Money Matters

How to determine and track the value of your property

When it seems everyone around you is talking house prices, how do you know what your home is worth? If it’s been a while since you bought, it can be difficult to keep up to date with your property’s value. So, how can you work it out?

Ask an agent for an appraisal. Most agents will be happy to oblige, and you might be pleasantly surprised by how much it is worth in today’s market.

How to choose energy efficient appliances for your home

As you begin to consider appliances when building your new home, or if you are considering updated appliances for your current home, it’s always beneficial to understand what to consider when looking at energy efficient appliances.

5 ways to reduce your food waste

Did you know that food waste costs the Australian economy around $36.6 billion each year? Over 50% of this derives from households, with an average household throwing away $2,000 – $2,500 worth of food each year.

But just a few simple changes can make a big difference!

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Top tips that can save you money around the home

With rising inflation, the spiralling cost of living, and steadily increasing interest rates, most of us need to pay closer attention to our budget.

But doing so can be much easier than you think.

Spend Less, Save More - Budget Savings Tips

With an ongoing focus on interest rates, now could be the perfect time to make some clever and practical changes to your finances and learn how to prepare for any further fluctuations with our helpful tips.

Assess your budget

Now is an ideal time to look at your finances and take stock of your expenses.

Creating a written copy of your spending habits to keep track of and highlight any behaviours can be a great way to note any negative patterns. Assess your current weekly or monthly costs and note the areas you can limit spending.

Getting the most value out of your grocery shop

A 2021 survey of supermarket shoppers by Canstar Blue found that an average Australian household spends approx. $153 per week on groceries. With prices on a constant increase, this average is only going to rise. But this is nothing a bit of planning cannot solve. Here are some simple measures to help you cut down costs while enjoying a nutritious meal.

Stay seasonal

Talking all things credit scores with Mark from Mortgage Domayne

Your credit score and why it’s important.

What is your credit score? How can it impact your ability to take out a home loan, buy a house, serving a home loan?

Your credit rating or ‘credit score’ is a numerical score that represents how trustworthy your reputation is as a borrower.

Super v Mortgage: Where to invest your extra $$$

Super v Mortgage? Where should you put surplus cash?

The last 18 months have highlighted the importance of future-proofing your financial security. But if you’re lucky enough to have a little cash left in the bank at the end of each month, working out the best place to put it can be confusing.

Aside from depositing it into a savings account, most of us will choose to pay down our home loan or top up our superannuation.

Are you Mortgage Ready?

For individual homeowners, a mortgage is often their single largest source of debt and has the greatest effect on their finances, and their ability to stay solvent through wage decreases or wage losses. For lenders, mortgages are typically the most significant asset on their retail banking book, which means that any changes in originations, repayment schedules, and default rates will have significant impacts on their profitability and liquidity.

HomeBuilder Scheme Extended

Great news for those still looking to build with the announcement on 29 November that the HomeBuilder scheme, which provides grants for home builders and renovators has been extended to 31 March 2021. The extension is expected to see a further 15,000 construction projects under the scheme.

Under the extension changes include:

Construction

Design Inspiration

Events & Local Area

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