Making sense of 2025: interest rates, Trump turmoil, and what you should focus on

March 14, 2025 BY
2025 financial outlook

Jamie Hyndman is the director of Tribe Financial, a lending and mortgage broking firm based in Torquay and covering Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast.

As we move deeper into 2025, there’s plenty happening that will shape our financial and political landscape.

Some of it is encouraging, some of it chaotic, and all of it worth keeping an eye on.

Let’s break it down.

Interest rate cuts: a confidence boost

The RBA delivered its first rate cut of the year – 0.25 per cent – and lenders wasted no time passing it on. No lender was game enough to hold back (nor should they have been)!

The impact? Confidence. We’ve seen a significant increase in enquiry as households and businesses start thinking beyond just keeping up with bills.

With rates easing, many are shifting towards longer-term financial planning, looking at strategic moves for the future rather than just getting by week to week.

It’s early days, but the sentiment shift is clear: there are green shoots of people starting to feel like they can breathe again.

Trump: uncertainty and market jitters

Donald Trump is once again dominating headlines, and while we’ve seen this show before, the markets aren’t quite sure how to respond.

In his previous presidency, he adjusted course when his Wall Street allies put pressure on him – so we might see some swift changes again.

But nothing can be taken for granted with Trump at the helm.

The best advice? Expect the unexpected.

My own (slightly optimistic) take? Perhaps having a political “bully” in the White House will push forward a new generation of world leaders – ones who prioritise leadership over political spin, and who step up in ways we can actually admire.

Household focus: control what you can

While the world does its thing, the best strategy for us here is to focus on what’s within our control.

Now is the time to think strategically about your household’s future.

Whether it’s planning for the next three, five, or 10 years, setting yourself up for long-term success starts with smart decisions today. And that starts with a conversation.

We know that even the worst laid plan can be better than no plan at all. Now might be the time to start thinking about that plan.

That might mean reviewing your finances, planning property moves, or simply setting some clear goals for your family’s future.

Looking ahead

There’s a lot in play, but one thing remains constant: those who plan ahead put themselves in the best position to thrive.

Interest rates are easing, global uncertainty is real, and the future is never guaranteed – but taking control where you can is the best strategy for navigating 2025 with confidence.

Considering something similar for your family and not sure what’s possible? Or have a question you’d like to ask our team? Email [email protected]

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