What you need to know about debt consolidation
When you have multiple debts, it’s not only a challenging task to keep them under control, it can become a big stress on you and your family. Managing different interest rates, as well as varying minimum repayment amounts and repayment due dates, can be overwhelming and most of all, expensive. If you’re holding debts with a number of different creditors, that only complicates matters further.
Rolling your debt into one single loan could be the right option for you if you’re juggling multiple debts, particularly if it’s credit card debt.
Taking out a personal loan is usually the most common way to consolidate debts. Personal loans can be more affordable and easier to manage and they generally have a lower interest rate compared to credit cards. On top of paying less interest, you could save money on monthly fees.
Here’s three advantages of debt consolidation:
- What you repay each month on your loan might be reduced by bringing all your debt under a single, lower interest rate.
- By consolidating your debt into one loan, you can improve your credit rating, if you meet your monthly repayments on time. Your credit rating will further improve as you pay off your debt.
- If you’re paying off credit cards, it could be wise to consider closing the accounts once you consolidate your debt to avoid new charges. Keeping accounts open after consolidation puts you at risk of running up even more debt.
As with all loans, you need to go through an application process for debt consolidation. And there are a few things you need to consider, such as: finding the right loan option, finding the right lender and outlining an achievable payment plan to make sure you can afford your monthly repayments.
As with all your financial needs, I’m here to help. If you think it’s the right option for you, I can help you navigate through the consolidation process and find you the loan that suits your circumstances.
What you need to know about debt consolidation
When you have multiple debts, it’s not only a challenging task to keep them under control, it can become a big stress on you and your family. Managing different interest rates, as well as varying minimum repayment amounts and repayment due dates, can be overwhelming and most of all, expensive. If you’re holding debts with a number of different creditors, that only complicates matters further.
Rolling your debt into one single loan could be the right option for you if you’re juggling multiple debts, particularly if it’s credit card debt.
Taking out a personal loan is usually the most common way to consolidate debts. Personal loans can be more affordable and easier to manage and they generally have a lower interest rate compared to credit cards. On top of paying less interest, you could save money on monthly fees.
Here’s three advantages of debt consolidation:
- What you repay each month on your loan might be reduced by bringing all your debt under a single, lower interest rate.
- By consolidating your debt into one loan, you can improve your credit rating, if you meet your monthly repayments on time. Your credit rating will further improve as you pay off your debt.
- If you’re paying off credit cards, it could be wise to consider closing the accounts once you consolidate your debt to avoid new charges. Keeping accounts open after consolidation puts you at risk of running up even more debt.
As with all loans, you need to go through an application process for debt consolidation. And there are a few things you need to consider, such as: finding the right loan option, finding the right lender and outlining an achievable payment plan to make sure you can afford your monthly repayments.
As with all your financial needs, I’m here to help. If you think it’s the right option for you, I can help you navigate through the consolidation process and find you the loan that suits your circumstances.
Five things your home needs this winter
The cooler weather has arrived and for the most of us, the temperature is due to drop even further. Taking care of a few things around the house before we hit the depths of winter could make all the difference. Here are five easy things you can do to keep the warmth in and make your home winter-ready.
Beef up your bedding
Switching your summer sheets for warmer bedding can make all the difference. Investing in a down duvet (goose or duck down make for a cosy comforter) and woolen blankets will keep you toasty on those chilly nights and mornings. Layering some throw rugs on your bed aren’t just for show either – they also provide added warmth when the weather drops.
De-draft
Light a candle and carry it around your doors and windows. Wherever you see the flame flicker, you’ve got a draft. You have options when it comes to filling the gaps: upgrade to heavier curtains to block the draft, or seal up the gaps with one of the many products designed to keep the cold air out, which in turn, increases energy efficiency.
Check your heating system
If you have an open fire, clean out the flue before you light your first fire. From the outside, check for broken or cracked bricks. Don’t forget to stock up on wood and kindling and store it somewhere dry so that you’re ready for a season by the fire.
If you’re on a gas or electric heating system, get a routine maintenance check to make sure it’s in good working order. If your heating system is old, consider updating it with a more efficient newer model. The money you spend today, you’ll save on your energy or gas bill down the track.
