Author: Eric Burnett

Ethical Finance Broker AU Home > How to Manage Living Expenses in Loan Applications Published on January 2, 2025 | 3 min read Applying for a loan involves more than just listing your income—managing and declaring your living expenses is equally important. Understanding how to budget and present your financial details can make a significant difference in your application’s success. How Should I Budget for a Loan Application? To budget effectively, start by reviewing your bank statements to understand your actual spending habits. Use these real figures when filling out your loan application to ensure accuracy. This gives lenders a clearer picture of your financial situation and avoids potential discrepancies. How Should I Handle Mortgage or Rent Payments If My Partner Contributes? If your partner contributes to your mortgage or rent payments, you can usually declare only half of the total payment. Some lenders may request proof of your partner’s income, while others might not. Providing payslips for both parties upfront can give you more options, but it’s not always a requirement. What Income and Expenses Should I Declare? When applying for a loan, you should declare: Lenders will also review your credit file to check for open loans and credit card balances. How Do Lenders Assess Living Expenses? Lenders often use the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM) to calculate your living expenses. This can vary between lenders and is sometimes scaled based on your income. For example: Lenders will consider the higher amount between your declared expenses and their internal HEM figures to assess your application. How Do Credit Card Expenses Affect My Application? Credit cards are treated as an expense based on their limit, not the balance. For example: This approach helps lenders account for potential credit usage. What Happens If My Living Expenses Exceed My Income? If your living expenses exceed your income, it could affect your ability to repay the loan. For instance: Each lender has different criteria: How Can I Ensure My Application Is Accurate? Transparency is key when completing your loan application. Be honest about your financial situation to avoid issues during the assessment process. Using the application form on my website allows me to review your profile and provide more accurate feedback tailored to your situation. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need help managing your living expenses and loan application. Table of Contents Finance CalculatorsConsumer LoansBusiness LoansContact Us 16 Ambrose Street Rockingham, WA, Australia 6168 [email protected] 04 0115 1558 08 9525 3577 Legal Disclaimer, etc. Realistic Brokerage Services Ltd Pty Ltd (ABN 93 712 332 635) trading as Ethical Finance Broker AU and Financebroker.ai, is an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR #552958) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd (ABN 80 625 017 174), Australian Credit Licence # 511803.

Ethical Finance Broker AU Home > Buying a Car: Tips & Advice Published on December 27, 2024 | 3 min read How Can I Compare Multiple Car Makes and Models? Visit a car supermarket where you can see a wide range of vehicles displayed in categories. This allows you to compare different makes and models side by side without dealing with aggressive sales tactics. Although these dealerships often have fixed prices, it’s worth asking about discounts. Be aware that they might sell ex-rental or ex-mine site vehicles, which are often well-restored but might come with higher price tags.   What Should I Consider When Visiting a Car Supermarket? How Can I Ensure I Don’t End Up With a Problematic Vehicle?   What Are the Considerations for High-Performance and Luxury Cars? High-performance and luxury cars often come with higher maintenance costs, including: These costs can be significantly higher compared to standard vehicles. If you value performance and luxury, be prepared for these additional expenses.   How Important Is It to Choose the Right Vehicle? Choosing the right vehicle is crucial as it impacts your satisfaction and financial investment. For example:   What Should I Look for When Inspecting a Car? Oil Leaks Check where the car has been parked for signs of oil leaks. You can also look underneath the car. Oil leaks can be costly to repair and are often not covered under warranties. Cold Start Watch the car start from cold. Listen for unusual rattles and check for a large puff of smoke, which can indicate potential engine issues. Service History Ask for the service history and find out when the last service was done. Take a picture of the last service stamp and contact the service center to check if any major repairs were advised but not completed. Timing Belt Check if the timing belt is due for replacement. Google the intervals and costs associated with this maintenance to avoid unexpected expenses. Bonnet and Panels Examine the bolts on the bonnet hinges for paint damage. Cracks in the paint can indicate the panel has been removed. Look for overspray or new panels as signs of previous paintwork. While these issues don’t necessarily mean the car is a no-go, they warrant further investigation.   Should I Get a Professional Inspection? Yes, it’s highly recommended:   What’s the Most Important Piece of Advice When Buying a Car? Keep Emotions Out of the Purchase Pre-Discussion Have a realistic discussion with your partner about the timeframe for purchasing the car. This helps in making a well-considered decision rather than an impulsive one. Stay Professional Approach salespeople with respect and politeness. A friendly demeanor can foster a better relationship and often leads to more favorable deals. Table of Contents Finance CalculatorsConsumer LoansBusiness LoansContact Us 16 Ambrose Street Rockingham, WA, Australia 6168 [email protected] 04 0115 1558 08 9525 3577 Legal Disclaimer, etc. Realistic Brokerage Services Ltd Pty Ltd (ABN 93 712 332 635) trading as Ethical Finance Broker AU and Financebroker.ai, is an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR #552958) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd (ABN 80 625 017 174), Australian Credit Licence # 511803.

