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4 TOP TIPS TO PAYING YOUR HOME LOAN OFF FASTER (without increasing your payments) Pay your home loan off faster without increasing your payments? That doesn’t sound right! Well of course paying more off your loan will reduce it but short of asking for a raise or getting a second job, most of us are working off what we receive each payday. These paying off your home loan faster tips are all about working smarter, not harder.Stick with me and I’ll give you 4 top tips on easy and fast ways to pay off your home loan quicker.You may have heard that the secret to success is to find those little hacks, those incremental improvements that snowball to achieve tremendous results. Well, this is all about finding what’s available to you and taking full advantage to benefit you financially. It’s not as hard as you’d think. 1. CHOOSE YOUR REPAYMENT FREQUENCY If you don’t specify how often you want to make loan repayments, your bank or lender is likely to make it monthly. If you’re getting paid weekly or fortnightly, change payments to that. KEY INFO: This is really important and simple information … your loan interest is being calculated on the daily balance of your loan, so the less your loan balance is … the less interest you’ll attract and you’ll eventually pay off your loan quicker. This tip and the rest below are all incremental ways that takes into consideration that Key Info and helps you reduce the length of time of your home loan and therefore pay your debt off quicker. 2. MORTGAGE OFFSET ACCOUNT Ask your lender for a mortgage offset account. This account is key to successfully paying off your home loan quicker. What’s a mortgage offset account you may be asking? Basically, a mortgage offset account is a savings account that earns no interest, the balance however offsets your loan balance. Put simply … if you had $500,000 left to pay off your home loan and you had $30,000 in your mortgage offset account, you would only pay interest on $470,000 rather than $500,000! How good is that? As an example, if you had a 6.00%p.a. home loan, that would be a saving of $1,500 in interest over a year, compared to if those funds were in a savings account earning 1%p.a. The less interest you attract means you pay your loan off quicker!You haven’t increased payments AND you still have access to your savings in the mortgage offset account should you need it.Ideally, any spare cash you have would be deposited and kept in the offset account. This leads me to tip #3 and how you can live day to day while keeping as much cash as possible in your mortgage offset account.[Learn more about Horizon Bank’s Mortgage Offset Account here.] 3. GET A CREDIT CARD Are the warning bells going off? I know this sounds counterintuitive but the idea here is to find a low rate no annual fee card that you can use daily. What this does is delay payment of your everyday expenses. Remember, your home loan interest is normally calculated daily and charged monthly. It stands to reason that you should keep has much money as possible in your mortgage offset account to offset your daily loan balance. You can achieve this by delaying the payment of your everyday expenses as long as possible. The other REALLY important part of this tip is to pay the required balance of your credit card to avoid any credit card interest. Generally, cards with reward points attract a high annual fee and interest rate. If you are wanting to minimise the cost, a no or low annual fee credit card is your go to. If your bank or lender is doing right by you, you can arrange to have the balance of your credit card paid out of your mortgage offset account automatically each month to avoid any interest.[Learn more about Horizon Bank’s low rate Visa credit card here.] 4. HOLD OFF PAYING BILLS You may be alarmed once again at the idea of delaying payment of bills but once again, this is your opportunity to keep as much in your mortgage offset account for as long as possible. Remember, your loan interest is being calculated on its daily balance. The longer you can keep your money offsetting the loan the quicker you can pay off your home loan.Your online banking should allow you to set up automatic payment of your bills from your mortgage offset account on the last day payment is required. Set and forget.[Learn more about Horizon Bank’s banking access facilities here.] SIT BACK AND RELAXIf you take a little time to put all these tips into place, you can sit back and relax knowing you’re working the system to benefit you financially. You’ll achieve the ultimate goal of paying off your home loan faster. _________________________________________This blog has been brought to you by Horizon Bank.Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast & Illawarra, Branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul & Ulladulla & Wollongong.Horizonbank.com.au    

