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Choosing a home loan can be a daunting and overwhelming experience – especially for first home buyers. With rates and rules around lending and eligibility changing all the time, it can be hard to get a grasp on which home loan is relevant for you and your situation. In this blog we’ll run through the types of loans on offer and what they’re used for. Principle & Interest Home Loans These types of home loans are comprised of two components; the principle and the interest. The principle is the whole amount you need to borrow to purchase your desired property. The interest is the rate that’s charged and added to your principle amount. Your repayments will be comprised of the principle and the interest. Principle and interest home loans are normally for buyers and first home buyers of their primary place of residence. Compare our Home Loans Interest Only Home Loans   Interest only home loans, as the name suggests, is where you’re only paying off the interest charged on top of the principle amount borrowed. Your repayments will be comprised of the interest charges only. While this sounds appealing, you need to be aware of any introductory periods that revert to principle and interest repayments, as your repayment amount will increase. Interest only lending is suited to investors taking out a mortgage to buy an investment property, as the interest only repayments provide certain tax benefits. They’re also good for managing short-term loan needs. For example, you might need it for a bridging or construction loan. Get in touch for interest rates Variable & Fixed Home Loans The other key feature of a home loan is whether to go with a variable or a fixed interest rate. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Fixed home loans provide the convenience of a fixed rate mortgage for a term of either 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. After your term is up, the rate will usually revert back to the bank’s standard variable rate unless stated otherwise in your loan contract. The benefit of a fixed home loan is you know exactly how much your repayments will be each month and your rate won’t change during the fixed period. The main disadvantages are that fixed home loan rates are usually a bit higher than variable rate loans. They can have higher set up fees and break costs and banks will usually limit how much you can pay off your loan in a year. Variable rate loans are often lower than fixed rate loans. Variable interest rates can change at the bank’s discretion. If the rate rises, so will your repayments which may affect your budgeting and saving. Conversely, if the rate decreases, your repayments will reduce. This gives you an opportunity to pay the loan off quicker if you keep your repayments the same. Use our loan repayment calculator to see the difference in repayments would be with the two different types of loans’ interest rates. Choosing a Home Loan Based On the Features You Are Looking For Choosing a home loan is all about considering your current situation and making an educated decision as to whether the loan set up will suit you long term. A fixed rate home loan is great for fixed repayments that won’t change during the specified term. However if you want to pay off more than the minimum monthly repayment and make lump sum repayments where you can, it may not be the best choice. Considering additional features such as a redraw facility or an offset account are great ways to make your savings reduce the interest charged on your home loan and to pay it off quicker. You can compare our home loans and their comparison rates by viewing our home loan comparison table. We also have a range of mortgage calculators you can use to get an idea of what your repayments may be. Frequently Asked Questions How much can I borrow? The total amount you can borrow will be dependent on a number of factors such as income, expenses and existing debts. Use our borrowing power calculator to get started. What will my repayments be? Your repayment amount will depend on how much you borrow from us, your interest rate, and how often you make repayments. Use our repayment calculator to get started. How do you refinance a home loan? If you have your home loan with another lender and would like to refinance to Horizon Bank, check out our article on refinancing or get in touch with any questions. If you’re looking for a Home Loan, but not sure where to start, get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

As property loans are usually a long term commitment, you need to ensure you have a strategy in mind that places you in a good position to repay that loan. Let’s look at a few key topics to consider in your home buying strategy. Factors affecting the property market Education about the property market is key. There are trends where house prices rise and fall, thus having a sellers versus a buyers' market. If you're in a position to monitor house prices over a period of time this will help you buy at an advantageous time. Factors such as interest rates, economic growth, mortgage availability (or credit growth), supply and demand are all relevant to the Australian housing market. For example, lower interest rates encourages borrowing while a high supply of housing will see a fall in prices. How do you find the right property? Follow the process of questions to ask yourself to help you find the right property. What's your purpose for buying property? E.g. are you after a home to live in or an investment property? Where do I want to buy? Your purpose for buying property will help you answer this question. If you are looking for a family home for example, a property close to shops, schools and transport could be beneficial. When do I want to buy? If you want to buy a home in the next 6-12 months, now is a good time to set up a savings plan and start growing your deposit. How much can I borrow? Using our borrowing power calculator will give you an idea of your borrowing capacity. What will my repayments be? After