Here's what you need to know about saving for a home loan deposit in 2016. We get it, home affordability for first home buyers in particular continues to be a major issue, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. For example, Melbourne's median house price is $713,000, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria data for the March quarter 2016. While Sydney's median sits just shy of $1 million. What's more, you have probably noticed lenders have introduced stricte...

Are you ready to spend the kids inheritance? Don't worry, you're not the only parents having this conversation. And there are a few good reasons for having it. For example, 40 per cent of 20-24 year olds still live at home, according to the recent ABS Census. These so-called 'failure to launch' children are fast becoming "normal", according to researchers. Then there's the 'boomerang children', who return after leaving for a short stint overse...

A renovation can be a smart financial move, if you plan ahead. Here's how. A Renovation is (usually) a great way to increase the value of your home. Whether you intend on living in the house for years to come, leasing it out or selling, your home is an investment and improving it is often a smart financial move. But, there are a few important considerations to make before rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in.
 
1. Is your decision to renovate a lifestyle or a f...

Benefits to investing frequently Setting your savings and investment goals requires a few simple steps: Step 1: Figure out what you want to achieve
Your savings goals are very personal and may change over time. Be it retirement, a vacation or your child's education, everyone is saving for something. Write down these goals so that you can reassess in time. Step 2: Devise a plan
Get started by working out how much your bills cost each month (mortgage or rent, utilities, e...

From piggy bank to longer term goals. For many of us our savings begin when we receive some piggy bank money from our parents or grandparents. Then, as we get older, all of that hard hearned money from our part-time jobs move into our first bank account. We learn to earn small amounts of interest and get excited when those savings grow.  These first experiences teach us the importance of saving and budgeting. It's about setting expectations and understanding that with a re...