Savings.com.au

Things are looking up for home loan borrowers with incidences of mortgage stress and refinancing difficulties both halving over the past year, according to a new survey of mortgage brokers. But the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) says refinancing remains a challenge for many borrowers thwarted by the regulator's 3% serviceability buffer. MFAA CEO Anja Pannek told the Savings Tip Jar podcast the buffer needs to be more dynamic in a falling interest rate environment. https://lnkd.in/ef74HfXx

Who is Regional Australia Bank? After a series of mergers with other customer-owned banks, the institution is fighting fit, ready to take on larger players with sharp rates. In our 100th #podcast episode (!!!) we spoke to Ben Luck on all of this and its new $4k cashback offer. Episode here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gtF7eKDg

Yesterday's RBA decision was a bit of a non-event, but the subsequent meetings are definitely one to watch, as per our #podcast chat with Paul Bloxham from HSBC https://lnkd.in/gtMd6Paj

What's in the #Budget2025 for homebuyers? Let Nicola Powell from Domain be your guide in our #podcast, who starts at the 45' mark. https://lnkd.in/gb_4PF-K

SALARY SACRIFICING: Mike Daly from Smartgroup Corporation joined our #podcast to run Harrison Astbury and Dominic Beattie through the benefits of salary packaging, including the hot topic of novated leases on electric vehicles! It's worth asking your employer about what's on offer, especially if you work in public service or the not-for-profit sectors. Mike's chat starts at the 32' mark. https://lnkd.in/gwqGH8s5

HOME TRUTHS: Ever moved into your dream property only to regret it months later? Research suggests up to 50% do. That's coming from Abodey, an app co-founded by Jo Agresta that aims to marry up the right property with the right person, and eliminate 'buygret'. We had Jo on our podcast to discuss this, and some sage advice for Harrison Astbury and Dominic Beattie on their property journeys. Jo's chat starts at the 27' mark. https://lnkd.in/g8WtDWgy

RBA FOLLY? You might assume everyone's happy with an RBA rate cut, but you'd be wrong! Warren Hogan slammed the decision on our #podcast, saying that it's premature, and that the RBA has been drawn into the politicisation of inflation. https://lnkd.in/g8bQTRFj

ELECTION TIME: This week, shadow treasurer Angus Taylor MP joined us to share his vision if his party takes the reins this year 🏛️💬 With an election looming, we asked the big questions: 🏡 Is super for housing a smart move? 🏗️ How do we speed up housing supply? 📉 Does boosting productivity mean public sector job cuts? 💰 Plus, Angus’ top savings tip! Catch the full convo! 👀🎙️ Angus' segment starts at the 25' mark. https://lnkd.in/gmpaz-q6

Next week's guest on the Savings Tip Jar #podcast will be the Honourable Angus Taylor MP, Federal Shadow Treasurer. With a federal election around the corner, it's sure to be an interesting chat. Send us any questions you'd like us to ask Mr Taylor - the best one will be read out on air. Or, message us privately or email us at enquiries@savings.com.au Previous episodes can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gKvsGzEK

FAILURE OR FALTER? As any of the latest ABS construction or dwelling approvals data will show you, the government is behind the 8-ball on its commitment to build 1.2 million homes by 2029. Certain states and territories are worse than others, but all are behind. Unpacking all that on our #podcast this week is Matthew Kandelaars from the Property Council of Australia. He puts it down to myriad issues, including some of the government's own doing, such as huge infrastructure projects dragging resources (read: tradies) away from home building. In an election year, this is a very pertinent listen! Matt's segment starts at the 23' mark. https://lnkd.in/gNh2giUS