Blog

Severe weather driving tips to keep you safe Winter driving poses its own set of challenges. Hail, storms, rain, flooding, snow, and severe winds can impact road conditions. Here are some of our top tips for staying safe whilst driving on the roads this winter. Driving in wet weather Driving in wet weather can make the roads slippery and lower your visibility. It’s important in this case to accelerate and decelerate slowly to ensure you don’t lose control of your car. Plan your journey, don’t take sharp turns, and try to drive in the tracks of the car before you to avoid slippage. Speed limits are designed for driving in dry weather conditions. Remember that when conditions change it’s important to slow down and lengthen the distance from the vehicle in front of you. Hail Hail storms have the potential to cause damage to vehicles. If you’re stuck in a hail storm, it’s important to stay in your car to avoid injuries. Stop your vehicle to slow down the force of the hail hitting your windscreen, and if you can, angle your windscreen towards the direction of the hail as this is the strongest glass on your vehicle. Driving in a flood It’s best to avoid driving in flood conditions, however if essential, you must check traffic conditions before leaving and remember to never drive across the flood waters. Flood waters are extremely dangerous and unpredictable; they also contain debris which can cause injuries and damage. Icy conditions Driving in icy or snowy conditions can add the risk of your car slipping on the roads or getting stuck in a snow storm. If driving in snowy conditions, pack blankets which can come in handy if you become snow-logged. Your tires should have added grip to minimise slippage also. Visibility in severe weather Poor visibility in winter weather can be caused by fog, rain and road spray. Fog lights are designed to assist in this type of weather and should be used accordingly. Ensure to slow down to a safe speed if conditions worsen, and keep a safe distance from those driving in front of you. If the weather is too severe and you cannot see in front of you, stop where it’s safe and wait for the weather to clear. Staying safe in severe weather Before driving on the roads in any conditions it’s important to have car insurance in place. For more information on the right insurance for your car, contact CGU Insurance. Interested in upgrading your car, or want to know more about car insurance? Get in touch with us today, we're here to help. 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 CGU 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. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.

Car insurance for learner drivers Learning to drive is an exciting milestone. So, if it’s your first time behind the wheel or you’re guiding a learner driver, here’s all you need to know about ensuring you’re protected on the road with the right kind of insurance. Learning to drive is the tipping point between relying on public transport or parents and friends to get around to discovering greater independence. But before you buckle in and hit the road, you’ll need to make sure you have the right kind of cover to suit your situation – just in case the unexpected happens. Here’s the basics on what you need to know about insurance for learner drivers. Get covered with the right car insurance Your choice of cover will depend on your situation, like if you’re learning to drive using your parent’s car or have bought your own new set of wheels to learn in. Whatever the situation is, here are some of the main types of car insurance and what’s covered: Comprehensive Car Insurance: This protects your car from the unexpected and comes with options to suit how you drive it. This policy can cover the cost of repairs for damage caused by both parties in an incident, natural events like flood and fire, and unexpected circumstances such as theft. Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance: If you’re looking for basic security while you’re out on the road, this policy provides smart cover for the unexpected. Even if your budget is tight or your car’s not worth much, you might still need cover if you cause an accident or an uninsured driver runs into you. Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance covers you for the cost of repairs for damages caused by you to another driver’s vehicle. It also provides protection from uninsured drivers, with cover up to $5,000 of repairs to your vehicle if your car is damaged by an uninsured vehicle and the accident is not your fault. Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance: This is mid-range cover for your car. You might not want all the bells and whistles, but you can still get important protection for when you’re out on the road, plus cover in case your car gets stolen or damaged by fire or attempted theft. Plus, if your car’s damaged by an uninsured vehicle and it’s not your fault, we cover up to $5,000 of repairs to your vehicle. Listing a learner driver to your car insurance policy Learner drivers are covered under all CGU Private Motor Insurance policies without the need to be listed on the policy, however they must be accompanied by a fully licenced driver aged 25 years or more. This includes a Nominated Driver Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy where your premium will be calculated on the basis that your car will be driven by no more than two nominated drivers who are 25 years of age or over. If however you or your child purchases a new or used car for them to learn in, the safest option is to get a quote and buy a new car insurance policy. So, whether you’re a learner driver cruising the streets in a new set of wheels, or you’re a parent teaching your child the ins and outs of road safety in your old family car, you can get covered in a few simple steps. Before you decide which cover is right for you, it’s worth checking the policy documents to get an idea of what is and isn’t covered. For more details, view CGU’s Motor Vehicle Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). We're here to help. Get in touch with us today for a car insurance quote. 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 CGU 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. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.

