How much could you retire with? This super fund knows

Superannuation can sometimes feel a bit like a simple savings account or term deposit – money goes in, earns interest, and doesn’t come out again until you retire. But did you know that some Australian super funds offer financial education, advice and other services? Not all Australians take advantage of these services, which could make a big difference to your retirement plans.

Some of the top-rated home loans in July 2023

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has rung in a new financial year by keeping the cash rate on hold at its July 2023 meeting. But home buyers are still struggling, with the previous 12 rate hikes having massively reduced the borrowing power of many Australians.

How long do banks keep mortgage records?

While you’re a customer of a bank or mortgage lender, they should keep records of your home loan, including interest rates and charges, repayments and much more. You should be able to request access to these records if required, though there may be a maximum time limit for how far back you can go.

What to expect from the RBA meeting in July 2023

Following the June 2023 meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), where the cash rate rose by 25 points to 4.10%, economists from Australia’s biggest banks found themselves having to revise their interest rate predictions for the rest of the year. Several of these economists are now expecting rate hikes in both July and August 2023.

How can I find bank accounts in my name?

If you’ve ever opened more than one bank account in the past, could you have forgotten about some money that you’ve left behind, which is still waiting to be claimed? And if you think you might have, or if you’re not quite sure, how can you go about finding these outstanding accounts and claiming this unclaimed money?

Who pays the mortgage when separated?

Separation is never easy, and the financial questions may be the last thing on your mind. However, bills and mortgage payments will continue, which leads to the question: Who pays the mortgage when you’re separated?

Can a credit card help build your credit file and credit score?

Building up your credit score from scratch can make a big difference to your financial future. While you may not need to borrow money to start your credit history, successfully applying for a credit card and managing its payments could potentially make a big difference to your credit score in a relatively short length of time.

How can young people start building their credit history?

Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, an excellent credit score can begin when you’re young. Your track record of managing money can have long-lasting repercussions later in life, making it important for young Australians to start building positive credit habits as soon as they are able.

Should you start building your credit while in university?

University can be a time of when you start to fully realise your potential. This includes your financial future, which may involve establishing your credit history.

Some of the top-rated home loans for investors and refinancers in June 2023

As we approach the middle of the year, many Australians may be facing the fixed rate mortgage cliff. Australians looking to refinance the mortgage on their family home or investment properly may need to compare different options to find a mortgage option that should suit their needs.