Want to set your children up for financial success? Start teaching them basic money lessons early on to help them develop good practices to last them into adulthood. As parents, you can set your kids up for success in many ways, one of them is teaching them good money habits. Schools are beginning to bring financial literacy into their curriculums, however the basic and most important lessons often start at home. Sometimes, this can involve children observing their family’s behaviour; other times, it involves more active engagement. Here are a few ways you can help give your kids a head start. 1. Establish a rewards scheme One of the most fundamental financial lessons is that money needs to be earned. While we realise as adults there are caveats to that rule, it’s an important place to start with children. Once they realise they cannot get things they want for free, it encourages them to be more mindful of the money they have and might encourage them to start to look at ways they can earn money to save up.  A good way to put this lesson into place is to consider rewarding kids for their positive behaviours. An example is to set chores for the kids that they earn money for doing such as cleaning their room, taking the bins out or helping out in the kitchen. Keeping rewards small might encourage them to save their earnings in order to get themselves something bigger and more meaningful. 2. Incentivise putting money away As a kid it can be hard for them to see the benefits of saving their money and not spending it as soon as they get it. To make saving their money a more appealing notion, you could offer them reward or bonus money once they have saved a certain amount. For example, when they reach $10 saved, you offer an extra $5 for their efforts. It tells them more could be gained from storing money than buying something immediately. It’s also an early introduction to compounding interest. 3. Let them help at the counter or checkout To understand saving money, kids may need to become familiar with the money exchange involved in purchasing something. This can help to teach them that the things we want aren’t free and need to be bought with money. A good way to do this is to let your kids pay at the checkout at shops with cash and receive the change. It may be even more impactful of a lesson if it’s something they want to buy, like a favourite food item or a toy, and they are using money they earnt. 4. Set up a bank account Several banks offer accounts for young children to help them kick-start their savings habits. At Horizon Bank, we have a few different youth accounts to choose from. Setting one up could be a fun experience for the kids and encourage them to save by wanting to go to the bank to put money into their own account. It could also help the little ones see that money can grow over time with regular investment. They’ll likely earn some interest as time passes, which may help teach them about the power of longer-term saving. 5. Introduce goals We all know it can be hard to feel motivated to save money if there is no goal or target, you’re aiming for. Think about sitting down with the kids and asking them what it is that they want to buy, then helping them work out what’s needed to achieve that goal. You may need to discuss the goal they set to ensure it is reasonable and achievable for them, so they aren’t discouraged if they are unable to achieve it. It’s likely that you will need to be checking in with them to ask how they are going working towards their goal, what they need to still achieve and encouraging them to keep going so they stay motivated and don’t lose sight or interest in their goal. Teaching kids about money and savings is not a one-time discussion but a continuous journey filled with practical lessons and experiences. Building wealth for kids starts by instilling healthy money habits early. Children can understand the value of saving and smart spending decisions with the right guidance and tools. Encouraging savings and setting a savings goal for kids will help them grasp the concept of financial planning and delayed gratification. Incentivising saving and making it a fun, rewarding activity can reinforce these concepts. Letting them participate in real-life transactions can also enhance their understanding of money's worth and the importance of budgeting. The journey to financial literacy is a gradual process, and the team at Horizon Bank is here to help! With a range of youth accounts, we can provide the tools you need to help your child build healthy savings habits. Remember, it's never too early (or too late) to teach your children about money. The seeds you sow today will reap benefits as your children become financially responsible adults. Get in touch with us today. We’ve got the Illawarra and South Coast covered with branches located in Thirroul, Wollongong, Albion Park, Berry, Nowra, Ulladulla, Moruya, Bega, Bermagui and Merimbula.  

