23/03/2020
Hey Everyone,
It’s been a long time between posts but given the current events in our country and around the world, I wanted to take a moment to share what is happening in the finance and banking industry and give some practical advice to those worried about their next mortgage or car loan repayment.
Many people will have mortgages, car loans personal loans and credit card debt who will also now be going through a time of significant uncertainty with their employment. To date, we have seen the banks begin to ramp up measures to ensure people going through economic hardship are not forced into further heart breaking decisions. We have seen the following measures offered by the banks;
✅ Repayment ‘holidays’ of 3 months on equipment finance loans for those whose business has been affected.
✅ Repayment ‘holidays’ of 6 months for mortgage holders who are impacted by the economic downturn
✅ Interest rate reductions on variable business and home loan mortgage rates.
✅ Fixed rate reductions on 1, 2 and 3 year fixed rates as low as 2.19% with more banks yet to release their pricing.
The key to accessing this help is to engage with your bank BEFORE you start to miss repayments on your loans. The banks are approaching each scenario on a case by case basis and we are seeing the process proceeding much smoother if you are not in arrears already at the time of approaching the bank. Ultimately, your personal circumstances are what determines the measures the banks are taking and being on the front foot will give you the best chance of getting the result you need.
Please feel free to contact me either as an exisiting client or as a new one if you would like to discuss your options or even just to talk about what’s going on. I can point you to the right teams within the banks that are making these calls and also give you specific advice to your situation all at no cost.
For those who are not directly impacted by the current crisis but looking to take advantage of the low rates on offer. The banks are still open. They are still doing business and so are we. If I can save you some money, I will.
Stay safe everyone and let’s hope we can get through this crisis soon.