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With the scent of summer barbecues wafting in the air, many Australians are starting to dream of their much-loved Christmas celebrations. But amidst the joys of beach outings and family gatherings, the financial weight of mortgages and festive spending can sometimes cast a shadow over the holiday spirit. Here’s your guide to planning ahead, so you can truly revel in the festivities without the financial stress.

The fixed-rate mortgage has always been a comforting choice for borrowers. With a fixed interest rate, homeowners can easily predict their monthly payments and plan accordingly. However, as with any financial commitment, these loans come with their own set of challenges. One of these challenges is the impending “Fixed Rate Cliff”.

So, there's been plenty of fanfare about it, but you're probably wondering why the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is lifting rates. Simply put, it's all to do with stopping your spending. The RBA has raised interest rates in order to counter inflation, which has been rising rapidly in recent months. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what inflation is, why it's a problem, and how higher interest rates can help to combat it.

The property market in Queensland is constantly changing and can be challenging to navigate for prospective homebuyers. With property prices fluctuating and borrowing costs on the rise, it can be tempting to wait for the market to bottom out before making a move. However, there are several reasons why waiting may not be the best strategy for prospective homebuyers in Queensland.

Purchasing a home is a significant investment and can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. The process of obtaining finance approval and navigating the purchasing market can be confusing and stressful. However, MAW Money, a leading mortgage broker, can help first-home buyers overcome these challenges and make the process much smoother.

If you're a home borrower, you may be wondering if refinancing your loan in 2023 is a smart financial move. The answer is yes! There are several reasons why refinancing your loan in 2023 could save you money.

With bank assessment criteria now sitting at around 8% (it was 5% earlier in the year), and borrowing capacities drastically reduced, you need to position yourself in the best light if you're to get the funding you need for a new property, or access to better rates with a refinance.

It’s easy to become fearful, stressed, and panicked in the current rising rate situation all mortgage holders find themselves within. As the RBA continues to battle inflation, mortgage holders on variable interest rates continue to suffer financial pain as their monthly expenses skyrocket.

Yes, the current rate tightening cycle has had the desired impact on property prices – successfully cooling the supercharged market to an extent, but buyer beware, things are not as they seem… Have you stopped to consider borrowing capacity before delaying your purchase?

So, were you one of the lucky ones who managed to secure your fixed interest rate when they were at historic lows (in many cases, under 2%)? Well, those good times are set to finish at the end of 2023, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself in a precarious financial position.