The process of buying a home can be stressful, and an auction process can seem quite daunting… but it doesn’t have to be! Auctions are often a common rite of passage to owning your first home, going into it prepared with forethought and strategy can help maximise your chances of success (without having to pay too much). If this is your first home buying experience, we’ve got 10 tips for you to help you on your journey to acing your first auction, not missing out or paying too much and getting that dream home! 1. Do your homework. When preparing for a real estate auction, research is key! Here are a few things you can do: Take a look online at recently sold listings in the area so you can better understand the prices at which similar properties have sold for.  Walk around the neighbourhood and if you have the opportunity, speak to some of the neighbours about the area.  Attend other open homes for nearby properties. These sorts of activities can help you better understand the home's location and market value and assist in deciding a suitable bidding range for the auction.  2. Obtain a professional building report.  It's important to fully understand the condition of the property and what you’re bidding on, so getting a thorough onsite inspection of the property as well as obtaining a professional building report is a must. If the building report doesn’t come back as favourable, you’ll be able to walk away before the bidding begins. Alternatively, you could use this information to set a lower bidding limit. 3. Set a budget. Establish a clear budget before stepping into the auction. Remember, you need to consider more than just the bidding price. There are additional expenses such as stamp duty, conveyancing costs, furnishings and any renovations that need to be taken into account. It’s very easy to get over-excited at an auction, so it’s key that you set a maximum bid amount that aligns with your financial capabilities … and stick to it. 4. Apply for financing pre-approval and pull your deposit together. Pre-approval for a home loan is a type of preliminary approval from a lender. Before you start bidding at an auction, you need to approach your lender to get pre-approved for a loan so that you can be confident in knowing you have finance to pay for your new home should you become the successful bidder. This will show you how much you can comfortably afford based on your income and expenditure.  You will also need to ensure you have your deposit saved and ready to transfer if you are the winning bidder at the auction. Get fast pre-approval with Horizon’s quick loan application turnarounds! Enquire with your local lender now. 5. Understand the auction process. Auctions are typically carried out by a real-estate agent, who will act as the auctioneer, and are subject to strict rules. Before an auction, the seller of the property will nominate a reserve price, this is not usually made public. During the auction the hopeful buyers will compete to put in the highest bid for the property. Auctions are fast paced so it’s important to make sure you’re keeping track of the competing bids being placed and stick to your budget. If the reserve price is met and bidding continues, the home will be sold at the end of the auction however, if the bidders don’t reach the reserve price the auctioneer might ‘pass in’ the property, which means it is not sold. Another important piece of information you need to consider before diving into an auction is that if you are the successful bidder, there is no cooling off period or time to change your mind about the sale. 6. Familiarise yourself with the auction rules. As mentioned above, some auctions will have specific rules or procedures. Things such as requirements for registration, bidding increments and payment methods. Make sure you get a copy of the auctions terms & conditions to review, that way you can be prepared to follow the rules. 7. Thoroughly examine the sale contract. In order to protect yourself against any potential risks that come with buying the property, obtain a copy of the sale contract and show it to your solicitor or conveyancer for review prior to the auction. They can review the contract and explain any risks that may come with purchasing the property. 8. Attend other auctions as an observer. If you want to try to understand the dynamics and pace of an auction process, it’s a good idea to attend some auctions just to observe. This will help you get a feel for the auction process before you go in as a bidder. 9. Bid strategically. There are a few tailored bidding tactics that you can use to maximise your chances of success at an auction, such as establishing dominance by bidding early, bidding incrementally so you can scope out the competition or waiting until the last minute to jump in with a decisive bid. You may need to adapt your strategy based on the behaviour of the other bidders or the dynamics of an auction on the day. 10. Enjoy the experience. Although it’s important to be prepared, strategic and level-headed at an auction, you should also try to enjoy the experience! Auctions are exhilarating and whether you win or lose, each time you participate in an auction you will gain valuable insights and lessons for the next time. Every bid you make brings you closer to owning your own home or investment property! Celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes. We know you’ll get there!   Although it can seem daunting participating in your first auction, it can also be an exhilarating and rewarding experience as long as you go in with the right mindset and preparation. It’s important to remember that success at an auction isn’t just about winning, it’s about securing the right home at the right price and time for you. By following the tips above and doing all the right preparation, setting your budget, staying calm under pressure, and observing auction protocol, you’ll be on the path to acing your first auction! These strategies will enhance your chances of success. As you step into the world of auctions, remember that financial readiness is critical. Horizon Bank ensures you have all the financial support and advice you need to make confident bids. Whether you're looking into securing a loan for that must-have item or seeking advice on managing your finances post-auction, our team at Horizon Bank is ready to assist you. Don't let financial uncertainties hold you back from acing your first auction. Visit us online or drop by your nearest branch to discover how we can help you make your auction experience seamless and financially sound. Let Horizon Bank be your partner in navigating the exciting world of auctions. Start your journey with us today! 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.

