Blog

A hung Parliament, what’s next for the financial markets?

By Alfred Hung | Published: September 1, 2010 | No Comments »

Saturday’s election was probably the worst outcome the investment markets could have had. Having delivered the first hung Parliament in Australia since 1940, it is now left to a handful of indpendents and one Green MP to decide who will form a government. Already the Green’s MP has stated they will side with Labor; but the three...

Drive your mortgage down quicker with a mortgage offset or redraw facility

By Paul Shahinian | Published: August 10, 2010 | No Comments »

You might not be aware that a number of handy features are available with your home loan to help you manage it more effectively – the most common being mortgage offset accounts and redraw facilities. Both features can make a significant impact as part of a mortgage reduction strategy, taking years off your mortgage and...

Rates remain at 4.5%

By Alfred Hung | Published: August 3, 2010 | No Comments »

As widely expected the Reserve Bank (RBA) held rates the same for the month of August. In the statement accompanying today’s decision, the RBA has stated that growth is likely to be “close to trend”, inflation is set to remain “close to target” and interest rates are “around their average levels”. It looks like the current pause...

Credit card debt

By Jessica Brizuela | Published: July 27, 2010 | No Comments »

Australian credit card debt is enormous– we’re in love with the plastic. Although credit cards are very convenient for everyday purchases, it’s also easy to lose control of your spending – especially when you see a ‘bargain’. But if you’re not paying off the balance of your cards monthly, what you buy is costing you more...

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia

By Jessica Brizuela | Published: July 20, 2010 | No Comments »

We are pleased to announce our support to Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA). As part of our commitment we will be donating a portion of our fees. We also invite you to sponsor Shanon Bates, one of the Peer Support Officers at SCIA, on his mission of completing the 11km Sutherland to Surf race this Sunday 25 July...

Buying at Auction? Tips to help you get the property you want.

By Paul Shahinian | Published: July 20, 2010 | No Comments »

Auctions are a fast, practical and effective way to make a home purchase or investment. If you’re considering buying at auction, here are a few pointers to give you a head start over the competition: - Have pre-arranged finance: it’s a good idea not to place a bid on a property until you have pre-approved finance....

Help your children fly from the nest

By Paul Shahinian | Published: July 12, 2010 | No Comments »

Rising property prices are making it increasingly difficult for first home buyers to save the deposit required by banks to secure a mortgage. Coupled with rising property prices, it’s becoming more and more difficult for budding buyers to step onto the property ladder. There are some solutions – including being a guarantor on your...