Guides to borrowing smarter

Plain-English explainers on refinancing, consolidating debt, buying your first home and looking after your credit file. General information for borrowers across Australia.

• Credit · 4 min readDoes checking your borrowing power affect your credit score?The difference between checking your options and applying, and what actually shows up on your credit file.
• Debt consolidation · 5 min readDebt consolidation: when it saves money and when it costs moreOne repayment sounds simple. Here's how to make sure it also saves you money.
• Refinancing · 5 min readRefinancing after the 2026 rate rises: a checklistFour rate rises this year. Here's a step-by-step check of whether switching is worth it.
• Buying · 6 min readFirst home buyer help in Australia: the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy and state concessionsThe federal schemes, how they differ, and why your state matters for stamp duty.
• Buying · 4 min readLVR and LMI explained: why 80% mattersHow loan-to-value ratio is worked out, when Lenders Mortgage Insurance kicks in, and the main ways around it.
• Buying · 4 min readThe serviceability buffer: why lenders test you at a higher rateWhy your borrowing power is lower than the repayments suggest, and how to plan around the stress test.
• Refinancing · 3 min readOffset account vs redraw: which saves you more?Two ways to cut your home loan interest with spare cash, and the differences that matter.