The impact of student loans when buying a home

27 August, 202427 August, 2024 Budgeting, Education, Finance

For many Australians, particularly young Australians, the dream of home ownership is often accompanied by the reality of carrying student loans, known as HECS-HELP debt. Understanding the impact of HECS debt on your ability to secure a home loan can help you plan for and navigate the home loan process.

Case Study

Sarah, is a 32-year-old marketing professional from Melbourne. She has a stable job with a steady income and has managed to save a decent deposit for her first home. However, like many Australians, Sarah carries a HECS debt from her university education.

What is HECS-HELP debt?

HECS-HELP is a loan offered by the Australian government to pay for studies at a university or approved higher education provider. Once a person earns above the compulsory repayment threshold, loan repayments are automatically deducted from their pay through the ATO. There is no interest on the loan, but the debt is annually indexed against inflation.

Sarah’s Home Loan Goals

Sarah’s goal is to purchase a two-bedroom apartment close to the city. She is aiming to take out a $450,000 home loan, considering her savings and the property prices in her desired area. Sarah is concerned about how her HECS debt will affect her home loan application and how she can maximise the amount she can borrow.

The Application Process and the Impact of Student Loans

When Sarah approached a mortgage broker to discuss her home loan options, she learned that her HECS debt, while interest-free, would still impact her borrowing capacity.

Sarah’s potential lenders must consider her ability to meet all financial obligations, including her HECS repayments. This could potentially lower the loan amount Sarah qualifies for, as lenders assess her debt-to-income ratio.

Strategies and Solutions

Sarah’s mortgage broker advised that there are several strategies she can consider to enhance her borrowing capacity despite her student debt:

Pay off the HECS-HELP loan: Sarah may be able to borrow more if she were able to erase the HECS debt.
Reduce other debts: clearing or minimising other debts, such as credit card balances or personal loans, would improve Sarah’s debt-to-income ratio.
Consider government grants or incentives: Sarah could still apply for government assistance such as the First Home Owner Grant or the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, even with HECS debt.
Increase her deposit: by saving more and increasing her deposit, Sarah could reduce the loan amount she needs.
Choosing the right lender: different lenders have varying policies regarding HECS debt. Choosing a lender more lenient towards student loans can enhance her chances of approval.

Outcome

By proactively managing her finances, seeking professional advice, and implementing strategies to manage her HECS debt, Sarah was able to strengthen her home loan application. She successfully secured a home loan with a competitive interest rate, allowing her to purchase an apartment within her parameters.

The impact of student loans on home loan applications is a significant consideration for many young Australians. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to minimise the impact of HECS-HELP debt. Doing so enhances the chances of securing a home loan, and empowers you to make informed decisions on your financial journey. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards home ownership!

The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Millennials & Money – your unique needs

25 September, 20198 September, 2022 Updated on8 September, 2022 Finance

If you entered the world between 1980 and 1996 you’re part of the “millennial generation”. You’ve grown up in an age of unprecedented abundance and incredible technical innovation, and as a group, enjoy a greater wealth of opportunity – professionally, socially and recreationally – than any previous generation. Many goods and services have never been cheaper in real terms, allowing you to live more for today than adopting your parents’ and grandparents’ single-minded focus on buying a home and saving for retirement. Career or a combo? That’s not to say you don’t face challenges. Increased employment casualisation, short-term contracting, and the threat of automation, can potentially threaten your job security. Or you might actually embrace a ‘come and go’ career, interweaving periods of work with stints of travel, child-raising or volunteering. Indeed, many millennials are discovering that the whole concept of work versus recreation is becoming blurred. With a computer the primary tool of trade in many professions, you may be able to work just as easily from a spare bedroom in Berlin or Barcelona as in Parramatta or Perth. Medical advances promise a long and healthy life, meaning you may not even intend to ‘retire’, choosing to work for as long as health allows. Is home ownership that important? Some of your cohort find it liberating not to be tied down to one place by a mortgage and a heap of stuff, however the likelihood is that if you haven’t bought a house already, you still aspire to the great Australian dream of home ownership. This is a real challenge particularly for younger millennials and may involve unacceptable compromises such as living a long distance from work. But attitudes to long-term renting are changing. While Australia has yet to develop both the culture and cooperative ownership structures that make life-long home rental the norm in some countries, it’s a sure bet that enterprising millennials are working to change that. In any case, renting can be an economically viable alternative to buying. There’s an app for that Whether it’s finding a meaningful job, financing a new venture through crowd funding, borrowing through P2P platforms, finding a house or just a room, or even looking for love, you know where to find the apps. Still, with the mass of opportunities that have arisen from greater connection and changing social attitudes, life is in many ways more complicated than it was for your forebears. Let’s talk about money Managing money is no exception. For a start, there’s the challenge of working out what the right balance is between funding a desirable lifestyle now and saving for medium and long term goals. Once that’s decided there are the questions of how to save and where to invest. The Internet is awash with information and advice, with much of it of a high standard. Unfortunately this is balanced by a vast amount of misinformation and an abundance of shonky investment offers, making it difficult to distinguish the good from the bad. Fortunately, help is at hand. We’ve made it our business to understand the wants and needs of all generations. There is more to life than saving for retirement and maximising entitlement to the age pension. If you have that millennial feeling and need some advice on how to manage your unique financial needs to get as much out of life as possible, explore our website a little more, find us on Adviser Ratings, then contact us for a chat. This is general information only