looking at the prices of a few properties you’re interested in, use our home loan repayment calculator to work out what your repayments will be. Researching location and price is important, but there are other things you should consider such as the cost of land rates in the area, any major scheduled works on infrastructure and local council plans for the area. How do you find and apply for a Home Loan? The home loan and lending market is highly competitive, with many features that make repaying and managing your loan easy. For an easy home buying process, you can apply for home loan pre-approval. Pre-approval gives you two months to go property hunting. It's important to find the right loan based on your needs. Again, answering the first question above will tell you whether you need a home loan or investment loan. From here, you can choose a fixed or variable rate loan with principle and interest or interest only repayments. (Interest only repayments can only be used for investment loans or for short-term bridging loans). Speaking to an experienced lender is the best way to find the right home loan for you. How do you manage a Home Loan once you buy your home? Managing your loan via Online Banking is an easy way to stay in control of your repayments. We can setup automatic loan repayments, so you'll avoid being in arrears.  Regular weekly or fortnightly repayments could give you extra savings in your home loan that you can redraw on later (if your home loan has a redraw facility) these savings will also minimise the interest you incur. View our range of home loans to get started. Alternatively, you may choose to have an Offset account. You can deposit your pay and savings into the account and the balance is then offset against the amount owing on your loan. For example if you have a property loan of $200,000 and $25,000 in your offset account; in this situation, you’ll only be charged interest on a loan balance of $175,000 ($200,000 - $25,000). No matter whether you're planning on buying your first home, new home or investment property, we're here to help. Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us assist you. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Money Saving Tips During Lockdown The current situation with Coronavirus outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns presents challenges as our habits and routines are thrown out the window. One thing you may notice is your spending and savings plans getting off track. With more time spent at home, you’ll likely notice an increase in the amount of food and power being consumed. Adjusting our budgets to reflect these changes is the best way to ensure we stay on top of our finances. Horizon Bank has put together some tips to ensure you are keeping your spending and your budget on track. Read on to find out how to apply them to your finances. How to save money in lockdown Shopping lists Shopping online at the moment is the safest and most convenient way to get items you need around the home. If you have started shopping online, it’s essential to use a list still and only buy the things you need. Keeping an eye open for sales and discounts is possibly now more important than ever. Keep an eye on your social media and email offers for when your favourite brands and stores are having a sale or clearance. A list is also vital if you are still heading to the supermarket, local convenience store or butcher for essential food items. This will curb the temptation to overspend or spend aimlessly. Keep in mind that individuals need to shop with purpose rather than browse. Food consumption may increase with everyone spending more time at home, so be mindful of this. Consider looking up recipes you can make with leftovers or with minimal ingredients to make your food shopping stretch further. Direct debits If you have had reduced work during a lockdown, you will want to review your automatic direct debit payments. Now is the perfect time to sort through them and pause or cancel any subscriptions that you can live without for a while, or that you we’re meaning to cancel anyway. Keeping track of your balance to avoid any overdrawn fees is a good idea. Speak to your bank about how to effectively manage this. You could also talk to your utility providers about a payment plan or changing the frequency you pay. Financial Support Financial support options from the government may be there for you, so it’s important to find the information you need to claim it. Use the links below to access financial support information. Business financial assistance  Disaster Payment - New South Wales  Work and financial support  Claim working from home tax relief If you are now working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, you could claim some money back for working from home expenses. The Australian Taxation Office has articles about what individuals can claim whilst working from home. Here’s what you can claim if you’ve been working from home. Keep in mind you may need receipts and invoices as proof of purchase. Electricity expenses. Heating, cooling and lighting the area from which you are working and running items you are using for work cleaning costs for a dedicated work area phone and internet expenses computer consumables (for example, printer paper and ink) and stationery home office equipment, including computers, printers, phones, furniture and furnishings Review your service providers If you have been with the same phone, electricity or insurance provider, get in touch with them to see if payment plans or financial relief can be offered. This could be especially useful as you may find your energy bills have increased with everyone being at home for an extended period. Get in touch and chat with them about your different options during a lockdown and if they can do something to keep you as a customer. You may be rewarded with a discount if you have been a loyal long term customer. Now is also a good time to get in touch with your bank or financial institution if the coronavirus lockdown has