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Whether you are moving out of home for the first time or a seasoned mover, it helps to think about the move in three stages: before, during and after. Read on as we talk through those three stages, and provide tips for a stress free move. Before - Make a plan Your moving out process will revolve around when you get your keys and how much time you can afford to take off work. After buying an established home, you will receive your keys after settlement. If you have just built a home and gone through a builder, you will be eligible to get your keys after your last progress payment has cleared. The following are a few moving out tips to consider 1. Whether you will need to hire removalists or enlist the help of family and friends. 2. Whether you need to hire utes, trucks and/or trailers. 3. When to start packing and items needed. E.g. packing tape, boxes and bubble wrap 4. Whether you can move out over a few days rather than all on one day. For example, it may work better to move all boxed items over during the week and living with minimal items in your current home. Then organise a day for heavy furniture and appliances. Hold a moving out sale Moving home provides a great opportunity for a clean out and even the chance to make a bit of cash. Sell unwanted items online well before your move date so you don’t have to take them with you. Anything that cannot be sold needs to find a new home or be thrown out. Take the time to really think about what you use, and what you can really get rid of. This goes for clothes, documents and files, shoes, garage items and homewares/decorations. Organise your utility suppliers Don’t leave yourself stranded with no electricity or gas. Before moving home, ensure you have compared providers ahead of time and settled on a plan to begin for your move in date. If using your current providers ensure you advise them of where you are moving to, and when your first day in your new home will be. Organise an essentials box The essentials box will save you from asking “where’s this?” and “where’s that?” over and over during the day. It should include things like new house keys, garage remotes, batteries, scissors, tape, a few cleaning products, plastic cups and paper plates, tea bags a kettle and non-perishable snack items to have within easy reach. Be covered for the unexpected Your home and contents insurance policy should start from the day you move into your new home. Or, from your handover day as set by your builder. Horizon offers competitive home and contents insurance through CGU. Contact us to get a quote, or read more about home and contents insurance. On the day Organise your man power If enlisting the help of family members and friends, give everyone a task and be clear about what goes where in your new home. Try and put like items together in the appropriate room, rather than dumping everything in one spot and moving it all again later. Pack mindfully Clearly labelling boxes and bags will save confusion and frustration when you’re looking for something. Think about what you’ll need to access straight away on your first day/night and have these items within easy reach. When transporting items to your new home, avoid several trips by taking the time to pack your car to make the most of the space you have available. Think of it like a game of tetris! Make time to give your old home a clean Leave your old home in good shape for its new owners by giving it a good clean. Enlisting help from family and friends will keep the cost of moving house down and will save time so you can get back to enjoying your new home! Pay attention particularly to floors, windowsills, mirrors and the insides of cupboards. After you have moved in Don’t forget to change your address with your employer, banks and Service NSW just to name a few. Download our moving out checklist for tips and a list of where to change your details. If you’re moving house in the future get in touch with us and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

In this blog we’ll look at proactive ways you can begin to implement a savings plan, which will be beneficial for you and your family’s long term financial management. In particular, we’ll discuss debt consolidation, choosing the right insurance cover, tips for living off one income and making smart choices for retirement. Consolidate your debt An important step in organising personal finance is to consolidate debt. If you have multiple credit cards and personal loans, consolidate these into one. You are likely to be better off paying one combined loan, with a single interest rate, rather than many loans with different interest rates. Debt consolidation makes managing your money easier, as you won’t be juggling multiple payments each month. It will give you a better understanding of what money is coming out of your accounts, allowing you to better prioritise your spending. Check out our blog on how to make debt consolidation work for you. Have the right insurance in place A good personal finance practice is having the right insurance in place, as well as the appropriate level of cover. You don’t want to risk being under insured. You can use the CGU insurance calculator to check that you are insuring your assets for the correct amount. Ensuring your home and contents and car insurance policies are up to date is another good practice to keep in the habit of. Your current insurer is likely to email you or send you a copy of your policy when it is due for renewal. Use this time to compare policies online for the best value. Protect the assets you have to avoid being out of pocket in case of an incident or accident. Fill out our online form to get a quote for insurance through us. Securing your information Having all of your important documents in one place is great for financial management and crucial to be able to access them in an emergency. Important documents include insurance policies, wills, birth certificates, passports, as well as investment and super documentation. Keeping a hard copy in a home safe or safety deposit box is a good idea, you can always keep digital copies on an external hard drive or in a cloud based program, such as Google Drive. Live on one income where possible A good savings plan will teach you to regularly put money away in case of emergency or when there are changes happening within your family. Good examples of this are when someone is off work due to illness or injury or if you are starting a family. Practice living on one income and put some or all of the rest of your earnings into a savings account. You can use our budget calculator to show what a budget might look like with only one income, which can help to identify which expenses you need to cut back on. Don’t forget about retirement It’s never too early to begin thinking about retirement. Future financial management planning includes considering your transition to retirement and any associated costs with downsizing, accessing or consolidating super and wealth management. Making an appointment with a trusted financial planner is a good idea at any age. Proactively setting up you and your family’s future doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all about having a plan in place with the relevant insurances and a good savings mindset in action. Need some extra help with putting a plan together to protect your assets and finances? Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