Whether it’s taking a long drive to the beach or ducking down to the local oval for your kids’ big game, keep you and your passengers safe by making routine checks to ensure your car’s in tip-top condition. Whether it’s driving to work, driving to buy groceries or driving on a long road trip, it’s always a good idea to have your vehicle in tip-top condition. Here are a few ways to get your car road ready. Pay attention to your vehicle It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle and listen and look out for any out of character signs. No matter how new or old your vehicle is – or how long or short your drive is – you should always treat your vehicle like a person and regularly check if it’s in good working order. Organise routine checks Regularly schedule routine checks to give your vehicle the love and care it deserves. When the engine is cold, do all the usual checks, such as inspecting the oil, brake and power steering fluids, and engine coolant transmission fluids. Look underneath for obvious leaks and check the whereabouts of all little people before you take off. Make light of every situation Checking all the lights including indicators, low and high beam headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, warning lights, brake lights and reverse lights. If you don’t have another set of eyes to help you out, reverse up to a reflective surface or take it to a mechanic for a safety and service check. Check your tread When your car is cold and you haven’t been driving it, check tyre pressure and make sure the tread is at least 1.5 millimetres – this includes the spare tyre too. Get a clear view of the road ahead If your windscreen wipers start to squeak, skip, streak, smear or split then it may be time to swap them for new ones. Sort out the paperwork Be sure your rego is valid and your motor vehicle insurance cover is up-to-date. And if you’re crossing borders or travelling in unfamiliar terrains, check local road rules and make sure you’re aware of varying driving conditions so you’re prepared for the journey. There is a lot to consider when comparing motor vehicle insurance cover. If you’re looking for assistance with choosing the right cover for your needs, get in touch with us today. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience. 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. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general only. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you. 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.

Here are some simple vehicle checks you can easily perform yourself at home. Vehicle safety checks you can do at home If you’re like most drivers, then you’d take your vehicle to the mechanic for regular servicing. But in between the time that you don’t, there are ways to reduce the risks of breakdowns and accidents by performing routine safety checks on your car. Stay on top of your car’s condition with these simple maintenance tips you can do yourself at home. Tyres No driver wants to be stranded with a flat tyre, but always ensure you have a spare tyre in your boot in case you do ever find yourself in this situation. It’s important to make sure your tyres are keeping you safe on the roads by checking air pressure. The wrong tyre pressure can result in premature wear and uneven tread. At most service and petrol stations around Australia you’ll find air pumps which will tell you how to check the air pressure. If it’s too high, you can release the valve to let out air, and if too low you’ll be able to add more air. Alternatively, you can usually find your tyres’ recommended level marked on the outside of the tyre. And don’t forget to always be on the lookout for any nails, tears, or other damage that may need immediate attention. And of course, it’s important to keep an eye on your tyre tread. Worn or bald tyres mean you won’t get enough grip on the road, which in turn can affect your braking time. Fluids To maintain a healthy engine, it’s essential to ensure you have the right amount of oil. You can easily check your oil by popping open the engine hood of your car. Simply park it on a level surface and wait for the oil to settle for a few moments. Remove the dipstick and wipe this clean with a cloth, then replace it back in the pipe. Remove it once again and you’ll see where the oil level is up to. If it’s between the two markings you’re in the clear, and if not, you’ll be able to simply top up the oil. Your vehicle’s cooling system is another crucial element that protects your engine from overheating. Coolant is the substance used to absorb the heat, but if you don’t have the correct amount of it, you could be causing permanent damage to your engine. Always make sure there’s a sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. While you’re under the bonnet, don’t forget to take a look at the water levels and check the garage floor for fluid markings, as this can be an indicator of problems that need a closer look. Seat belts Seat belts are there to help protect you and are designed to hold you safely in place in case of an accident. Check seat belts for general wear and tear, weathering from the sun, and for damage which can cause them to become loose or weak. Give them a good tug to ensure they’re resisting and in working order and if they’re not get them replaced. Lights Lights ensure you’re visible on the roads and provide you with the same visibility of others. Check your exterior lights are working by turning them on and watching for a reflection on the garage walls. You can also ask someone else to have a walk around the vehicle while you have your lights on, checking your rear and front lights as well as your brakes. The extras Your car’s an investment. Whether you’re planning on selling it, trading it in, or keeping it forever, it pays to keep it looking its very best. Tree sap, bird droppings, and other muck can wreak havoc on your paint job, so take extra care of it by keeping it clean and giving it additional checks. These include inspecting your wipers to make sure they work effectively, testing your horn, checking for cracks to your glass and mirrors, and pulling your handbrake on a steep hill to make sure it’ll work in an emergency. Other car issues will of course need a mechanic, however the above are easy to check on your own and can save you time and money in the long run. Protect your vehicle by making sure you have comprehensive car insurance. For more information, visit our motor vehicle insurance page. 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. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general only. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you. 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.