Planning Ahead: How to Discuss and Document Your Final Wishes Are you planning ahead and preparing for the future? End-of-life planning is a topic that may seem daunting and many shy away from, but it’s an essential part of life. By discussing and documenting your final wishes, you can ensure that your desires for your life celebration are fulfilled, and in turn ease the burden on your loved ones in a difficult and challenging time. At Horizon we have created a Final Wishes Worksheet, that will be introduced through this post, which can help you facilitate this important conversation and provide guidance on how you would like your life celebrated. The Importance of Discussing Final Wishes Being able to discuss your final wishes with your loved ones is very important as it can provide clarity and peace of mind for both you and them. End-of-life planning is often overlooked in life planning although such an important aspect. It is especially reassuring that in a time of grief, after having these conversations, your family or friends can avoid the stress of having to try make all the decisions in preparing your final arrangements during challenging times. Overcoming the Challenges We understand that bringing up the topic of end-of-life planning with your family and friends can be a challenging conversation to start. Start by choosing a calm, comfortable setting and be open about your intentions. It helps in starting this conversation to acknowledge the discomfort that may come with it, to make your family and friends feel at ease that is difficult for all parties, then go on to emphasise the practicality and emotional benefits of you all having this discussion. Documenting Your Wishes As previously mentioned, we have a Final Wishes Worksheet that we have designed to make documenting your wishes straightforward and easy to interpret for your loved ones. The worksheet is thorough and covers many aspects that if not provided, your loved ones may struggle making decisions about. By having your wishes in writing, it removes any ambiguity about your preferences for your end-of-life arrangements and provides a straightforward reference for your loved ones when they may need it most in their time of grief. A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Worksheet The worksheet covers various aspects of end-of-life planning, ensuring the majority of what your loved ones are required to provide information on, they will have. As you fill it out, it’s important to take your time and reflect on each section. It may be overwhelming to be putting thought into each topic in such detail, so take your time and ensure you are comfortable with your preferences for your final arrangements. If needed, it may be helpful and less daunting to have your loved ones assist you with the worksheet or even all of you do your own at the same time. It’s likely to spark some interesting insights. The ability to be thorough and thoughtful is crucial in ensuring your wishes are clearly articulated and easy to understand.  Sharing with Loved Ones Once you have gone through and completed the worksheet, it’s time to share it with your loved ones. You may want to go through the worksheet together so you are able to answer any questions your family and friends may have, which ensures that in the future they are clear with your final wishes. Storing the worksheet in a secure yet accessible location is very important. A suggestion is to keep it with your important documents file along with your Will, passport, birth certificate etc. You may wish to also share the worksheet with your attorney in addition to your family and friends. The worksheet needs to be located, in the event your loved ones require it. Having this worksheet accessible will bring you peace of mind knowing your family can easily access this information when needed without having to worry about where to find it. Supporting Your Plans Financially The best way to ensure your final arrangements are carried out as you’ve planned for, is to support them financially. Financial planning is an integral part of end-of-life arrangements, so you will need to think about ways you can provide this support for your final plans. Some ways to do this is to consider a special rainy day savings account that could be used for any kind of emergency or having an insurance policy that will be able to financially support your plans, easing the burden on your loved ones. Although often an overlooked part of life planning, it is crucial that you document your final wishes and have the conversations with your family and friends. Don’t leave your final wishes to chance and ease the burden on your family and friends when it comes to the difficult time of planning your life celebration. Our Final Wishes Worksheet provides you with a straightforward tool to assist in facilitating these important conversations. One of Horizon Values is we’re all about our customers. We’re here for you. At the most difficult time for you and your loved ones, we believe the Final Wishes Worksheet takes some of the pressure off decision making. You can access our Final Wishes Worksheet here and start the conversation. 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.  

