How to structure your mortgage to reduce interest

Minimising the interest charged on your home loan can not only save you money on your repayments, but potentially help you pay less interest on your property in total. You may need to think about how your mortgage is structured and set up, as different home loan options may affect how your interest is charged and paid.

Can a mortgage broker charge a cancellation fee?

You normally don’t pay a fee for the services of a mortgage broker. However, if the broker does the work for you and you decide not to apply for a home loan, the broker may sometimes charge a cancellation fee. There are also other fees a broker may charge in certain circumstances. 

Which bank is best for first home loans?

Because a home loan is a major financial commitment, it makes sense to look for the best possible option for your first mortgage. To find the best mortgage lender for your needs, you may need to look beyond just the interest rates and consider each lender’s features and benefits, including their customer service.

Why lenders may use exposure limits to curb the size of your mortgage

Exposure limits are the maximum amounts that lenders will let you borrow, taking all your current debts into account. For property investors taking out a mortgage when they’re already paying off others, debt exposure can be a dealbreaker.

How to get multiple mortgages for investment properties

Investing in real estate can let you benefit from rental income today and potentially capital gains in the future if your investment property’s value increases. The more investment properties you add to your portfolio, the more of these benefits you could potentially enjoy.

Is it worth considering a credit card balance transfer?

A credit card balance transfer is a type of debt consolidation that can help you pay down your mounting credit card debt faster. It involves transferring your debt from one or more credit cards onto a new card with a temporary low interest rate to minimise your interest charges while you pay off your outstanding debt. 

Which eco-friendly car should you buy?

Whether you are looking for an SUV to accommodate your growing family or a compact city car to zip through the traffic, there are some eco-friendly options out there that could help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment.

What is a car subscription service?

In a subscription economy, it isn’t surprising to see an increasing demand for pay-as-you-drive cars. Just like you pay a fixed amount regularly to listen to your choice of music on Spotify or similar streaming services, a car subscription service lets you pay a regular fee to use a car of your choice. 

Can you buy a house with a reverse mortgage?

Unlike a typical home loan, a reverse mortgage is often taken out by people who already own a home. A reverse mortgage allows equity in the home to be unlocked and used on other expenses, but it may not be easy or even possible to buy a home with a reverse mortgage. 

Rate rises costing us sleep: five stress-relieving savings tips

Interest rates and inflation aren’t just affecting our wallets, but our mental health. New data shows that young Australians are literally losing sleep over the rising cost of living.