The end of financial year has come and tax time is upon us. Now is a great time to think about improving your finance and money management over the next 12 months. Keep reading for some helpful tips for the new financial year. See A Financial Planner Organising to see a financial planner at any age is a great idea to discuss matters like managing and contributing to your superannuation. There are certain tax benefits when contributing more to super, so consider booking in time to discuss your needs with a financial planner. A financial planner can also discuss investment opportunities, wealth management and estate planning. Track Your Spending Now is a great time to track your spending in preparation for the next financial year. For work related expenses, do you know where your money goes each day/week or month? If you incur a lot of work related expenses it is a good idea to track these as you go, rather than trying to think about all the money you’ve spent over the year that you want to include in your income tax deductions. The Australian Taxation Office has a tool called myDeductions which is ideal for employees or people who own their own business to track their expenses on the go. Tax deductions you may be eligible for varies between individuals. Keep up to date with the deductions you can claim by visiting the ATO website. Use your Tax Refund Wisely Depending on the size of the refund (and assuming you receive one) there could be investment options that would be wise for you to consider. This is where a financial planner can assist you with making decisions for short and long term wealth management. You may be tempted to spend your tax refund straight away, especially with retailers having EOFY sales. Instead, put the extra money to good use in a savings account, or use it as an extra repayment on a loan if possible. Use our lump sum repayment calculator to see how much interest you could save by making a one off large repayment. Get an organised system for keeping your tax records It will be less stressful if you have everything in order well ahead of tax time in preparation for the next end of financial year. Below is a list of documentation you will need to help you complete a tax return. Your Tax File Number (TFN) Payment summary Summary of any interest you’ve earned on your bank accounts (you’ll find this in our online banking) Information relating to investment income, shares, dividends and managed funds Private health insurance statement Details of child support payments Receipts from donations to a charity Receipts for work related expenses Research qualified tax agents If your want someone to look after your tax affairs, using an accountant or registered tax agent may work for you. The cost of managing your tax affairs is usually deductible the following financial year. Check out the Tax Practitioners Board online for a list of registered tax agents so you are well prepared for the end of financial year and can book ahead of time. Are you looking to get your finance and money management under control and need some extra help? Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon 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.

