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Finance Detective

6 Steps Every Smart Investor Takes Before Investing

There’s no doubt about it, deciding where to invest your hard earned cash is a big decision. We know that creating an investment portfolio isn’t a simple task, but the process can be made easy with the right amount of planning and a little foresight. So where do you begin? To see our list of the key things you should consider before you invest… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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Demystifying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

You may have heard us speak about Lenders Mortgage Insurance in previous articles, but a few things have changed with LMI since then. It’s designed to protect the lender in the case that the borrower (you) cannot meet repayments. However, due to the current market, you may need less of a deposit to avoid paying LMI. To find out more about what has changed… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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How to get the most from your tax refund

So you’ve just met with your accountant and received the exciting news that you’re getting a tax refund. Congratulations! Immediately, ideas start rushing through your mind on how to spend every last dollar. But are you spending it efficiently and effectively? It’s important to get the most out of your tax refund so you can manage your current financial situation and reach your goals sooner. For some tips on how you could spend your windfall… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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Prepaying Interest – Why would you?

time and money

Are you looking for tax deductions for this financial year? You could consider prepaying interest on your investment loan. Investors often use this strategy, with the sole purpose of maximising tax deductions on investment properties. However, you may wonder if giving all that money to the bank the right thing to do… To find out more about the pros and cons of prepaying interest… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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Low Interest Rates – The Winners and the Losers

Everyone knows that interest rates in Australia are lower than they have ever been, but no one knows with certainty what the future holds for rates. Even the most seasoned commentators were surprised with the latest drop after the Reserve Bank’s May meeting. Most predictions are that they will remain at the low end for some time to come, so while borrowers love low rates and savers curse them, what can be done to make the most of the situation? To find out who wins and who loses… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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Frequently Asked Questions – Rates/Accounts

Interest rates and loan accounts can sometimes be difficult to understand. You probably have lots of questions… What is a fixed rate? What is an offset account and how does it work If a couple purchase a property in 1 person’s name, can both incomes be used to qualify the loan? These are just a few of the questions that we are asked frequently. For the answer to these questions and more… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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Warren’s take on: Rising interest rates

Currently, there is much talk around what interest rates are likely to do in the near term. Could the next move in interest rates be up and could it happen relatively soon? I am of the belief that here in Australia – we are going to see very little interest rate movement from the RBA. This does not necessarily mean that Australian banks and lending institutions will leave things unchanged, as has been the case over the last 12-24 months. It is important that one keeps a close eye on global markets, as it is generally a good indicator of …

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Frequently Asked Questions – Settlement/Post Settlement

Settlement and post-settlement can be confusing times. You probably have lots of questions… When is my first loan repayment due to be paid? How do I transfer the funds from my old offset account to my new offset account? What actually happens at settlement? These are just a few of the questions that we are asked frequently. For the answer to these questions and more… Click here to read the full article on the Finance Detective Blog

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Warren’s take on: The surge in home loan refinancing

The recent surge in refinancing can be attributed to increased competition between the lenders, low credit growth and increased consumer awareness. Increased competition is a good sign of a healthy credit environment and can only be beneficial to consumers. I would suggest that if you have a loan and have not reviewed it in the last 12 months, now would be an excellent time to do so. Many lenders are offering competitive interest rates and refinance rebates. So in some instances, it will not cost you anything at all. I have just helped an existing client, let’s call him as …

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Under 55 and thinking about a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?

If you’re under 55 and thinking about setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) you’re not alone. SMSFs are being established by younger Australians wanting greater control over their super. In March 2014, younger people represented 75% of new SMSF membersi. Before deciding if an SMSF is right for you, consider some of these important questions. How much do I need? Consider how much you’ll have if your super is combined with other potential fund members. And keep in mind that if your combined balance is less than $200,000 the ATO suggests an SMSF may not be the most cost-effective …

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