119 articles written by Kate Cowling
Superannuation versus paying off the mortgage
You’ve saved diligently all year, or perhaps you’ve received an unexpected windfall, bonus or inheritance. No matter how you’ve come across it, the question is likely to be about how to make the most of any spare cash – a common choice would be to inject it into your mortgage or add it to your superannuation fund.
Kate Cowling -
15 Dec, 2013 -
3 min read
Tips for trimming your household budget
From spiraling electricity costs to the rising cost of living, balancing a household budget is no easy task. So where do you begin when seeking ways to reduce your household bills?
Kate Cowling -
06 Dec, 2013 -
4 min read
Navigating the insurance minefield
From life insurance to trauma insurance, disability cover and income protection, the choice of insurance options can be mind-boggling. What is the difference between them and which do you need?
Kate Cowling -
01 Dec, 2013 -
3 min read
Mixed bag for Australia's building industry
Mining investment and strong population growth are driving the construction of new buildings in Western Australia, with the state boasting the strongest residential building industry in the country, according to a new report.
Kate Cowling -
28 Nov, 2013 -
3 min read
Property or shares: where should you invest?
When it comes to investing their hard-earned cash, Australians have always been partial to bricks and mortar and consistently rising property prices have guaranteed a solid investment return. As an alternative investment strategy, the Australian share market has also delivered results for investors, with shares reaching a five-year high last month.
Kate Cowling -
31 Oct, 2013 -
3 min read
How to conquer your debt
Australians are saving more than ever, but our household debt remains at high levels. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, household debt has been consistent at 150 percent of household annual income for the past six years.
Kate Cowling -
08 Oct, 2013 -
3 min read
Spring clean your finances
We are marching through Spring, speedily heading towards the most expensive part of the year: Christmas and the summer break. Before you get lost in the madness likely to ensue, now is the perfect time of year to sort out your finances and learn to manage your money better.
Kate Cowling -
19 Sep, 2013 -
3 min read
eftpos squares up to payWave threat with new contactless card
An eftpos contactless card is set to hit the market in the next twelve months and is currently undergoing internal trials with a number of banks.
Kate Cowling -
17 Sep, 2013 -
3 min read
Stress-free transition to your new home
Buying a new home is one of the most stressful things you can do. Doing it while trying to sell your current home at the same time amplifies the stress – and the risk.
Kate Cowling -
12 Sep, 2013 -
4 min read
Top 5 home buying risks and how to avoid them
Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing or downsizing, the process can be scary and stressful. Not to mention expensive. That’s why it’s important to be ready and aware of the biggest risks you can encounter when buying a home. By knowing what can go wrong, you can take steps to avoid it.
Kate Cowling -
10 Sep, 2013 -
4 min read