Financial Resolutions: A Simple Money Reset for the Year Ahead

Updated October 2026 by Albert Waldron, Awesome Lending Solutions. This article first appeared on awesomelendingsolutions.com.au.

New Year is a popular time to set goals, but you don't need to wait for January to get your finances in shape. Whether it's the start of the year or just the start of a new month, a simple money reset can make a real difference. Here's an easy way to set financial goals you'll actually keep.

Step 1: Write down your goals

Goals feel more real when they're written down. Take five minutes and fill in these lines:

My top 3 personal goals for the next 12 months are:

1. _________________
2. _________________
3. _________________

My top 3 financial goals for the next 12 months are:

1. _________________
2. _________________
3. _________________

Make each one specific. "Save more" is hard to measure. "Save $15,000 towards a home deposit by December" is clear.

Step 2: Revisit your budget

Living costs and interest rates have changed a lot. The cash rate rose four times in 2026 to 4.60%, so many households are paying more on their home loans than a year ago. Look at:

• What comes in each month
• Your fixed costs, like rent or mortgage, bills and insurance
• Everyday spending, like food, transport and entertainment
• Subscriptions you no longer use

Small changes add up. Cutting $150 a month in unused subscriptions and takeaway is $1,800 a year.

Step 3: Pay yourself first

Set up an automatic transfer to savings, or to your offset account, on payday. Money you don't see is money you don't spend.

Step 4: Tackle expensive debt

Credit cards and personal loans often charge far more interest than a home loan. Paying them down frees up cash flow and can increase how much you can borrow later. Lenders also count your full credit card limit, so reducing limits you don't need can help too.

Step 5: Review your home loan

If you have a mortgage, a quick review is one of the most valuable things you can do:

• Is your rate still competitive compared with what new customers are offered?
• Are you using your offset account?
• Is your fixed rate ending soon?
• Could a small extra repayment each month cut years off your loan?

Step 6: Plan for the big things

If buying a home is on your list, find out what you'd need. First home buyers may be able to use the 5% Deposit Scheme, which has had no income caps since October 2025. In NSW, first home buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to $800,000.

Step 7: Check in regularly

Put a reminder in your calendar every three months to check your progress. Celebrate wins, and adjust goals if life changes.

An example

Tom and Priya set three money goals: save $20,000, clear a $6,000 credit card, and review their home loan. They:

• Set up a $1,200 automatic transfer to their offset each fortnight
• Paid an extra $500 a month off the credit card and closed it once cleared
• Had their loan reviewed and moved to a sharper rate, saving about $180 a month

Frequently asked questions

How many financial goals should I set?

Two or three is plenty. Too many goals can be hard to stick to.

Should I save or pay off debt first?

Usually clear high-interest debt first, while keeping a small emergency fund.

How often should I review my home loan?

At least once a year, and whenever rates change.

Talk to Awesome Lending Solutions

If one of your goals is to buy a home, invest or get a better home loan rate, we'd love to help you make a plan. Call us on 02 7904 9560 or visit awesomelendingsolutions.com.au to book a chat.

This article is general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, interest rates and laws were current as at October 2026 and can change. Speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (CR 407514) of AFG's Australian Credit Licence 389087.

Holiday Homes as Investments: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Updated October 2026 by Albert Waldron, Awesome Lending Solutions. This article first appeared on awesomelendingsolutions.com.au.

Every holiday season, we hear from two groups of people. Some have just come back from a great break and want to buy a holiday home in the same spot. Others already own one and are wondering if it was a good idea. A holiday property can be a wonderful asset, but it can also be a costly mistake. Here's what to weigh up.

The good

• Somewhere to get away: a place your family can enjoy for years.
• Rental income: in popular spots, peak-season rent can be strong.
• A future home: some owners plan to retire there one day.
• Possible growth: well-located coastal and lifestyle areas can grow in value over time.