financially impacted you. They may be able to defer your mortgage payments or organize an arrangement. Ensure you are fully aware of the impact of extended loan terms or deferred payments. Track Spending When you are more conscious you are of what you are spending, the less likely you are to overspend. Eventually, this will become a habit that you can use to save money even when lockdowns have ended. Check out these highly-rated budgeting and savings apps. If you’d prefer to keep a physical track of expenses, you can use an exercise book or a folder for receipts. A paper planner or diary would also work well. This will help you keep on top of your bank balance, and it may even see you have some extra cash at the end of the month if every dollar is accounted for. As a local Wollongong bank with branches across the Illawarra and South Coast, the team at Horizon understands this is a difficult time for many. We are happy to help you with any questions you may have about your accounts and banking needs. Get in touch with us today. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

What’s the difference between a debit card and credit card? A debit card provides access to your own money held in a transaction account. A credit card is a loan provided by your bank that gives you access to funds or ‘credit’. This becomes a debt and you will need to repay the minimum balance each month. Spending your own money versus the banks is one of the key differences between a debit card and a credit card. Find out more about our low rate Visa credit card, or to easily access your own funds, check out the features of our Visa debit card. How Do Debit Cards Work? Debit cards are used to access funds directly from the account they are linked to. You can only spend what is in your account. For example - if you try to spend $500 but only have $250 in your account, your transaction will be declined. You’ll need to keep an eye on your balance, as you might face overdrawn fees if you try to spend more money than is in your account. Debit cards can be used to withdraw cash directly out of your bank account at ATMs. Know your transaction fee allowance to avoid any unnecessary costs prior to withdrawing money. You can be confident that our debit card offers security from Visa, so you can make secure purchases at the counter or online. You can easily apply for a Visa debit card from Horizon by calling or visiting any of our branches. You can also apply for a Visa debit card online and one of our friendly staff will process your application. A feature of our debit card is having access to an overdraft facility. You can apply for an overdraft which will provide you access to extra funds in case of emergency. This is a form of credit that will need to be paid back monthly. How Do Credit Cards Work? Your credit card, unlike a debit card, is a loan. When you apply for a credit card, you're approved for a certain amount, which is an ongoing line of credit. The amount you’re approved for is known as your credit limit and it’s how much you can spend before your card is ‘maxed out’. If you reach this threshold, you won’t be able to make any further purchases until you make a credit card repayment. Each month, you'll receive a statement from us which will include: Your opening credit card balance Total amount spent on purchases The total amount of cash advances Payments, refunds and other credits Total interest charged Fees and charges – for example, any late payment fees Your closing balance When making a repayment, you’re required to cover the minimum payment (and not the whole balance) however you'll typically pay higher interest on your closing balance in the long term. To easily manage repayments, set up a regular direct debit to your credit card account to avoid a late payment fee. You could also ask us to set up a payroll split, so when your pay comes in, a portion will go directly to your credit card. Read our blog on how credit cards work which includes tips on how to use one effectively. You can apply for a Visa credit from Horizon by calling or visiting any of our branches. You can also apply for a Visa Credit Card online. What about security? We take the security of your funds very seriously. If you suspect a fraudulent transaction on any of your accounts, please notify us immediately. Taking control of card security is also in the palm of your hands. You can lock or unlock your card from within Horizon’s mobile banking app. Locking your card suspends any further transactions from occurring until you unlock it again from within the app. You can also report your card lost or stolen from here as well and we will order you a replacement. Shopping online is secure as Visa has developed a program that helps confirm your identity when you make an online purchase. During an online purchase from your desktop, mobile or other digital devices, you may be guided through an extra check to verify your identity. This helps us ensure it is you making the purchase and better protects you from fraud. This is the one way Horizon Bank and Visa have teamed up to secure your account(s). Which is better?  Whether you choose a debit or credit card is a matter of personal preference in how you prefer to spend your money. At the end of the day, a debit card is your own money and a credit card is a loan from your bank or financial institution. If you believe you can manage the repayments on a credit card, then use our budgeting calculator to see how repayments will fit into your spending. A debit card will always be you spending your own money, however, you can apply for an overdraft to have access to extra funds in case of emergency.   Get in touch with the team at Horizon Bank to learn more about whether a debit card or credit card is best for you. With convenient locations across the Illawarra and South Coast regions, we are happy to help you with any questions you may have about debit and credit cards. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

