Mortgage & finance broker
Finance, made clear.
Lending, made simple.
I’m Stephen Ford. I bring more than 15 years in financial services, including business banking at Macquarie and NAB, to help you find the right loan from a broad panel of lenders, and I’m with you through to settlement.
What I help with
Lending for every stage of life
See the numbers
How a small rate difference adds up
Where each year’s repayments go
Example: $600,000 loan, 30 years, principal & interest, monthly repayments
At 6.00%, more of each repayment goes to interest than principal until year 19.
| Year | Principal at 6.00% | Interest at 6.00% | Principal at 6.50% | Interest at 6.50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,368 | $35,800 | $6,706 | $38,803 |
| 5 | $9,361 | $33,807 | $8,692 | $36,817 |
| 10 | $12,627 | $30,541 | $12,019 | $33,490 |
| 15 | $17,031 | $26,136 | $16,620 | $28,889 |
| 20 | $22,973 | $20,195 | $22,982 | $22,527 |
| 25 | $30,987 | $12,181 | $31,780 | $13,729 |
| 30 | $41,797 | $1,371 | $43,946 | $1,563 |
Extra interest at 6.50%
$70,238
over 30 years, compared with 6.00%
| Example rate | Monthly | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| 6.00% | $3,597 | $695,029 |
| 6.50% | $3,792 | $765,267 |
| Difference | +$195 | +$70,238 |
Illustrative example only, not a quote or advice. Example rates are not current lender rates. Figures use the standard repayment formula and exclude fees and rate changes. Rates and repayments vary.
Client reviews
Meet your broker
Banking experience, working for you
I founded Essential Finance Hub in 2022 after a career in banking. Most recently I was a Relationship Manager in Real Estate Business Banking at Macquarie, and before that I held business banking roles at NAB and started out at ANZ.
That background means I understand how lenders think, and I put that knowledge to work on your side of the table.
- 15+ yrs
- in financial services
- 3
- banks: Macquarie, NAB, ANZ
- MFAA
- Full Member No. 570918
How I work
A clear process, start to settlement
No jargon, no surprises. You’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.
- 1
Discover
We start with a conversation about where you are now and what you want to achieve.
- 2
Analyse
I review your financial position and what you can do now to move toward your goals.
- 3
Advise
I recommend lending options that suit your circumstances, compared across my lender panel.
- 4
Implement & review
From lodgement to settlement I guide you every step, and I’m here for ongoing support after.
Lender panel
Access to a wide panel of lenders
ANZ
Auswide Bank
Bank of Queensland
Bankwest
Bendigo Bank
Bluestone
Commonwealth Bank
Heartland Bank
ING
Judo Bank
La Trobe Financial
Macquarie Bank
MyState Bank
NAB
Newcastle Permanent
Pepper Money
Prospa
Resimac
St.George Bank
ubank
Westpac
Lender panel subject to change. Not all lenders available for every product.
Client reviews
Rated 5.0 by my clients
“Stephen was an absolute delight to work with. So knowledgable, responsive and helpful in every interaction we've had. He did so much heavy lifting to find us the best rate with our specific financial situation and truly went over and above to help us get settled. Thank you so much!”
“It was a pleasure dealing with Stephen, very efficient in his work answered all my questions. Nothing was too hard would definitely use Stephen again and recommend him to friends and family.”
“Stephen is an excellent broker. He is very professional, kind and courteous. He is very knowledgable and efficient. Highly recomended!”
Know someone who needs help?
Introduce a friend, family member or colleague, wherever they are in Australia.
Ready to talk about your next move?
Book a call. I’ll listen, explain your options and let you know what I can do to help.