Worth reading
Plain-English guides.
Australian finance, minus the jargon. 30 pieces and counting — covering home loans, business finance, investment property, and what the latest policy actually means for borrowers.
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Browse the archive.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is debtor finance?
Debtor finance is funding secured against your unpaid customer invoices (debtors). It is the same product family as factoring and invoice discounting. Plain-English explainer of how it works and who it suits.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is a hire purchase agreement?
A hire purchase agreement is a way of buying business equipment where the lender owns the asset until the final payment, at which point ownership transfers to you. Plain-English explainer of how it works, the tax treatment, and how it compares with chattel mortgage.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Private lending for business: a borrower's plain-English guide
Private lending is funding from non-bank and private credit funds rather than mainstream banks. It is faster, more flexible, and more expensive. Plain-English explainer of how it works, when it fits, and how to compare across the opaque private market.
BUSINESS FINANCE
How much deposit do you need for a commercial property loan?
Commercial property loan deposits are typically 20 to 40 per cent of the purchase price. The exact figure depends on the property type, the lease in place, and your business strength. Plain-English explainer of what shifts the number and how to reduce it.
BUSINESS FINANCE
The pros and cons of invoice factoring
Invoice factoring releases cash from unpaid customer invoices and outsources collections to the lender. The cash flow benefit is real; so are the trade-offs. Plain-English run-through of the pros, the cons, and when factoring is the right call.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Financing a used or older truck: what owner-operators need to know
Used trucks are how most owner-operators and transport businesses actually build a fleet. The financing piece is harder than for new vehicles because lender appetite narrows sharply with age. Plain-English guide to which lenders fund used trucks and what they look for.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is a caveat loan?
A caveat loan is a short-term loan secured by a caveat lodged over property rather than a registered mortgage. It is the fastest form of property-secured business finance: often 2 to 7 days to settle. Plain-English explainer of how it works, what it costs, and when it makes sense.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Chattel mortgage, GST and depreciation: the tax basics for EOFY
A chattel mortgage carries three tax advantages that matter most around end-of-financial-year: claim the GST on the purchase up front, deduct the interest portion of each repayment, and depreciate (or instant-write-off) the asset. Plain-English explainer of how each works.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Invoice finance vs factoring vs invoice discounting: the differences explained
The three terms get used interchangeably but they are different products. Invoice finance is the umbrella; factoring and invoice discounting are two structures inside it. This explainer covers what each one means, who manages collections, and which suits which business.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Chattel mortgage vs hire purchase vs finance lease: which suits your business?
The three main ways to finance a business asset look similar from a cash flow perspective but differ on ownership, tax treatment, and accounting. Plain-English comparison covering when each one suits.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is working capital, and how do you manage it?
Working capital is the cash your business needs to cover day-to-day operations: the gap between when money goes out (to suppliers, wages, stock) and when it comes in (from customers). Plain-English explainer of how to measure it, manage it, and finance it when it is short.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is bridging finance, and when does it make sense?
Bridging finance is short-term funding that covers a defined gap between two transactions, repaid from a known source once it lands. Plain-English explainer of how it works, when it fits, what it costs, and the critical exit-strategy question.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is invoice finance and how does it work?
Invoice finance lets you borrow against unpaid customer invoices so you do not have to wait 30, 60 or 90 days to be paid. Plain-English explainer of how it works, the costs, who it suits, and how it compares with factoring.
BUSINESS FINANCE
What is a chattel mortgage and how does it work?
A chattel mortgage is the default way Australian businesses finance vehicles and equipment. You own the asset from day one and the lender takes a mortgage over it as security. Plain-English explainer of how it works, the tax treatment, and when it suits.
BUSINESS FINANCE
How Australian Lenders Assess Self-Employed Income
Lender approaches to self-employed income vary widely. The same applicant can be approved at one bank and declined at another, on identical numbers.
PERSONAL FINANCE
Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: A Practical Comparison
Two different products that solve different problems. The wrong choice costs you a few thousand dollars over a couple of years.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Business Finance Options for Australian SMEs
Eight products compared. When working capital beats an overdraft. When chattel mortgage beats a lease.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Vehicle Finance Options for Sole Traders
Chattel mortgage, lease, hire purchase, novated lease — four products that look similar and behave very differently for a sole trader.
PERSONAL FINANCE
Why Your Quote Looks Different from the Comparison Rate
Comparison rates are designed for ranking products. They are not designed to predict your actual quote — and they are calculated against a fictional borrower.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Cashflow Forecasting for Small Business Loans
A 90-day rolling cashflow is the single document that decides whether your working-capital facility application moves to credit approval.
BUSINESS FINANCE
5 Terrific Businesses You Can Do From Home
Five home-business ideas for Australian entrepreneurs, with guidance on transitioning from employment to self-employment.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Business Opportunities in Australia with Limited Capital
Seven low-capital business ideas for Australian entrepreneurs, from online retail to cleaning services.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Important Aspects of Business Equity
Business equity is the difference between assets and liabilities, and can be leveraged to raise capital for expansion.
BUSINESS FINANCE
6 Easy Ways to Get Out Of Business Debt
Strategies for managing business debt including prioritising repayments, boosting sales, cutting expenses, and negotiating with creditors.
BUSINESS FINANCE
5 Benefits of Secured Business Loans
Secured loans offer lower interest rates, larger borrowing amounts, credit score improvement, and greater financial flexibility.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Business Brokers in Brisbane
Guide to selecting qualified business brokers in Brisbane based on experience, reputation, fees, and listings.
BUSINESS FINANCE
How to Get a Business Loan Without Collateral
Six strategies for securing unsecured startup business loans when you lack collateral or assets.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Small Business Invoice Factoring
Invoice factoring helps small businesses maintain cash flow by providing quick access to funds against outstanding invoices from creditworthy clients.
BUSINESS FINANCE
Things to Consider About No Document Business Loans
Essential factors for obtaining low-doc business loans: solid business plan, credit score, cash flow, and clear loan purpose.