The benefits of buying an investment property include:  Ownership of a secure asset  The future sale and benefiting from capital gains  Rental income to cover loan repayments and other associated expenses  Building equity  Taxation benefits Four main factors to consider when you decide to purchase an investment property is property type, location, growth and demand. Property type You should consider the type of property you would like to purchase and which will meet your budget and goals. The type of property that you decide on will determine the level of rental income you can receive and may change depending on the upfront and ongoing costs. Location When choosing an investment property it's location, location, location! Will the property value increase over time? Will it provide you with adequate income? Other factors to consider also include proximity to public transport, schools, childcare, shopping facilities and parking. These are important to attract tenants. Growth Consider how the potential investment property has performed over the previous decade and how it's likely to do in the future. Do some research of property prices in the suburb and surrounds. It would also be beneficial to consider the population growth, property prices and potential rental income of the area. Also consider new property and off-the-plan developments which may impact future rental income. Demand In relation to growth, demand is vital for investors. You don’t want to purchase an investment property in an unpopular area or without the features that tenants are looking for. Features high in demand are internal laundries, balconies, parking spots & lock-up garages, built-in cupboards and good storage space. Also consider any renovations that may be necessary and could potentially add value to the property. To see how much your repayments will be use our Loan Repayment Calculator, or use our Borrowing Power Calculator to see how much you could comfortably borrow. Better still, have a chat with one of our lending specialists. They'll be able to take you through options, help you calculate how much you can afford and help prepare you to take your next steps. Get in touch with Horizon Bank today about our investment loans. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

In this blog we’ll go through exactly what you need to apply for a car loan with us. Whether you are after something previously loved or a new shiny set of wheels, applying for a car loan is easy and we can have you pre-approved before you start looking. Below is all the information you need to start the process. What's required to apply? Before applying, you might like to check out our car loan repayment calculator tool to get an idea as to how much your loan repayments are likely to be. When you’re good to go, and if you’re not an existing Horizon customer, you'll need to provide two forms of ID. We can verify you when you apply online, making the process even quicker. To assess your ability to repay a loan your lender will need pay slips or bank statements as proof of income. We may also call your employer for verification. You'll also need to disclose what you currently own - assets (e.g. existing vehicles, savings, house) and what your expenses are - liabilities. These include but are not limited to existing loan repayments, credit cards, HECS debt and rent. How do I know if I qualify? Your lender at your local branch will respond to your application after assessing your income and completing a credit check. The request for recent payslips, as proof of income is a key factor to qualify for a car loan, as you'll need to prove you have a steady source of revenue coming in to meet your repayments. After you’re approved Before we release the funds the car must be comprehensively insured with motor vehicle insurance. You can choose between market and an agreed value. Ask your lender about car insurance during your loan application. We can set you up with regular automatic future payments or payroll split so you never have to worry about manually making your repayments. Next steps Transfer of registration if it is a second hand car. When a used car changes hands, the registration has to be transferred from the seller to the buyer. It's the buyer's responsibility to transfer the registration. Contact Service NSW for further information. Need some extra help with planning and saving? Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank. * Credit criteria applies.

