right now. Here’s how to do that:

The 2020 bushfire season has left many Australians devastated without homes and livelihood. Even more devastating is that so many of those affected by the bushfires are underinsured. Understanding what events and damage can be covered by insurance is a vital first step in assessing whether or not you have the right cover for your home.

While you won’t find this expression in a mainstream dictionary, it’s a feeling that’s all too real for anyone who’s overspent at Christmas. A Christmas Debt Hangover usually kicks in around the middle of January when the credit card bills start rolling in. Symptoms include stress, trouble sleeping and an aversion to checking the mailbox! Here’s how to cure it.

Divorce or separation is an emotional time, made even more stressful at the thought of divvying up the property and other assets. In Australia, there are around 50,000 divorces each year and many people are unsure what to do with the family home or investment properties in this situation. If you’ve recently divorced or separated, it may be time to look at your options.

Australia faces a long and hot summer with the prospect of ongoing bushfires evermore a reality. It will take some time for the people of Australia to rebuild their lives and livelihood. But the outpouring of support from around the world has been simply staggering, with organisations and individuals banding together to help support victims, wildlife and the brave firefighters risking their lives to save ours.

Australia is in the grip of a major crisis, fighting an unprecedented bushfire season. Over 2,000 homes have already been destroyed in some of the worst bushfires ever experienced. Now, several lenders are offering relief for victims of the bushfires with relaxation on payments for loans and credit cards, waiving of fees and emergency credit assistance. If you’ve been victim of the devastating bushfires, it’s vital you reach out to your mortgage broker or banker for assistance or respite.

Smoke and ash from ongoing bush fires across several states in Australia has reduced air quality and caused breathing difficulties and health concerns for many Australians living in metro, suburban, regional and rural areas. Bush fire smoke can travel hundreds of kilometres and poses a range of health issues including lung and heart conditions. Reduce your chances of being affected by smoke and ash with these tips:

Refinancing your mortgage could help you secure better interest rates, reduce the term of your loan, and even strengthen your overall financial position. Deciding when to refinance depends on several factors and there are many instances where property owners refinance for reasons other than just the interest rate. Take a look at when you could consider refinancing your mortgage.