Posted in Smart Money Management

Firstly, a holiday budget should include ALL your expenses. Often the biggest holiday spending culprits aren't just the gifts you put under the tree, there are also the annual get-togethers with friends, tickets for raffles around the office to support local charities, teacher gifts, the office Secret Santa - the list goes on. Here are six ways to have a great holiday season on a budget. Make a list Make a list of who you have to shop for and ask yourself if you're really e...

In Australia, it's possible for just about anyone with a deposit to invest in property, whether you are a low-income earner on a tight budget, or a well-off with loads of disposable income. Interest rates are very low at the moment and home prices are more affordable than they've been for a while. So, if you've been thinking about property investment, it may be a good time to get started. Rentvestors Rentvestors are often motivated by a desire to maintain their current ...

Which home loan is right for you? How can you tell when there's so many different lenders, loan types and features to choose from? How do you choose what is the most appropriate solution for you? Finding the most appropriate home loan for your situation is a process that can be confusing, particularly for first-timers. That is why it is more important than ever to ensure you partner with someone you can trust that can match features and benefits of loan products to your individual ...

It's been nearly eight years since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) last raised the country's official cash rate. Interest rates have been at historical lows for quite some time and as a homeowner, you may never have experienced an "official" rise in interest rates. At present, interest rates remain at an historical low levels and we expect them to stay that way for a while. However, forecasters predict Australia's economy will continue to strengthen over the n...

A few home truths about building a home and all that surrounds it. We all know saving for a deposit can be hard work. For many, it can take years of saving and planning to buy your first home. It's a big goal to achieve and the reality is we see people making the same common mistakes. Metricon recently spoke with our Director Chris Collard to discuss the eight biggest blunders you probably didn't know you were making. It's an insightful article and one all first home buyers...