Charting a course to financial recovery

27 February, 202427 February, 2024 Budgeting, Education, Finance

Australian Bureau of Statistics, (ABS) figures indicate that between 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 total average household debt rose from $190,000 to $204,000. That’s an increase of over 7% in two years! The reasons why would make for an interesting study, however a more pressing question might be what can we do about it? Combine high levels of debt with rising interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis, and it’s no surprise that Australian households are reaching out to Debt Management (DM) companies to help regain control of their finances. DM companies are private organisations that can assist by: Sometimes, DM companies repay your debts – to a specified limit – and you repay them under a single loan arrangement. Terms and payment amounts can be negotiated, offering a beacon of hope and a sense that you’re taking back control. If this sounds like the perfect solution, remember that for every pro, there’s usually a con. For example: While weighing the pros and cons of a DM service, here are a few do-it-yourself strategies for consideration. Budgeting Creating a budget is a 3-step process. The government’s Moneysmart website lists easy ways of cutting back everyday spending. Negotiating Rather than customers defaulting, most banks and utilities companies prefer to negotiate repayment terms, sometimes even offering assistance programs. The key is to reach out before it’s too late. Be upfront about your situation and willing to arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement. Remember, nobody wins when debts are not paid. Government assistance The Australian government provides a range of financial assistance packages and interest-free loans depending on circumstances. These include crisis payments for unexpected situations, and income support payments for cost of living expenses. Of course there are conditions, but further information, including application criteria, is available from the MyGov website. Financial counselling Financial counsellors help you understand your financial position and assist you to navigate your way out of difficulty. Some local communities offer free, or low-cost, financial literacy programs, aimed at providing education about money and debt reduction. Everyone’s financial position is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so it’s important that your action plan is specific to your needs and that you’re 100% comfortable with any decisions you make. If you’re uncertain, seek the assistance of a qualified financial planner. What’s crucial is that you do something; being proactive is empowering and sets you on the path to financial recovery. The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Your wealth during the COVID-19 pandemic