Clear the gutters
Autumn is the time our deciduous tree shed their leaves. Gutters clogged with leaves block the drainage of rain, which can result in leaks in the house. To avoid having to go up in the cold, wet weather, grab a ladder, a garbage bag or bucket, some rubber gloves and get rid of the leaves towards the end of Autumn. Remove twigs, leaves and dirt. Check that the downpipes are clear of obstruction to minimise the risk of blockages in the cold, wet months.
Stock up on supplies
It’s a good idea to have torches, spare batteries, matches and candles in the house in case of blackouts. If you wanted to be really prepared, you could go a step further and buy a portable gas stove, so that you can heat up food and boil water, and gas lighting. Most camping stores have these types of things and can make the world of difference during a prolonged power outage.
债务合并须知
当您身负多重债务时，把这些债务控制在您掌握之中可谓是不小的挑战，同时对于您的家庭来说这也意味着不小的压力。您需要管理不同的利率、各种不同的最低还款、还款到期日期，这可能会把您压得喘不过气来，更重要的是，代价不菲。如果您持有的债务是来自多个债权人，那么事情将变得更加繁琐。
，如果您正在为多重债务，尤其是信用卡债务忙的焦头烂额，将您的债务集中到一项贷款中不失为明智的选择。
个人贷款通常是最常见的债务合并方式，因为个人贷款更合理、且更容易管理，并且在一般情况下个人贷款的利率要低于信用卡。在支付较少金额的利息的同时，这样做还帮您免去了每月的手续费。
以下从三个方面谈谈债务合并的优势所在：
通过将您的多重债务集中到一项利率较低的贷款之中，您每月需要偿还的贷款债务可能会有所降低。
将您的债务合并到一项贷款中，如果您每个月都能够按时完成还款，那么您的信用等级将得到提升。并且，当您偿清债务之后，您的信用等级还会得到进一步提升。
如果您正在偿还信用卡债务，那么您在将债务进行合并的时候应该考虑结清银行账户，以避免产生新的费用。在债务合并之后开放账户可能会使您积欠更多的债务。
正如所有的贷款一样，进行债务合并也需要通过申请程序。这时，您就需要考虑一些问题，比如：发现正确的贷款选择、发现合适的贷方、并且制定出切实可行的还款计划，以确保您能负担得起每月的还款。
如果您有任何财政需求，都可以寻求我的帮助。如果您认定了债务合并是正确的选择，那么我可以在您的债务合并申请流程中助您一臂之力，并帮您找到最适合您的贷款。
对您的房屋做好以下五方面的过冬准备
天气一天天的转凉，对于我们大多数人来说还将迎来更低的气温。在我们进入深冬之前对房屋做好准备，此举意义非凡。以下五方面小建议，简单易行，更能帮您在冬日里留住温暖，同时做足过冬准备。
加厚您的铺盖
将您夏天用的床单换成更暖和的床单实乃明智之举。准备一床羽绒被（鹅绒或鸭绒会让您倍感惬意）和一套毛毯将在一个个寒冷的清晨和晚上带给您无尽的舒适和温暖。在床上铺上几张小张的块毯不仅仅能够发挥装饰的作用-它们能够在降温之际为您添一份温暖。
填补风口
点一支蜡烛，在屋内的门窗附近走动。当您观察到火苗摇曳出现摇曳的时候，您就发现了一处风口。在填补风口方面，您有多种选择：换更厚的窗帘以挡住风口，或者使用众多的保暖防风产品对其进行封闭，这样做的同时也解决了供暖所用的能源。
检查供暖系统
如果您拥有一个开放式壁炉，您最好在点火前检查一下烟道。在室外就能发现烟囱上是否有损坏或破裂的砖块。同时不要忘记储存足够的木头和引火物，并将它们保存于干燥处，以备冬季之用。
如果您正在使用燃气供暖或电暖设备，您需要进行常规的维护检查，以确保其能够正常工作。如果您的供暖系统已经过时，不妨考虑一下更新换代。要知道，您今天在供暖系统上的投资将会在未来帮您省下一大笔能源或燃气开支。
清理排水沟
秋季是阔叶树木落叶的季节，而如果您的排水沟中堆满了落叶，将会影响雨水的排出，甚至可能雨水渗进您的房屋中。因此，在秋末之际，您最好带上梯子、垃圾袋或桶、一些橡胶手套对排水沟进行清理，这样一来您便不用再寒冷的冬季下沟清污了。您需要清理排水沟中的树枝、树叶和淤泥。检查落水管中是否有任何障碍物，从而使湿冷的冬季中排水管堵塞的风险降到最低。
备足补给品
您最好在家里准备好手电筒、备用电池、火柴盒蜡烛，以备停电之需。如果您想做到万无一失，不妨购置一台便携式煤气炉，这样在停电的时候您一样可以加热食物、烧开水并使用煤气照明。在许多露营用品商店都可以买到这些物品，而它们将会在漫长的停电期大显身手。
Get the most out of tax time
The end of the income year means that now’s the time to review your current finances and set out your goals for the next 12 months. Here are some tips to maximise tax time.
