Aussie Finance Blog

Australian personal finance news, tips and advices.

5 Ways Australians Can Build a Balanced Stock Portfolio

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All investors want to achieve success and make a quick and sizeable profit on the stock market, but this is easier said than done. If trading stocks was an easy and guaranteed way to earn cash then everybody would be making a fortune off the markets and all swanning off into early retirement happy – but the reality is that it takes knowledge and skill to become a successful trader.

One way to improve your chances of success in the market in Australia, is to adopt a balanced approach to your stocks, and to develop the sort of versatile and robust portfolio which can weather any storm that the domestic and global markets can throw its way. Read on for our five top tips for success: ... (read more)

4 Ways To Smarter Finances This End Of Financial Year

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With the end of financial year upon us, so much attention surrounds how to get the most out of your tax, but there is real merit in planning all year round and saving important dollars too. It’s not just about saving at tax time!

Rate Detective CEO, Damon Rasheed (former economist for the ACCC) has some great tips on how to start the new financial year smarter, healthier and with peace of mind. Remove the stress of 30 June by using Damon’s advice to ensure your finances are in shape. ... (read more)

Do I have a Junk Policy?

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Compensation for this post was provided by Choosewell. 

The private health insurance industry has found itself in a bit of a pickle after customer advocacy group Choice recently ousted several major providers as proponents of ‘junk’ health insurance policies. Arguing that these policies represent a complete waste of money for consumers, Choice has demanded attention from the Federal Government. ... (read more)

What Personal Loans Are Easy to Get Approved For

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Anyone who has ever borrowed money knows it can be hard to pay back at times. However, borrowing is a bridge most of us need in order to quickly get ahead in life. Personal loans are the fastest means of acquiring funds for a range of purposes, but the first criterion is your ability to make the loan repayments on time.

If your earnings or income are high and you have a clean credit history, a personal loan will usually be approved. People on lower incomes need to tailor their approach to repayments that are make-able. You will need to provide evidence of current and ongoing expenses, revealing enough disposable income to furnish the loan and thrive . There are other stipulations, including Australian residency requirements, that will affect the application. ... (read more)

What is a home equity loan?

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This post is a response to Saundra Latham’s great article about the best home equity loan rates for 2016 (US), posted on the The Simple Dollar.

Paying off a mortgage results in more than just owning a home. The value of your home is a form of savings that provides negotiating power for other loan arrangements or investments. For many people, the downside of making regular mortgage repayments is the lack of ready cash or additional savings potential. A home equity loan can provide the solution, by allowing home owners to borrow money against the value of their home. This money can be used for any number of home improvements or other purposes. ... (read more)

What Credit Score Is Needed To Get a Credit Card

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In essence, it would seem that getting a credit card is easy. After all, credit card company representatives are out and about on the streets and in shopping malls signing up new customers all the time. However, filling out the form is only the first step, and your credit score will be used to determine if you are actually wanted as a customer. So, what credit score is actually needed to get a credit card? ... (read more)

Will A Personal Loan Affect Your Credit Score

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In 2014, changes were introduced into credit score reports. History regarding personal loans is now scrutinised more thoroughly by lenders, meaning that if you have successfully paid off a personal loan on time and on schedule it will positively affect your credit score. On the other hand, defaults or recurring late payments will reflect badly on your credit score.

The changes to the system provide a more comprehensive overview of an individuals capacity for sound money management. Rather than only negative ‘black marks’ showing up on the credit report, positive information is also taken into account. Lenders and service providers will take previous financial management into consideration. ... (read more)

What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a House or Car

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For most of us, purchasing a house and a car are two major situations where borrowing money is essential. They are significant financial outlays that require dedicated effort to pay off over a long period of time. Banks and other lending institutions rely on our credit score for approval of loans, so what credit score is needed to buy a house or car?

Credit scores are the safeguard banks use to protect themselves against the possibility of loan defaults. They are based on a range of data related to the borrowers previous financial accountability and present financial status. Whether we like it or not, our credit score is a personalised risk assessment, and involves disclosure of both good and bad financial dealings. The positive and negative are taken into consideration for our individual credit score. ... (read more)

When to Refinance a Home Loan

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Paying off a home loan mortgage takes a dedicated effort over a number of years. During this time your personal circumstances might change, finances could fluctuate, and lenders will vary their interest repayment rates according to financial markets. As a borrower, you may be on the lookout for a better deal, but there are a range of factors to consider before moving ahead and refinancing your loan. ... (read more)

What Home Loan Can I Afford

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There are a number of factors that will determine the amount you can borrow for your home. Before commencing the search for your ideal property, you will need to get an accurate idea of how much money you have to work with.

Your bank or credit provider is taking a calculated risk every time they lend money. In order to minimise the risk they will require proof of your ability to repay the loan, and an up-front deposit to protect themselves against any loss if the loan is terminated early. ... (read more)