Six bushfire facts that could save your life this summer

Bushfire season is a regular occurrence in Australia, to the point where many of us can start feeling overconfident that we already know everything there is to know about the danger bushfires pose and how to keep our homes and loved ones safe. 

Can I add someone to my home loan?

A joint application is one of the simplest and most common methods for two people to end up with their names on a mortgage. But adding a second person to a mortgage that’s already in place can be more complex, and will likely require refinancing.

When is the right time to buy home insurance?

Owning a home is a matter of great pride and joy for all of us. But homeownership also brings with it a great deal of responsibility. It may be worth considering purchasing home insurance as soon as you buy the house to guard yourself against any of the dangers that can possibly affect the health of your home.

What to expect from the RBA in September 2023

Third time’s a charm? Australia’s banks think so, with the big four expecting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep the national cash rate on hold at 4.1% for the third time in a row at its upcoming September 2023 meeting. But that begs the question – when will rates start falling again?

What is included in your home and contents insurance policy?

We all want to protect our homes and valuables from unforeseen disasters, but in case the worst does happen, you need to be confident you could afford to renovate the house and recover the cost of your valuables. This is where home and contents insurance comes in. 

Does your home insurance policy cover termite damage?

Termites in your house can be a cause for alarm, as they can threaten both your home’s and family’s well-being. Unfortunately, by the time you spot the termites, they may have already caused significant harm to your property. 

What is the difference between comprehensive and third-party car insurance?

When looking for car insurance, the two main factors you may consider are how much coverage you want, and how much different coverage options may cost. Compulsory third-party insurance (CTP) is a legal requirement when registering your car, but any cover beyond that is optional. This means you may only buy the cover you can afford, rather than the cover you need.

Checklist of documents needed for a home loan application

Once you’ve decided to apply for a home loan, the first step is to start gathering the necessary documents for the application process. While the exact disclosures required can differ from lender to lender, there are specific documents that are usually mandatory to supply while applying for a mortgage. Even if your lender requires additional documents, preparing the basics beforehand could save you considerable time.

Is there a cost to refinance your home loan (and how much could you save)?

Refinancing a home loan typically costs some money in fees and charges from your old and new mortgage lenders. However, there may be ways to reduce or offset these costs, and the potential savings from switching could see you break even sooner than you expect.

Are retiring Boomers paying too much super tax?

More and more Australians are approaching retirement age, when it’s time to start accessing their superannuation savings. But many of these older Australians could be paying too much tax on their super investment earnings, which could be fixed by making one change.