Looking to entertain the kids this upcoming Christmas season, but worried about overspending on school holiday activities? We’ve put together some budget-friendly Christmas activities for kids that the whole family can enjoy. Make your own Christmas Decorations Encourage kids creativity by getting them to make their own Christmas ornaments. Buying a few inexpensive baubles that can be painted, decorated or filled with things is a great way to start off. You could even make this a special tradition each year and you’ll have many meaningful ornaments to hang in the years to come.  This is a great way to save money, as these decorations double as gifts for grandparents! Another great Christmas activity at home is to give your kids a Christmas themed colouring book. Encourage them to fill out the pages and then use them as decorations on your fridge. Baking Christmas Treats Making homemade biscuits and other sweets with the kids is a great way to get them learning about making things in the kitchen, and is an inexpensive gift for neighbors, teachers and friends. Get your kids to decorate a batch to take to day care or school to share with their friends if permitted. Visit Santa for free Save money on Santa photos this year by researching where the man in red will be. Instead of heading to the shopping centre to see Santa, find out where you can visit him and take your own pictures for free.  Small businesses, charity fundraisers or schools are a few places that get visits from Santa. Open a Christmas Club Buy a Christmas themed money box for your kids to put their coins in throughout the year, then take them to your local branch to open their own Christmas Club account for the following Christmas. By teaching them good saving habits, they’ll be excited when they can use that money to buy a gift. Take a trip around the neighborhood There are some pretty spectacular displays around your kids are sure to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with a cup of hot chocolate and a trip in the car to see Christmas lights.  Playing Christmas music while you drive around only adds to the Christmas cheer. Volunteer your time Help spread joy this season, save money and instill great values by volunteering in your community.  Local churches, homeless shelters and community centres can help you find a way to give back this year.  Putting together Christmas hampers or helping serve food with your children is a great way for them to learn that Christmas is about giving. Carols by Candlelight Many local councils and community groups such as the Lion’s Club will put on carols, or some other family-friendly event over the Christmas period for families to enjoy. Pack a blanket and some snacks, grab some friends and make an evening of it. Are you looking to get on top of your finances for next Christmas? Let our team at Horizon get you on the path to savings success. Get in touch with us today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Register for Online Banking After you've opened an account with us, you can now register for Online Banking. In addition to our network of branches, phone banking service and mobile app, you also have online access to your accounts wherever you are. Once you've registered and receive a password, you can access information such as: Balances on your accounts View all your transactions View your periodical payments See the interest you've earned for the financial year. You can also: Activate your Visa card from the Services & Help menu Transfer funds to and from accounts Transfer funds to accounts at other financial institutions Pay bills with BPAY Set up and alter future dated bill paying Download transactions Redraw on your loan (where applicable) Open a new Term Deposit or savings account Register for SMS Queries and SMS Alerts Register for SMS One Time Password for added security Make International transfers (note you must be registered for SMS One Time Password to access this facility) Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.

Consolidate your debts and get ahead. What are personal loans used for? Typically they help to buy white goods and furniture or they’re used for travel. However, did you know that many people also use personal loans for debt consolidation? That is, combining many debts into a single loan making it easier for you to control your repayments and get on top of your debt. Why consider debt consolidation? Paying off multiple credit cards or personal loans can feel overwhelming and somewhat stressful. You’re likely paying these loans off at different (and sometimes quite high) interest rates with many repayments coming out at different times during the month. Different loans can also often come with varying setup and ongoing administration fees. All of these added costs make budgeting and saving difficult leaving you with an unclear outlook for your long-term financial goals. How does debt consolidation work? Instead of having a few loans or credit cards to pay off, you can combine what you owe into one personal loan with a single interest rate. Your debt is still there, but this will enable you to better manage your money and give you a better idea of when you will pay your debt off, as you’ll have just one loan term to think of rather than many. You’ll also save money because a personal loan generally has a lower interest rate than credit cards. You’ll then only have to make one repayment rather than several, and you can always choose a weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment option. Tip* weekly repayments will save you money in the long run too. You can do a debt consolidation loan comparison by comparing our personal loans. Things to think about Consider the size of your debt after combining your loans and be realistic about how much you can afford to repay and how often. Talk to us about your options, to ensure one single larger loan won’t become a burden. Keep in mind that setting up your repayment frequency to match your pay schedule, is a great way to make sure paying off your debt is a priority before spending elsewhere. If you don’t think you’re disciplined enough, we can organise automatic payments for you which takes the hassle out of your hands. Ready to consolidate your debts? Get in touch about a Horizon personal loan today. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

‘Tis the season… To avoid overspending and dampening your Christmas cheer, follow our 4 tips to keep your Christmas budget on track. Christmas budgeting tips - Put money aside A separate Christmas club account is a great way to put aside money for the festive season throughout the year to alleviate the pressure of coming up with hundreds of dollars out of nowhere come November/December. Make a list and check it twice Making a list and allocating an amount to spend on a gift per person will give you a starting point before hitting the shops. Making a list is great for other things you need like entertainment supplies such as decorations, food and drinks. Discussing what a reasonable Christmas budget looks like with your significant other is also a great way to remain accountable for your spending. Encourage Christmas gift hacks Secret Santas and only buying for kids, or setting a firm limit with family and friends is a great way for everyone to keep their Christmas affordable and stress free. Shop smarter If you’re not strapped for time you could shop for next year by lay-buying more expensive items now. Take the time to research your gifts online and search for discount coupons and codes to apply at the checkout. Try and buy a few items from the one place to avoid multiple delivery fees. Track your spending Using a budget calculator to keep a record of your Christmas spending will help you to keep your spending relative to your usual expenses. Christmas shopping on credit Buy now pay later services have become increasingly popular with consumers, and are a tempting way to pay off larger purchases. Be aware of how they work to avoid interest and late payment fees. If you’re thinking of increasing your credit limit on your credit card, consider how quickly you can pay off the extra purchases, to avoid extra Christmas debt well into the following year. Get in touch with the friendly team at your local Horizon Bank, to discuss how to manage your money over Christmas. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

