Money
Borrowing
Opinion
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Positive or negative gearing: What’s better in today’s market?
The best way to finance an investment property may be to put up a deposit large enough that the net rent covers the outgoings. The property would then be “neutral” geared.
- by Noel Whittaker
Latest
Opinion
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How to tap your home equity for an income stream
If you are asset rich but cash poor, what is the better option to generate income: Taking out a reverse mortgage or accessing the federal government’s Home Equity Access Scheme?
- by George Cochrane
Analysis
Banking products
‘No frills’ home loans new bank battleground
Banks are trying to lure new customers with mortgages that lack key features, but have lower interest rates. Are these products a good deal?
- by Clancy Yeates
Opinion
Household debt
Doing it tough? Here’s where you can get genuine financial help
We are contending with a rising cost of living, together with an increase in our mortgage payments. However, those claiming to offer financial help if you are doing it tough are not always legitimate, so it is crucial that you can distinguish between the productive and the predatory.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Home loans
How to get a mortgage refinancing across the line
If you have held a home loan for more than two years, it’s time to consider refinancing your mortgage.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Analysis
Property prices
Why falling property prices are actually bad news for first home buyers
Falling house prices may not be the blessing for first-time buyers it seems, with higher interest rates reducing their borrowing capacity more than any likely decline.
- by John Collett
Opinion
Interest rates
How high will interest rates go?
Financial markets are tipping the official cash rate – now at 0.35 per cent – to hit close to 3 per cent by the end of the year.
- by Jessica Irvine
‘How to make three years’ salary in three days’
Some 80 per cent of Australians pay more in monthly repayments by choosing to keep their mortgage with one of our four leading banks, rather than switching to one of the bank minnows for a better interest-rate deal.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Analysis
Interest rates
Newbie homeowners will be hit hardest by the rate hike
Many mortgage holders have built up savings and some breathing space thanks to excess mortgage repayments, but those who entered the property market recently are most vulnerable to higher interest rates.
- by John Collett