Search results

  1. Maria43

    How can I manage my mortgage with the third RBA rate hike this year?

    Should have been 0.5, they are just kicking the can down the road
  2. Maria43

    Should I sell my home to upgrade with my $500K payout?

    This is both a financial and emotional question. Having the house paid off feels good. But in five years, the big house might be harder to afford. Think about the long term. Consider what you and your family truly need.
  3. Maria43

    Can I start a car detailing side gig from my garage with low costs?

    The lower the barrier to entry the higher amount of competitors
  4. Maria43

    Is buying a property just for Airbnb a smart investment?

    Yes, I wouldn't go back to long term renting. YouTube and ChatGPT can help you start. If there is enough profit, hiring a manager is a good option when you want to be less involved. If you buy a property in a good location, first do some market research. Use AirDnA for free. For more...
  5. Maria43

    Will one late Klarna payment hurt my dad's credit score?

    No but if you can, pay it for him, they’ll lower his limit
  6. Maria43

    Did a fake lawyer call my family threatening to sue me for an old loan?

    I would assume this is a scam. If it continues I’d call the police.
  7. Maria43

    How can I remove a public record from my credit report?

    Freeze Lexus Nexus account, then dispute the derogatory items.
  8. Maria43

    Should I take out a loan to consolidate $35K in credit card debt?

    If you can pay it off in about 18 to 20 months, a balance transfer works well. If it will take longer, consider a loan with lower interest. It’s also about your habits and lifestyle. Small changes can help you stay on track.
  9. Maria43

    What Are the Best Debt Consolidation Loans for a 700 Credit Score?

    Using Upgrade was straightforward. They handled payments to creditors, and I covered the rest myself. Now I have a two year repayment plan. The rate is lower, and the monthly payments are more manageable.
  10. Maria43

    Should I celebrate small debt payoff wins or aim higher?

    Saving $1000 in two months is a great goal. We’re close to $700 after two months. That’s real progress. Living paycheck to paycheck is tough. You’re not alone in that feeling. Small steps can help build a little breathing room.
  11. Maria43

    How can I become debt-free if I can't afford my payments?

    Repossession is risky. At auction, someone might get a good deal, and you could still owe a lot maybe $20,000 or more. Selling it yourself or back to the dealership is clearer. Get a loan to pay it off so you know your payment. A repo auction is a gamble you can avoid.
  12. Maria43

    What should I prioritize first: debt, emergency fund, or investing for my family?

    Start with your emergency fund first. Figure out your monthly expenses and multiply by two. That's your target amount. Next, focus on your debt. List it from smallest to largest. Pay the minimum on all debts, and put any extra money toward the smallest one. When that loan is gone, move...
  13. Maria43

    How can I aggressively pay off student loans in 3 years?

    You've nearly finished. Eight of nine are done, and now you're on the last one. Keep going. It will be over before you know it. You're doing great. We can do this.
  14. Maria43

    How can I budget effectively with medical debt and long work hours?

    I also use a small notebook and love to write it, see it, review it
  15. Maria43

    How can I manage a tight budget alone after major losses in 2024?

    Start with the basics when you're overwhelmed. Focus on your Four Walls first: food, shelter, utilities, and transportation. Consider adding a fun category, even if it's just a few dollars. This can make the process feel more balanced. Only budget the money you actually have right now. Give...
  16. Maria43

    What are our options if we can't lower our mortgage payment further?

    To ease the financial strain, consider raising your income or selling your home. Remember, home ownership works best when it isn't overwhelming you. You could rent for a while, choose a smaller home, or move somewhere more affordable.
  17. Maria43

    Should I open separate checking accounts for bills and spending?

    You have three accounts now. One for fixed bills, one for variable costs, and one for the car loan. They are all part of your budget.
  18. Maria43

    What car loan interest rates are others paying in Melbourne?

    You avoid interest by saving first. Paying cash for your cars is a wise and steady approach.
  19. Maria43

    After bankruptcy removal, do I need to dispute discharged accounts still showing it?

    I've had a stable portfolio ever since I began following the market analysis.
  20. Maria43

    How can I remove charge-offs and collections to improve my credit score?

    I'm glad the collections account was removed from your report. That took real effort. It's a tough situation. Your dad, dealing with dementia, opened an account with your old details. That must have been stressful. Trying the BBB first is a common step. It's disappointing they couldn't help...
  21. Maria43

    How can I remove collections and charge-offs from my credit report?

    Next time with Capital One, if you haven't already, try to negotiate a pay for delete agreement. Get it in writing, so you have proof they'll remove it.
  22. Maria43

    Which banks offer the easiest approval for debt consolidation loans?

    Consolidation loans need caution. They can become traps, often not fixing the real issue. If you still choose this path, options exist. Banks such as Wells Fargo, SoFi, LightStream, Marcus, and PenFed Credit Union provide them. Yet, we suggest not rushing. Understand your own situation and...
  23. Maria43

    Will closing old cards after bankruptcy drops off hurt my credit score?

    Keep your credit cards open. Use them a little, like for fuel, and pay it off right away. Closing cards can really hurt your score. I paid off my car loan, and my score fell by 60 points.
  24. Maria43

    How can a Navy Federal account help me build credit?

