How much of my pay should go to savings?

Whether you earn a salary or run your own business, you need to look over your finances from time to time to make sure what you earn meets your needs and lets you put aside some money for a rainy day. If you find yourself wondering how much you should save up, you may not find an easy answer. However, you can approach the question from a couple of different angles.

Choosing between a hatchback or an SUV for your family

Getting a new car could significantly enhance your lifestyle by offering freedom and convenience. If you’re torn between a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a hatchback, it’s important to choose a car that will suit your style and needs.

What's the minimum deposit for a home loan in Australia?

How much a bank may be willing to lend you to buy a property will depend on a range of factors, including your income, household expenses, savings, other debts, credit score, and the size of your deposit. In most cases, a lender will offer an 80 per cent LVR (Loan to Value Ratio) home loan, meaning they’ll lend 80 per cent of your home’s value, and you need to pay the remaining deposit of 20 per cent. 

Which banks have hiked term deposits and savings accounts in February 2023?

The ninth consecutive increase to Australia’s national cash rate was revealed last week, making this the fastest hiking cycle in decades. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has indicated that more rate hikes may be necessary in 2023 to help bring down Australia’s high inflation. This may mean more pain for mortgage holders, savers could potentially benefit from rising rates.

Kitchen renovation checklist: how to plan your project

Whether you want to make your home more liveable or your investment property more appealing to tenants and future buyers, a kitchen renovation could make a big difference. It’s important to plan ahead and keep your kitchen reno organised and on-track if you want to reap the rewards while minimising the risk of overcapitalising.

Buying an apartment in Sydney vs other capital cities

Sydney is renowned for its landmarks, its beaches… and how expensive it can be. This is especially true when it comes to the property market, with Sydney often leading the country in dwelling prices. So, if you have the option, would you be better off buying a unit in Sydney, or a unit in one of Australia’s other capitals? 

ubank extends refinancing loan term to 35 years – what could this mean for you?

ubank has announced it is extending its loan term for refinances from 30 to 35 years as of 7 February 2023. While this could potentially prove beneficial for homeowners seeking some relief from relentless rate rises, it could also potentially cost these customers more in the long run.

Can you get a home loan on a visa?

It is possible to get a home loan in Australia if you’re on a visa, though the process could be more complex than for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Understanding some of the requirements for a mortgage with a visa could help you to compare your options and make a decision that suits your needs.

Should you buy or rent your home?

Ask a group of Australians whether it’s better to rent or buy a home and you will get a different opinion from each one of them. Phrases like “safe as houses” and “rent money is dead money” may be thrown around, while others balk at the prospect of decades of housing debt.

What are Australia’s greenest cars?

Australia’s car industry is gradually moving towards a greener future, with more hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) hitting our streets each year. So, which car makes and models are the most likely to make the smallest impact on the environment, and how can you buy one?