Down to Finance Australia

A fast-moving Q&A covering the questions most first-time property investors are thinking, but not always asking out loud.This panel discussion tackles common decision points around budgeting, strategy, yield vs growth, market trends, depreciation basics, and the practical steps to take before applying for your first investment loan.Key takeaways:Why planning and budgeting come before property selectionHow to think about yield vs growth based on where you are in the journeyStaying informed without getting swept up in hypeWhy pre-approval and borrowing clarity matter earlyThe value of building a support team around youDepreciation as a factor to consider, especially for newer homesGuests: Panel featuring seminar speakers and Future Finance Group team.

If you’re a first-time property investor, your next best move might be getting clarity on the bigger plan first.Ricky Jewell explains how property fits into long-term wealth strategy, why structure and tax matter over time, and how risk planning protects the progress you’re trying to make.Key takeaways:Setting goals that guide every investment decisionWhy structure and tax shape long-term outcomesSuperannuation considerations as a wealth vehicleThe importance of tailored advice over “mate’s rates” decisionsRisk planning: key insurance types and why they matterReviewing strategy as life changesGuest: Ricky Jewell - Partner and Specialist Financial Planner, Index Wealth.

First-time investors often ask “where should I buy?” - but the better question is “what’s my strategy?”Patricia Zurrer explains how to define goals, use Australia-wide research, and understand property cycles so you’re not buying at the wrong time based on headlines.Key takeaways:Why strategy should lead the buying processHow to think about cycles, timing, and growth driversWhy infrastructure only matters if timelines stack upBalancing low risk, low vacancy, and long-term outcomesThe role of research and support teamsCase studies and what they reveal about compounding resultsGuest: Patricia Zurrer - Owner and Managing Director, Property Consulting Australia.

Depreciation is one of the most misunderstood parts of property investing - and one of the most useful for cash flow.Daniel Ward explains what depreciation is, how schedules work, and the key differences between new and older properties when it comes to deductions.Key takeaways:Depreciation basics and why it mattersWhat quantity surveyors do and why compliance mattersCapital works vs plant and equipment (and what changes with second-hand)How depreciation can reduce the cost of holding a propertyRenovations and scrapping considerationsWhen it’s “too late” - and what can still be claimedGuest: Daniel Ward - BMT Tax Depreciation.

Finding the right property is only half the job - the buying process and rental reality matter too.Ash Marton shares how first-time investors can get closer to real opportunities and negotiate with more confidence. Kevin Ljungberg follows with a practical leasing view: what renters want, what to budget for, and how compliance affects costs.Key takeaways:How to stay “across the deal” before it becomes obvious valueNegotiation questions that protect your positionFeatures that widen your tenant pool (and lift rent potential)Budgeting for vacancy and setup costsWhy compliance checks can protect you long termThe practical mindset shift from buyer to landlordGuest: Ash Marton - Principal and Director, Ash Marton Realty.Guest: Kevin Ljungberg - Business Development Manager, Leasing.

Structure is one of the biggest early decisions a first-time property investor makes.Adam Pasquill unpacks the basics of negative gearing, CGT, and the high-level differences between common ownership structures, plus the considerations that should guide the decision.Key takeaways:What negative gearing means and how deductions workHow CGT treatment differs from regular incomeHow goals (growth vs income) influence structureIndividual vs trust vs SMSF - core pros and trade-offsWhy costs, flexibility, and state factors matterWhy early advice can prevent painful unwind laterGuest: Adam Pasquill - Associate Partner, Highview Accounting.

Borrowing power is the real starting line for first-time property investors.Amie Tennant shares the lending foundations that help investors move from “someday” to a real plan - including what lenders look at, how to prepare early, and why pre-approval can change your buying position.Key takeaways:How brokers compare lenders and guide you through approval to settlementDeposit, costs, and building a bufferUsing equity (where relevant) to support an investment purchaseCleaning up consumer credit before applyingWhy pre-approval matters and why timing mattersWhy personalised strategy beats generic online adviceGuest: Amie Tennant - Director and Senior Mortgage Broker, Future Finance Group.

