A Note From Martin Walmsley, Principal Broker
This month, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of the newest arm of the NBS family: NBS REAL ESTATE.
What a year we’ve had so far! Between fires, floods and now a global pandemic, it’s hard to believe it’s only March.
While we navigate our way through these uncertain times, I’d like to remind you all to get in touch early if you have any concerns about your loan arrangements. My team and I are familiarising ourselves with new hardship policies being developed by each lender in response to the COVID-19 crisis and we are here to support and assist you as best we can with your lender. We’ve also attached a list of Hardship contacts and resources for each lender based on our current loan book.
While all community events have been put on hold for the time being, I’d like to reiterate that we will continue to offer the option of phone or video meetings should you be unable to meet face-to-face, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0434 103 326 or 1800 NBS LOAN.
INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF THRESHOLD INCREASE
Under the Government’s newly announced stimulus package, the instant asset write-off threshold has increased from $30,000 to $150,000 until 30 June 2020. This means that if you are a business owner, you may be able to claim an immediate deduction when you purchase new or second-hand assets for your business, such as:
- motor vehicles
- tools and equipment
- office furniture
- computers, laptops and tablets
If you need to arrange fast finance, now is the time to call us on 0434 103 326.
INTEREST RATE REDUCTIONS RECORDS LOWS
With two RBA rate reductions in March alone and two of the Big 4 Banks lowering their fixed rates to an all-time low, there has never been a better time to review your home loan.
If it’s been more than two years since you last compared your options with a qualified Mortgage Broker, it’s very likely that you are paying too much.
Even small differences in interest rates can add up to big savings.
On a $500,000 loan, just a 0.5% pa reduction can save you almost $50,000 in interest over 30 years, so contact us to today and arrange an obligation free review.
CASH FLOW AND THE LENDING LANDSCAPE
Many of you will have received our earlier email regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on cash flow the lending landscape, but it’s worth reiterating some key points here.
Importantly, whether you are an employee or business owner, we suggest that you consider your current financial position and assess whether you have sufficient cash flow to get through the COVID-19 crisis with the minimal possible financial disruption.
When assessing any application for finance (including refinances), financiers will look at recent and current cash flow and wages. The unfortunate truth is that when cash flow has slowed down or dried up, our savings have been depleted, it is less likely that the bank will consider a cash flow injection. In the past, we have seen too many individuals and businesses leave important financial decisions until too late which has significantly reduced their options or even left no suitable options available.
If you have any concerns at all or would like to discuss your options, please get in touch with us as early as possible so we can assist you.
Financial Hardship Resources And Contacts
We understand this is a difficult time for many of our clients, friends and family. We have compiled the below list of financial hardship contacts and resources for anyone who may find them helpful.
Lenders’ Hardship Contacts
For additional information and to be directed to the relevant section of each lender’s website, please visit this page on our website: https://www.nbshomeloans.com.au/financial-resources-hardship-contacts-covid-19-australia
ANZ: 1800 351 548
Bank of China: 1800 095566
Bank of Queensland: 1800 079 866 or CustomerAssistanceTeam@boq.com.au
Bankwest: 1300 787 144
Bluestone: 13 25 83
CBA: 1300 720 814 or customerassist@cba.com.au
Connective HL: 1300 543 558
Connective Solutions: 13 73 77
ING: 1300 349 166
Latrobe: 13 80 10 or hardshipassist@latrobefinancial.com.au
Macquarie: 1300 363 330
ME Bank: 13 15 63
MyState: 138 001
NAB: 1800 701 599
Pepper: 1800 356 383
St George: 1300 303 110
Suncorp: 1800 225 223
Virgin Money: 1800 701 997
Westpac: 1800 067 497
Additional Support Resources
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
GriefLine: 1300 845 745