Mark Bristow

Why a credit score check doesn't affect your credit score

You may have heard that when a bank or lender performs a credit check, that can potentially reduce your credit score, making it harder to borrow money in the future. However, checking your own credit score isn’t the same as a credit check from a bank, and does not hurt your credit score. Here’s why.

Some of the best owner occupier home loans for February 2021

With Australia’s cash rate predicted to sit on hold at just 0.10 per cent for at least the next few years, RateCity analysis indicates that we may be looking at the bottom of the cycle when it comes to home loan interest rates.

RBA governor encourages Aussies to send credit card companies a message

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor, Dr Philip Lowe, has expressed his “frustration” with credit cards charging interest rates upwards of 20 per cent, and encouraged Australians to shop around for better rates to send a message to card providers.

What is Best Interest Duty, and why is it important to you?

From 1 January 2021, new Best Interest Duty (BID) laws came into effect for mortgage brokers and financial advisers. This could change the way that Australians search for home loans, and how finance professionals offer their advice.

Some of the best investor home loans for January 2021

While much of the record levels of borrowing activity at the end of last year came from owner occupiers, including first home buyers, interest rates have also fallen for investor loans.

Aussies buying more cars and caravans for holidays at home

Australians are spending more on motor vehicles, with caravans and motorhomes growing in popularity as more of us choose domestic travel over international travel for our holidays.

Australia sees highest number of first home buyers since the GFC

In November 2020, Australia saw its highest number of owner occupier first home buyer loan commitments since October 2009, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Fintech WLTH launches home loan offering

Brisbane-based fintech startup, WLTH, has entered the home loan market, offering Australians a digital-only application process and low-rate launch offer.

Some of the best home loans for owner occupiers in January 2021

Could 2021 be the year you buy your first home? Or are you overdue to refinance the mortgage on your home? In any case, you’ll want a home loan that suits your needs.

More affordable home insurance required across northern Australia says ACCC

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC’s) report into insurance in northern Australia has revealed that unaffordable home and contents insurance is affecting the prosperity of communities across the region, though there are actions that could help address this.