Fixed vs Variable: Pros and cons of fixing your interest rate Are you in the market for a loan but aren’t sure whether to take out a fixed of variable rate? Choosing between fixed and variable interest rates can be complex, especially for first-time borrowers. This blog aims to simplify this decision-making process by providing in-depth insights into both options, which will help you understand how these interest rates work and which best fits your financial situation. Understanding Interest Rates Interest rates play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of your loan. Banks will normally offer a fixed rate of a period of 1, 2 , 3 or 5 years. So the interest rate remains unchanged throughout whichever period you choose. This offers you stability and predictability in your repayments. Your repayment stays the same regardless of market changes. At the end of the fixed period, the rate normally reverts to a variable rate or you can choose to re-fix.Conversely, variable interest rates can fluctuate in response to market conditions. This could mean that your repayments decrease when market rates fall, but they also could increase if market rates rise. The Pros and Cons of Fixed Interest Rates Choosing a fixed-interest rate loan means that you’ll know exactly what your repayments will be for the fixed period you choose; this is normally less than or equal to 5 years. This can make it easier for you to budget and plan for your future. However, a major drawback of a fixed rate is their lack of flexibility. This means if the market rates fall, you will still be required to pay the higher rate. Additionally, fixed-interest rate loans may have restrictions on whether you are able to make extra repayments or pay off the loan early. It is likely to have a fee to break the fixed rate contract. The Pros and Cons of Variable Interest Rates A variable interest rate offers more flexibility than their fixed counterparts. If market rates decrease, so will your repayments, potentially saving you money. Many variable-rate loans will also allow extra repayments, allowing you to pay off your loan faster. On the downside, variable-rate loans are unpredictable. If the market rates rise, so will your repayments, potentially stretching your budget. Fixed Interest Rates with Horizon Bank At Horizon Bank, we offer competitive fixed-rate loans. By choosing a fixed-rate loan with us, you can effectively manage your finances by knowing exactly what your weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments will be. Our team of experts are always available to guide you through the process and present the loan options that best suits your needs. Horizon allows up to $30,000 in extra repayments each loan anniversary year, which helps reduce the term of the loan. For extra repayments made on a fixed-interest rate loan, Horizon allows you to redraw on those funds if you require to do so down the track free of charge. Variable Interest Rates with Horizon Bank At Horizon Bank, our variable-rate loans are designed to provide you with flexibility and potential savings, which is ideal for both experienced buyers and first-home buyers. Benefit from a variable interest rate and take advantage of flexible weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment options – whichever suits you best – as well as the allowance of extra repayments without penalty. Making Your Decision The choice between fixed and variable rates depends heavily on the current Australian economic climate. For example, a variable rate might save you money in a falling market, but in a rising market a fixed rate could offer you more stability. Your personal finance goals should be the primary driver behind your decision of whether you value stability or flexibility. We understand that choosing between a fixed and variable interest rate is a significant decision that can greatly impact your financial future. By considering the pros and cons of each option you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances. Contact us to explore your loan options, you can have a chat with one of our experts today. We’ve got the Illawarra and South Coast covered with branches located in Thirroul, Wollongong, Albion Park, Berry, Nowra, Ulladulla, Moruya, Bega, Bermagui and Merimbula. Regardless of where you live, reach out to us by filling in an online loan enquiry form and we’ll assist you over the phone and email.

