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With pre-planning and research, you can ensure you are on the right track to set yourself up for success when buying a home. Follow our easy home buying guide below to get an idea of how you can break into the property market. Determine How Much You Can Afford Using our home loan repayment calculator is the first step in understanding how loan repayments work and gives you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow. Determining affordability is about knowing your financial limits. Don’t over commit, and use foresight to think about possible future outcomes like a growing family, changes in employment and the cost of living. Save for a deposit Saving as much as you can for a house deposit before buying a home is ideal. The more you save, the less you have to borrow – therefore paying less in interest over time. Check out our blog article on saving for a house deposit. Understand your home loan options Home Loans come with many features so it is important to understand which mortgage will suit your needs. At a high level, there are fixed rate loans and variable rate loans, where you can pay off the principle and interest or interest only. Offset accounts and redraw facilities are great for saving on interest and helping you budget. Ask one of our lenders about which type of home loan would best suit your needs or you can check out our Home Loan Comparison table. Get Home Loan Pre-approval Getting pre-approved with Horizon is easy and worthwhile, as it lasts 3 months which gives you plenty of time to research the property market and make an offer on properties you know you can realistically afford. Consolidating or minimising debt will not only improve your overall financial wellbeing but also make you a strong candidate for pre-approval. To learn more about lending and home loan pre-approval with us, check out our page on the loan pre-approval process. Research suburb profiles The suburb you purchase in can affect things like ability to rent and resale value. Research suburb profiles online for the demographic of people living in that suburb, average incomes, house prices, rental yield and auction clearance rates. All of this information will help you determine the best area to buy in. You can always ask real estate agents for any available information at open houses. Find a Home in Your Price Range It’s important to buy something you can actually afford. This is why having home loan pre approval is an important first step before visiting open homes or display villages. You can then research house listings online or in the newspaper and make a note of open houses to visit. Take a trusted friend or relative as a second pair of eyes when inspecting properties so you don’t miss anything. Be sure to factor into your budget associated home buying costs such as stamp duty, solicitors fees, building and inspection reports and insurances. Let us get you on the path to home buying success. Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon 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.

Whether you are moving out of home for the first time or a seasoned mover, it helps to think about the move in three stages: before, during and after. Read on as we talk through those three stages, and provide tips for a stress free move. Before - Make a plan Your moving out process will revolve around when you get your keys and how much time you can afford to take off work. After buying an established home, you will receive your keys after settlement. If you have just built a home and gone through a builder, you will be eligible to get your keys after your last progress payment has cleared. The following are a few moving out tips to consider 1. Whether you will need to hire removalists or enlist the help of family and friends. 2. Whether you need to hire utes, trucks and/or trailers. 3. When to start packing and items needed. E.g. packing tape, boxes and bubble wrap 4. Whether you can move out over a few days rather than all on one day. For example, it may work better to move all boxed items over during the week and living with minimal items in your current home. Then organise a day for heavy furniture and appliances. Hold a moving out sale Moving home provides a great opportunity for a clean out and even the chance to make a bit of cash. Sell unwanted items online well before your move date so you don’t have to take them with you. Anything that cannot be sold needs to find a new home or be thrown out. Take the time to really think about what you use, and what you can really get rid of. This goes for clothes, documents and files, shoes, garage items and homewares/decorations. Organise your utility suppliers Don’t leave yourself stranded with no electricity or gas. Before moving home, ensure you have compared providers ahead of time and settled on a plan to begin for your move in date. If using your current providers ensure you advise them of where you are moving to, and when your first day in your new home will be. Organise an essentials box The essentials box will save you from asking “where’s this?” and “where’s that?” over and over during the day. It should include things like new house keys, garage remotes, batteries, scissors, tape, a few cleaning products, plastic cups and paper plates, tea bags a kettle and non-perishable snack items to have within easy reach. Be covered for the unexpected Your home and contents insurance policy should start from the day you move into your new home. Or, from your handover day as set by your builder. Horizon offers competitive home and contents insurance through CGU. Contact us to get a quote, or read more about home and contents insurance. On the day Organise your man power If enlisting the help of family members and friends, give everyone a task and be clear about what goes where in your new home. Try and put like items together in the appropriate room, rather than dumping everything in one spot and moving it all again later. Pack mindfully Clearly labelling boxes and bags will save confusion and frustration when you’re looking for something. Think about what you’ll need to access straight away on your first day/night and have these items within easy reach. When transporting items to your new home, avoid several trips by taking the time to pack your car to make the most of the space you have available. Think of it like a game of tetris! Make time to give your old home a clean Leave your old home in good shape for its new owners by giving it a good clean. Enlisting help from family and friends will keep the cost of moving house down and will save time so you can get back to enjoying your new home! Pay attention particularly to floors, windowsills, mirrors and the insides of cupboards. After you have moved in Don’t forget to change your address with your employer, banks and Service NSW just to name a few. Download our moving out checklist for tips and a list of where to change your details. If you’re moving house in the future get in touch with us 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.

