Every time you apply for credit, spend using credit, or make (or miss) a repayment on a loan or a utility bill, you influence your credit score. In turn, your credit score is used by lenders to determine whether or not to give you more credit. That’s why keeping a good credit score is so important. It can mean the difference between an approval or a decline next time you apply for a loan. So, when did you last check your credit score? And do you know how creditworthy you are?

While Government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant has already been snapped up by many Australians planning a new home build or a substantial home renovation, first home buyers looking to use Homebuilder to enter the property market, have been left feeling frustrated at not being able to factor the grant into their loan application. If you’re in a similar situation, we have some tips on what to do.

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?

In these uncertain times, it’s not surprising so many Australians are being tempted by debt management firms promising a quick-fix solution, an end to crippling debt, and a way out of potential bankruptcy. Unfortunately, many of these businesses operate with little to no financial experience and no regulatory oversight, and their solutions can leave many people worse off in the long term. If you’re considering seeking a financial solution to your spiralling debt situation, it’s vital you heed this warning.

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.

Having a home loan pre-approval in place before you go house hunting puts you in the best position to buy a property. Not only are you signaling to sellers that you’re ready to move with pre-approved finance to show you’re serious, a pre-approval can significantly improve your bargaining power too and is essential if you want to bid on a property at auction. Not sure where to start? Here are 4 steps to securing pre-approval.

To boost new construction projects in the wake of COVID-19, the Federal Government will give eligible Australian homeowners a $25,000 grant to go towards a new home build or a substantial renovation of an existing home. The scheme is aimed at incentivising homeowners to invest in their properties while also providing much needed demand for the construction sector. Read on to find out if you are eligible for the grant.

If you missed out on the initial release of the Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, there is help at hand. Government has announced a further 10,000 spaces under the scheme will be made available for first home buyers from 1 July 2020 but warns that these are likely to fill up fast. Read on to find out how this scheme could help you into your first home.

There comes a point in most people’s lives when downsizing the family home makes good financial sense. Ongoing maintenance, empty bedrooms and costly monthly bills can make you seriously think about selling your existing home and finding something smaller or easier to maintain. Whether you’re an empty nester or just looking to get into a smaller apartment in the city, here are our tips for making those key downsizing decisions.