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Buying a house – start by understanding your cash flow

In Buying a House by Phil McGilvrayLeave a Comment

Buying a house – working out what you can afford So, you want to buy a house but have no idea what you can afford? In this article I will take you step by step through the exact process I use with all my clients to help them work out work out what they can truly afford to spend when buying a house. The great thing about this process is that my goal is not to give advice, but rather to let the numbers speak for themselves.   Meet Colin and Kate: Colin and Kate are a young couple in their late 20’s; they have been renting for 5 years and over that time have managed to save $135,000. The owner of the house they have been living in is unfortunately moving back to Australia in 3 months’ time and they will have to move out. They came to me to help them work out if they could afford to buy their own home, and if so what could they afford to pay. So here is the process I took them through:   Step # 1 – What do you really want your life to look like? The first step …

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Paying Off Credit Cards: I Can and I Will!

In Paying Off Debt by Phil McGilvrayLeave a Comment

When it comes to paying off credit cards or your lifestyle debt, belief is an important ingredient for success. Without belief, it is very hard to persevere. If you like most people you have struggled with your credit cards for many years it is likely that your confidence and self-belief have taken a hit. As a budget coach I have found that the most powerful way to build belief is to have a written plan outlining the practical steps you need to take to succeed.

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What Other People Spend: A Look Into William & Kate’s Budget

In Grandma's Jars, Grandma's Jars Member Stories by Phil McGilvrayLeave a Comment

Just about every client will ask me at some point – what do other people spend on (fill in the blank)? We are all curious about what other people spend on things. We like to be able to benchmark ourselves. Over the next few months I thought I would share with you some real life budgets, along with my thoughts as a financial coach.