Rival Finance

17/06/2025

We’re excited to welcome Luca Steeden to the Rival Finance team!
 
Joining us as an Associate, Luca brings strong analytical skills and genuine enthusiasm, further enhancing our team’s capability as we continue to improve the service we offer our clients.
 
Luca recently completed a Bachelor of Business at QUT, majoring in Finance with a minor in International Business.
 
Outside the office, Luca enjoys surfing, playing golf, and spending time with friends.
 
Please join us in welcoming Luca to the team!

17/06/2025

We're excited to welcome Luca Steeden to the Rival Finance team!

Joining us as an Associate, Luca brings strong analytical skills and genuine enthusiasm, further enhancing our team’s capability as we continue to improve the service we offer our clients.

Luca recently completed a Bachelor of Business at QUT, majoring in Finance with a minor in International Business.

Outside the office, Luca enjoys surfing, playing golf, and spending time with friends.

Please join us in welcoming Luca to the team!

28/05/2025

Ever wondered why someone else has a better interest rate than you - even at the same bank? 🏡

In residential lending, a few key factors can impact your rate:

✔️ Owner-occupied vs investment
✔️ Interest-only vs principal & interest
✔️ Personal name vs company/trust
✔️ And importantly — your Loan to Value Ratio (LVR)

Banks price on risk — and understanding how your loan is structured could mean unlocking a sharper rate. If your property’s value has gone up or your loan has reduced, you could be in a better position than you think.

A simple valuation might be all it takes to save. 💸

21/05/2025

Business owners who “pay no tax” — this one’s for you.

We get it, no one likes paying tax. But if your books say you made no profit, here’s what the bank sees:
❌ No income
❌ No borrowing power
❌ No access to use their money to build your wealth

As EOFY approaches, remember:
Paying tax = showing profit
Showing profit = getting approved for loans
Loans = leverage to buy income-producing assets 🏠📈

Think long-term. Play the wealth game smart.

15/05/2025

Trump Tariffs and the Outlook for Australian Interest Rates:

US President Donald Trump sent the global economy into a spin back in April, announcing a plethora of trade tariffs on many of his biggest trade partners.

While global markets reacted with caution and uncertainty, there could be a silver lining for Australia especially when it comes to interest rates.

All four major banks are now anticipating rate cuts in 2025, signalling potential relief for borrowers and a more favourable lending environment ahead:
➡ ANZ – 3 cuts in May, July and August for a 3.35% cash rate at year end.*
➡ CBA – 3 cuts in May, August and November to bring the cash rate to 3.35% at year end.
➡ Westpac - 3 cuts in May, August and November to bring the cash rate to 3.35% at year end.
➡ NAB – 5 cuts in May (0.50%), July, August, November and February to bring the cash rate to 2.60% in 2026.

It’s important to be aware of what all of this means for you.

Lower rates mean increased borrowing capacity.

Increased borrowing capacity means it’s easier for you to borrow money and invest in one of Australia’s greatest wealth creation tools; the property market.

*ANZ forecast amended after filming.

19/03/2025

Congratulations to our director, Jordon Warhurst, for being named a 2025 Mortgage Professional Australia Rising Star—recognising the best mortgage brokers in Australia under 35! 🎉

The Rising Stars list celebrates the industry's top emerging talent. Brokers who are not only navigating a shifting lending landscape but also innovating, growing, and exceeding client expectations.

🔗 Read more about Jordon’s achievement here: https://www.mpamag.com/au/news/general/revealed-2025-rising-stars-of-australias-mortgage-industry/528137

19/02/2025

RBA UPDATE - FEBRUARY

The RBA has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10%.

Key Takeaways:

➡️ First Rate Cut in Over Four Years:�This marks the first reduction since the RBA lowered rates to emergency levels during the COVID-19 pandemic to support economic activity.

➡️ Inflation Must Continue to Fall for More Cuts:
Headline inflation is currently at 2.4%, below the midpoint of the RBA’s target range. However, Governor Michelle Bullock has stressed that underlying inflation (trimmed mean inflation) is the key metric the RBA is looking at. Currently at 3.2%, it needs to continue to drop below 3.0% for further rate cuts to be considered.

➡️ Future Rate Cuts Expected:
The RBA forecasts the cash rate to fall to 3.6% by December 2025. If economic trends remain in line with their forecast, another 50 basis points of cuts could be introduced before the year’s end.

➡️ What Does This Mean for You?
Other than your interest repayments reducing, you will also see an increase in your borrowing capacity as these interest rate cuts start to flow through.

You can also expect to see property prices on the rise again as the rate cuts allow more buyers back into the market leading to an increase in activity and improved market confidence.

23/01/2025

If you're looking to purchase an investment property, it's important to remember to structure your debt correctly to maximise the financial benefit and efficiency of the transaction.

Achieving a financial structure that is aligned to your goals can help to;

💰Take full advantage of negative gearing legislation to reduce your taxable income and reduce the amount of tax you may pay.

💰 Increase your borrowing capacity to make it easier to purchase your next investment property.

💰 Allow you to pay down your owner-occupied home loan quicker and ensure you maximise the tax deductibility of any new debt you may take on.

The example discussed demonstrates how investors can access equity in their owner-occupied home to purchase a new investment property ensuring a tax efficient structure that maximizes the investors borrowing capacity with the bank.

It is important to remember that the provided example does not represent your personal situation and that it is general in nature.

If you are in the process of purchasing an investment property, we recommend speaking with your accountant in conjunction with your finance broker to ensure your own personal situation is considered and a structure aligned with your own specific goals is implemented.

22/01/2025

22/01/2025

Are you a banker that is interested in making the transition to broking?

We are expanding our team and seeking experienced bankers, both commercial and residential who are interested in joining our fast-growing business.

Competitive remuneration packages are available depending on experience, customer network and loan settlement volumes. We are motivated to structure a role that is right for you, including tailoring a base salary/commission structure that aligns with your needs and providing flexible working arrangements.

We are seeking both analysts, home lending specialists and relationship managers.

If you’re interested, please reach out to Codey on 0428 884 931 or [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

16/01/2025

We’re back and ready to kick off 2025!

To celebrate the New Year here’s 3 things to look out for over the next 12 months.

1. Interest rate cuts
2. Housing market growth is beginning to slow
3. Increased investment activity

As interest rates are expected to decrease over the next year, it’s essential to understand how this could boost your borrowing capacity. Properties that may have been unattainable in the past could become within reach in 2025.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your financial goals for 2025!

11/12/2024

DECEMBER RBA UPDATE:
The RBA have met for the final time this year and, as expected, have decided to leave the cash rate on hold at 4.35% to round out 2024.

RBA Governor Michelle Bullock’s recent shift to a more dovish stance on the economy, influenced by softer than expected economic data, has sparked speculation about an earlier than anticipated rate cutting cycle.

While markets have more recently projected the first rate cut in May 2025, there is now a 69% chance (at time of posting) of a February 2025 cut, with additional cuts likely in April and May, potentially seeing the cash rate lowered by a full 100bps to 3.35% by the end of 2025.

This development has brought greater consensus among economists, raising hopes for earlier than expected interest rate relief amidst an otherwise unpredictable interest rate environment.