The bad

• Seasonal income: rent can be high in summer and very low in winter.
• Higher costs: short-stay management fees, cleaning, furnishing and insurance cost more than a standard rental.
• Tougher lending: some lenders treat short-stay income cautiously, or only count part of it.
• Local rules: many councils and states now regulate short-term rentals. In NSW, for example, short-term rentals must be registered and some areas limit how many nights a year you can rent a whole home.

The ugly

• Smaller markets: holiday towns often have fewer buyers, so prices can swing more and properties can take longer to sell.
• Personal use limits tax deductions: you can only claim costs for the times the property is rented or genuinely available for rent. The ATO looks closely at holiday homes.
• Negative gearing changes: for established homes bought after 7:30pm on 12 May 2026, rental losses can't be used to reduce tax on your wages from 1 July 2027.
• Capital gains tax: a holiday home isn't your main residence, so CGT applies when you sell. From 1 July 2027, the 50% discount is replaced by indexation and a 30% minimum tax.

Tips before you buy

1. Visit out of season. A town that buzzes in January may be quiet in July.
2. Check local short-stay rules with the council before you sign.
3. Get real rental figures from local property managers, not just peak-week prices.
4. Budget for empty weeks and higher running costs.
5. Check how lenders will treat it. Some count only part of short-stay income, and some have rules on small or remote properties.
6. Talk to your accountant about how personal use affects deductions.

An example

Mark and Jenny want a $750,000 beach house on the NSW South Coast. They plan to use it for four weeks a year and rent it out the rest of the time.

• Peak-season bookings look strong, but winter is quiet, so their realistic income is much lower than the summer rate suggests.
• Because they use it themselves, they can only claim some of the costs.
• Their broker uses equity in their home for the deposit and sets up a separate loan split, so the interest is easy to track.
• They keep a cash buffer for repairs and empty weeks.

Is a holiday home right for you?

It can be, if you love the area, can comfortably cover the costs, and see it as a long-term lifestyle asset rather than a quick money-maker. If your main goal is investment returns, a standard rental in a strong market may do the job with less risk.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a home loan for a holiday home?

Yes. It's usually treated as an investment or second home loan, depending on how you use it.

Do lenders count Airbnb-style income?

Some do, often only part of it and with a history of bookings. Policies vary.

Can I claim all the costs?

Only for the times it's rented or genuinely available for rent. Personal use reduces what you can claim.

Talk to Awesome Lending Solutions

Every situation is different. At Awesome Lending Solutions, we can show you how lenders will view a holiday property and help you set up the loan the right way. Call us on 02 7904 9560 or visit awesomelendingsolutions.com.au to book a chat.

This article is general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, interest rates and laws were current as at October 2026 and can change. Speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (CR 407514) of AFG's Australian Credit Licence 389087.

How Many Investment Properties Do You Need to Retire?

Updated October 2026 by Albert Waldron, Awesome Lending Solutions. This article first appeared on awesomelendingsolutions.com.au.

Many investors dream of the day their rental income replaces their wage. But when you ask how many properties it will take, most people aren't sure. The honest answer is that the number of properties matters far less than the amount of equity you own and the income it produces. Here's a simple way to work it out.

Start with the lifestyle you want

Before you think about properties, think about money. How much would you need each year to live comfortably in retirement? Include:

• Everyday living costs, like food, bills, transport and insurance
• Travel, hobbies and helping family
• Health costs, which usually rise as we get older
• A buffer for repairs, vacancies and surprises

Many people land somewhere between $60,000 and $100,000 a year. Your number is personal, and it's the starting point for everything else.

It's about equity, not property count

Ten heavily mortgaged properties can produce less spare cash than two properties you own outright. That's because rent goes to the bank first. What you live on is the rent left after interest, rates, insurance, strata, maintenance and management fees.

As a rough guide, a residential property might return a net yield of around 2.5% to 4% of its value after costs, once it's debt-free.

A simple example

Sarah wants $80,000 a year in retirement.

• If her properties return a net 3.5% a year once debt-free, she needs about $2.3 million in clear equity ($80,000 ÷ 0.035).
• That could be three debt-free properties worth about $770,000 each, or four or five properties with some debt still owing.
• Her super and the Age Pension (if she's eligible) could reduce the amount she needs from property.

