The start of a new year often brings clarity.
After the rush of December, January gives us space to reset, reflect, and make decisions with a clearer head — especially when it comes to money. It’s also one of the best times of the year to review your finances and make sure your loan structures are actually supporting your goals.
Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, business owner, or planning a build, getting your finance foundations right early can make the rest of the year feel lighter and more in control.
Why the Start of the Year Is the Best Time to Review Your Finances
Many people wait for a “trigger” before reviewing their loans — a rate change, a big purchase, or financial stress.
But the reality is, the best time to review your finances is before pressure hits.
At the start of the year:
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Spending has usually stabilised after the festive period
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Goals feel clearer and more intentional
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You have time to plan, not rush
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Small changes now have more time to compound
A proactive review often leads to better outcomes than a reactive one.
Your Finance Foundations: What to Look At First
A strong financial foundation isn’t just about interest rates. It’s about structure, flexibility, and making sure your loan suits how you actually live and work.
Here are a few key areas worth reviewing.
1. Your Current Interest Rate (and When It Was Last Checked)
Rates change. Lender pricing changes. Your situation changes.
If your loan hasn’t been reviewed in the last 6–12 months, there’s a good chance it no longer reflects what’s available or appropriate for you.
A review doesn’t always mean refinancing — sometimes it’s about renegotiating or restructuring what you already have.
2. Your Loan Structure
This is where many people unknowingly leave money on the table.
Questions worth asking:
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Do you have the right split between fixed and variable?
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Is your loan structured for flexibility or just convenience?
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Are you planning changes this year that your loan should support?
The right structure can reduce stress, improve cash flow, and give you options — especially if life or income shifts.
3. Offset Accounts, Redraws & Buffers
Having access to funds matters just as much as how much you owe.
At the start of the year, it’s worth checking:
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Are you building a buffer?
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Is your offset working as hard as it could?
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Do you have flexibility if income fluctuates or expenses increase?
Even small additional repayments early in the year can build a buffer that provides breathing room later.
4. Your Broader Plans for the Year Ahead
Your loan should support where you’re heading — not hold you back.
This might include:
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Planning a build or modular home
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Purchasing an investment property
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Restructuring business or personal debt
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Refinancing to improve cash flow
When your finance is aligned with your plans, decisions feel easier and more confident.
Why a Review Is About More Than Just Numbers
A good finance review isn’t about chasing the lowest rate or constantly changing lenders.
It’s about:
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Understanding your options
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Making informed decisions
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Creating a structure that works for your life
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Reducing financial stress before it shows up
At Your Finance Broker, our approach is education-first. That means helping clients understand why something works — not just what to do next.
Start the Year With Clarity and Confidence
You don’t need to have everything figured out to start the conversation.
Sometimes a simple check-in can:
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Highlight opportunities you didn’t realise you had
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Confirm that what you’re doing is already working well
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Help you plan the year ahead with confidence
A little clarity now can make a big difference later.
📩 If you’d like to review your finance foundations for the year ahead, we’re always happy to chat.