Debt Management

Is Immediate Relief on your Mortgage Worth the Long-Term Cost?

Is Immediate Relief on your Mortgage Worth the Long-Term Cost?

The path to home ownership in Australia keeps getting tougher, forcing buyers and owners to consider flexible loan structures. These options can ease monthly repayments in the short term but come with an important caveat: you’ll pay substantially more interest over the life of the loan. If you’re weighing up a home loan option that defers part of the debt burden to the future, here’s a straightforward look at commonly used structures offering this temporary affordability.

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The Real Cost of a 5% Deposit Mortgage

The Real Cost of a 5% Deposit Mortgage

The government's 5% deposit scheme is a fantastic opportunity for first-home buyers, allowing you to enter the market sooner while avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can easily save you $20,000-$30,000 upfront. However, it's important to look beyond this initial saving and consider the long-term trade-offs. Because a smaller deposit means a larger loan, the financial relief of skipping LMI can be quickly overshadowed by the strain of higher monthly repayments and the staggering amount of extra interest you'll pay over the life of the loan.

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All About Debt Recycling

All About Debt Recycling

We're all looking for smart ways to get ahead financially. One strategy you might hear about is debt recycling. It sounds complex, but the fundamental idea is quite simple: you turn your 'bad' debt into 'good' debt. Let's break down what it is, how it works, and the things you need to watch out for.

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Making Your Money Work Harder After the Rate Cut

Making Your Money Work Harder After the Rate Cut

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has made a significant move by cutting interest rates for the first time in over four years, reducing the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10% in February 2025. This decision offers welcome relief to mortgage holders, and with the possibility of further rate cuts later this year, many are now considering how to make the most of this change. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you decide your next steps.

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Debts and Cash Flow: Why Your Paycheck Might Be Fooling You

Debts and Cash Flow: Why Your Paycheck Might Be Fooling You

Imagine landing that dream job with a hefty salary, but somehow, you're still living paycheck to paycheck. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Many Australians are caught in a financial illusion, mistaking a high income for true wealth. Let's pull back the curtain on this money mirage and explore why your bank balance might not be telling the whole story.

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Talk About Perfect Timing!

Talk About Perfect Timing!

Sometimes life’s timing is perfect. We have written before about the best way to use an inheritance. Last Sunday, we came across an almost ideal scenario for when a young couple could receive an inheritance. Here are some of the best ways this couple could respond. It’s food for thought for any younger person.

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When Mum and Dad are Bankers As Well

When Mum and Dad are Bankers As Well

Recent estimates claim that the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is Australia’s ninth largest lender. Given the state of house prices, this comes as no surprise. Most parents want to help their kids, especially with something as important as buying a home. But it is important that things be done correctly. There is such a thing as ‘the wrong way to help’ when it comes to one generation trying to help another.

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All debt is paid off ‘After-Tax’

All debt is paid off ‘After-Tax’

If you have a debt, you are probably making repayments. Each repayment you make is probably divided into two parts: interest and principal. Indeed, technically, you are only actually making a repayment if your regular payment includes an amount that reduces the principal of your debt.

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