So the real target isn't "five properties". It's "about $2.3 million of debt-free property, or a mix of property and super that produces the same income".

Growth phase, then consolidation phase

Most successful property investors move through two stages:

1. Growth phase: buy well-located properties, hold them and let equity build over time.
2. Consolidation phase: stop buying, pay down debt (sometimes by selling one property to clear others), and switch the focus to income.

Selling can trigger capital gains tax, so plan this with your accountant well before you retire.

What's changed for investors in 2026

• Negative gearing: for established homes bought after 7:30pm on 12 May 2026, rental losses can't be used to reduce tax on your wages from 1 July 2027. New builds keep the existing rules.
• Capital gains tax: from 1 July 2027, the 50% CGT discount is replaced by indexation and a 30% minimum tax on gains.
• Interest rates: the cash rate rose four times in 2026 to 4.60%, which makes holding costs higher.
• Lending limits: since February 2026, APRA limits how many loans banks can write where total debt is six or more times income. This can affect investors with several loans.
• SMSF borrowing: new borrowing to buy residential property inside an SMSF has been banned since 10 August 2026.

These changes make cash flow, structure and planning more important than ever.

Five steps to build your plan

1. Work out your retirement income target.
2. Check what your super and other investments are likely to provide.
3. Calculate the debt-free property equity you need to cover the gap.
4. Map out a realistic buying plan based on your borrowing power and cash flow.
5. Plan your consolidation phase, including when and how you'll reduce debt.

Frequently asked questions

Can I really live off rental income?

Yes, many people do, but it usually takes a clear plan, low or no debt, and a buffer for vacancies and repairs.

Is it better to own more properties or fewer, better ones?

Fewer, well-located properties are often easier to manage and can grow more in value. The right mix depends on your budget and goals.

How long does it take?

Most investors need 15 to 25 years or more. Starting earlier gives your properties more time to grow.

Talk to Awesome Lending Solutions

Every situation is different, and the right plan depends on your goals, income and timing. At Awesome Lending Solutions, we help investors structure their loans for both the growth and consolidation phases, and we work alongside your accountant and financial adviser. Call us on 02 7904 9560 or visit awesomelendingsolutions.com.au to book a chat.

This article is general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, interest rates and laws were current as at October 2026 and can change. Speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (CR 407514) of AFG's Australian Credit Licence 389087.

Australian Housing Market Update: October 2026

This article first appeared on awesomelendingsolutions.com.au.

The Australian housing market has changed direction in 2026. After strong growth through 2025 and early 2026, home values have now fallen for six months in a row. At the same time, interest rates have risen four times this year. Here's a plain-English summary of where the market stands in October 2026, and what it could mean for you.

The headline numbers

According to Cotality's Home Value Index, released on 1 October 2026:

• National home values fell 1.1% in September, the sixth straight monthly fall.
• National values are now about 5.2% below their March 2026 peak.
• Over the past year, national values are roughly flat.
• Almost every capital city suburb (around 97%) recorded falls over the past three months.

City by city

Sydney

• Values fell 1.4% in September.
• Sydney values are about 8.6% below their February 2026 peak.
• Annual change: about -7.0%.

Sydney continues to lead the correction, with higher-priced homes falling the most.

Melbourne

• Down 0.7% in September, a milder fall than other large cities.
• Annual change: about -6.2%.

Brisbane

• Down 1.5% in September, the sharpest monthly fall among the capitals.

Perth and Darwin

• Perth (about +10.1%) and Darwin (about +11.9%) still show the strongest annual growth.
• Darwin was the only capital to rise in September.

Canberra

• Down a more modest 1.6% over the year.

What's driving the change?

1. Rising interest rates

The RBA raised the cash rate four times in 2026, to 4.60% on 29 September, its highest level since 2011. Higher rates reduce borrowing power and buyer demand. The RBA has said more rises are possible.

