Australian personal finance news, tips and advices.
by AFB
Understanding how interest affects your home loan is an important step in the loan process. Even if the interest rate remains relatively low it will still add up to a large portion of your total repayments over the duration of a 25-30 year home loan term.
Many people misunderstand how interest is calculated. For example, when investigating a $100,000 loan at 10% interest, a novice borrower might think the total amount of interest to be paid will be $10,000. ... (read more)
by AFB
There are a number of ways to finance a car loan, and it’s important to know you are avoiding scams, not paying for things you don’t need, and getting the best deal possible. Paying cash for a new car is beyond the realm of most people, and even if you have cash to draw on, it may still not be the best financial option due to interest and repayment rates. More than likely your new car purchase will be financed by the dealership, a bank, credit union or other financial institution. There are a range of considerations to evaluate before you make your choice. ... (read more)
by AFB
Saving money is something we all hope to do, and there are many reasons why setting up a savings account is a good idea. Anyone who has been short of ready cash will realise the difficulties that can result, such as a credit card debt spiral, inability to pay fees or fines on time, penalty payments and ongoing money worries. Of course, getting started with a savings plan is the hardest part, but even a little saved weekly or even monthly will shield you from life’s unwanted surprises. ... (read more)
by AFB
Renovating a home can be one of the most fulfilling achievements for a home owner or investor. However, when things go wrong (as they inevitably do) your renovations can turn into a financial nightmare. Taking out a home renovation loan that is tailored to your needs can be one of the most astute financial decisions you will ever make.
Understanding which home renovation loan best suits your project is the first step toward a successful outcome. The ‘plan’ in financial plan is more than just an idea; it’s an essential factor in making sure you add maximum value to your premises. Unless you have savings set aside for your home renovation, you need to understand what type of loan best suits you. ... (read more)
by AFB
Compensation for this post was provided by Clime Value Investing. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Value investing is one of the simplest stock investment strategies, and also one of the most effective. You don’t even need to be a finance whiz or undergo a course in chart analysis. Value investing strategy means locating quality stocks that are presently undervalued. In other words, if you know the value of something and purchase it at a discounted price, you will get a bargain – and then make a profit. ... (read more)
by AFB
Compensation for this post was provided by Firths Compensation Lawyers. Opinions expressed here are my own.
There is a common conception that bullying is something that only goes on in the school yard. Unfortunately, the tactic of domination by fear, intimidation or physical abuse often carries on into adult years, and is increasingly found in the workplace. Regardless of where the blame rests, bullying in all its ugliness is unacceptable, and perpetrators are accountable for their actions. There are Australian laws in place to deter bullying and compensate victims. ... (read more)
by AFB
Many buyers are confused about their need for home insurance between the time the contract is signed and the final settlement prior to moving in. Here are some reasons for the confusion and the right steps to take regarding insurance.
Although there are variations in property law for different Australian states, the terms of contract usually transfer insurance risks from seller to buyer as soon as the contract is signed. The time between signing the contract and final settlement is most commonly between four to six weeks, with many people unsure of their need for insurance during this period. A legally binding contract also includes fine print, and every word should be fully understood before entering into what, for most people, is their greatest financial investment. ... (read more)