With many people in Australia working from home, the Australian Taxation Office has provided additional information for deductions you can claim this tax time due to the impact of the Coronavirus. You may be asking yourself, how do tax deductions work and what can I claim this tax time? We’ll look at these in more detail below. Your Income Statement Before lodging your tax return online, it is important to ensure your employer has lodged your income statement (also known as payment summaries) with the ATO, and that it has been marked as ‘tax ready’. If you choose to lodge your tax return before your income statement is tax ready, you will need to review any information that has been pre-filled and you may need to adjust your tax return and any tax that is payable. Identifying deductions you can claim Before lodging your tax return, it may help to sort your deductions into work-related and income-generating expenses you have paid over the financial year. This will help you determine what deductions you can claim as tax expenses to reduce your taxable income. Ask yourself these questions to identify expenses that may be acceptable tax deductions. Your tax agent or accountant may be able to help. Was the expense directly related to your work or income-generating activity? Did you spend money without being reimbursed by your employer? Do you have an official record of the expense – e.g. receipt or bank statement? If the expense was for both work and personal use (e.g. your home internet), you’ll need to work out how much of the expense was work related. Here are 6 tax deductions you may be able to claim at tax time: 1. Home office expenses With many of us working from home during Coronavirus, there will be home office expenses you may be able to claim as tax deductions. These could include: Home office equipment (e.g. computers, phones, printers, chairs and desks) Computer consumables (e.g. printer paper and ink) and stationery Phone and Internet expenses Keep in mind that most people aren’t able to claim general household items that may otherwise be normally provided by your employer, such as coffee, tea and milk. There are a couple of ways you can work out your deductions: The ATO-approved temporary ‘shortcut method’ of 80 cents per hour for all additional running expenses for the period 1 March 2020 until 30 June 2020. Fixed rate method Actual cost method 2. Vehicle and travel expenses  There are some work-related vehicle and travel expenses you may be able to claim including: Where you were required to attend multiple workplaces or locations Car expenses where you needed your car to complete work duties Accommodation expenses when you were required to travel for work 3. Clothing, laundry and dry-cleaning If you have purchased specific or protective clothing or work uniforms specifically related to your job, you may be able to claim back these and cleaning costs as work-related expenses. It is unlikely you will be able to claim non-compulsory work uniforms. Check with your employer to work out what is regarded as compulsory. 4. Education If you paid for and completed an eligible course that was work-related, you may be able to claim a tax deduction. 5. Industry-related deductions You may also claim tax deductions for work-related expenses specifically related to your occupation and industry. An example may be union fees. 6. Investment income You may be able to claim investment income tax deductions if you’ve received: Interest payments on your savings Dividends from your investments in shares Rental payments from an investment property Another type of investment income If you’ve received any of these, you could be entitled to claim any costs related to earning this income, such as property management fees for a rental property. It is always a good idea to keep all records of expenses even after you’ve lodged your tax return. This is in the event the ATO asks you to provide evidence to support any deduction claims you make. There is a lot to prepare when getting your tax time essentials ready to lodge your tax return. If you’re looking for support with calculating income tax, get in touch with us today or use our income tax calculator online. 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.

Choosing a savings account really depends on the purpose and goals you are working towards. If you are looking for the best way to save money for Christmas for example, then a Christmas Club account might be ideal for you. Or, you may want to reward yourself by earning interest on your savings. If this is the case a high interest account like our Reward Saver account is the way to go. In this post we look at some of the benefits of savings account options based on your savings plan. Define Your Savings Goal Have a think about your savings goals - what are you looking to achieve? This will help you decide what type of savings account you need. There are three basic savings accounts that are commonly used: Everyday transaction accounts High interest savings accounts Term deposits When defining your savings goal, it will help to make a list of what is important to you – it might be saving for a holiday, new car, or for your family’s future. It is also worth thinking about the savings plan term - is it a short term savings or long term savings plan? It is best to use a term deposit to save for long term savings plans, as you can assume you won’t need the money straight away. Reward savers and other high interest savings with flexible access options may be better for short term savings goals. Consider Your Budgets & Spending Habits In order for any savings plan to work to achieve your goals you do need to consider your budgets and spending habits. It is always a good idea to review your spending, subscriptions and any fees you’re paying. It takes time to create new habits, so start by assessing your expenditure and where you can use some of this to save money. Look for ways to cut back and make the money you earn go even further. Priority should always be given to paying off debts, then saving, then other expenses where possible. To give you motivation, use a savings calculator to see how much interest you could earn for your short term and long term savings plans. Note: you’ll need to adjust the interest rate slider to what is applicable. What Are The Benefits? After defining your savings plan goals you may consider the savings account options below. These can help you find the right balance based on your goals, term of savings plan and budgets. An everyday transaction account The benefit of these is they usually have no access restrictions, and you can link Visa debit cards to access your money. Everyday transaction accounts are the place to have your pay deposited into, and any other income such as government payments or rental income. A high interest savings account A pro saving tip is to put the same amount of money away into a savings account each week or fortnight. The benefit of these savings accounts is that bonus or reward interest is often forfeited, if you withdraw money. This encourages you to put money away and not withdraw it. A term deposit The third type of popular savings account is actually a term deposit. Money is ‘locked away’ for a specified term. Usually anywhere between 1 month and 3 years (depending on how much you want to deposit) The benefit of a term deposit is that interest is paid monthly or at maturity (at the end of your term). You also have a couple of options to reinvest your original amount with interest earnt, or withdraw the funds. There is a lot to consider when choosing a savings account to maximise your savings efforts. If you’re looking for support with choosing the savings account for your needs, get in touch with us today. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience. 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.