2. New tax rules for investors

New laws passed in June 2026 limit negative gearing for established residential properties bought after 7:30pm on 12 May 2026, and replace the 50% CGT discount from 1 July 2027. Some analysts expect this to reduce investor demand for established homes.

3. APRA's debt-to-income limit

Since February 2026, banks can only write 20% of new loans where debt is six or more times income. This limits highly leveraged lending.

4. Affordability

After years of strong growth, many buyers were already stretched.

What's supporting the market?

• Low housing supply – new construction remains constrained
• A relatively resilient jobs market
• First home buyer support – the 5% Deposit Scheme with no income caps, Help to Buy, and NSW stamp duty exemptions

These factors may help cushion against a severe crash, though some forecasters expect further falls into 2027.

What it means for you

First home buyers

Softer prices and less competition may create opportunities, especially with the 5% Deposit Scheme and NSW stamp duty exemption up to $800,000. But higher rates mean careful budgeting is essential. Buy a home you'd be happy to hold for the long term.

Home owners

Your equity may have fallen if you bought recently. If you're planning to refinance, check your property's likely value, as your LVR may be higher than you think. With four rate rises, a home loan review is worthwhile.

Upgraders

A falling market can work in your favour if the home you're buying has fallen more in dollar terms than the one you're selling. Be careful with bridging finance and conservative with your sale price expectations.

Investors

The new tax rules mean cash flow matters more. New builds keep negative gearing and are exempt from APRA's debt-to-income limit. Talk to your accountant before buying.

Our view

Markets move in cycles. Nobody can predict the bottom. The best decisions come from focusing on what you can control: your budget, your loan, your buffer and buying the right property for your needs.

Questions to ask yourself before acting

• How long do I plan to stay in this property?
• Can I comfortably afford repayments if rates rise again?
• Do I have a buffer for repairs and emergencies?
• Have I checked my borrowing power at today's rates?

Answering these honestly matters more than trying to time the market.

Frequently asked questions

Will prices keep falling?

Some forecasters expect further falls into 2027 if rates stay high. Others expect low supply to limit declines. No one knows for sure.

Is now a good time to buy?

It depends on your finances and goals. Softer markets can offer opportunities, but make sure you can afford the repayments if rates rise further.

How often will these updates be published?

We'll keep sharing updates as the market changes. Check back regularly or follow us on social media.

Should I wait for prices to fall further?

Trying to pick the bottom is hard. Focus on your own readiness and long-term plans instead.

Talk to Awesome Lending Solutions

Every situation is different, and the right loan depends on your goals, income and timing. At Awesome Lending Solutions, we compare a wide panel of lenders and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure. Call us on 02 7904 9560 or visit awesomelendingsolutions.com.au to book a chat.

This article is general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial, tax or legal advice. Scheme rules, interest rates and laws were current as at October 2026 and can change. Speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (CR 407514) of AFG's Australian Credit Licence 389087.

First Home Buyer Loans in Australia: A Plain-English Guide for 2026

This article first appeared on awesomelendingsolutions.com.au.

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel confusing. The good news is that a first home loan is simpler than it looks once you break it into parts.

This guide explains how first home buyer loans work in Australia in 2026, what lenders look at, and what help is available, especially if you are buying in Sydney or anywhere in NSW.

What is a first home buyer loan?

A first home buyer loan is simply a home loan for someone who has never owned a home before. Most lenders do not have a special "first home buyer" product. Instead, you get a normal home loan, but you may be able to use government schemes that are only open to first home buyers.

These schemes can help you:

• Buy with a smaller deposit
• Avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
• Pay less or no stamp duty
• Get a cash grant if you buy or build a new home

How a home loan works

When you take out a home loan, the lender pays for most of the property. You pay the rest as your deposit. You then repay the loan over time, usually 30 years, with interest.

Your repayments are made up of two parts:

• Principal – the money you borrowed
• Interest – what the lender charges you for borrowing it

Most first home buyers choose a principal and interest loan. This means every repayment chips away at the debt, not just the interest.