What is Being Environmentally Friendly? Being environmentally friendly means living a lifestyle that is better for our planet and reducing your environmental impact. However, it does require some fundamental behavior changes in our shopping and everyday activities. It does also mean more than sorting your paper from your plastic. There are many ways you can become more environmentally friendly and lead a sustainable lifestyle. A few practices that can be implemented include; conserving water driving less and walking more Consuming less energy. A great way to do this is by changing lightbulbs - Replace old incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. buying recycled products creating less waste by reducing your use of single-use plastics and paper planting more trees composting food scraps Making different choices on a personal level can help in changing your awareness and consumption of resources. Other ways to be environmentally friendly at home Invest in eco-friendly technology  Turning appliances off at the power point will help in lowering electricity costs. You can take it a step further by making sure that the tech and appliances you have are as energy-efficient as possible. This way, you're using much less energy for the time that the product is on, saving money, and reducing your energy output. Recycle everything Recycling paper, bottles and cardboard is great, but could you improve your recycling-ability and waste  reduction? You can recycle almost  everything, from batteries to paint. Before you throw it away, take a minute to find out if you could  recycle  it instead. Your local tip or recycling centre may  take things like mattresses, paint and E-waste at a cost. Recycling your food scraps in a compost bin will ensure you always have nutrient rich fertilizer on hand for your gardens.  Take your old clothes, shoes and bed linens to a charitable organization that can re-purpose them for those in need. Cut out plastic Plastic seems to be everywhere. To reduce your use of single use plastic, stop buying bottled water, opting for a reusable stainless steel bottle instead. Bring your own bags when grocery shopping and keep your fruit and veg loose in your trolley rather than using a bag. Invest in beeswax wraps to wrap sandwiches and other items in your children’s lunchbox like trail mix or cut up fruit. Change Transportation We currently have a campaign where new and existing members will go into a draw to win an ebike. (Ends 30 June 2021) If you live close enough to work, consider using an e-bike as your main mode of transportation. Cruising on an ebike can save commuters time and effort, so you can arrive at work feeling fresh. You can rule out the sweat factor and extra clothes involved with riding to and from work. Not only do ebikes provide the benefit of exercise, but because they run differently to other types of powered transportation, they are considered zero-emission vehicles  running on clean  energy as they are powered by a battery. Motor vehicles typically run on gas, petrol or diesel that release carbon emissions into the atmosphere whereas e-bikes don’t. Changing to an electric or hybrid vehicle is a great leap into becoming environmentally friendly and having a positive impact on the environment. Electric vehicle uptake in Australia is low, however this is expected to rise as cheaper models arrive and more charging infrastructure is rolled out. The biggest bonus is that greenhouse gas emissions can be eliminated if EVs are charged using renewable energy. Using an EV contributes to improving air quality as they produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving. Thinking of purchasing an EV? Ask us about our car loan products to finance your vehicle. Support An Environmentally Friendly Business At Horizon Bank, we have sustainable business practices in place to remain a responsible and influential environmental citizen. We have solar panels on our head office building We recycle our printer cartridges through Close the Loop We use recycled paper for printing, and are constantly reviewing the amount we print to reduce paper usage. We have lights that are motion censored in our offices. They turn off if they do not detect motion for a specified amount of time. We Promote a healthy working environment by including plant life in our offices. Another one of our sustainability initiatives is to provide products that promote our members sustainability goals. Any business can promote a healthy working environment by considering natural light and air ventilation. These improvements can vastly enhance the quality of the air within a workplace, so if you’re a business owner it may be worth getting a professional in to consider the options available. Whether it is installing skylights in a dark and dingy office space or getting ventilation systems added into a busy warehouse or manufacturing area, there are many ways in which the space where employees work can be enhanced. Some other simple business practices to reduce energy usage is to have energy efficient appliances with standby or energy saving settings. Chemical management and using green products for pest control and weed management is also another way to contribute to environmental practices. At Horizon bank, we take sustainability and the environment seriously.  Visit us online to learn more about our Green Horizons’ key strategic initiative.  With branches conveniently located across the Illawarra and far South Coast in Thirroul, Wollongong, Albion Park, Nowra, Ulladulla, Moruya, Bermagui, Bega and Merimbula there is always someone you can chat to in person. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

