Interest rates have climbed, household budgets are under pressure, and many borrowers are wondering whether they are paying more than they need to on their home loan. In this episode of The Property Trio, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack practical strategies that can help borrowers reduce their lending costs and improve cash flow.

The discussion begins with the reality of recent rate rises and what they mean for everyday mortgage holders. With even modest increases adding thousands of dollars in annual interest costs, the Trio explains why now is the ideal time to review your lending arrangements rather than simply accepting higher repayments.

Dave outlines the importance of a regular home loan health check and explains why borrowers should not assume their current interest rate remains competitive. The Trio discuss how strategic mortgage brokers can negotiate with lenders, benchmark rates across the market and help borrowers identify opportunities that may not be obvious through online research alone.

Mike highlights why loan reviews are particularly important for property investors, where finance costs are often the largest ongoing expense. Even small improvements in interest rates can have a meaningful impact on long-term cash flow and investment performance.

The conversation also explores refinancing, including the factors borrowers should consider beyond headline interest rates. They explain why lender policy, loan structure, offset accounts, fees and future property plans all play a role in determining the most suitable lending solution.

A major focus of the episode is offset accounts and how they can be used more effectively. Dave and Mike share practical examples of common mistakes borrowers make, how to ensure savings are working harder, and why directing income into offset accounts can significantly reduce interest costs over time.

Finally, the team discusses money management strategies, including the use of multiple offset accounts to organise spending while maximising interest savings.

Whether you’re an owner-occupier or an investor, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you keep more money in your pocket and make smarter lending decisions in a changing market.

…. and our gold nuggets!

Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: Mike talks about the complexity of lending strategy, yet the value of a strategic mortgage broker who is generally not representing a big fee.

Dave Johnston’s gold nugget: “the cheapest option today is not necessarily the best option in the long run.” Dave talks about the value of the broad approach when it comes to strategic mortgage advice.

Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: Check out Dave’s e-book! It’s in the show notes below!

Download your free copy of Dave’s Money Management Principles – the 7 Steps to Success: https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/money-management-principles

Read David’s blog – How to Save Money on Your Home Loan

Related episodes:

Ep. 9             Why your mortgage strategy is more important than your interest rate?

Ep. 24           How mortgage strategy shapes your ability to hold property and how it can pay off for decades to come

Ep. 30           Money Management – 7 steps to success

Ep. 48           Offset accounts – God’s gift to Mortgage Strategy!

Ep. 184        Interest only vs Principal & Interest – Why working through the different considerations could add millions to your nest egg at retirement

Ep. 191        Risk management and the things that can go wrong when mortgage strategy is ineffective

Ep. 234        Unveiling the Secrets of Elite Strategic Mortgage Brokers – Navigating Advice, Skills, Results, Relationships & Regulations!

Upcoming ep: #366 – Market Update: May 2026