    Max interwar rate 18% vs sub prime lenders charging 25%
  25. Maria43

    Is this bank notification a scam if I don’t have an account?

    I wonder about this. Jefferson Capital is a collection agency. That means they are likely not the original creditor.
  26. Maria43

    What’s the best first credit card for a beginner?

    The best financial thing I did was get rid of my credit cards.
  27. Maria43

    What are the best high-yield ETFs to invest in right now?

    VAS is decent enough, solid 10 yr performance
  28. Maria43

    Can we use home equity for an investment property with our income?

    Ask a broker to check the numbers. The attachment shows your borrowing power. It also helps you see if you can manage the debt.
  29. Maria43

    Can I sue a debt collector for FDCPA violations and get debt waived?

    You have two accounts with Portfolio Recovery. They're on two different credit bureaus. One shows from 2017, the other from 2020. You haven't made a payment since 2017.
  30. Maria43

    Is switching to physiotherapy at 25 worth it for career fulfillment?

    Combining physiotherapy experience with sales skills can lead to roles in medical devices. This is one of the most rewarding sales careers available. Breaking in can be very challenging, but once you’re established, you’re set.
  31. Maria43

    Should I use offset, savings, or S&P 500 to save for another investment property?

    Put all your extra money into your offset account. The interest you save will be much more than the interest you could earn elsewhere. Plus, you would have to pay tax on any interest you earn, as it counts as income.
  32. Maria43

    FIFO tradie: sole trader vs Pty Ltd for side business tax?

    Money from your ABN is personal income, just like PAYG. The PSI rules now limit some deductions. Find your marginal tax rate and add 5% for Medicare. Set this amount aside from your ABN income.
  33. Maria43

    Best financial adviser in South Brisbane for $250k income & family planning?

    Your financial representative is doing a wonderful job for you. They offer excellent support.
  34. Maria43

    New ute or cheap run-around—what’s the smarter buy?

    It depends on whether you run your own business and need to present a certain way. Otherwise, if you're just a subcontractor, the $8k Hilux Workmate is a great work vehicle. It’s practical and reliable for daily use.
  35. Maria43

    Need to borrow back house deposit from MIL—how soon before buying?

    He will need proof of deposit to start an application. No broker would accept a story about money being in another person's account. It’s a step everyone must take to move forward.
  36. Maria43

    $280k income, $80k in offset—should we invest or keep paying down mortgage?

    If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, paying down your loan may be more helpful than using an offset account. You can still access your money through redraw, but it’s often easier to spend from an offset than to redraw. If you redraw to invest, your accountant can confirm the...
  37. Maria43

    How do I stop relentless Indian telemarketers calling my work number?

    Just tell them it's a wrong number, a nd you don't have an energy account. That’s what I did. After three months, they stopped calling. They have to share feedback with the company that sold them your details. Over time, someone should update their records and mark the information as...
  38. Maria43

    750 credit score, 48k loan—how can I get mortgage approval in rural VIC?

    It seems straightforward, just double check everything to be sure a lender would consider it. I'm working tonight if you'd like to talk things through. Otherwise, I'm sure many brokers will be happy to help you.
  39. Maria43

    Move to Brisbane for cheaper study + jobs, or stay in Melbourne debt-free?

    I am a registered land surveyor in NSW. I likely would not suggest going into land surveying. In my view, the industry will be strongly affected by AI and new technologies in 5 to 10 years. This may make it harder for graduates to find work. If you still choose surveying, I would not advise...
  40. Maria43

    Should I switch to interest-only to lower payments & keep redraw access?

    Interest builds up every day. How much are you paying back right now? And how much would you like to lower it?
  41. Maria43

    How Can I Protect My $95K Savings If My Marriage Ends?

    Take your medicine with care. Learn from your experience. Work hard to find your way again. And most of all, be the best dad you can be.
  42. Maria43

    How to safely secure a dream home before selling ours? Finance risks?

    This happened to me once. I bought a new home before selling my old one. The new place had a 16 week settlement. We looked into a bridging loan. It would have cost around $20,000. Instead, we negotiated the interest rate down a!bit on the new purchase and went past the settlement date. There’s...
  43. Maria43

    How Can I Legally Lower Child Support If Ex Hides Income in Trusts?

    If she is the only one in charge of the trust, filing a complaint may lead to a closer review.
  44. Maria43

    Sydney family earning $250k—upgrade home, renovate, or invest? What would you do?

    It sounds like you're on the right track. You're thinking of two separate strategies. First strategy: Consolidate your debt into your mortgage. Do a small renovation in the garage and add an extra bathroom. Then get finance to buy an affordable investment property. Second strategy...
  45. Maria43

    What should I save for after maxing house down payment & emergency fund?

    A house fund is a good idea. Things can go wrong, like a water heater breaking or a pipe leaking. It helps to be ready. Think about your insurance deductible for a roof, in case of storm damage. This way, a big surprise won't feel so overwhelming. It's about taking one small step at a time.
  46. Maria43

    Is this BBB-backed debt consolidation program worth it? Saves $1K/month?

    I don't suggest these programs. They often cause payments to fall behind. That can hurt your credit. A better step is to call your credit card companies and others you owe. They have help available. They are negotiating for a fee. But you can do that on your own! Good luck to you.
Back
Top