In this blog we’ll look at proactive ways you can begin to implement a savings plan, which will be beneficial for you and your family’s long term financial management. In particular, we’ll discuss debt consolidation, choosing the right insurance cover, tips for living off one income and making smart choices for retirement. Consolidate your debt An important step in organising personal finance is to consolidate debt. If you have multiple credit cards and personal loans, consolidate these into one. You are likely to be better off paying one combined loan, with a single interest rate, rather than many loans with different interest rates. Debt consolidation makes managing your money easier, as you won’t be juggling multiple payments each month. It will give you a better understanding of what money is coming out of your accounts, allowing you to better prioritise your spending. Check out our blog on how to make debt consolidation work for you. Have the right insurance in place A good personal finance practice is having the right insurance in place, as well as the appropriate level of cover. You don’t want to risk being under insured. You can use the CGU insurance calculator to check that you are insuring your assets for the correct amount. Ensuring your home and contents and car insurance policies are up to date is another good practice to keep in the habit of. Your current insurer is likely to email you or send you a copy of your policy when it is due for renewal. Use this time to compare policies online for the best value. Protect the assets you have to avoid being out of pocket in case of an incident or accident. Fill out our online form to get a quote for insurance through us. Securing your information Having all of your important documents in one place is great for financial management and crucial to be able to access them in an emergency. Important documents include insurance policies, wills, birth certificates, passports, as well as investment and super documentation. Keeping a hard copy in a home safe or safety deposit box is a good idea, you can always keep digital copies on an external hard drive or in a cloud based program, such as Google Drive. Live on one income where possible A good savings plan will teach you to regularly put money away in case of emergency or when there are changes happening within your family. Good examples of this are when someone is off work due to illness or injury or if you are starting a family. Practice living on one income and put some or all of the rest of your earnings into a savings account. You can use our budget calculator to show what a budget might look like with only one income, which can help to identify which expenses you need to cut back on. Don’t forget about retirement It’s never too early to begin thinking about retirement. Future financial management planning includes considering your transition to retirement and any associated costs with downsizing, accessing or consolidating super and wealth management. Making an appointment with a trusted financial planner is a good idea at any age. Proactively setting up you and your family’s future doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all about having a plan in place with the relevant insurances and a good savings mindset in action. Need some extra help with putting a plan together to protect your assets and finances? 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 Product Disclosure Statement and 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.

