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977 articles written by Alex Ritchie

Home Loans

What is cash-out refinancing, and how does it help you?

Whether you want to renovate a home, pay for a wedding or make some new investments, if you need some extra cash, you could consider leveraging the equity in your home. This is also known as cash-out refinancing, and it’s a competitive option for some homeowners to consider.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

15 Aug, 2024 -

7 min read

Home Loans

What is the average mortgage on a million-dollar home?

The average mortgage repayments on a million-dollar home will depend on the amount of money you’ve saved for a deposit, as well as the interest rate offered on the home loan.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

12 Aug, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Loans

LMI waiver for professionals

When calculating your upfront costs for purchasing property, you may need to pay costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) if your deposit is low. However, some professions and high-income earners may qualify for LMI waivers, which could save them thousands of dollars.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

08 Aug, 2024 -

6 min read

Home Loans

How does raising interest rates curb inflation?

Raising interest rates on credit products means consumers and businesses are less likely to borrow money, and existing loans become more expensive to service. This means consumers and businesses now have less money to spend. When spending decreases, theoretically this should slow down economic growth and in turn, reduce prices.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

31 Jul, 2024 -

5 min read

Credit Cards

How to claim Qantas frequent flyer points on Emirates

Qantas and Emirates’ combined network is one of the most extensive across the world. The good news for frequent flyers is that you can earn Qantas frequent flyer points from Emirates flights, depending on the destination and the fare. 

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

25 Jul, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Loans

What is the smallest home loan you can get?

If you’re shopping around for a home loan, you may be surprised to learn that borrowing a small amount can be just as challenging as trying to take out a massive mortgage. This is because mortgage lenders typically have minimum amounts they are willing to lend.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

25 Jul, 2024 -

4 min read

Car Loans

Are salary sacrifice car schemes worth it?

Having a vehicle can be a necessity, whether you need one for work or to take your family from A to B. However, even used cars do not always come cheap. If you’re not sure how to purchase your next vehicle, a salary sacrifice car loan may be a finance option worth considering.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

22 Jul, 2024 -

5 min read

Car Insurance

Are stolen car keys covered by insurance?

Having your car key stolen can be both frustrating and costly. However, the cost of replacing your stolen car keys will likely be covered by car insurance policies that include theft cover.

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

15 Jul, 2024 -

3 min read

Car Insurance

What does insurance cover if your car is stolen?

Australia is considered the lucky country, but unfortunately it has one of the highest rates of vehicle thefts in the world. If you have stolen car insurance, It’s important to know what your policy may cover if you’re the victim of car theft, and how you might increase your chances of having your insurance claim approved. 

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

11 Jul, 2024 -

5 min read

Home Insurance

Home insurance cancellation and refunds: what you need to know

You can typically cancel your home insurance policy at any time without having to wait for your renewal notice. You will not need to explain why or provide evidence; it should just be part of your policy to cancel when needed. However, some insurers may charge a small home insurance cancellation fee. 

alex-ritchie

Alex Ritchie -

05 Jun, 2024 -

4 min read