As widely expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today increased the official cash rate by 0.50% to 2.35%. This brings the total of increases made since May to 2.25% as the RBA continues to battle a very stubborn inflation foe. In making this latest increase our central bank will…
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Caitlin and Joel Loan amount: $670,000. Monthly repayments: $2700. Grants accessed: First homeowner $15,000 and 2020 HomeBuilder $25,000. Deposit: 15 per cent plus 5 per cent guarantor finance to reach the 20 per cent threshold required to avoid paying Lender's Mortgage Insurance (LMI). While 2020 was the year many…
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Millions of Australians on low fixed-rate loans will be bracing for impact when they expire in the next year. It's time to get prepared to manage the bill shock of coming off a fixed rate. Don't panic but start planning Until recently, many Australian mortgage holders have only ever experienced…
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Great outdoor areas can add tens of thousands to the value of your home, not to mention the added enjoyment of spending time in the garden with family and friends. Landscaping is also one of the few home improvements that can actually increase in value over time as plantings mature.…
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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today decided to increase the official cash rate by 0.50% to 1.85%. The increase follows a slightly better than expected annual inflation figure of 6.1 per cent in the June quarter and falling house prices in some eastern state cities. Balancing out these factors…
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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today decided to increase the official cash rate, by 0.50% to 1.35%. With the RBA continuing to try and head off inflation before it takes too strong a hold on our economy, the decision was made to raise the rate. Lenders can set interest…
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Waste not, want not Australians churn out 540kg of household waste per person, each year. That's a whopping 10kg for every single person - every single week. More than ever, it's time to cut our waste. With a little planning and creativity, the environment and your wallet will be grateful.…
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Navigating the dos and don'ts of investment property returns. Rental properties and holiday homes are once again in the sights of the Australian Tax Office, which has had growing success identifying erroneous claims. Last year about 70 per cent of returns related to investment properties audited by the ATO had…
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Renovating for profit can be a tricky business in a cooling market. But it's more a science than an art if you know the pitfalls. Here are six common mistakes to avoid. 1. Not having a plan This obvious but common error is responsible for a host of renovating sins,…
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House prices have surged, meaning hidden costs associated with buying a home have jumped too. If you're on the hunt for a new property, it's worth checking your budget still covers the extras that can add tens of thousands to your costs. In the past two years, the average house…
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