Never renovated a property before? Here are four mistakes to avoid when it’s home improvement time. Mistake 1: Not doing enough research Don’t start work without knowing the details. You need to research building materials and tradespeople and understand the legal and regulatory aspects of a renovation. Find out how much materials and tradies cost. […]
A new, online-focused bank is coming to Australia in the hope it can lure customers from the big four banking giants. The bank- which will be called 86 400 after the number of seconds in a day – will start offering transaction and savings accounts from early next year followed by home loans by June. […]
When it’s time to renovate, everyone wants to save money. It’s fine to be hands-on for some tasks, but there are a few projects that are definitely not DIY friendly. Here’s a guide to what you may want to do yourself and what you should leave to the professionals. What to do yourself Painting A […]
There are some phone numbers it is important to have easy access to, particularly in an emergency situation or if you find yourself stranded for whatever reason. Everyone’s situation is different though so it’s worth sitting down and compiling a list for yourself. Write them down and keep them in your wallet or by your […]
The risk of dying during middle age has dropped substantially and Australians in their twenties have an almost 90 per cent chance of surviving until the age of 70, according to a new study. In light of the findings, researchers have called for more to be done to help Australians live disability-free lives in old […]
Taking care of basic maintenance tasks before you sell your home is a no-brainer, but a quick and not-too-costly renovation can add a lot of appeal for potential buyers, and may boost the final sale price. Basics first Fix those little faults that you no longer notice – leaky taps, rusty gutters, broken window catches. […]
The end of the financial year is one of the busiest and most stressful times for businesses and employees. Are your financial records in order? Do you know how to take advantage of standard deductions? While many people only see their accountant once or twice a year, you’re much more likely to identify deductions and […]
Whether you’re affected by fluctuating interest rates or by a change in your personal circumstances, the pressure of maintaining regular mortgage loan repayments can be overwhelming at times. Here is some information to help you understand the available alternatives. What to do before it gets worse If you’re about to miss a mortgage payment or already […]
It may only be $10 a week but the budget’s tax cut has been enough to make Australians happy. Consumer confidence jumped to the highest level since early February in response to Treasurer Scott Morrison’s third budget released a week ago which had personal income tax cuts as its centrepiece. The three-stage tax plan kicks […]
In our article, ‘Recognising and dealing with financial stress’, we discussed that close to a third of Australians find dealing with money stressful. In light of this, one of our suggestions for dealing with financial stress was to talk to your partner. One of the reasons behind this is due to the conflicts and stresses […]