In this post we’ll look at the steps you can take to creating a personal budget for 2024. Creating and sticking to this will teach you discipline with your money and help you to reach your savings goals sooner. It will also enable you to view your income differently which could see you with a surplus of funds rather than living paycheck-to-paycheck. Putting your budget together This can be done simply in an excel spreadsheet. List your income at the top, then list all of your expenses in categories where possible. Total up your expenses and minus this cost from your total income. If you have money left over, great work. If you find yourself in a minus, keep reading for tips on how to get back in the green. Anticipate Changes – before making a budget, think ahead for any large changes that you can reasonably anticipate, like taking out a new mortgage or other personal finance expenses  and incorporate it into your plans as early as possible – even if you do not know what the value will be.  Don't forget to include extra income as well – for example, any anticipated raises or money from a tax return. Make educated guesses – When you don't know the future value of something, make conservative estimates. Make expenses that bit higher, and income a bit lower. This provides a cushion in case things do not go as planned.  Review Your Spending  As previously mentioned, making a budget starts with creating a list of all your expenses and their costs. This includes loan repayments, credit card payments, money spent on groceries and bills plus any entertainment expenses. You can use our budget planner calculator to get started. Look for ways to cut back. This is the hard part! The easiest way to cut back on your expenses is to list them in priority order. Which ones are needs versus a want? If they’re all needs, consider cheaper alternatives. For example, look for a cheaper plan with another internet provider or share the cost of streaming services with a family member or friend. Be Accountable  Good financial management is all about ownership. A budget is only useful if you stick to it. Share your success and setbacks with your significant other, family member or close friend who will encourage you to stay on track with your spending. Make it easy for yourself by printing out your budget table and keeping it close by to refer back to. Sometimes a hard copy is easier than starting up your computer and loading your budget software. If you use a budget planner app even better. Our phones are always within easy reach! Have a purpose and goal in mind  This will help you determine how much you may need to save for and how quickly. Decide if you’re saving for something specific such as a holiday or a new car, or if you’re just trying to cut back on excess spending. Helpful budgeting tools  Our budget planner calculator is a free online tool that is convenient to access and easy to use. Once you’ve got your list of expenses, put them into the calculator which will tell you if you will end up with a surplus or shortfall after considering the income details you provide. This can also be accessed from your smartphone or tablet. Have a plan for any excess funds you find yourself with. It is quick and easy to open a savings account or term deposit online where you can deposit your money into straight away to avoid temptation. If you are still finding yourself in the red, make sure you have all of your expenses properly listed. Get someone to check over your budget for accuracy. If you are still experiencing issues, seek help from a financial counselor about managing debts. Are you are looking to create a budget for 2024, but are not sure how 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 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. 

Money has a way of intertwining with our most cherished relationships, and it can be a delicate topic to broach. During the early days of a romance, the last thing you might want to discuss over a coffee date is debts, credit scores or mortgage repayments. However, as your lives become increasingly entwined, addressing your financial matters with openness and honesty is essential. Your partner's financial situation can significantly impact your own, and being proactive is key. Financial discussions can come to the forefront at various stages in a relationship – when you decide to move in together, purchase property jointly, add a pet to your family, welcome children, prepare for retirement, or even when facing the possibility of separation. Therefore, it's crucial to address and resolve financial issues effectively. To ensure your discussions are both respectful and positive, here are eight essential tips from Horizon HQ for approaching financial conversations with your partner: Open Communication: Initiate honest and open conversations about finances with your partner. Share your goals, aspirations, and concerns. Stay Calm: Keep emotions in check during financial discussions. Avoid blame and finger-pointing to foster a more constructive dialogue. Collaborate on Goals: Work together to establish both short-term and long-term financial objectives that align with your shared vision for the future. Face Challenges Head-On: Address financial challenges promptly instead of procrastinating. Openly discuss how to adjust your budget during tough times. Schedule Money Talks: Dedicate regular, uninterrupted time for discussing finances. Consistency ensures focused and productive conversations. Transparency Is Key: Be open and honest about your financial situation. Hidden spending and debts can erode trust over time. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your financial milestones and achievements together! It will keep you going and motivated to keep hitting those goals. Appreciate Uniqueness: Understand that every financial situation is unique and we all come from different directions when it comes to talking finances. Avoid unhealthy comparisons with other couples or your partner's finances. 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.

