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Buying a home

Deposits, loans and the hidden costs. Here's what to read and work out, in the order that helps most.

A couple sitting among moving boxes in their new home

Your reading list

1

Super and big life events

How parental leave, separation, buying a first home and tough times can affect your super, and the rules for early access.

3 min read
2

Refinancing your loan

How refinancing works, when it can save you money, the costs to check, and how to work out whether switching is worth it.

3 min read
3

Set money goals and make a plan

Turn vague money wishes into clear goals with a deadline, a dollar amount and a simple plan you can stick to.

3 min read
4

Property investing: costs, gearing and risks

The real costs of owning an investment property, how gearing works, and what the 2027 negative gearing and CGT changes mean for investors.

3 min read
5

Insurance basics: what cover do you need?

A plain-English overview of the main types of insurance, how to decide what you need, and what to do if a claim goes wrong.

3 min read
6

Life, TPD and trauma cover

How life, total and permanent disability (TPD) and trauma insurance work, and a simple way to estimate how much cover your family might need.

3 min read
7

Home, contents and car insurance

How to avoid being underinsured, choose an excess, check flood and storm cover, and pick the right level of car insurance.

3 min read
8

How credit scores and credit reports work

What's on your credit report, how your credit score is worked out, how to get your report for free, and how to fix mistakes.

4 min read
9

Home loans explained

The key home loan choices in plain English, from repayment types and rate types to offset accounts, LMI and the government's 5% Deposit Scheme.

4 min read

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