How NOT to be Paying Your Loan Off at 70
We know finances and tax time might seem like a distant worry right now, but trust us—building good habits early pays off big time.
As the legendary Noel Whittaker points out in his January newsletter, we could be in for higher interest rates until at least August 2025 (and even that’s optimistic!). So, why not take charge now and set yourself up for success?
Here are 5 actionable strategies to kickstart your year:
1. Know Your Numbers
Take stock of your assets and liabilities to calculate your net worth. Track this every six months. Tools like MyMind can help you keep these details handy for easy updates.
2. Audit Your Subscriptions
A couple of hours spent reviewing your bills can save you big. For example, switching mobile plans temporarily saved me a huge amount. I reduced my phone plan by moving off Telstra for a short time (my son did this for two hours) then went to JBHiFi and received a $1200. gift card and a new plan back at Telstra, which reduced the price from $99 a month to really only $39. I also negotiated $51/month less on internet and $12/month less on Foxtel. Don’t forget to ask for loyalty discounts—you’d be amazed at what you can negotiate!
3. Refinance Smartly
Home loan rates are competitive right now, with owner-occupied rates as low as 5.99%. Let us compare your options—sometimes a simple call or threatening to switch lenders can work wonders. Noel suggests paying $8/month per $1,000 owed to get ahead on repayments. Stuck? Call us—we’re here to help.
4. Tax Time Made Easy
Use an empty ream paper box (or a digital folder!) to collect receipts, statements, and any tax-relevant info as you go. By July, you’ll thank yourself for being so organised!
5. Tackle Debts Strategically
Start with your smallest debt, pay it off, and roll that repayment into the next one. Small wins build momentum—and confidence.
Taking control of your finances feels amazing—like shedding those extra holiday kilos, but for your wallet! Each small improvement makes a big difference over time. Check out the information below on OS Credit cards with no fees, cashing in gift cards and where to sell old mobile phones. Here’s to a financially fit year ahead!
Credit Card with No Overseas Fees
Credit cards with no overseas (or foreign) transaction fees can provide substantial savings for those who frequently transact in foreign currencies, such as when travelling overseas and interacting with the overseas versions of websites such as Amazon, eBay and Macy’s.
Unused Gift Cards? Here’s Where to Cash this January
Don’t let your gift cards go to waste—sell them on these reliable Australian sites.
Before proceeding, it’s advisable to review each platform’s terms and conditions, as well as any associated fees, to ensure you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Voucha – An Australian-owned marketplace where you can sell unwanted gift cards quickly and securely. Voucha offers fast payouts and has been featured on Channel 9’s Today Show.
Vouchie – An online platform that allows you to buy and sell gift vouchers across various categories and locations in Australia. Vouchie facilitates immediate transactions, sending vouchers directly to the recipient’s email.
BuySellVouchers – Sell unwanted gift cards for cash online! Get the best deal with their industry-leading 1% seller fee and lightning-fast selling process.
Gameflip – Ideal for selling gaming-related gift cards, Gameflip accepts cards from platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. They offer a straightforward selling process with competitive commission fees.
Maximise Value: Where to Sell Old Mobile Phones in Australia
If you’re looking to sell your old mobile phone in Australia, several reputable platforms offer competitive prices and streamlined processes. Below are some top options to consider.
Before choosing a platform, consider comparing offers to ensure you receive the best value for your device.
Mobile Monster – An Australian-owned service that buys new, used, and damaged mobile phones. They offer free postage and quick payments within 3-5 business days.
Mobile Guru – Provides competitive prices for used or damaged mobile phones, with a straightforward selling process and free express shipping.
Reebelo – Offers a stress-free buyback plan with quick valuations, free pick-up, and fast payments for your smartphones.
WeBuyBack – Established in 2014, they provide a fast and efficient service for selling unwanted smartphones and tablets, with payments processed within 4 hours of device receipt.
Greener Mobile – Specializes in helping Australians sell, recycle, and trade-in old mobile phones and tablets for cash, accepting devices in various conditions.
Additionally, remember to back up your data and perform a factory reset to protect your personal information before selling your phone.
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Don’t tackle finances alone – we’re here to help you.
As always, if we can be of any assistance and you would like a one-on-one consultation for any loan type, please reach out and book a time with us here.
Talk soon,