What lenders look at

Every lender wants to know one thing: can you comfortably repay the loan? To work this out, they look at:

• Your income – how much you earn and how stable it is
• Your expenses – what you spend each month on living costs
• Your debts – car loans, credit cards, HECS-HELP, Buy Now Pay Later
• Your deposit – how much you have saved and where it came from
• Your credit history – whether you pay bills on time

Lenders must also test whether you could still afford your repayments if rates rose by 3% above your actual rate. This is called the serviceability buffer, and it is set by the banking regulator, APRA. It is one reason the amount a bank will lend you can be lower than you expect.

How much deposit do you need?

Traditionally, lenders wanted a 20% deposit. If you had less, you paid LMI, which can cost thousands of dollars.

In 2026, many first home buyers can buy with a much smaller deposit:

• 5% Deposit Scheme – Since 1 October 2025, eligible first home buyers can buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI. There are no income caps and no limits on places. In NSW, the price cap is $1.5 million in Sydney and regional centres, and $800,000 in other areas.
• Family Home Guarantee – Eligible single parents and guardians may be able to buy with just a 2% deposit.
• Help to Buy – A shared equity scheme where the government can own up to 40% of a new home or 30% of an existing home, with a 2% deposit. Income and price caps apply.
• Guarantor loans – A parent can use equity in their home to help secure your loan.

Help with stamp duty and grants in NSW

If you are buying in NSW, you may also get:

• No stamp duty on new or existing homes up to $800,000 through the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme, with reduced duty up to $1 million
• $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for eligible new homes up to $600,000, or house-and-land builds up to $750,000

Stamp duty savings alone can be worth around $30,000 on an $800,000 home, which makes a big difference to how much you need to save.

Fixed, variable or split?

You will also need to choose your interest rate type:

• Variable – your rate can go up or down. You usually get more features, like an offset account and free extra repayments.
• Fixed – your rate is locked for a set time, often one to five years. This gives you certainty, but less flexibility.
• Split – part fixed, part variable, for a bit of both.

With the cash rate rising to 4.60% in September 2026, many buyers are thinking carefully about this choice. There is no one right answer. It depends on your budget and how much certainty you need.

The steps to getting your first home loan

1. Check your budget – work out what you can comfortably repay each month.
2. Get your documents ready – payslips, bank statements, ID and savings history.
3. Get pre-approval – this tells you how much you can borrow and helps you shop with confidence.
4. Find your home – make sure it fits your budget and any scheme price caps.
5. Get formal approval – once you sign a contract, the lender values the property and approves the loan.
6. Settle – the loan is paid out and you get the keys.

Why talk to a mortgage broker?

Each lender has its own rules. One bank may say no while another says yes. A mortgage broker compares a wide range of lenders, checks which schemes you qualify for, and handles the paperwork for you. For first home buyers, this can save time, stress and money.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a first home loan on a casual or new job?

Often, yes. Some lenders accept casual income after six to twelve months, and some accept new jobs if you are in the same industry. It depends on the lender.

Do I need a 20% deposit?

No. With the 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible buyers can purchase with 5% and no LMI. Single parents may need just 2% under the Family Home Guarantee.

Talk to Awesome Lending Solutions

Every situation is different, and the right loan depends on your goals, income and timing. At Awesome Lending Solutions, we compare a wide panel of lenders and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure. Call us on 02 7904 9560 or visit awesomelendingsolutions.com.au to book a chat.

This article is general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial, tax or legal advice. Scheme rules, interest rates and laws were current as at October 2026 and can change. Speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (CR 407514) of AFG's Australian Credit Licence 389087.

Time to Renegotiate or Refinance

 

Time to Renegotiate or Refinance?
How Your LVR Might Unlock a Better Rate

Over the last 12 months, Australian property prices have risen across many areas. While rising prices can make it harder for new buyers, existing homeowners may be sitting on a hidden advantage.

If your home has increased in value and you’ve been paying down your loan, your Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) may have dropped. When your LVR drops, your risk to the bank reduces – and that often means you’re eligible for a lower interest rate.