Ethical Finance Broker AU Published on December 12, 2024 | 3 min read Applying for a loan can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process smoother and improve your chances of approval. Whether you’re buying a car, starting a business, or consolidating debt, here are some practical tips to help you navigate the journey.   What You Need to Know Before Submitting a Loan Application When it comes to loan applications, preparation is everything. Before you hit that submit button, take a moment to: 1. Be Transparent About Your Situation Make sure you provide detailed information about your financial situation. If there are any unique aspects—like recent job changes, large expenses, or other circumstances—let your broker know. They can include notes with your application to ensure lenders understand the full picture. 2. Address Any Potential Hurdles If you think there might be issues with your application, such as a lower credit score or gaps in income, don’t panic. Your broker can help identify these challenges and work with you to find solutions. Remember, the key is honesty and a proactive attitude.   Tips for Presenting Your Application Your loan application is like your first impression to lenders. Here’s how to make it count: 1. Provide Accurate and Complete Information Double-check all your details, from income to living expenses. Incomplete or inconsistent information can slow down the process and raise red flags. 2. Highlight Changes or Unique Factors If there are changes in your financial situation or any unusual details, make them clear. For example, if you’ve recently moved or taken on a new job, explain how these changes impact your ability to repay the loan. 3. Collaborate With Your Broker Your broker is your partner in this process. Keep them in the loop about any concerns or updates, so they can present your application in the best light.   What to Do If Approval Seems Unlikely Sometimes, a loan application might feel like a long shot. If that’s the case, don’t give up just yet. Your broker is there to guide you, ensuring your application meets ethical and legal standards while giving you the best chance of success.   Managing Dependents on Your Application Declaring dependents correctly is an essential part of the loan process. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them: 1. Part-Time Dependents If your children live with you part-time (e.g., 50% of the time), you can declare them as one dependent. This approach aligns with most lender guidelines and simplifies the application process. 2. Child Maintenance Payments For children who don’t live with you, focus on declaring the child maintenance payments instead. In this case, you can list zero dependents while including the agreed outgoing amount stated in your child support documents. 3. Independent Children Living at Home If your child is financially independent (e.g., working and covering their expenses) but still lives at home, they don’t need to be listed as a dependent on your application.   Final Thoughts Getting approved for a loan doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right preparation, honest communication, and support from your broker, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, every detail matters, so take the time to get it right the first time. Need more help? At Ethical Finance Broker AU, we’re here to make the process as stress-free as possible. Let’s work together to achieve your goals!   Table of Contents Finance CalculatorsConsumer LoansBusiness LoansContact Us 16 Ambrose Street Rockingham, WA, Australia 6168 [email protected] 04 0115 1558 08 9525 3577 Legal Disclaimer, etc. Realistic Brokerage Services Ltd Pty Ltd (ABN 93 712 332 635) trading as Ethical Finance Broker AU and Financebroker.ai, is an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR #552958) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd (ABN 80 625 017 174), Australian Credit Licence # 511803.

Ethical Finance Broker AU Published on December 19, 2024 | 3 min read Life can feel like a constant tug-of-war—between the weight of the past and the worries of the future. But what if I told you that peace, clarity, and connection to something bigger are always available to you? All you have to do is be here, now.To understand this, let’s reflect on the symbol of the cross, not in a strictly religious sense, but as a universal representation of life, time, and presence. The Horizontal Line: The Human Condition Imagine a simple horizontal line. We often live our lives bouncing between these two ends of the line. Replaying old conversations, rethinking choices, worrying about tomorrow. But neither of these places—past or future—can offer us peace. So where does peace live? The Center: The Present Moment The center of the cross—the place where the horizontal and vertical lines meet—represents the present moment, the Now. Eckhart Tolle calls the present moment the only true reality. Everything outside of it—the past and future—exists only in your mind. Right here, right now, is where life is actually happening. It’s the moment where your breath moves in and out, where the wind touches your skin, where you simply exist. When you allow yourself to be in the Now, you free yourself from the weight of the past and the fear of the future. There’s nothing to overthink or fix, because the present moment is already complete. The Vertical Line: Connection with the Universe Now imagine a vertical line running up and down through the center of the horizontal line. This vertical line symbolizes our connection to something greater—the energy of the universe, life itself. The more time you spend in the present moment, the closer you come to this universal energy. Here, you’re not just a person lost in thoughts; you’re part of something vast, timeless, and eternal. Alan Watts once said, “You are the universe experiencing itself.” In the Now, you can feel that truth. Why It Matters Think about the moments when you feel most alive—when you’re watching the sunset, laughing with friends, or lost in a creative flow. In those moments, you’re not in the past or the future. You’re fully present. And that’s where peace is. Every time you find yourself overthinking or feeling anxious, return to the center. Take a breath. Notice the life around you. This moment—right here, right now—is where everything meets. Living in the Now The cross reminds us of a simple truth: The more time you spend in the present, the clearer your mind becomes. You let go of the clutter, the noise, the endless thoughts. You feel the universe instead of just thinking about it. So, the next time you find yourself lost in the past or worrying about the future, remember: everything you need is already here, in the Now. Breathe, and come back to the center. Drugs and Alcohol To quote Homer Simpson “To alcohol! The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems”. The solution he is referring to is that along with other mind altering drugs, it stops the thinking part of the human and that is what gives a temporary happiness. When you become aware of your thoughts, you’ll not need any substances to have a natural happiness Breaking the Cycle: Taking Control of Your Thoughts and Emotions I want to help others to “awaken” to the craziness that the human thought process does. I honestly believe that this should be thought in schools. Other research tells me that over 90% of people aren’t aware that they can live a peaceful life instead of choosing anger or playing the victim card like I did. I strongly believe that if you can be aware/control your thoughts, then life becomes so much better. Thoughts cause emotions, (e.g. anger) emotions cause different chemicals to be released (e.g. adrenaline), that causes different feelings (e.g. tension/ stress) this then creates more emotions and then it snowballs until you find something else to start the same process from again. There are tactics you can use to limit the thoughts and they boil down to simply becoming aware and observing the situation and asking yourself questions like “is this a problem right now” and you’ll find that over 90% of the time, you’ll be giving your energy and thoughts to a situation that you have no control over the outcome. It’s like you’re shining a light on the energy that’s taken control of your mind and this allows you to take back control. It’s like you’re an arsonist and the head of the fire department at the same time. Table of Contents Finance CalculatorsConsumer LoansBusiness LoansContact Us 16 Ambrose Street Rockingham, WA, Australia 6168 [email protected] 04 0115 1558 08 9525 3577 Legal Disclaimer, etc. Realistic Brokerage Services Ltd Pty Ltd (ABN 93 712 332 635) trading as Ethical Finance Broker AU and Financebroker.ai, is an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR #552958) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd (ABN 80 625 017 174), Australian Credit Licence # 511803.