In this blog we’ll take a look at some practical ways you can make changes to your spending and saving habits. At this time in your life, you’re likely in full time work and may have just bought your first home or investment property. You may even be thinking about starting a family. Whatever your personal situation, read on for simple ways on how to save money. Have a Personal Budget Check out our blog on budgeting tools and tips to get started on a budget. It is important to list your income and expenses honestly to get a good grasp on where you need to cut back and save on. Get rid of your debt Car loans and credit cards are typical debts for people in the under 30 age category. A great money saving tip is to pay these off quickly and reasonably. The key is to set up a recurring direct debit from your pay. This also means committing to paying off more than the minimum monthly balance. Paying off credit card balances in full and on time is essential to avoid extra interest charges and late payment fees. Track how much you spend Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking spending on big ticket items is what gets us into trouble, when often it’s the little recurring, everyday purchases that end up costing us more. For example, regular takeaway coffee, lunches and parking costs all add up at the end of the month. This is why it’s important to keep track of your day-to-day spending, so you’re keeping on top of your personal finances and not living beyond your means. There are plenty of apps for this, check out ASIC’s MoneySmart app. Your bank statement is a good place to start and will tell you how much money is going into your bank account and how much is going out. You can then compare this with your budget to see whether you’re sticking to it or not, making it easier to identify areas you need to save. If you find yourself impulse buying, consider how long you have to work for to pay for that product. This will help you evaluate if it is worth the money. Saving & investing your money now The best money saving tips and savings plans are forward thinking with the future in mind. Working hard and saving money will enable you to have a comfortable lifestyle if you decide to expand your family with children. There are many ways to invest spare savings that all provide different returns. ASIC’s MoneySmart website has more information on investing. Alternatively, seeking advice from a financial planner is useful at any age to create an investment plan that will set you up for the future. Plan ongoing expenditure Having a plan for your expenses is a great way to save money and automate many of life’s everyday tasks. ‘Bill Smoothing’ is offered by some electricity and gas companies which allows consumers to pay off bills fortnightly or monthly. This can be included in your budget planner and it works well for people on tight budgets and avoids ‘bill shock’ where you’re required to pay off one large bill. Planning meals is another great way to avoid overspending on the weekly shop. Planned meals means you know exactly what groceries to purchase and this will avoid random visits to the supermarket. Get started on your savings journey by using our budget planner calculator. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the Illawarra and South Coast with offices at: Thirroul, Wollongong, Albion Park, Berry, Nowra, Ulladulla, Moruya, Bega, Bermagui and Merimbula. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Should I sell or renovate my house? If you've been thinking about making a change to your living situation, there is much to consider such as time, money and the needs of a growing or downsizing family. Beautifully styled homes on social media are often attention-grabbing and leave us wondering how we can implement these ideas in our own homes. Renovating homes has increased in popularity due to the rise of reality TV shows such as The Block and Selling Houses Australia. The availability of inexpensive materials and DIY videos has also seen many people taking it upon themselves to make home improvements. In this article, we'll compare the pros and cons of renovating versus selling your home. So, if you find yourself faced with the decision to sell up or renovate, you can decide on the best strategy that will suit your circumstances. What's your best option? Pros To Renovating your current home Rather than selling up, many homeowners decide to renovate instead. One of the main reasons is because of the many costs associated with buying and selling real estate – advertising, stamp duty and sales commission to name a few. Carrying out renovations on your existing home comes with some real advantages. Renovating allows you to: Increase the value of your home – quality renovations are often an effective way to add value to your home and potentially sell it for a larger profit later down the track. Boosting rental income – If you're looking to rent out your home, minor renovations can be a good way of increasing rental income. Talk to a local real estate agent to get their view on how your property could be improved. Ask what renters are looking for in the area to give you an idea of how to increase your property's rental appeal. Improve the functionality and comfort of the home – this is especially true if you are widening rooms, hallways, adding rooms and increasing storage spaces. This is the time to update all those things that are out of fashion or dysfunctional. Remain where you are – updating your current home can be a great way to modernise it and give you extra years enjoying your time living there, creating a family home that can be enjoyed for years to come. Lower energy costs – if you are renovating your kitchen, this can be achieved by upgrading to more efficient appliances. If you're considering renovating your home, check out our range of home loans that can be used for renovation costs. Or, if you already have a home loan with us, ask the lending specialist at your local branch about your options. Cons To Renovating your current home Time – a renovation project is often thought of as a job in itself. Will you have the time to manage the renovations or get a builder to see the job through completion? How many months will the build take, and will it suit your household to be living in discomfort for a while? On a separate note but not unrelated to time, you will need to do your research on what council permits and approvals will be required. Check your local council website as a starting point. You will most likely require a planning and building permit as a minimum. Budget – how much can you realistically afford to spend, and will you be able to include all the changes you want, or will you have to sacrifice something? These are all helpful questions that will assist you in deciding whether to go ahead or not. Check out our article on budget renovations for more tips.   