Looking to entertain the kids this upcoming Christmas season, but worried about overspending on school holiday activities? We’ve put together some budget-friendly Christmas activities for kids that the whole family can enjoy. Make your own Christmas Decorations Encourage kids creativity by getting them to make their own Christmas ornaments. Buying a few inexpensive baubles that can be painted, decorated or filled with things is a great way to start off. You could even make this a special tradition each year and you’ll have many meaningful ornaments to hang in the years to come.  This is a great way to save money, as these decorations double as gifts for grandparents! Another great Christmas activity at home is to give your kids a Christmas themed colouring book. Encourage them to fill out the pages and then use them as decorations on your fridge. Baking Christmas Treats Making homemade biscuits and other sweets with the kids is a great way to get them learning about making things in the kitchen, and is an inexpensive gift for neighbors, teachers and friends. Get your kids to decorate a batch to take to day care or school to share with their friends if permitted. Visit Santa for free Save money on Santa photos this year by researching where the man in red will be. Instead of heading to the shopping centre to see Santa, find out where you can visit him and take your own pictures for free.  Small businesses, charity fundraisers or schools are a few places that get visits from Santa. Open a Christmas Club Buy a Christmas themed money box for your kids to put their coins in throughout the year, then take them to your local branch to open their own Christmas Club account for the following Christmas. By teaching them good saving habits, they’ll be excited when they can use that money to buy a gift. Take a trip around the neighborhood There are some pretty spectacular displays around your kids are sure to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with a cup of hot chocolate and a trip in the car to see Christmas lights.  Playing Christmas music while you drive around only adds to the Christmas cheer. Volunteer your time Help spread joy this season, save money and instill great values by volunteering in your community.  Local churches, homeless shelters and community centres can help you find a way to give back this year.  Putting together Christmas hampers or helping serve food with your children is a great way for them to learn that Christmas is about giving. Carols by Candlelight Many local councils and community groups such as the Lion’s Club will put on carols, or some other family-friendly event over the Christmas period for families to enjoy. Pack a blanket and some snacks, grab some friends and make an evening of it. Are you looking to get on top of your finances for next Christmas? Let our team at Horizon get you on the path to savings success. Get in touch with us 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.

Consolidate your debts and get ahead. What are personal loans used for? Typically they help to buy white goods and furniture or they’re used for travel. However, did you know that many people also use personal loans for debt consolidation? That is, combining many debts into a single loan making it easier for you to control your repayments and get on top of your debt. Why consider debt consolidation? Paying off multiple credit cards or personal loans can feel overwhelming and somewhat stressful. You’re likely paying these loans off at different (and sometimes quite high) interest rates with many repayments coming out at different times during the month. Different loans can also often come with varying setup and ongoing administration fees. All of these added costs make budgeting and saving difficult leaving you with an unclear outlook for your long-term financial goals. How does debt consolidation work? Instead of having a few loans or credit cards to pay off, you can combine what you owe into one personal loan with a single interest rate. Your debt is still there, but this will enable you to better manage your money and give you a better idea of when you will pay your debt off, as you’ll have just one loan term to think of rather than many. You’ll also save money because a personal loan generally has a lower interest rate than credit cards. You’ll then only have to make one repayment rather than several, and you can always choose a weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment option. Tip* weekly repayments will save you money in the long run too. You can do a debt consolidation loan comparison by comparing our personal loans. Things to think about Consider the size of your debt after combining your loans and be realistic about how much you can afford to repay and how often. Talk to us about your options, to ensure one single larger loan won’t become a burden. Keep in mind that setting up your repayment frequency to match your pay schedule, is a great way to make sure paying off your debt is a priority before spending elsewhere. If you don’t think you’re disciplined enough, we can organise automatic payments for you which takes the hassle out of your hands. Ready to consolidate your debts? Get in touch about a Horizon personal loan 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. 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.

‘Tis the season… To avoid overspending and dampening your Christmas cheer, follow our 4 tips to keep your Christmas budget on track. Christmas budgeting tips - Put money aside A separate Christmas club account is a great way to put aside money for the festive season throughout the year to alleviate the pressure of coming up with hundreds of dollars out of nowhere come November/December. Make a list and check it twice Making a list and allocating an amount to spend on a gift per person will give you a starting point before hitting the shops. Making a list is great for other things you need like entertainment supplies such as decorations, food and drinks. Discussing what a reasonable Christmas budget looks like with your significant other is also a great way to remain accountable for your spending. Encourage Christmas gift hacks Secret Santas and only buying for kids, or setting a firm limit with family and friends is a great way for everyone to keep their Christmas affordable and stress free. Shop smarter If you’re not strapped for time you could shop for next year by lay-buying more expensive items now. Take the time to research your gifts online and search for discount coupons and codes to apply at the checkout. Try and buy a few items from the one place to avoid multiple delivery fees. Track your spending Using a budget calculator to keep a record of your Christmas spending will help you to keep your spending relative to your usual expenses. Christmas shopping on credit Buy now pay later services have become increasingly popular with consumers, and are a tempting way to pay off larger purchases. Be aware of how they work to avoid interest and late payment fees. If you’re thinking of increasing your credit limit on your credit card, consider how quickly you can pay off the extra purchases, to avoid extra Christmas debt well into the following year. Get in touch with the friendly team at your local Horizon Bank, to discuss how to manage your money over Christmas. 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.