That’s why now may be the right time to renegotiate with your current bank or refinance to a better deal.

The 4 C’s of Credit – Why LVR Matters

At Awesome Lending Solutions, we often talk about the 4 C’s of Credit. These are the four key factors lenders use to assess your risk and decide:

• whether they will lend to you, and
• what interest rate they’re prepared to offer

The stronger your overall credit profile, the better the rate you can usually negotiate. LVR is one of the biggest drivers of loan pricing.

What Is Loan to Value Ratio (LVR)?

Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is simply the percentage of a property’s value that you’ve borrowed.

It’s calculated by dividing your current loan balance by your property’s value.

For example:

• A $600,000 loan on a $800,000 home = 75% LVR

As your loan balance falls and your property value rises, your LVR reduces.

Why a Lower LVR Reduces Your Interest Rate

The lower your LVR, the lower the risk to the lender.

Think of it this way:

• At 95% LVR, the bank has only a 5% buffer if they ever had to sell the property.
• At 60% LVR, the bank has a 40% buffer.

That’s a massive reduction in risk, and lenders price loans accordingly.

As a real-world example, some lenders have more than a 1.00% difference between their highest and lowest interest rates purely based on LVR bands.

How Awesome Lending Solutions Helps

Free Property Reports
We provide complimentary property value reports so we can accurately calculate your current LVR.

We negotiate with your bank for you
For existing Awesome Lending clients, we use a specialist monitoring service that reviews your loan every six months and compares it to your lender’s best advertised rate.

For new clients, we manually approach your lender with:

• updated property value
• current loan balance
• their own best advertised rates

You don’t need to make the call – we handle it for you.

We compare the pair
If your current lender won’t move, we compare products from over 40 home loan lenders to see whether refinancing could leave you better off.

And It Costs You Nothing

Our service is 100% free. We don’t charge you to renegotiate, review, or refinance your loan.

We’re here to help you pay less interest, build wealth faster, and make sure your loan keeps up with your life.

If you’re wondering whether your LVR qualifies you for a better rate, let’s check it.

Albert Waldron
Finance Strategist & Director
Awesome Lending Solutions
📞 0420 977 960 | ☎️ 02 7904 9560

 

EOFY alert! Financial year-end is fast approaching

Small business owners who want to buy a vehicle, asset or important piece of equipment and immediately write off the cost have just over a month to act this year.

There’s nothing like an impending deadline to get you moving.

And with June 30 now just over a month away (didn’t that sneak up on us!), time is running out for your business to take advantage of the federal government’s temporary full expensing scheme this financial year.

What is temporary full expensing?

Temporary full expensing is basically an expanded version of the popular instant asset write-off scheme.

It allows businesses that are keen to invest in their future to immediately write off the full value of any eligible depreciable asset purchased, at any cost.

This helps with your cash flow as it allows you to reinvest funds back into your business sooner.

Trucks, coffee machines, excavators, and vehicles are just some examples of assets eligible under the scheme.⁣⁣

There is just one small catch though …

The asset must be installed and ready to use by June 30 in order to be eligible for this financial year.

But rest assured that even if you do order the asset, and then miss the June 30 deadline because it doesn’t arrive in time, you can still write it off next financial year because the scheme is set to run until 30 June 2023.

Asset eligibility

To be eligible for temporary full expensing, the depreciating asset you purchase for your business must be:

– new or second-hand (if it’s a second-hand asset, your aggregated turnover must be below $50 million);

– first held by you at or after 7.30pm AEDT on 6 October 2020;

– first used, or installed ready for use, by you for a taxable purpose (such as a business purpose) by 30 June 2023; and

– used principally in Australia.

Obtaining finance that’s right for your business

Being able to immediately write off assets is one thing, but if you don’t have access to the right kind of finance to purchase them now, the scheme won’t be much use to you this financial year.

So if you’d like help obtaining finance to make the most of temporary full expensing ahead of the impending EOFY deadline, get in touch with us today.

We can help you with financing options that are well suited to your business’s needs now, and into the future.

Albert Waldron

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.