6 May, 202021 December, 2020 Updated on21 December, 2020 COVID-19, Finance, Investing

There isn’t a single person in the world who hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19. As new case numbers start to slow in Australia, so too is our economy. This time presents new challenges as everyone gets used to a “new normal” and figures out the best way to weather the coming months. This article provides an overview of different measures the Federal Government has announced to support individuals and businesses, current market performance and what you should be thinking about when it comes to your finances and continuing to build long-term wealth. Government support for individuals and businessesThe Federal Government has announced two economic stimulus packages and the JobKeeper Payment to support individuals and businesses. An overview of the Federal Government’s measures announced to date is detailed below. Support for individualsThe Federal Government has announced a range of measures to help individuals. Eligibility to access these measures is determined on criteria such as your employment status or loss of income due to COVID-19. Some of the key measures include: two $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients (first payment from 31 March 2020 and the second payment from 13 July 2020); access to the JobKeeper Payment from your employer (if eligible) equal to $1,500 per fortnight; a time-limited supplementary payment for new and existing concession recipients of the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, and Farm Household Allowance equal to $550 per fortnight; early release of superannuation funds (see overview below); and temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates (see overview below). Full details about the Federal Government’s measures to support individuals are available on the Treasury website. Early release of superannuationEligible people will be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in the 2019-20 financial year and a further $10,000 in the 2020-21 financial year. To access your super early, you need to meet ONE of the following five criteria: You are unemployed You are eligible for the JobSeeker payment, Youth Allowance for jobseekers, Parenting Payment special benefit or the Farm Household Allowance You were made redundant on or after 1 January 2020 Your working hours have reduced by at least 20 per cent after 1 January 2020 You are a sole trader, and your business activity was suspended, or your turnover has reduced by at least 20 per cent after 1 January 2020 If you are considering early release of your superannuation, you need to consider what the potential long-term impacts may be to the growth of your super fund and retirement income. While $20,000 may not seem like a lot of money now, it could have significant compounding value if left in your fund. Understandably, people may not have any other choice to support themselves financially. Make sure you speak to a financial professional to understand your risks and if this is a suitable option for you. If you are eligible, you can apply for early release of your superannuation directly with the ATO through the myGov website. Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown ratesThe temporary reduction in the minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions has been designed to assist retirees who do not wish to sell their investment assets, while the value of those assets is reduced. The minimum drawdown rates have been temporarily halved. Support for businessesThe Federal Government has announced a range of measures to help businesses facing financial difficulty. Eligibility to access these measures depends on factors such as your turnover and how much your business’s revenue has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these measures include: increasing the instant asset write-off threshold for depreciating assets from $30,000 to $150,000; allowing businesses with turnover below $500 million to deduct 50 per cent of eligible assets until 30 June 2021; PAYG withholding support, providing up to $100,000 in cash payments which allows businesses to receive payments equal to 100 per cent of salary and wages withheld from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020; and temporary measures to reduce the potential actions that could cause business insolvency. Full details about the Federal Government’s measures to support businesses and eligibility criteria are available on the Treasury website. How the banks are approaching home loansBanks have announced that homeowners experiencing financial difficulty can pause their mortgage repayments for between three and six months. It’s important to remember that, in most cases, interest will still be capitalised and added to your outstanding loan balance. When payments restart, your lender may require increased repayments, or the term of your loan may be increased. These are important factors you need to discuss with your lender. What should you focus on when it comes to personal finance?While it can be tempting to sell all your investments now as the market declines, this locks in your losses and puts your wealth in a weak position. If you haven’t already defensively positioned your investments, speak with a financial adviser about how to best adjust your investing over the coming months. You should also consider how to maximise your returns as the market recovers. Investing and building wealth is a long-term game. As such, you should be investing with a long-term time horizon in mind. What should I do next?During this time, you may face some challenges with your finances. Your ability, however, to understand the options available to you and what the current period means on a long-term basis is key to getting through this challenging time productively. Further, making well thought out decisions now will give you the strong foundations you need in your health and wealth as the world recovers and embarks on a new period of growth. Before you make any big changes to your financial situation, speak to us to obtain personalised advice for your unique situation. This is general information only

COVID-19 Economic Update

15 July, 202017 September, 2021 Updated on17 September, 2021 COVID-19, Finance

During the last quarter one story has dominated the news – COVID-19. By the end of June at least 10 million people had contracted the disease, and over 500,000 had died. With 8,000 cases and 104 deaths, Australia was amongst the countries that have been most successful in limiting its spread. However, this success came with a major cost. By June, 800,000 fewer people were on the nation’s payrolls than at the start of the pandemic. The travel, hospitality and entertainment sectors were particularly hard-hit. One consequence of this major loss of employment is that many people took advantage of the ability to withdraw up to $10,000 from their superannuation prior to the end of June. As of mid-June, over 2.3 million people had applied, with nearly $16 billion worth of withdrawals processed. A further $10,000 can be withdrawn in the new financial year. While this will prove a real lifeline for the many people who need the money now, those who do withdraw the maximum amounts are likely to be tens of thousands of dollars worse off in retirement, with younger people facing the biggest losses. Key numbers Perhaps surprisingly, investment markets took an optimistic view of the long-term financial consequences of COVID-19. While not returning to its record highs, the S&P ASX200 index rose 16% over the quarter, a little behind the MSCI All-Country World Equity Index (up 18.7%) and the US S&P500 (up 18%). However, the real action was on the tech-heavy NASDAQ, which lifted 30.6% over the three months to set a new high. The RBA cash rate stayed at 0.25%, with no great expectations of a change anytime soon. The Aussie dollar rose steadily, increasing from 61.7 to 69.1 US cents from the end of March until end of June. It enjoyed similar gains against the British Pound and Japanese Yen, and a slightly smaller gain against the Euro. While there are many factors that influence the value of the dollar, this last quarter saw it closely following the fortunes of one of our major export commodities – iron ore. What next? COVID-19 is likely to remain the dominant story for some time yet. Following the initial lockdown, countries around the world, Australia included, are conducting something of an experiment in trying to ease restrictions without triggering ‘second waves’ or other outbreaks. Events in Victoria have shown how challenging this can be, but successfully lifting lockdowns is a critical step towards restoring anything resembling normal economic activity. Another challenge facing the federal government is how to continue to support the millions of people on the JobKeeper allowance and the JobSeeker supplement. With these programs due to end in September, there is concern that their sudden cessation will deliver another blow to the economy. The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