Want to learn about some key tips to save money for future spending? In this blog we’ll go through establishing a budget, creating short term savings goals, setting up your savings and checking your credit report. These are key practices to get in the habit of for an effective savings plan that teaches you how to save money. Establish your budget Get in the habit of tracking your spending by asking for a receipt for everything you purchase. You can then input your expenses into our budget calculator which will show you if you are ahead of your savings or if you’re in the red. The best way to save money is to identify where you can cut back on expenses and redirect that money into savings. Identify where your money is going each month by checking your direct debits on your statements. A good saving tip is to double check your regular payments to loans and credit cards for accuracy to make sure you’re paying the correct amounts. Aim for short term savings goals Setting aside a certain amount at regular intervals is one of the best saving tips you can implement. Base this off how regularly you are paid from your employer. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly deposits into a savings account will help you reach that savings goal for a new TV, car, holiday or whatever it may be. Short term savings goals will keep you motivated and on track. Make sure they are SMART goals – specific measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. People have more success with a savings plan when saving for long term items but starting with short term goals. Set Up Automatic Savings Every pay have your employer split a certain amount of your pay and transfer it to a retirement or savings account. Horizon does this in the form of a payroll split. We can split your pay so nominated amounts go into different accounts. This is the most effective way to save, as it puts extra cash out of sight and out of mind before you can spend it. Once you have your automated savings setup, you can then use a savings calculator to estimate how long it will take you to reach your savings goal. Plan gift-giving well in advance Keep a birthday book, or calendar for family and friends birthdays so you know when everyone’s birthday is coming up. This is the best way to save money on birthday presents, as you can take the opportunity to look for items on sale. Avoid impulse buying when it’s left last minute; take the time to choose a gift within your budget that the recipient will appreciate. Check your credit report once a year It is advantageous to have a good credit score when applying for a loan. A credit report tells lenders how trustworthy you are as a borrower and assists with your loan application. Keep track and make sure the information on your file is not outdated as this could impact your ability to apply for loans. Certain sites provide one free credit report a year. Check out the Australian Government website for more information. If you’re looking for more information on accessing a credit report, or want to know how yours will impact your loan application, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. If you need some extra help with your overall planning and saving goals Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your savings 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.

Moving in with a partner? Read our top tips for living in financial harmony. So you’ve decided to take the leap and move in with your partner? Congratulations on this big life step! After looking for a place to live, the next thing on your agenda should be to discuss sharing finances with your partner. Set expectations It’s time to be realistic about what type of spenders you are. If you’re savvy with your money and a great saver, whilst your partner is a little more carefree with their spending, you may need to discuss what you expect from each other financially. For example, if you’re not ok with late rent because your partner overspent on their last shopping spree, it’s best to bring that up early on. How to budget and save Let’s face it, everything costs money! Bills, food and insurances are just some of the expenses you’ll need to save for. Use our budget calculator to get an idea of how much you need to put away to cover your outgoings. Create a simple spreadsheet with all of your expenses and any income to see what you’re left with at the end of the month. Open a joint account The key is to decide what this account is for. Is it for paying bills? Is it for dining out and entertainment? You both need to decide how much you’re willing and able to contribute to your combined funds. Be clear on the purpose of combining your money so you can keep each other in check. Horizon has a range of savings and access accounts so you can get the most out of your money. Check out our best everyday accounts for young couples. Credit or savings? How will you make everyday purchases? Are you an avid credit card user or do you save for everything you buy? Whatever your method, let your partner know so this can be factored into your budget. Thinking a credit card is the way to go? Check out our low rate, no annual fee Visa credit card. Make it fun Don’t forget to treat yourself every once in a while. Dinner and a movie or buying those concert tickets will feel even more rewarding when you’ve been saving together. Living with a partner is a new and exciting experience. Whatever your financial outlook, open and honest finance conversations are key for financial (and relationship) harmony.  Thinking of moving in with a partner? Check out our range of savings accounts to get you started 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.

