The weather has begun to turn, the autumn leaves are blazing away and we begin retreating indoors to wait for the sun to reappear. With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to jump into the garden or consider moving somewhere warmer!

The Reserve Bank met on the 2nd May and, to no great surprise, elected to keep rates on hold at the current rate of 1.5%. Expert opinion remains that there is no impetus for an increase in rates ahead of 2018.

To that end, this month we look at how relocating can actually boost your wellbeing and I’ll give my 5 top tips for what to plant in autumn.

Sometimes, the question as to whether you should choose a fixed or variable rate and which mortgage features are right for you can be confusing – but there’s an easier way! Ask me to give your mortgage a health check to make sure you’re making the most of your investment.

Call me on: 0402 408944 

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 Did you know relocating is good for your health (and your wallet)?

If you’re daydreaming of a move to someone better, here’s a compelling reason to you're your dream a reality. According to new research from the Motu Economic and Public Policy Research institute, a New Zealand non-profit, moving more than 25km or more may boost your wellbeing and your finances.    

The first report, Wages, Wellbeing and Location: Slaving Away in Sydney or Cruising on the Gold Coast, sampled 2,474 Australians aged 25 to 60 over four years before and after a move interstate. The study analysed the relationship between subjective wellbeing, wages and internal migration, asking participants to rate their life satisfaction from 0-10.

Interestingly, it found those that moved to be closer to family and friends experienced a lift in life satisfaction compared to those who moved for a better job.

The report also found a downward trend in wellbeing during the lead-up to moving, followed by a sharp sustained increase in the year of moving. The second report, entitled Migration and Gender: Who Gains and in Which Ways?, analysed the same samples to understand how men and women (single or otherwise) experienced relocating differently.

It revealed just 30% of participants relocated for work-related reasons. Single men were more likely to move for work (40%), compared to 25% of single women. Couples were more likely to report in unison, but it was more common for couples to report moving for a non-work-related reason.

The research also found that for singles, though wages increase significantly only for men after moving, wellbeing increased for both men and women. Furthermore, these gains were enjoyed for several years after moving.

Relocating? Ask me to help. I can help you access loans from major lenders and lend a hand with all the paperwork – and it’s a free service!  

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 The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness – what to do in the autumn garden.    

Autumn is traditionally a hive of activity in the garden – depending on where you live. Cooler air temperatures balanced by soil still warm enough to encourage root growth makes it the perfect time to give your plants the best possible start in life – so get digging!    

In southern states, the cooler weather can mean it’s time to prepare your soil and plant for spring and there’s plenty of produce to harvest in the veggie garden, which means clearing space for plants that thrive in the cold, like brassicas, broadbeans, root vegetables and garlic.

Or, if you’re in warmer parts of Australia, autumn can be your most productive season of the year, with loads of options for the veggie patch that will welcome the milder days.

And, if you’re stuck wondering what to plant, here’s my top 5 picks for the season:

1. Citrus trees. These have to be the most versatile choice for any productive garden and there’s a variety to suit every taste and climate around Australia.

2. Cool season veggies & herbs. The season is perfect for planting kale, beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, onions, Brussels sprouts, silverbeet, coriander, rocket, chives and parsley.

3. Spring flowering bulbs. Plan for an exquisite display that will reward you year after year from late winter. Check your region for the best varieties, but consider a mass planting of daffodils, freesias, tulips, hyacinths and anemones for a show-stopping spring spectacle.

4. Native plants. The mild autumn conditions are great for adding many Australian native trees and shrubs to your garden’s repertoire – there’s a groundcover, bush, tree or container plant to suit your climate. Try bottlebrush, grevillea, banksia, lilly pilly and tea tree to attract the native bees and birds that keep your garden thriving.

5. Camellias. There’s often a dearth of flowers in mid autumn to winter – but camellias are the exception to the rule. Add a dash of glorious colour this season with a camellia or three in a dazzling variety of shades. They do equally well in the garden or a pot.

There’s no need to spend hours researching which loan or lender is better – let me do the hard work for you! Pick up the phone and give me a call to get started.