Selling your property Allowing a real estate agent to do all the work for you in selling your property is an attractive choice. As the client of a real estate agent, they will set out to get you the best price available for your property. Additionally, selling your home is a great choice if you have built up considerable equity, or if there isn't enough room for renovations to substantially improve your living situation. Before you decide whether to sell your property, it's worth calculating what it could sell for. Checking home sales websites is a good place to start to see what similar properties have sold for in your area. Also, you can ask a real estate agent for a market evaluation too. After working out what your property is worth, you can then consider costs of selling including: marketing expenses stamp duty for the purchase of your next home real estate agent commission moving costs solicitor and legal fees finance At Horizon bank, we are here to help you with your home loan needs. Whether that's to renovate or buy a new home. Get in touch with our friendly team today and let's chat about your plans. We have branches conveniently located across the Illawarra, so you can speak to a local person. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.   The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Buying A Used Car? Read Our Tips Purchasing a new car should be a fun and exciting time, but it can quickly become stressful if you don't properly prepare. There are a few things to consider before you become the proud owner of your new set of wheels. In this post, we break down the top tips to keep in mind when buying a used car. What You Need To Consider When Buying A Used Car Set A Budget Set yourself an amount and stick to it! Be prepared to negotiate on price to keep within your budget and avoid overspending. Do your research on the make and model of the car you’re after to see what the going price is. If you need to take out a used car loan, you should factor repayments into your budget as well. Use our car loan repayment calculator to get an idea of what repayments will be. You can then use our budget calculator to see how car loan repayments will affect the money you have leftover. Speak with one of our experienced lending specialists about gaining pre-approval. This is a great way to know exactly how much you can afford. You can then shop with confidence at the dealerships or when negotiating with a private seller. Do Your Research If you’re buying a used car in NSW, check out car-buying sites online where you can select different makes, models, prices and set the location you’re looking to buy in. It is important to set a budget first so that online sites such as carsales.com.au or carsguide.com.au can help you get an idea of what vehicles are available within your price bracket. There’s a handy value guide to help you know what the value of a car is and how much you should pay. Be wary of cars that seem too cheap. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. It may have issues that are not immediately visible. Doing an inspection yourself followed by an inspection at a mechanic is always a good idea. We’ll go into more detail about this in the next section. During your research, make a list of all upfront costs: Purchase price of the vehicle If applying for a used car loan, application fees and any other ongoing fees Registration if it's soon due for renewal CTP Green Slip if it's soon due for renewal Insurance cover New tyres if needed Mechanical service if needed Stamp duty – you can use the Revenue NSW stamp duty calculator for an estimate of how much it will cost to transfer the vehicle into your name.  Get A Pre-purchase Car Inspection If inspecting the car at a private sellers house, there are a few things you can look at yourself: Be sure to inspect the car during the day to clearly see any dents, marks or scratches. Check under the bonnet, and on the ground under the car looking for signs of any oil leaks. Check all tyres – including the spare – to make sure they still have tread and are wearing evenly. The low tread will mean new tyres upfront which will be an added cost. Looking inside the car, check to make sure the seatbelts work correctly and aren’t damaged, the front seats move properly and all switches and features work. A good tip is to start the car when the engine is cold, which can help reveal problems like poor starting or smoke which indicates engine wear. Taking the vehicle to a mechanic you trust is a good idea. They will be able to hoist the car up and properly check underneath as well as the engine function. This may come at a cost but you are better off knowing upfront if the car has issues, rather than forking out for costly repairs down the road. Test driving the car is another obvious way to gauge how it runs. Listening out for any odd engine noises is key, so turn the radio off. Other things to check are the handbrake, power steering, central locking and how easily the car shifts through gears. If possible, get on a highway to drive at a higher speed as well as driving slower around a neighbourhood. Drive up a hill to see how it handles going up a steep incline. Driving on a different surface such as gravel can also indicate how well the car handles off-road. Going over speed humps will help you test the suspension. Organise Insurance Cover A Compulsory Third Party Green Slip will need to be purchased when you buy your car. Take note of when the current CTP Green Slip policy ends, as you may need to factor this into your costs sooner if it is due for renewal. When shopping around for