As The Financial Landscape Changes, So Too Does The Way We Borrow + Manage Our Finances
The banking and financial landscape has been changing for a while now and that’s a good thing according to local finance broker, Paul Goldsmith of Highlands Funding.
“As the needs of individuals, families, businesses and investors have changed, the industry has had to change too,” he says.
“59% of home loans are now being done through brokers with a similar trend in the commercial lending sector, so it means that companies like Highlands Funding are busier than ever.”
“And it also means we have to do things differently to make sure we deliver the best financial outcome for our clients.”
So, how does Highlands Funding do that?
Actually do things differently?

1 :: Offer holistic financial solutions for all borrower types
The way people live [+ borrow money] has changed.
They don’t stay in the same career all their lives or move into one house and stay there for the next fifty years.
“The way people live their lives now is much more dynamic than in the past,” Paul says.
“They might start their own business, or decide to build a property portfolio, or want to buy land for a tree change, or invest in start-ups.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a farmer, property investor or business owner [or all three at the same time!], we provide a single relationship for everything financial – whether it’s a complex investment or a basic home loan.”
“You don’t have to deal with multiple banks and lenders. Just us.”

2 :: Authentic relationship approach
We’ve seen many of the big banks close branches across regional areas which means the traditional face-to-face catch-up with the bank manager is sadly becoming a thing of the past.
“I see us replacing that traditional bank manager relationship with a more contemporary approach to helping our clients across both their personal and business finances,” says Paul.
“It’s great to sit down with someone who knows what your situation is – as varied or unique as it might be – and what your financial goals are.”
“We’re also here for our client NOT the lender. A big part of my role is to create competition between lenders, so we get the best outcome for our client.”
“And that’s not just focused on price and low repayments either. Because I’m working closely with the client and understand their future goals – not just their immediate goals – I’m also speaking to lenders about the best structure for the loan to meet long term objectives, not just short-term transactional ones.”

3 :: Working with a partner ecosystem
Which is a sexy way of saying, what exactly?
“For many Highlands Funding clients, we work with their financial advisor or accountant or lawyer so all of us are across the big picture for the client,” Paul explains.
“An example of that is working alongside a client’s financial advisor recently to make sure the debt structure we’ve set up for them aligns to their long-term wealth plans.”
“I also collaborate with people in the finance industry who have specialised knowledge on certain projects.”
And working with a client’s accountant sounds like a good thing too.
Sometimes it can all be overwhelming dealing with all the financial jargon, or is that just us??
“It’s not just you guys. Everyone can get a little overwhelmed with it all and often put it in the too hard basket, but this means that you might not be setting yourself up to maximise your tax position or protect your assets,” Paul says.
“I work with my client’s accountants to help manage simple things like using the right asset finance products for tax purposes through to more complex things like how a business is structured to protect assets.”

Makes sense, right?
And Paul’s on the money [see what we did there?].
The financial landscape is so different now [+ changing allllll the time] and can be quite the minefield to navigate regardless of whether you’re a super experienced investor, small business or agribusiness owner wanting to fund the potential growth you just KNOW is possible, or someone who just needs help to refinance their current situation.
The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.
Not when a local broker doing things differently is at the end of the blower!
Based in the Southern Highlands, Highlands Funding provides clients with suitable and cost-effective financial solutions to suit all sorts of lifestyle requirements.
If you’re a property investor, home buyer or own your own business, Paul and the Highlands Funding team will take the time to understand your situation, arrange and manage your business and home finance and optimise your financial situation.
Paul is super experienced in the world of regional banking, agribusiness, small business and personal finances.
Find out more info about Highlands Funding here.
…
This blog features friends and advertisers of The Fold Southern Highlands and is fully endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold and we’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses. We want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible.