If you’ve wondered whether to fix, stay variable, or run a split - this one’s for you. We break down the real drivers of your interest rate, from LVR tiers and credit score to product choice and lender appetite. You’ll hear when a basic loan beats a package, how offsets shave years off your term, and why keeping repayments steady after a rate cut can save a fortune. Clear, practical, and built for Australian borrowers who want confidence at every step.

If you are self-employed and thinking about buying, refinancing or investing, this one is for you. Amy Tennant sits down with Mandy and Sarah to break down exactly what lenders want to see from business owners. They cover full doc and low doc options, when one year of financials can work, how BAS and business bank statements are used, and why net profit - not just turnover - is what banks care about. You will also hear practical tips on ABN and GST settings, keeping a clean banking setup, planning with your accountant, and the timing traps that can cost you borrowing power.

The First Home Buyer Scheme just changed — and it could make buying your first home in Australia easier than ever.In this episode, Sarah, Mandy, and Molly from Future Finance Group explain what’s new: income caps removed, higher price limits, eligibility expanded to permanent residents and NZ citizens, and how rent ledgers can now help prove genuine savings.We also share the key documents you’ll need, plus honest advice on the real costs and considerations before buying your first home.Property Price Caps: https://firsthomebuyers.gov.au/australian-government-5-percent-deposit-scheme/property-price-caps

In this episode of Down to Finance with FFG Australia, we bust the biggest home loan myths Aussie buyers still believe—from needing years of savings to HECS debt destroying your chances.We cover probation periods, one payslip approvals, genuine savings, credit scores, maternity leave, and the 2% single parent deposit scheme. Clear, simple truths for buyers who want to know what lenders actually look at in 2025.

In this episode of Down to Finance with FFG Australia, we’re joined by Patricia Zurrer from Property Consulting Australia to unpack what really matters when investing in property.From rentvesting and balancing growth vs cashflow, to maximising depreciation benefits and avoiding “accidental” investments, Patricia shares expert tips to help you build smarter strategies in the Australian market.

Buying your first home? We unpack real pathways to buy sooner in Australia: 5% deposits with no LMI, stamp duty savings, how gifts and rent ledgers can count toward “genuine savings,” and when a family guarantor can help you buy with no savings. We also explain combining schemes—and why “buy when you can” still holds up.

A Straightforward Chat About Selling Property (and Doing It Well)What does a good real estate agent actually do? In this honest, practical conversation, Amie and Sarah from Future Finance Group sit down with experienced agent Daniel to unpack what goes on behind the scenes when selling a home.From getting your property market-ready to understanding buyer psychology and the importance of strong agent-broker relationships, this episode is packed with insights for both first-time sellers and long-term homeowners.Find Future Finance Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefinancegroup/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefinancegroupLinkedin: https://tinyurl.com/5ymmjbmxYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@futurefinancegroup🔗 https://www.futurefinancegroup.com.au/📩 [email protected]

In this powerful episode, Amie and Sarah are joined by Ricky from Index Wealth as Sarah shares the deeply personal story of losing her partner at just 28—with two kids under four and a newly purchased property. What followed was grief, overwhelming financial pressure, and a hard lesson in how unprepared most of us really are.They unpack what could’ve changed if a financial planner had been involved earlier, why default super cover often falls short, and how support through claims and paperwork can make an unthinkable time just a little bit easier.Whether you’re partnered, a parent, or simply building your future—this conversation is a must-listen on planning for the unexpected, protecting what matters, and creating real peace of mind.

In this episode, Amie and Sarah are joined once again by buyer’s advocate Andrew Date to walk through a real client success story—from selling a long-held family home in Seaford to buying a rare off-market apartment in Melbourne’s CBD.Andrew shares the strategy behind selling and buying simultaneously, navigating lifestyle change in your 50s, and the due diligence that separates good properties from hidden disasters. They also unpack the risks of apartment living, from strata issues to misleading contracts—and how Andrew’s process helps clients avoid costly mistakes.Whether you’re thinking about a move, investing, or just want to know what good advice really looks like, this one’s packed with real insight.

Olivia from First Class Legal joins Amie and Sarah to break down the biggest legal risks buyers and sellers face—and how a good conveyancer can save you major headaches.They talk through when to engage a conveyancer, what’s involved in a section 32, and how hidden contract terms, illegal building works, or poor communication can turn a property deal into a nightmare.Whether you’re buying your first home or selling an investment, this episode is packed with practical legal advice.