What you can and can’t claim with an investment property
Gather statements from your property manager and receipts for agent commissions and fees, insurance, body corporate levies, rates, water building work, repairs and maintenance from throughout the year. Remember, you can’t claim renovations or any maintenance that are improvements to your investment property.
If you bought or sold your investment property in the past financial year, you can claim the legal fees you paid in that sale. However, your total legal expenses for the income year, including those fees associated with the sale, must be equal to or less than $10,000. Real estate agent’s fees incurred as part of buying or selling the property are not claimable.
Think of any travel you’ve had to do to and from your investment property in the past year. All your motor vehicle and travel expenses relating to your investment can be claimed. If you bought your investment property prior to the 201112 tax year, you can claim depreciation of the property up until that year. If you purchased your investment after 31 March 2012, you aren’t eligible to claim depreciation.
You can also claim interest paid on your home loan, but the loan must be specifically for your investment property.
Getting ahead of your finances
Getting into good habits now will help you achieve your financial goals next year. If you want to buy property in the next 12 months, start to think about it now. Work out how much you can borrow and the amount you’ll need for a deposit so that you can start preparing.
Assess your financial situation; look at your savings plan and adjust it if necessary. Be sure that you can continue to live comfortably with a home loan and that your future financial position is secure.
Get in the habit of filing receipts, invoices and recording your deductible expenses. If you’re currently paying a mortgage, review your home loan to work out if there are opportunities to save money there might be a better interest rate out there for you, or perhaps you’re paying for features you don’t use.
Think about where you want to be financially in 12 months time. What debts would you like to pay off? What improvements would you like to make to your home? Are you interested in buying an investment property? When it comes to saving or spending, forward planning is key. We can work together, look at all your options and put together a plan to help you achieve your goals.
Say farewell to your home loan faster
After the initial excitement of purchasing property has worn off it can be easy to slip into ongoing loan repayments without too much thought. But by doing this you could miss out on opportunities that could save you thousands and help pay off your home loan faster. Here are some tips on paying off your home loan as quickly as possible.
There’s no time like the present
You pay the most interest on your mortgage in the first few years because this is when the principle is at it’s highest amount. The sooner you’re able to make additional repayments and reduce your home loan principle, the better. By doing this you’ll reduce the interest you pay over the life of your loan.
Make extra repayments
Our situations are changing all the time so review your potential to make additional repayments regularly. You can pay off your loan sooner by increasing your repayment frequency, your repayment amount or in lump sums when you can afford it.
Increasing the frequency of your repayments to fortnightly or weekly intervals is the equivalent of making 13 monthly repayments a year. Over the years this additional repayment can make a significant difference to the life of your mortgage.
If your income increases or you’re able to make savings on your expenses, try to up your repayment amount. If your variable interest rate drops, try to maintain the same repayment amount chip away at your principle.
If increasing your ongoing repayments isn’t possible, try making additional repayments when you can. Using your tax return or a work bonus to make lump sum deposits are good examples of when you could safely make additional repayments.
Use a line of credit
If you’ve built up a reasonable amount of equity in your home, you can save on interest by using a line of credit. A line of credit allows you to draw funds out of the equity in your property as and when needed. Although it varies from lender to lender, usually a line of credit can be split with almost any home loan product.
The benefit of using a line of credit is that it gives you more flexibility in managing your repayments. Since the approved line of credit stays in your account until you need it, a major portion of your income stays in your loan account longer, and saves you interest.
Check in with your mortgage adviser
Changes in the market influence the competition between lenders so there are new products and offers becoming available all the time. Reviewing your home loan regularly can ensure you’ve always got a loan with the right amount of flexibility at the right price. If refinancing is an attractive option, we’ll also be able to make sure the costs don’t outweigh the benefits.
