HOW TO FINANCE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Sheers & shutters, the best of both worlds

There are so many exciting ways to bring light, air and views into your home, and two of the most appealing and popular ways are sheer curtains and shutters. But, deciding between which can be tricky; it’s not just about style, it’s very much about function too.

FOR SHEER ELEGANCE

Sheer curtains are a beautiful, stylish and practical addition to any room as they help bring the outside in, without compromising your privacy.

The right amount of natural light can transform any room into an open, airy and inviting space. Sheers can be opened for complete natural lighting or closed to soften and filter harsh sun rays during the hottest times of the day. As well as looking gorgeous, sheer curtains will also provide protection from UV rays, reducing glare and protecting your furnishings from fading.

The real beauty of modern sheer fabrics is in their versatility. While new sheers offer privacy in their own right, you can always go for a set of sheers layered with heavier curtains or drapes. This way you can use the sheers to make the most of the sunshine and view outside, and use the blockout curtains when you want some extra privacy and comfort. Who says you can’t have it all?

Your bedroom doesn’t have to be dark and cave-like when you close the curtains! You can enjoy a bright, light-filled room without the threat of uninvited eyes. You’ll find there’s a vast range of linings and backings to complement the sheers you select, so you can enjoy the calming vibe of filtered natural light during the day, while you get changed in total privacy. Finally.

SHUT OUT THE SUN

Perfectly suited to the Western Australian climate, indoor window shutters allow a free flow of air into your home, while protecting your furnishings and carpets from harsh sunlight.

Modern-day indoor shutters are incredibly energy efficient. They create an additional layer of insulation over your windows, keeping the air in your home at a comfortable temperature. On colder nights, indoor shutters can eliminate drafts and keep heat inside the home. Indoor shutters operate by rotating the louvres to adjust the angle of the blinds, meaning you have full control over how much light is let in, and in which direction it shines. Sunlight filtered downward can reduce glare on screens, and sunlight filtered upward casts light throughout the whole room, creating a naturally lit space. You can choose the hinge placement of your shutters to determine which way they will open, letting the sunlight in while still enjoying your privacy. If you want to explore the world of possibilities offered by both of these wonderful window treatments, come and visit your nearest ABC Blinds showroom. We have the largest range of styles available and can guarantee the ‘best blinds experience’ in WA.

To find out more visit abcblinds.com.au

How to finance your next holiday

When the dreary days of winter begin, many of us start daydreaming of an overseas holiday to a tropical destination - or even somewhere in the warm northern climes of Western Australia! However, with rising interest rates and increased cost of living, your dream getaway can feel out of reach. But don’t give up on your dream escape just yet. We have a few ideas that might see you lounging by a pool under blue skies before you know it!

3. Set up a savings program & get budgeting advice Some mortgage brokers offer helpful services such as budgeting advice and savings programs. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these! These kinds of services can really help steer you in the right direction, be more mindful of your spending, and help you create a strategy for increasing your savings.

The Loan Company has a knowledgeable team of brokers who will help you review your finances and create realistic goals to get you saving.

SIMON KAHL

General Manager The Loan Company

SAVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Saving for your next holiday can feel like an impossible task. The good news is, there are ways to save money for travel without compromising your lifestyle.

Below are a few tips to help you reach your goal (you can keep these tips in mind when saving up for a home loan deposit, too!):

1. Cut out the extras One of the simplest ways to save extra money each month is to cut back on unnecessary extras. Cutting back costs can be achieved without too much hardship. Budget for the essentials and consider cutting down your spending in areas you can live without.

Take a look at your automatic bank account deductions and see if they’re all still necessary. “Stranger Things" has finished on Netflix, so maybe cancel your subscription until the next season is out? Or you could cancel your Amazon Prime subscription now that the sales are over! It’s easy to overlook monthly automatic withdrawals, but they all add up.

2. Commit to saving 10% of your wage A great way to make sure you save consistently is to put aside a realistic portion of your monthly wages into a separate account – before you spend it on anything else! It needs to be an amount that you know you can stick to. 10% works well for many people, but even 5% will see you saving enough for a holiday in no time.

TALK TO AN EXPERT

If you've been needing tips on saving for a trip away (or your first home), hopefully, some of these ideas will help. Of course, saving for big purchases like a house or holiday can require a few lifestyle changes and may take some time. But with careful planning, consideration of all your options, and a little discipline, you can make it an achievable short-term goal that doesn’t have to feel like a major difficulty.

The Loan Company’s mortgage brokers are the go-to professionals for all your home loan finance needs, so speak to one today!

The above is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. Finance provided by Harrisdale Pty Ltd trading as The Loan Company ABN 59 088 462 140 Australian Credit Licence Number 386355.

For more info on how to make your money work for you, visit theloanco.com.au