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Alan Hartstein

Alan Hartstein

Contributing Writer and Editor Home loans, business IT, financial services and fintech

Alan Hartstein has worked in publishing for over 25 years as a writer and editor across broadsheets, tabloids, magazines, trade publications and numerous forms of digital content. Alan was initially attracted to journalism through his love of words and their ability to make an impact in the world.

Alan’s main areas of expertise are in business IT, financial services and fintech, but he also thoroughly enjoys writing comedy sketches and arts-related content, which can include everything from ballet and opera reviews to TV and movies. Alan is based in Sydney, Australia.

Education: B.A. in Political Science and Government, History, English from Australian National University

Previous Experience: Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Financial Review, the NSW Department of Treasury, the NSW Productivity Commission, Filtered Media, Think About Content, Media Express, and Penguin Australia.

The latest from Alan

What Is a Chattel Mortgage?

Chattel mortgages allow business owners to make regular payments on necessary work equipment for the term of the loan, which is typically between one and seven years.

Can You Get a Home Loan With Bad Credit?

Shopping for a mortgage with bad credit can make the home loan application process more complicated. Here’s how to navigate your options and advocate for yourself.

9 Tips For Getting a Mortgage When Self-Employed

Self-employed home buyers may spend more time than average demonstrating their ability to meet a lender’s requirements. Here's how to be prepared.

How to avoid mortgage stress

Avoid mortgage stress by planning for the worst and taking steps to prevent mortgage stress from occurring in the first place.

What is a mortgage stress test?

A mortgage stress test evaluates your ability to make repayments if rates rise. To pass, no more than 30% of gross income goes to the loan.

What is mortgage stress?

Mortgage stress means a disproportionate amount of income goes to mortgage repayments. Currently, 1.63 million Australians — 31.4% of mortgage holders — risk mortgage stress.

What percentage of your income should your mortgage be?

Your mortgage should be no more than 28% of your income, but that percentage can be 30% or higher, depending on your budget.

How long will it take to pay off my mortgage?

A typical home loan is amortised for 30 years, but how long it takes to pay off your mortgage is up to you as the homeowner.

Credit Card Debt In Australia

Credit cards have benefits but can also lead to crippling debt. Responsible spending and paying more than the minimum balance due can help you steer clear of the red.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Credit Card?

Getting a credit card in the mail can take as few as four but as long as ten business days. Credit card approval can take as little as 60 seconds.

Sharing credit cards: additional cardholders and supplementary cards

Adding additional cardholder to your account will give them a supplementary credit card to use, but they aren't responsible for repayments.

What is a joint credit card?

If you and your partner are happy sharing every aspect of your financial lives, you may be contemplating getting a joint credit card account.

Pros and cons of using credit cards

Whether shopping in-store or online, know the pros and cons of using credit cards to benefit from fraud protection and other perks.

What Is An ‘Interest Only Home Loan’?

Interest-only home loan payments only cover interest for a set time. That means lower monthly mortgage costs during the interest-only period, but the principal amount borrowed doesn’t decrease.

Should I Refinance My Home Loan?

You should consider refinancing your home loan when the new loan offers a lower interest rate with better terms.

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