Are you in the market for a used car? There is a lot to consider just as with any major purchase, such as where to buy your used car from and how much you want to spend. In this post we look at the considerations you need to make before deciding on applying for a used car loan. We’ll also discuss how to go about applying for a used car loan and the benefits of having one. Let’s begin with the following considerations before buying Your budget. Working out how much you can afford to spend is the first step before you go looking. Using valuation sites like Red Book will guide you on the value of any cars you’re interested in. Your needs. What will you use the car for? A growing family may mean a bigger car, or a smaller first car might be more useful for someone to practice driving. Safety & Security. What safety and security features do you want your car to have? Newer used cars may have better safety ratings so it is important to do your research. Insurance and green slip costs. We require car loan customers to have their vehicle comprehensively insured. You can visit our page on car insurance for more information. We also offer CTP Green Slips. Environmental impact. You can check the car's fuel consumption and emissions rating by using the Australian Government Green Vehicle Guide. Dealer, auction or private sale? Decide where and how you want to buy a used car. Regulations. There are a number of checks and reports you can access when buying and selling used cars. More information on the Service NSW website.  Money owed: It’s a good idea to check if there is money owing on the car. See the PPSR website for more information. Applying for a used Car Loan - Get pre-approval It is important to ensure you know how much you can afford. Use our car loan repayment calculator to estimate how much repayments will cost you. Securing pre-approval before buying a car is a great way to know how much you can borrow. Our used car loans have a loan period of up to five years. Speak with one of our lenders about extra loan features such as paying off your loan early and redraw facilities. They’ll also talk to you about taking advantage of our competitive rate. You can view our used car loan rate here. We also have a guide on frequently asked questions for our car loans. Secured or Unsecured? To put simply, when you take out a secured loan, you are offering up something as collateral should you be unable to repay your loan. You can secure your used car loan with a vehicle, savings or even your mortgage, subject to eligibility criteria. You may have the option to take out an unsecured loan for your used car, but you may be repaying it at a higher interest rate than a secured loan. Benefits of a used car loan Flexible repayment options Having a used car loan will allow you to make repayments to suit your budget and income. Having the flexibility to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly will help you manage your expenses. You can use our budget pay calculator to see how your used car loan repayments will fit in with your expenses and affect your savings ability. Instill money management habits If a used car loan is your first experience with repaying a loan, it will require disciplined saving and money management. You must make regular repayments to avoid falling behind, which will force you to prioritise your spending. Building your credit report Getting a used car loan helps you build a credit report. This can be very helpful when applying for other loans in the future. You can read more about credit reports on our website. Speak to one of our lenders before applying to determine eligibility, as applications for credit that are denied are recorded on your credit profile. If you’re looking for a Used Car Loan, get in touch with us today. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience. 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.