Ethical Finance Broker AU Home > How I Saved My Client $11,172 – and How You Can Save, Too! Published on December 12, 2024 | 3 min read Every now and then, I encounter a story that reinforces why I do what I do. This is one of those stories. My client was in the market for a car—a sleek, 4-year-old BMW X5 that she found through a private seller. To finance the purchase, she applied for a loan through a large finance broker linked to the car’s advertisement. When the contract came back, the interest rate was set at 12.24%. It seemed high, but like many people, she thought it might be standard for used car loans. Luckily, she remembered seeing an advertised rate of 8.24%, so she decided to dig deeper. screenshot of the other broker’s rate That’s when she found my website. The Power of the Right Tools My client entered a few details about the car, answered three quick questions about her profile, and clicked “calculate.” Within moments, she was looking at a rate of 7.99%—lower than both the advertised rate and the broker’s offer. screenshot of the result Intrigued, she completed the application process, and within 24 hours, her loan was approved at the 7.99% rate, with the same repayments as the initial online quote. The story doesn’t end there. Out of curiosity, she shared a screenshot of the original loan offer from the other broker. When I compared the numbers, the savings she achieved by choosing my service were over $11,172. Why the Difference? Here’s the frustrating part: the other broker could have offered the same deal. Instead, it seems their priority was commission, not fairness. This is a common issue in the industry. Larger finance brokers often work with higher margins to cover overhead costs or reward introducers with hefty commissions. Unfortunately, this leaves customers paying far more than necessary. Why My Calculator is Different My website features a loan calculator unlike anything else in Australia. It searches through thousands of data points to find the best rates for each client and their unique profile. By automating this process, I save time as a broker and can focus on delivering value to my clients. Here’s what you get when you deal with me: – Instant Quotes: Enter your details and get repayment figures instantly—no need to provide your contact details.– Fairness and Transparency: I treat every client the same, offering the best possible rates regardless of their borrowing amount or how they found me. – Ethical Business Practices: My rates reflect what’s fair, not what maximizes profit. I believe in karma and couldn’t justify charging one person significantly more than another for doing the same amount of work. – Your best interest first: I openly discuss all your options because I am the first to admit that I am not always the most cost effective way How I Keep Costs Low Unlike large networks with high operating costs, I’ve designed my business to focus on efficiency. The calculator does the heavy lifting, narrowing down the best lenders for each scenario. This allows me to save time and pass the savings directly to my clients. The calculator even shows what repayments would look like if I charged full retail fees—so you can see exactly how much you’re saving. It’s About More Than Just Numbers For me, this is about more than running a successful business. It’s about helping people and treating everyone equally. That’s a principle I hold close, both personally and professionally. I know that the way I work isn’t the norm in this industry, but it’s a choice I’m proud of. When I see stories like this client saving $11,172, it reminds me why I started this journey. Ready to Save? If you’re in the market for a loan—whether it’s for a car, boat, or any other purchase—give my calculator a try. It’s fast, transparent, and won’t flood you with calls or texts.  If you hear of anyone looking for finance, let them know about this calculator, I‘m sure they will be grateful How do I save? It is simple, if you are looking for a loan with personal use, click here or if you want a loan for a business item, click here and you will see the deal you will get if your profile matches the lenders that you have selected. Table of Contents