insurance policies, there is a wide range of cover options and inclusions that you can choose from to suit your needs and circumstances. Have your insurance begin from the date that ownership is transferred to your name. At Horizon Bank, we’re proud to offer our members a range of motor vehicle insurance cover through CGU insurance. We also offer CTP Green Slips through QBE. If you choose to take out a used car loan with us, we can organize the insurance cover for you during the loan process. There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to selecting and buying a used car. By doing your research and being prepared, you’ll be driving away happy in no time. For more helpful tips and info, check out our blog on when is the best time to buy a car. If you still have a few questions, we can help! Horizon Bank is here to assist with your car loan and insurance needs. Get in touch with our friendly team today and let’s talk about your used car plans. We have bank branches throughout the Illawarra and South Coast with convenient locations. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.The advice on this web page is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs ('your personal circumstances'). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase or hold this insurance policy, you should consider the appropriateness of it having regard to your personal circumstances. Horizon Bank ABN 66 087 650 173 acts under its own Australian Financial Services Licence (no. 240573) and under an agreement with the insurer, Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance (CGU). Backed by IAG. Insurance is issued by CGU. You can get a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the products from any branch of Horizon Bank or CGU. You should consider the PDS in deciding whether to buy or hold the product.CTP Green Slip insurance (CTP) is issued by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545) (QBE). Horizon Bank (ABN 66 087 650, AFSL 240573) is authorised to distribute CTP as an agent of QBE and is remunerated by QBE. Please read your CTP policy for further information before purchasing CTP. Horizon Bank does not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision please consider the Product Disclosure Statement.

What is a customer-owned bank? Customer-owned banks or mutual banks, provide consumer banking services such as credit cards, home loans, personal loans, savings accounts, and term deposits like any other bank. The key difference is in the ownership structure. The bank is owned by its members rather than shareholders. Certain issues or changes may require a member vote according to the constitution of the customer-owned bank. Profits are reinvested back into the products and services rather than being distributed through shareholder dividends. The customer-owned banking sector collectively serves more than 4.5 million Australians and brings with it the strength of $139 billion in assets. What is the customer-owned banking difference? Customer-owned banks serve a smaller customer base than the Big 4 banks. This means that you have access to personalised service from the staff and an overall enjoyable customer experience. Customer-owned banks are in a mutually supportive relationship with their customers and have a commitment to supporting the local community. The key difference is that profits are reinvested back into the banking products and services offered to members. This relates back to the ownership structure which is important, as products and services are enhanced rather than profits getting distributed to shareholders as dividends. When researching loan or deposit rates, you’ll find that rates on all financial products with customer-owned banks are competitive. The customer-owned sector provides competitive banking solutions with outstanding customer service, a can-do attitude that is committed to local communities, low and fair fees and competitive mortgage rates. What kinds of services are offered at customer-owned banks? Customer-owned banks generally offer the same products and services as traditional banks. These include home loans, personal loans, credit cards, business banking, term deposit and savings accounts. Easy access options such as online banking, visa cards, app banking and contactless mobile payments are also available. Add on services like insurance and CTP Green Slip are available for members at Horizon Bank. Simple investment options such as self-managed super fund accounts and term deposits are available subject to eligibility. How do customer-owned banks help the community? The customer-owned sector invests in community projects, organisations and events. More than 60% of customer-owned banking institutions believe community involvement is a key differentiator to their business. At Horizon Bank, we have sponsored many community events, some for a number of consecutive years in a row. Examples include: 15 years for the Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival  9 years for the Merimbula Classic  8 years for the Bega Show We have philanthropic affiliations with many charitable organisations that we support throughout the year. During winter many of our branches collect food, clothes and warm blankets for their local Homeless hub or refuge. At Christmas time, all of our branches engage with their local communities to collect non-perishable food, toys and gift vouchers for various churches and charitable organisations. The organisations we have supported include: Albion Park Youth & Community Care Inc. Bega Women’s Resource Centre Narooma St Vincent De Paul Moruya Anglicare Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI) Thirroul Need a Feed Wollongong Homeless Hub Tips for choosing a customer-owned banking institution When choosing a customer-owned bank, here are some tips on what to look for: Fair and ethical banking – customer-owned banks care about where they invest. For example, at Horizon Bank, we act as responsible and influential environmental citizen, as such, we do not