Finance Blog

Finance News, Comments & Advice

Thinking of a novated lease?

February 21st, 2010 in Novated Lease

Are you thinking of taking out a novated lease? Whether you are an employer or an employee there are benefits to both parties. It is well worthwhile looking into the advantages of salary packaging. A novated lease is the agreement that exists to enable finance payments to be deducted from pre-tax income.

 

An employee benefits by taking part in a novated lease program in a number of ways. By salary packaging their vehicle they will instantly increase their take home income. As finance payments are taken from their pre-tax income, the amount of tax paid on the annual salary is reduced, thereby providing the employee with an increased income. A novated lease program also enables the employee to take out a fully maintained novated lease. This is when the running costs of the vehicle, such as fuel, servicing, registration and insurance are paid from their pre-tax income. This literally saves the employee thousands of dollars in tax each year. The employee may wish to salary package their partner’s vehicle to further increase the household income.

 

Apart from tax savings there are added benefits to salary packaging a vehicle. By salary packaging your own vehicle there is no need to conform to the restrictions of a company vehicle. You can choose the vehicle you wish and drive it during business and after hours.

 

An employer benefits by offering salary packaging as it helps to attract and retain staff. There is no need to keep company cars on the books which are a depreciating asset. There is also no need to deal with the headache of servicing, registration, insurance and upkeep of stock.

 

To find out more about our novated lease program speak to a Madison Finance representative on 1300 887 967.

 

Hybrid Camry

February 18th, 2010 in Car Finance

Car manufacturers are constantly evolving the vehicles we drive today to satisfy their customer needs and provide vehicles that are competitive. The latest trend is to provide customers with vehicles that are economical and emit fewer emissions. Toyota has developed a hybrid Camry that is built here in Australia. As the model is built here it has been adapted to suit Australian road conditions. Customers will find that the latest model has improved suspension and steering settings to provide a better feel for the road and handling.

 

The hybrid Camry not only drives as well as its petrol counterpart but in some aspects better. The weight of the car has increased due to the need to allow for the battery components, but this has improved the weight distribution of the vehicle thus being more centred and providing improved agility when taking corners.

 

Whilst driving this car you will notice how unbelievably quiet it is. The improved insulation and acoustic deadening windscreen helps with this. Toyota have succeeded in providing their customers with a powerful yet economic vehicle as the hybrid Camry is now the most efficient vehicle in the current Camry range.

 

Contact Madison Finance to source a finance package to suit your needs and circumstances. Finance can be arranged over the phone or online and in an expedient and professional manner.

 

Volkswagen Polo GTI

February 17th, 2010 in Car Finance

The every popular Volkswagen Polo GTI will be getting an overhaul and is due for release here in late 2010. Volkswagen provide their customers with great value for money and driving enthusiasts will not be disappointed with their latest performer. The Polo GTI will be revealed to the public at the Geneva motor show in March.

 

The supercharged/turbocharged engine will take you from 0 to 100 in as little as 6.9 seconds. This is much faster than the current model. The engine is also much more powerful than the current 1.4 litre twincharged four-cylinder.

 

Economy has been an important consideration in the release of this new model. Even though the car weighs more than its predecessor, it is 32 percent more economical in fuel consumption and produces fewer emissions. The GTI will retain its signature sporty interior and exterior. A new option will be the daytime running lights.

 

To find out about financing options available speak to a Madison Finance representative on 1300 887 967.

 

Finance for a new car

February 16th, 2010 in Car Finance

It’s a new year and you just might be finding that the car you are currently in, is no longer servicing your family. Each year is different and your circumstances might have changed considerably since last year. Perhaps you have children starting school and kindergarten and you require a bigger car for the school run to allow room for their friends. It could be that you wish to downsize as your children are now older and no longer go to school or are old enough to walk or ride a bike or public transport. Maybe a school leaver requires a car to get them to university or their new job. Perhaps you have retired and require a car suitable for your retirement plans.

 

As you can see there are many reasons why people buy new cars. It could be a replacement vehicle to adapt to your changing lifestyle, or a first car for those starting their independence. Whatever the situation, you will want to start with the right finance and advice. Choosing a car can be cumbersome and you don’t want to make it any harder when obtaining your car finance.

 

By getting the right advice your car purchase will prove to be a smooth and satisfying experience for you. At Madison Finance we have access to over 30 lenders and thus will be sure to find the right car finance solution to suit your needs and circumstances. We can assist you with the purchase of your new car and ensure that your car buying experience is dealt with professionally, courteously and efficiently.

 

Housing update

February 15th, 2010 in Equipment Finance

A year ago, consumer groups were criticizing the turn-around in the home lending business which had seen the major banks emerge from the economic crisis with a huge gain in their home lending business. Now, the second tier lenders are finally showing good growth following a thawing in funding markets. Among the main reasons is the newly-found viability in residential mortgage-backed securities which nearly dried up in Australia during late 2007.

 

The incredible rise in house prices in nearly all states last year cannot be matched in 2010, according to industry experts. The unprecedented leap of nearly 14 percent in the price of houses in 2009 was well above forecasts. And now those same observers are saying a combination of economic conditions and rising interest rates has to result in very little further price rises this year.

 

Recent auction results revealed nearly half a million dollars was paid for a small timber beach box on Port Phillip bay. Needless to say, such examples of crazy prices are forcing inevitable predictions of another house price bubble.