Sorting out your money before you go What is the best way to take money overseas? You have a few different options. Rather than just relying on cash, consider taking a cash passport or travel money card too. Your own visa debit or credit card can be taken as well for extra flexibility when it comes to paying for things. Plus, having back-up options for lost or stolen cards is always a good idea. Keep an eye on exchange rates leading up to your holiday, then order foreign cash or load up your travel card when the exchange rate is in your favour. With some clever timing you may be able to make your dollar stretch that bit further. This is particularly for those currencies that are worth more than the Australian dollar, such as the British Pound or Euro. Consider the fees and charges While no one wants to have to worry about fees and charges, it’s important to remember that if you pay for things on your debit or credit card oversees, you may pay more than you think. Overseas merchants tend to charge a higher conversion rate for the trouble of converting your money into their currency. Check with us about the costs of using your card for overseas eftpos purchases and in foreign ATMs. Talk to us about travel insurance Without travel insurance, cancelling your holiday due to sickness or injury means you’re unlikely to get back any money you’ve paid so far.  What you’re getting up to on your holiday is also important. Make sure your policy includes cover for dangerous sports if you’re planning on skiing, skydiving or taking part in any other adrenaline filled activity. Get a quote online here. How about those bills? Missing a bill while you’re on holiday can lead to late fees. Or in extreme circumstances, stopping services all together if payments are frequently late. Take the hassle away by setting up direct debits before you go. Tell us before you go By letting us know you’re out of the country and where you’re going, we’ll know it’s you conducting those international transactions. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your accounts and credit cards while you’re away. Looking for more money advice for your overseas trip? Get in touch with 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.

Car buying advice made easy Car buying is often made easier if you can take someone with you who is experienced in the matter. Trusted persons such as parents, friends or relatives are a good example. The internet is full of car buying advice, good and bad! We’ve made a simple car buying checklist you can follow when looking for a new set of wheels. Buying a used Car 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. Set yourself an amount and stick to it! Be prepared to negotiate on price Don’t be afraid to ask the owner for a test drive You may be thinking, what do I need to take to buy a car? Consider the following; Your driver’s license A small cash deposit to assure the seller you’re serious and to prevent them from selling the car to anyone else A reference or credit check from your financial institution to say you have good credit history. (This is only if you plan to get finance from the car dealer) Buying a new Car The lists are much the same, however if you have the time, visit a few dealerships and ask if any extras and upgrades will be included in your car purchase price. Car salesmen will straight up ask you how you’ll be paying for your new car. ‘Cash is King’ still reigns true and paying by cash will give you higher bargaining power. However if you’re needing a new car loan do your home-work and look around for the best car loan rates. Horizon’s car loans are competitive and have a low establishment fee. Do a car loan comparison and enquire about Horizon's car loans.  After you’ve bought your car Motor vehicle insurance and a Green slip are the next things to purchase before you get your car on the road. You don’t have to purchase comprehensive car insurance, but it is the best option for peace of mind that all parties will be covered in the event of an accident. Check out the different levels of motor vehicle cover.  Getting rid of your old car Now, what to do with your old car? Trading-in may ease the hassle of trying to sell your car privately but you'll normally get more for your car that way. Unfortunately, if you’re buying a new car, dealerships do not usually offer you a great deal for trade-ins. Finally, don’t forget to submit a notice of disposal for your old car so the Road’s and Maritime service know you’re no longer the owner. Let us help you on your journey. Get in touch with us today to discuss our car loans available to 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.