Julian Finch warns: Pain of three interest rate rises on the way - act now
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 06 Mar 2026
Australian property owners are being warned to prepare for renewed financial pressure in 2026, with experts predicting persistent inflation and multiple interest rate increases could wipe out much of the progress households have made over the past two years.
According to Julian Finch, the biggest risk facing borrowers is complacency. He said government spending remains elevated, inflation is proving far more stubborn than expected and markets are increasingly pricing in further interest rate rises this year.
Julian Finch is the founder and CEO of Finch Financial. With decades of mortgage brokerage and commercial lending experience, Finch has helped thousands of Australians successfully navigate the lending process. Finch Financial has one of the highest loan approval rates in the country, often securing approvals within minutes. Considered the Money Man, Julian Finch has helped many people get into the best-fit home loans fast and with minimal effort so they can buy their dream home or ideal investment property.
"We are seeing the reality of sticky inflation," Finch said.
"Despite earlier rate hikes, underlying cost pressures remain strong. Government spending is still high, labour shortages persist and global supply chains remain fragile. This means interest rates are likely to rise again, potentially three times this year.
"We have already experienced one rise and two more are expected. Many lenders have already priced this in to rates quietly increasing rates while people are focused on other distractions.
"If that happens, many of the gains borrowers have made in stabilising their finances could be erased. Mortgage stress will increase and household budgets will come under renewed pressure."
Why inflation is staying higher for longer
Finch said inflation is proving difficult to bring down because it is now embedded across services, wages and everyday living costs rather than just goods and supply disruptions.
"We are no longer just dealing with temporary price shocks," he said.
"We are seeing structural inflation driven by housing, energy, insurance and labour costs. These pressures are not going away quickly. That means higher rates for longer."
He said property owners must shift their mindset from short-term relief to long-term resilience.
"This is not a moment to relax. It is a moment to act."
One simple change could save tens of thousands
While refinancing and negotiating better rates remain important, Finch said one of the most powerful strategies is also one of the simplest and most overlooked.
"Most home loans are structured around monthly repayments. When borrowers switch to weekly repayments, they effectively make 52 payments per year, which is the equivalent of paying 13 months instead of 12," he said.
"That extra month happens quietly but over time, it has a massive impact on how quickly the loan comes down."
What the numbers look like
Using a typical example, Finch said the impact can be significant.
Loan amount: $500,000
Interest rate: 6 percent
Loan term: 25 years
"On standard monthly repayments, borrowers could pay more than $460,000 in interest over the life of the loan," Finch said.
"By switching to weekly repayments, many borrowers can pay off their mortgage around four years earlier and save approximately $70,000 to $90,000 in interest. That's without changing lenders or negotiating a better rate. It's simply a behavioural shift."
He said more borrowers are now adopting proactive strategies to build buffers before rates rise again.
Why more people don't do it
According to Finch, habit and lack of awareness are the biggest barriers.
"Monthly repayments feel normal," he said.
"But once weekly repayments are set up, most people barely notice the difference, except in how quickly their balance drops."
He said working with a broker is critical in the current environment.
"There are still better options and lower rates available. A good broker knows where to look and can help borrowers navigate uncertainty and reduce stress."
What property owners should do now
Finch urged property owners to take immediate steps to strengthen their financial position before further rate increases.
"Review your loan, build buffers, consider repayment frequency and seek professional advice. The borrowers who act early will be the ones who stay ahead."
He said while the outlook may appear challenging, disciplined and informed borrowers can still get ahead.
"When it comes to paying off your home loan faster, it's rarely about dramatic changes," Finch said.
"It's about consistent, smart decisions that compound over time."
About Finch Financial Services
Based in Hurstville, NSW, Finch Financial Services has been servicing Australian families and businesses with home, personal and commercial loans as well as asset finance services since 2015. Ranked amongst the top five percent of brokerages in Australia according to data from the MFAA, Finch Financial Services is a leading brokerage and family-owned business that specialises in finding its customers loans that are tailored to their needs and goals.