Working from home is now the new norm for many of us, which means interacting with colleagues and conducting business a little differently. The rising popularity of online meetings has seen businesses using platforms such as Zoom, Go To Meeting and Skype for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. In this blog, we’ll look at some online meeting tips for you to get the most out of your virtual meetings. Before you begin a meeting Consider your environment and background. Tidy up your area to remove anything that’s distracting or inappropriate for your meetings. You want to present professionally and as someone who can be trusted to do good work. See if your virtual meeting tools provide virtual backgrounds to help you disguise even the most cluttered environments. A quiet space is ideal for a meeting to clearly hear what is being said and to avoid distractions. Barking dogs and slamming doors are annoying in person and via online meetings! A key Online meeting tip is to mute yourself as necessary. Familiarise yourself with this feature before you begin. You also need to consider the lighting in your space so the meeting’s participants can see you clearly. Position yourself so that most of the light is coming from in front of you (behind your monitor or digital device if using an app). If you have a window behind you, shut the blinds. Otherwise, the natural light will cause you to be backlit. Take note of where your camera is pointing and adjust accordingly if it is too low or high. Only your barber or hairdresser wants to stare at the top of your head. Your camera should be at eye level, with your face and torso visible. Testing your video and audio first is also a good idea to avoid wasting time during your meeting. During your meeting When speaking, try and look directly at the camera to mimic eye contact with the other meeting attendees. This takes a bit of getting used to since it is easier to look at the other participant’s faces. It’s important to see people’s reactions and facial expressions by looking at the screen, but alternating that with looking at the camera makes the audience feel like you’re really talking to them. Don’t get too close to the camera. Your meeting participants will hear you from an arm’s length away. Position yourself so the camera is seeing you from the chest or waist up, instead of just seeing your face. This is more natural for the viewer, as this is what you see in an in-person meeting. Correct positioning is especially beneficial if you tend to gesture a lot. Keeping people engaged is especially important in an online meeting. A virtual meeting best practice tip is to use any engagement tools on offer. There’s screen sharing, annotating shared content, sending out a quick poll, asking for feedback in chat, splitting your attendees up into video breakout rooms or you could even send attendees to a website and have them fill out a pre-prepared Google Document (Google Docs are just like a Word document, only they're stored in your google account and can be shared with people to work on) Do whatever it takes to keep your attendees actively engaged. After your meeting If you recorded your meeting, share it with meeting invitees who couldn’t attend so they don’t miss out. Send out an email with any actionable items for the participants and schedule another online meeting if necessary. As the host, you can always ask for feedback on the meeting content, length of time, visual and audio clarity so you can improve for next time. Horizon Bank is here to help. If you’re looking for more tips on how to successfully work from home, check out our working from home article here.  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.

Good financial management allows you to map out your goals and strategies so that you can achieve them and get more out of your money. These should be done and reviewed regularly as you move through the different stages of life. In this post we look at some of the ways you can maximise your money, which can help you achieve success with tangible goals like retiring earlier, investment returns, or spending less of what you make. Speak To Someone With finance expertise Get financial advice! Speaking with an experienced financial planner is the best way to understand your financial position, and the steps you can take to give yourself a comfortable future. The top three areas you might want to discuss with a financial planner are: Budgeting - being able to factor in budgets for holidays or upgrades to the house can have a positive impact on your family. Getting out of debt – debt consolidation can be a great way to reduce the many repayments you have outgoing to different loans. Eliminating or consolidating debts will reduce the burden of interest and loan repayments. Check out our article on debt consolidation. Savings and investments – after making a budget and reducing your debt, you may feel financially comfortable to look at different savings and investment options. ASIC’s Money smart website has a list of investment options that a financial planner can explain to you in more detail. Your Family Plans - Building a bright future As we mentioned at the start, you and your family will move through different life stages. Financial needs and obligations change when children are born, as they grow and when they leave the family home. Having a good plan in place with achievable goals will ensure your finances get you through these stages. For example, learning how to make a budget and save money may be more important during your children’s early years until they are young adults with jobs. This all depends on the type of lifestyle you and your family want to live. Having a thrifty attitude is an excellent money saving tip, and can see you save money throughout the year by following these simple actions. Shop around for the best deal on purchases Change small spending habits e.g. taking your lunch to work rather buying it Review regular expenses Retirement Plans - Staying comfortable and independent It’s not just the immediate future that you need to consider, with more of us living longer, retirement must also be considered even if it feels like a long time away. To have a comfortable retirement, and possibly even an early retirement, it’s important to learn to save money, and make contributions to superannuation if feasible. Enjoy your senior years without the financial stress. Nobody wants to be a burden to their children so it’s important to have a plan in place to stay comfortable and independent in retirement. Speak to a financial planner or use the retirement and superannuation pages on ASIC’s site for more information.  If you’re looking to maximise your money, get in touch with us today. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience. 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 arti​cle 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.