How much does a wedding cost? They can be expensive, but smart planning might help you keep costs reasonable and within your spending limits. Even a low-cost wedding will require putting together a plan to minimise the impact on your money. Start with a wedding budget If you’re unsure of how much you want to outlay for your wedding, start by picturing your dream wedding and making a list of vendors and associated wedding expenses. Getting quotes is a good place to start to get an idea of what you want to spend. Your list could include all or some of the following: • Venue of ceremony and reception compare prices per head. • Outfits – including the bridal dress, bridesmaids and grooms outfits • Celebrant • Wedding cake • Band or DJ if not included with the venue price • Photography and videography • Table centre pieces, decorations and flowers (including bridal party bouquets) • Honeymoon • Specialty cars Once you have a projected figure, decide with your partner if this is suitable and the impact on your finances.  If it’s looking too expensive, think about where you could cut back. For example, less flowers, asking the bridal party to chip in for their outfits or switching to canape style rather than a sit down meal for your guests are a few options you could explore. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has an infographic detailing average expense amounts on their Money Smart website. This is a great source for an overview of how the costs of a wedding can add up. Implement a savings plan Looking at your current income and expenses, how long would it take you and your partner to save enough to afford the wedding? You can use our budget calculator to work this out. If you’re looking at having a wedding sooner rather than later, you can speed up the process by making some sacrifices with your day-to-day spending and/or reducing the potential cost of your wedding by looking at the options we discussed above. The more you save, the less you will potentially have to borrow to cover the total cost of the wedding. Explore your finance options If you’re not going to be able to save the entire amount you need, you could consider either putting some costs on a credit card or taking out a personal loan. You could also ask family to contribute to the cost of your wedding if they are in a position to do so. Either way, you’ll need to consider how paying back a loan or family members will impact your future budget and finances as a married couple. Borrowing money – credit card or personal loan? If you’ve decided to take out a loan for your wedding, consider saving up a deposit first to reduce the loan balance in the first instance. A credit card comes with a higher interest rate, and may be better suited for smaller, less expensive wedding items. For a considerable amount, you may want to discuss taking out a personal loan, or see if you are in a position to redraw on your current home loan. Talk with one of our experienced lenders about your wedding finance options. This is the final step in securing the funds to pay for your big day. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Want to learn about some key tips to save money for future spending? In this blog we’ll go through establishing a budget, creating short term savings goals, setting up your savings and checking your credit report. These are key practices to get in the habit of for an effective savings plan that teaches you how to save money. Establish your budget Get in the habit of tracking your spending by asking for a receipt for everything you purchase. You can then input your expenses into our budget calculator which will show you if you are ahead of your savings or if you’re in the red. The best way to save money is to identify where you can cut back on expenses and redirect that money into savings. Identify where your money is going each month by checking your direct debits on your statements. A good saving tip is to double check your regular payments to loans and credit cards for accuracy to make sure you’re paying the correct amounts. Aim for short term savings goals Setting aside a certain amount at regular intervals is one of the best saving tips you can implement. Base this off how regularly you are paid from your employer. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly deposits into a savings account will help you reach that savings goal for a new TV, car, holiday or whatever it may be. Short term savings goals will keep you motivated and on track. Make sure they are SMART goals – specific measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. People have more success with a savings plan when saving for long term items but starting with short term goals. Set Up Automatic Savings Every pay have your employer split a certain amount of your pay and transfer it to a retirement or savings account. Horizon does this in the form of a payroll split. We can split your pay so nominated amounts go into different accounts. This is the most effective way to save, as it puts extra cash out of sight and out of mind before you can spend it. Once you have your automated savings setup, you can then use a savings calculator to estimate how long it will take you to reach your savings goal. Plan gift-giving well in advance Keep a birthday book, or calendar for family and friends birthdays so you know when everyone’s birthday is coming up. This is the best way to save money on birthday presents, as you can take the opportunity to look for items on sale. Avoid impulse buying when it’s left last minute; take the time to choose a gift within your budget that the recipient will appreciate. Check your credit report once a year It is advantageous to have a good credit score when applying for a loan. A credit report tells lenders how trustworthy you are as a borrower and assists with your loan application. Keep track and make sure the information on your file is not outdated as this could impact your ability to apply for loans. Certain sites provide one free credit report a year. Check out the Australian Government website for more information. If you’re looking for more information on accessing a credit report, or want to know how yours will impact your loan application, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. If you need some extra help with your overall planning and saving goals Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your savings journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.