directly invest in, or provide loans to, any company in the fossil fuel industry. Customer-focused – the customers own the bank, so they’re put first. Customer centricity is at the core of all business operations. Opening an account should be easily done online, over the phone or in person. Responsible lending – customer-owned banks make sure that the customers they lend to, can afford repayments without being adversely impacted. Community support – customer-owned banks have a strong track record of supporting the communities their customers live in, whether that be through sponsorship or in-kind support. Accessibility through branches - branches and people are key to the customer-owned difference. At Horizon Bank, we continue to maintain all of our branches. We place faith in our members and that segment of the community who value local, personal banking. We understand that people may prefer a brick-and-mortar bank if they like being able to walk into a building and speak to a person or lender face-to-face and o talk to people they trust. Talk to a local - Horizon believes in providing easy phone access for members to contact their local branch, without the need for an overseas call centre.  Get in touch with the friendly local team at Horizon Bank today. We're here to help you with your banking needs. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Having a baby? We’ve developed this handy guide to help you plan your finances before your baby arrives. Your life is about to change forever! With a baby on the way, there's a lot to prepare for, so it doesn't help to worry about your finances too. With some careful pre-planning and budgeting, the cost of the ever-increasing number of 'necessary' baby items can become more achievable. Cost of having a baby A good start is to get a clear idea of what new expenses you’re going to be taking on by estimating the costs of the following: Medical (giving birth and ongoing appointments) Nursery setup (cot, changing table, baby chairs) Car seat Stroller/pram Nappies Food and formula Childcare Clothes New parents will have to fork out for many baby expenses in their baby's first year of life. It's easy to see how the costs add up when you consider how many initial, upfront costs there are, not to mention the ongoing costs of formula and nappies. How to budget for having a baby Take the time to ensure you figure out what your financial situation is now and what it will be after your baby is born by following the points below. 1. Check your entitlements Understanding the changes to your income and how that will impact spending is vital before your new bundle of joy arrives. Don't forget to check your eligibility for government-assisted benefits such as paid maternity leave  (available through Centrelink or directly through your employer), and the Family Allowance payment (available through Centrelink). You may also be eligible for other benefits from the government like Child Care Benefit, Parenting Payment, Rent Assistance or a Health Care Card. Call Services Australia on 136 150 to find out if any of these can apply to you. 2. Start a savings plan You may not have the same income after the baby is born if your partner or yourself are not returning to work for a while. Based on your current budget, determine how much you can save a month to help you afford the costs we listed above. Once you know how much this amount is, you can use our Savings Calculator to figure out how long it will take you to reach an end goal. Over time the costs of caring for your child will change. By starting a savings plan early, your family will be more prepared for bigger expenses like education and a family home. Save money by putting small amounts away now into a savings account can make a big difference in future. 3. Reduce debts Paying down debt or making extra repayments before one parent takes time off to care for the baby can help with your savings plan. If possible, avoid going on parental leave with high credit card debt. Paying down debts or paying off your credit cards is a good idea before you start putting money into a saving account. You can make significant savings by switching to a card with a lower interest rate, but make sure you read the fine print first. Be wary of the low introductory rate that jumps up when the introductory period ends, and find out if there is a high cost for balance transfers and annual fees. After your baby arrives You'll likely already have everything you need to care for your baby. After you're home and settled in, taking a look at your family health insurance policy is timely as it may need updating with paediatrics cover. Don’t Forget Ongoing Baby Expenses Once your baby arrives, the regular expenses to care for your little one kick in. Factor the following costs into your budget: Child Care: If both parents return to work after the baby's arrival, the single biggest budget item will be child care. Child care costs vary by depending on where you live, the age of your child, how many days of care are required, and what type of care you use. Clothing: Babies grow quickly. You’ll find many outfits may not fit for very long, and that you’ll constantly need to purchase bigger clothing. Nappies: According to CHOICE Magazine, a typical baby goes through about 6000 disposable nappies with the total cost (of just the nappies, excluding wipes & other accessories) varying between about $1,800 and $3,000+ each child. Baby Food: Tins of formula can range from $20-$40. If using formula, you may need to try a few different brands to find one that's right for your baby. With these tips in mind, ensure you have a budget in place to support your growing family. Get in touch with the friendly local team at Horizon Bank today. We're here to help you with your banking needs. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the Illawarra and South Coast with offices at: Thirroul, Wollongong, Albion Park, Berry, Nowra, Ulladulla, Moruya, Bega, Bermagui and Merimbula. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.