With a growing number of networks and sellers, finding comprehensive mobile phone deals is becoming much easier without paying a hefty monthly fee. If you’re coming to the end of a contract or want to get a better-prepaid deal, here are a few ways to reduce the price.   Think about what you need Modern mobile phones come with many bells and whistles, which come at a premium. Often the cost of the device and its internal capability is rolled into the plan, meaning you’re paying for features you don’t need or use. Before speaking to retailers, think about how you use your phone. Often, that will dictate things like the camera quality, data capacity and model of phone you need. If your usage and needs are more limited, you may save significantly by choosing an older device model. If you have a device you are happy to continue using, it may be worth considering a SIM-only plan.    Research the best price for the model you want Once you’ve identified what you need, check the price different retailers and network providers charge for that model. You may need to survey friends and call a few different stores to ask about the specifics, then keep a log of the lowest prices offered.  It could also be worth waiting a few weeks to a month to see if any specials emerge through the phone networks you’ve got an eye on.   Be prepared to haggle and use comparison websites When you’re armed with the information about how much the model you want typically retails for, speak to a few providers about what they can offer. Some networks give discounts to students, retirees and long-term customers, as well as trying to entice new customers with sign-up deals. It never hurts to ask. Comparison sites such as Canstar, can also provide insight into the different options available.   Consider a second-hand or "hand me down" device As with many things, second-hand phones tend to retail at a significant discount. Hit up your friends and family to see if anyone has upgraded recently and is looking to offload an unlocked device. Some major retailers offer second-hand phones for sale – again, at heavily reduced prices.   Weigh up the cost of long-term plans At a headline level, longer-term plans often appear cheaper. For example, if you’re offered $50 a month for two years or $35 a month for three, the latter sounds more enticing. However, it’s worth considering whether there are any hidden costs or downsides, such as the inability to get a new device if yours is lost, damaged or stolen. Be sure to ask about additional fees, such as activation fees, administrative charges, or roaming fees when you travel, before signing up for a plan. It’s important to read the fine print – including the costs to pay out the plan if necessary. If something unexpected happens – like losing your job – you don’t get a big surprise if you need to end your contract early. A pre-paid SIM can also be something to look into if you want to pay upfront.   In conclusion, getting a better phone deal involves careful consideration of your needs, thorough research, negotiation skills, exploring second-hand options, and understanding long-term plan costs. By following these tips, you can find a phone deal that offers great value and meets your requirements without putting a strain on your finances. Ready to start hunting for the best phone deals? Remember these tips as you explore your options and make an informed decision. Your perfect phone and plan await you, so get started today and enjoy the savings! 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.

