Mortgage stress is real, especially with ongoing cost pressures and interest rate uncertainty. In 2026, taking control of your home loan is no longer optional, it’s essential. At MAW Money, the focus is on helping borrowers understand their mortgage, reduce unnecessary interest, and make sure their bank is actually working in their best interest.

Here are five practical ways to take control of your mortgage payments this year and keep your lender accountable.

1. Understand Your Loan Inside and Out

Most borrowers set up their loan and never look at it again. That’s exactly what banks rely on.

Start by checking:

• Your current interest rate and how often it changes

• Fees, ongoing costs, and break penalties

• Whether extra repayments are allowed and how they’re applied

• What alternative products you may now qualify for

When you understand your loan, you stop guessing and start making informed decisions.

Not sure what you’re looking at? MAW Money can walk you through your loan in plain English as part of a mortgage health check.

2. Create a Repayment Strategy That Works Harder

Paying the minimum keeps the loan ticking along, but it doesn’t reduce interest efficiently.

Simple strategies include:

• Switching to fortnightly repayments

• Rounding repayments up slightly

• Directing bonuses or tax refunds straight to your loan

These small adjustments can shave years off your mortgage and tens of thousands in interest.

A MAW Money mortgage health check can identify easy repayment tweaks that suit your cash flow and long-term goals.

3. Review Your Mortgage Every Year

Life changes, markets move, and lending products evolve. Your mortgage should keep up.

At least once a year, review:

• Whether your rate is still competitive

• If refinancing could reduce repayments or interest

• Whether your improved income or equity unlocks better options

Banks won’t call to offer you a better deal, but you can absolutely go looking for one.

Book a mortgage health check with MAW Money to see if your current loan still stacks up in 2026.

4. Question Fees and Push Back When Needed

Fees, rate increases, and restrictive terms aren’t always set in stone.

If something doesn’t feel right, ask:

• Why is this fee applied?

• Can it be reduced or removed?

• What alternatives are available?

In many cases, lenders will negotiate to keep a good customer, especially when they know you’re informed.

MAW Money can help you pressure-test your loan and challenge costs that no longer make sense.

5. Strengthen Your Overall Financial Position

Your mortgage doesn’t exist in isolation. Strong finances give you leverage.

Focus on:

• Managing spending and maintaining savings buffers

• Protecting and improving your credit score

• Planning for future property or lifestyle goals

When your finances are organised, you’re in a better position to negotiate and adapt as conditions change.

A mortgage health check with MAW Money looks at the bigger picture, not just your interest rate.