Bernie Keating

A great new initiative for Small Business Customers. We know that time is precious for all Small Businesses and having to leave your business to talk about banking for both your business and personal needs often isn't a priority. Commbank is making it simpler by having two specialists available in the one appointment - meaning less time you have to be out of your own business! Contact me if you'd like to organise a free review of your Business and Home Lending needs!

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Need to check your Bank balance or get a copy of your E-Statement? Save yourself a trip to the bank and download your E-Statements directly from your phone using the Westpac Mobile Banking app. Here's a quick video to show you how you can Register via your Play Store or Apple store.

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Did you know workplace laws are changing? The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of free resources to help you manage your workplace, including quick online modules on topics including how to hire new employees, managing staff and diversity and discrimination. Check it out - https://lnkd.in/geDnhfZM

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Over the 12 months to 30 June 2024, transport costs rose by 10.5 per cent. This was almost triple the CPI increase of 3.8 per cent over the same period. The Australian Automobile Association Transport Affordability Index analyses the costs of transport in capital cities and across regional households in every state and territory. As per AAA, Australian household spent 17 per cent of its income on transport, up from 15.9 per cent 12 months previously. With Qld government introducing $0.50 fares for public transport for 6 months period starting this month, would you see yourself taking public transport more to save on costs?

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Home values have lifted by 0.6 per cent nationwide in April, matching the gains recorded in the previous two months and extending the upswing for the 15th consecutive month, despite high interest rates and worsening affordability, according to CoreLogic. Looking ahead, the nation’s chronic housing supply shortage will shield prices from any sharp downturn if interest rates were to rise further or stay higher for longer, experts say. Hotter than expected inflation figures for the March quarter released last week spurred the financial market to bet on a rate rise by August. Economist Warren Hogan of Judo Bank has revised his forecast from an expected rate cut next year to potentially three rate rises this year. But Paul Bloxham, HSBC chief economist said the persistent undersupply in housing would continue to have a bigger impact on house prices than high interest rates. “We don’t expect rate cuts this year, and we think there’s a risk that rates could rise. But even without rate cuts, the housing market is so undersupplied and has momentum, that prices are going to continue to rise this year,” he said. 

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Why use a Financial Adviser? With over 200 combined years in Financial Services, our advisers can help build a plan designed for you.

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Making the most of higher superannuation caps can boost your retirement coffers just when you need it the most.

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Did you know that refinancing your home loan could significantly reduce your monthly mortgage repayments? 🤔 Beyond Bank Australia has some game-changing home loan rates right now. But how do you know if it might be the right time to switch? Start by asking yourself the 5 questions below. Thinking of refinancing? Learn more about your options here: https://bit.ly/3RXNimc #refinance #forandwithyou #financialwellbeing #BeyondBankAustralia

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We must give our enterprising small business owners the best chance to be successful. Here are four ways we can do this. See all 14 steps here 👉 asbfeo.gov.au/14-steps #SmallBizAU

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Did you know? The current waitlist for NDIS plan reviews is 12 months, with approximately 35,000 reviews pending! Even if NDIS focused all its attention on the waitlist, it's estimated it would take six months of non-stop work to address this backlog—setting expectations for an 18-month wait to clear it. Additionally, a concerning fact from past reviews: only 15% of the recommendations from the 2019 review were actually implemented. What can you do? Keep speaking up! Your voice is crucial in driving change. By staying vocal and engaged, you can help push for the improvements needed in the system. #ndis #disabilitysupport #apoio #portmacquarie #supportnetwork

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Macro thematic - it’s time to retire ‘excess savings’ & focus on fundamentals

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Looking for a good news story? NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster shares the latest economic data and explains why there are better times ahead for Australian businesses in our latest Business View video. Watch Alan’s insights now to make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come.

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Have you taken a closer look at the recently-released State Budget? In this week's video we dive deep into the WA budget and how you can make it work in your favour. Watch the full video for more information. #mortgage #canningvaleperth #finance #homeloan #Budget2024 #auspol

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Supporting small business Yesterday, I attended the Micro Business Launch, held at Tafe Port Macquarie. The participants spent 2 terms learning and launching their micro businesses. It was great to see everyone get up and present their business, plus see the support and encouragement they received. Check them out my facebook post with the links to these amazing new businesses and let's support our single entrepreneurs. #smallbusiness #entrepreneurs #economy #passiontoprofit #nswtafe #microbusiness

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Just a few weeks ago, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said that housing is the "defining issue of our times". But yesterday's state budget was almost devoid of any housing announcements. I think this budget definitely puts pressure on the federal government to get some of the housing schemes right in their own budget (to be released next week). Here are some of the few VIC property announcements made 👇 🏠 An additional $700 million to be added to the $2.1 billion Victorian Homebuyer Fund (a shared equity scheme). The maximum purchase price for homes in regional Victoria will be lifted from $600,000 - $700,000. This is the final investment before the fund is superseded by the national scheme. 🏠 A further $19 million will go to public housing residents to help speed up the resolution of maintenance issues and housing complaints. 🏠 Residential stamp duty to stay. Many of us were hoping VIC would follow in NSW's footsteps and trial a switch to residential land tax, but it's not to be. The Melbourne property market definitely has its challenges for anyone trying to buy, and it's becoming even more important to have an expert (like me!) in your corner. Let's see what the Federal Budget has in store for housing next week. #budget #state #victoria #melbourne #property #realestate #home #homeloan #mortgage

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