6 common financial mistakes before retirement

10 April, 20198 September, 2022 Updated on8 September, 2022 Finance

Many of us would like to think that ‘older’ means ‘wiser’, but when it comes to money that isn’t always the case. The complexity of Australia’s superannuation system doesn’t help. The upshot is that there are a number of common mistakes that retiring and retired Australians make. What are those mistakes and how might you avoid them? Underestimating how much you need The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA) Retirement Standard calculates that a “comfortable” retirement for a couple costs $60,843 per year. For singles the figure is $43,200 per year. To fund these levels of income, the ASFA calculates that a couple will need a nest egg of $640,000, and a single $545,000 at retirement. Retiring too early. Australians retiring today can expect to live until their mid-80s. For retirees in their mid-50s, that means finding a way to pay for a further 30 years of life. The obvious solution to retiring too soon is to work longer. This provides a double benefit: it extends the savings period allowing a greater sum to be saved, and delays the point where withdrawals start to eat into accumulated funds. Not topping up super. Making additional contributions into superannuation can really boost super savings. Strategies involving salary sacrifice, spouse contributions and government co-contributions should all be in play well before retirement. Withdrawing super as a lump sum. Superannuation can be withdrawn as a lump sum after retirement, and if you are over 60 it’s all tax-free. But then what? Common choices are to take that big trip or renovate the home. If you’re thinking of dipping into your savings in a big way, make sure you understand the potential implications for your future lifestyle. Carrying debt into retirement. It can be hard enough keeping up mortgage, car finance or credit card interest payments even when you’re working. It can become a real burden in retirement. Where possible, do your best to pay down debt. Paying for unnecessary insurance. Free of debt and without financial dependants, you may not need to maintain the same level of life and disability insurance you once required. Also, premiums can become expensive as you get older. The run up to retirement is an ideal time to review your insurances, a task best done under the guidance of your financial adviser. Invaluable advice. While the expectation may be that life should get less complicated as you get older, this short list reveals that’s not always the case. Many of these mistakes come with a high price tag but can be avoided by seeking professional advice. Your financial planner will be able to assess your specific circumstances and help you develop a plan for your retirement. But don’t wait until you actually retire. As you can see, it’s never too early to start planning. Contact us today! This is general information only

Mistakes new investors should avoid

18 August, 202113 August, 2021 Updated on13 August, 2021 Education, Investing

You’re young, expecting a satisfying future brimming with friends, family and a comfortable lifestyle. You’re a Next Generation Investor, likely aged between 18 and 25, and you’re starting to think about financial security. According to an Australian Stock Exchange study, nearly a quarter of all investors over the past two years were Next Generation Investors. Additionally, some 27% of surveyed people under age 25 intend to invest over the next year. The excitement of embarking on a journey toward financial freedom is common, as is confusion, after all, in the rush of enthusiasm, how can you ensure you get the decisions made for the future, right today? What are the rookie mistakes to watch out for? Here are a few that can be easily avoided. Not clearing debt first Loans and credit cards have a knack for eating away income. It is recommended that you clear as much debt as possible before committing to serious investments. Track your spending to spot potential savings, then channel that cash towards your debts. Every little bit helps. No strategy Desire to build wealth through investment is not a strategy. The end game determines which investments will be most suitable. Consider how you feel about risk and whether you’ll need access to your money. Successful investment strategies are planned. If it feels overwhelming, seek professional advice to help you build your strategy. You’ll be surprised at how inexpensive a financial adviser can be. Not diversifying Generally speaking, the higher the potential return, the higher the potential risk. Market-linked investments, like shares, can be big-earners, but you’ll have to ride economic ups-and-downs to get there – sometimes for ten years or more. If this worries you, consider lower-risk investments. Conservative in nature, their returns are generally lower. Decide how much risk you’re comfortable with. You may be better off minimising exposure to high-risk assets by diversifying your portfolio with a variety of investment types. Trying to predict the market Investment markets are notoriously unpredictable. Buying shares at the wrong time can mean you pay more than you should, similarly, selling at the wrong time can result in losses. Short-term buying and selling might seem exciting, but it’s a fast-track to losing money. The way around this is, research, diversification and being prepared to stay the distance. Review No investment is a set-and-forget scheme. Always keep track of your savings and your ongoing investment plan, ensuring that it continues to align with your goals, particularly as they change over time. A new car may be your priority today but fast-forward a couple of years and perhaps marriage and children are your priorities. As your goals change, so must your investment strategy. A few other things… Fees and taxes are unavoidable and various investments attract different expenses and tax structures. Find out what you’re up for before making financial decisions. Feeling lost? The Australian Stock Exchange offers free online courses and the Government’s MoneySmart website has a free info Starter Pack to get you underway. Of course, nothing beats professional advice tailored to your needs. The Financial Planning Association of Australia will put you in touch with a qualified adviser suitable for you. Strategic investing sets you up financially and helps create a savings habit for life. Your financial future begins today. The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

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