HOW TO STAY CALM (AND SAVE MONEY) THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Reception • Dec 19, 2017
Christmas Day is less than a week away and Australians are once again in the throes of festive season shopping madness.
More are us are opting to buy gifts for loved ones online, yet large bricks and mortar retail hubs across the country still seemingly draw desperate crowds seeking last minute gifts. Whichever way you go, preparing for December 25 can often be a stressful experience.
It is however possible to remain calm and enjoy the lead up to Christmas Day, without breaking your budget.
1. MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE
There are so many positives to making lists for all the items you need to buy. Not only will having a list aid in keeping you organised, it will also clearly track spending.
Items to list:
- Gifts for family and friends
- Entertainment supplies in the form of food, drinks, decorations, party games etc.
- Travel arrangements
2. BE AN ONLINE SCROOGE
Although most Christmas sales don’t start until Boxing Day, if you do your research you might be able to snag an early bargain! Use a simple Google search, or follow relevant social media accounts to hunt down those sneaky discounts.
3. SHOP LIKE SANTA
Take a leaf out of Santa’s book and be prepared. With a few smart rules, you can easily avoid spending too much money and wasting time.
- Have your list at the ready
- Set yourself a time limit
- Stick to a budget
- Limit your shopping locations to avoid confusion
- Check online for a ‘Click & Collect’ option to avoid queues
We can help take the frenzy out of your festive season by providing you with a personalised budget to track your spending. We also offer personal loans to help consolidate your consumer debt into one easy repayment.
To get in touch today click here!
The Power of Pre-Approval: Your Key to Home Buying Success
Navigating the World of Mortgages: What borrowing capability do you have? Deciding to buy a house is an exciting milestone, and we're here to accompany you through the intricate world of mortgages. With the changes to interest rates that have happened over the last twelve months, it's essential that we are prepared and approach borrowing with a healthy attitude, as your choices now will have long-lasting implications, so let's ensure you're well-prepared for this homeowner journey. What should I consider when considering my borrowing limits? First, let's figure out how much you can borrow without sacrificing your peace of mind and daily joys. The key here is to measure your income against your expenses, including the potential mortgage repayments. A general rule of thumb: try to keep your mortgage repayments to no more than 35% of your gross monthly income. When it comes to borrowing generally, the higher your deposit and the higher your income, the more they should be willing to lend. The good news is we have more flexibility as mortgage brokers than the big banks, so we can look at your circumstances closer. Now, let's discuss some essential factors to consider when figuring out your borrowing limits. How much debt can you handle? Think about your lifestyle and what you're willing to give up versus what's non-negotiable. Be realistic about your dream home. Start with something affordable and gradually work your way up as your earnings grow and your equity increases. Think about the future. Are you planning to start a family, change jobs, or experience significant life changes? Factor those possibilities into your calculations. Keep an eye on interest rates and consider how further rises might affect your ability to make repayments. Reminder; A reminder that when purchasing a property, you will also need to factor in further expenses, such as, pay stamp duty, pest & building inspections, conveyancer fees, application fees, council rates, possible strata or body corporate costs, and utility bills to factor in. In Summary We'll help you evaluate your financial situation, research and compare over thirty lenders and loan options, and gather the necessary documentation to help you whether you are purchasing your first home or refinancing. What should I do next? Our dedicated team is committed to nurturing your financial well-being and helping you achieve a stronger and more secure future. Call our office on (03) 8657 8664 to organise a time to chat, and we also invite you to take advantage of our free resources by heading to our website. https://www.futurefinancegroup.com.au/
At Future Finance Group, we understand that financial hardship has become a pressing concern for many homeowners across the country, including Melbourne. We want to help you explore the benefits of refinancing your mortgage. By assessing the right time to refinance and understanding the steps involved, we can guide you to potentially save money, access improved loan terms, and secure a more favourable financial future. What are the Benefits of Refinancing? During these challenging times, refinancing your mortgage can bring meaningful advantages. Firstly, it may allow you to take advantage of lower interest rates, reducing your monthly mortgage payments and offering much-needed relief. Additionally, refinancing allows switching from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage, ensuring stability and protection against future rate increases. By consolidating high-interest debts, you can streamline your finances and gain more control over your monthly obligations. Also, refinancing can unlock equity in your home, providing funds for essential expenses or other financial goals. Assessing the Right Time to Refinance Working out when to refinance can be challenging, mainly because we do not know what the future will bring. We are here to look at your personalised options and work with you to ensure your financial security. We can consider many factors, such as your credit score, home equity, and employment stability, to give you informed options. Steps Involved in Refinancing and Potential Cost Savings : We are here from the beginning to the end and strive to simplify the refinancing process for you. We'll help you evaluate your financial situation, research and compare over thirty lenders and loan options, and gather the necessary documentation. Our ultimate goal is to help you secure better terms, rates, and long-term cost savings to ease the pressure on you and your family. In Summary In these challenging times, exploring refinancing options can provide much-needed relief and open up financial opportunities for you as a homeowner. What should I do next? Our dedicated team is committed to nurturing your financial well-being and helping you achieve a stronger and more secure future. Call our office on (03) 8657 8664 to organise a time to chat, and we also invite you to take advantage of our free resources by heading to our website. https://www.futurefinancegroup.com.au/