In this episode, Amie and Sarah sits down with Ricky from Index Wealth to unpack what financial planners actually do—and why almost everyone can benefit from seeing one.They talk through how advice is tailored to life stage, whether you're buying a first home, raising a family, managing multiple super accounts, or planning retirement. Ricky shares why planning ahead—especially for health or income shocks—can remove stress and provide peace of mind.If you’ve ever put off seeking financial advice, this conversation might just change that.

Do you really need a buyer’s agent when purchasing a home or investment property in Australia?In this episode of Down to Finance, buyer’s advocate Andrew Date from Industry Insider Property in Toorak joins us to explain the value of having someone in your corner during the property search. From avoiding costly emotional decisions to accessing off-market deals, Andrew shares stories from the trenches—and the lessons you don’t want to learn the hard way.We unpack:• What makes a great buyer’s agent• When to engage one (and when you don’t need to)• The difference between off-market and pre-market• Why some buyers miss out over and over• How to buy smart in a shifting property marketWhether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or ready to upsize—this one’s packed with strategy, honesty, and insight.👉 futurefinancegroup.com.au | [email protected]

Buying your first home in Australia? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.In this heartfelt and practical episode of Down to Finance, the team at Future Finance Group—including Bianca, Mandy and Amba—share their personal experiences buying their first homes, plus expert tips on how to prepare, who to lean on, and how to make it all feel achievable.We cover:• What “ready to buy” really means• What lenders and real estate agents want to see• Understanding your budget and savings• First-home buyer grants and guarantor options• What to expect from your broker and how FFG makes it simpleIf you’re thinking of taking the leap—or just want a clearer plan—this one’s for you.Connect with Future Finance Group:🔗 Website: ⁠futurefinancegroup.com.au⁠📩 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠📱 Instagram: ⁠@futurefinancegroup⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠Future Finance Group⁠💼 LinkedIn: ⁠Future Finance Group⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠@futurefinancegroup⁠#FutureFinanceGroup #DownToFinance #CreditScoreAustralia #HomeLoanTips #FinancePodcast #MortgageAustralia #CreditRepair #FirstHomeBuyer #CreditReport

Struggling with your credit score in Australia? Here’s how to fix it.In this episode of Down to Finance, Mandy and Sarah from Future Finance Group unpack everything you need to know about your credit report—how it’s calculated, what impacts it, and what steps you can take to improve your score.We break down:• Late payments and buy-now-pay-later traps• How defaults work (and how to fix them)• What lenders really see on your report• Practical steps to rebuild your credit and secure a better financial futureWhether you're applying for your first home loan, refinancing, or just trying to get back on track—this episode is essential listening for Aussies navigating personal finance.Connect with Future Finance Group:🔗 Website: futurefinancegroup.com.au📩 Email: [email protected]📱 Instagram: @futurefinancegroup📘 Facebook: Future Finance Group💼 LinkedIn: Future Finance Group📺 YouTube: @futurefinancegroup#FutureFinanceGroup #DownToFinance #CreditScoreAustralia #HomeLoanTips #FinancePodcast #MortgageAustralia #CreditRepair #FirstHomeBuyer #CreditReport

How do you know if you’re actually ready to apply for a home loan?In this episode of Down to Finance, Brendon and Sarah—two seasoned mortgage brokers at FFG—join Amie to break down what it really means to be “application ready.”They share personal stories, explain what banks look for behind the scenes, and unpack the common issues that can delay or derail your finance journey—like low credit scores, Afterpay bills, subscription overload, employment myths, and mismatched ID documents. From tradie bank statements to single-parent Centrelink income, this episode has it all.👀 It’s full of practical advice to help you avoid costly surprises and get prepped for success—whether you're buying your first home or planning your next move.👉 Learn more: https://www.futurefinancegroup.com.au📩 Contact: [email protected]

In Episode 1 of Down to Finance, Amie is joined by Brendon and Bianca from the Future Finance Group team to explore why every home loan—regardless of when you took it out—deserves a proper review. From rate checks and lender negotiations to life-stage financial advice, this episode shows how a post-settlement specialist can make all the difference.To book your home loan review, visit futurefinancegroup.com.au or email [email protected].