Is Rate Relief on the Cards?

Westpac Bank has cut the interest rates on its credit cards by up to 1.75% but will other lenders follow? The Reserve Bank has cut its overnight cash rate by three whole percentage points since September. Treasurer Wayne Swan says the banks should be lowering their credit card interest rates to better reflect the current level of official rates but so far the banks

Should you look for another credit card?

Credit card interest rates remain relatively high inspite of the latest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The first thing to do before changing to a new card is to think about the pros and cons of your current card.

Christmas shopping: Cash or credit card?

Christmas decorations have already started appearing in shop fronts but are we ready for the spending surplus that's imminent? One thing is for sure, our outgoing expenses will increase as we near December so what is the best way to pay - cash or credit card?

Get ready for the plastic crash

Bad credit card debts are the next wave of the US credit crisis and the trend could spread to Australia. Credit card defaults are hitting record highs in America and there are signs more Australians could start getting into trouble with their plastic too. As a result you can expect lenders to get tougher about approving new cards or increasing credit limits.

How transaction fees work

The right transaction account for you will depend on how you do your banking, whether you have multiple accounts and loans with the one provider and how many transactions you make per month. Let’s say you have your transaction account, mortgage, a term deposit and a credit card all with the same bank. It may be worth your while to be with an institution that uses rebates.

Christmas credit card woes

As shopping centres and department stores start to shine with festive decorations, it might be time to consider what costs the most at Christmas time. So, what items are putting the most pressure on Australian credit cards at Christmas?

Switching bank accounts a step by step guide

With the current state of the financial market, interest rates on deposit accounts declining by the day, and monthly account keeping fees eating into our hard earned savings, there's no better time than now to switch accounts.

Keep your cool while teaching your kids to drive

Your son or daughter is about to take that wonderful step to attain their drivers licence. Here are some strategies you can use to keep them, your car and your nerves in one piece. A review of young drivers by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found them to be at greater risk on the roads for a variety of reasons including: lack of experience, limited ability and judgement, underestimation of risks, deliberate risk taking behaviours and use of alcohol and drugs.

Keep your cool while teaching your kids to drive

Your son or daughter is about to take that wonderful step to attain their drivers licence. Here are some strategies you can use to keep them, your car and your nerves in one piece. A review of young drivers by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found them to be at greater risk on the roads for a variety of reasons including: lack of experience, limited ability and judgement, underestimation of risks, deliberate risk taking behaviours and use of alcohol and drugs.

How much does it cost to raise a child?

There is not much you can predict and prepare for when having a baby but you can alleviate some stress by knowing exactly how much it will affect your finances and budget ahead of time for the changes.