As the end of the financial year approaches, it's time to get your documentation in order and prepare for a fresh start. To help you navigate through this important period, we've put together an end of financial year checklist. By following these steps, you can ensure that you make the most of tax benefits, stay organised, and set yourself up for financial success in the coming year.   Review your income and expenses Take a close look at your income sources and expenses from the past year. This could include your wage, any government benefits, interest, rental income etc. Ensure that all your financial records, including payslips, invoices, and bank statements, are in order. This step will help you identify any potential discrepancies and make the necessary adjustments before tax time.   Utilise any government benefits If you are entitled to a NSW Government-issued voucher such as Active Kids, Premier’s Back to School, Creative Kids or First Lap, ensure these have been activated before the end of financial year deadline.   Maximise your deductions As an Australian taxpayer, you may be eligible for various deductions that can reduce your taxable income. Review your expenses and ensure that you have supporting documentation for each deduction you plan to claim. Some common deductions include work-related expenses, self-education costs, and charitable donations. Seek advice from a qualified tax professional to make sure you're claiming all the deductions you're entitled to.   Superannuation contributions Consider making additional contributions to your superannuation account before the end of the financial year. These contributions may be tax-deductible and can help boost your retirement savings while providing potential tax benefits.   Capital gains and losses If you've sold any assets during the financial year, review your capital gains and losses. Capital gains tax may apply, but you may also be able to offset these gains with any capital losses you've incurred. Consult with a tax professional to understand the implications and optimize your tax position.   Small business considerations If you run a small business, the end of the financial year is a critical time to assess your business's financial health. Review your cash flow, inventory, and outstanding invoices. Consider writing off any bad debts or obsolete stock to improve your financial position. Ensure that your employees' superannuation contributions are up to date and that you meet your obligations as an employer.   Lodge your tax return on time Australian taxpayers have until October 31st to lodge their tax returns for the previous financial year. Aim to lodge your return as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush or penalties. If you're using a tax agent, they may be able to assist you with lodging your return and provide valuable advice.   Seek professional advice If you're unsure about any aspect of your financial situation, seek guidance from a qualified accountant or financial advisor. They can help you navigate complex tax laws, maximize your deductions, and provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances.   The end of the financial year is a good time to reflect on your financial progress, make necessary adjustments, and plan for the future. By following this checklist, you can streamline your financial affairs, minimise tax liabilities, and set yourself up for a successful year ahead. Remember, seeking professional advice is always beneficial to ensure you make the most of the opportunities available to you. If our team can be of any help to you, please contact us.  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. * Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice.

This article provides you with handy tips for sending money overseas. All great information you need to be ready with before you start. Use A Reputable International Money Transfer Service There are different services and apps out there that offer money transfer services. To ensure you are using a reliable and secure service, ask your bank if they can transfer money overseas. Horizon is able to send money overseas via a Telegraphic Transfer (TT) payment through Convera. In most cases a TT is the quickest way to send funds abroad, and is a reliable way to send funds to a bank account internationally. Whilst we can typically deliver funds to beneficiary banks in 2-3 business days, beneficiary banks can sometimes take up to 5 business days to credit those funds to the applicable beneficiary account. Sending a TT in the beneficiary’s currency is usually more cost effective and helps ensure the funds are credited more quickly, as the payment can go “straight through”. Stay On Top of Exchange Rates If you have some time before needing to send a payment, check exchange rates before you proceed with the money transfer to maximise your dollars. Within Horizon’s Online Banking, you will be shown the exchange rate (provided by Convera) for the currency you are choosing to send. The exchange rate is refreshed to the current rate at the time the transfer is submitted. If sending money to a European country, you will need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). Double-check any details you enter before confirming your transfer to avoid any mistakes. It is a requirement to obtain the recipients full name, street address, mobile number and account number as well as the recipient’s bank details. Make Sure You Have The Correct Details If sending money to a European country, you will need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). Double-check any details you enter before confirming your transfer to avoid any mistakes. It is a requirement to obtain the recipients full name, street address, mobile number and account number as well as the recipient’s bank details. Transfer limits If you are making transfers from your bank, be sure to check your transfer limit. You may need to get in touch and request a temporary limit increase to complete your international transaction. If you’re looking for a convenient, secure way to transfer money overseas then get in touch with us about our telegraphic transfer service. 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. *Please note that TT's are sent via a network of correspondent, intermediary and/or beneficiary banks, which sometimes levy a small handling charge on your payment. Any such fees, and payment delays, are out of our control.** Horizon Bank has appointed Western Union Business Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACN 150 129 749; AFSL 404092) trading as Convera (“Convera”) to assist it in fulfilling certain foreign exchange and payment services, including telegraphic transfers. These services are provided to you by Horizon Bank. Fees and charges may apply, please refer to the terms and conditions and Fees and Charges Schedule issued by Horizon Bank. This communication has been prepared solely for informational purposes and does not in any way create any binding obligations. No representations, warranties or conditions of any kind, express or implied, are made in this communication.