Credit Score

Shoppers find the buy now, pay later services quite attractive but before you jump in, you should know how these services work and if they impact your credit score.

Vidhu Bajaj -

15 Mar, 2024 -

5 min read

Credit Score

Is there such a thing as 'good debt' and what could it mean for your financial future?

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Credit Score

It might be a little too forward to ask a potential love interest what their credit score is on the first date. But if you’re starting to get serious, it could be time for a serious conversation.

Eden Radford -

20 Dec, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Choosing your mortgage provider can sometimes involve as much research as locating your ideal property. After all, you wouldn’t purchase the first property you saw without looking inside, so why would you treat your mortgage this way?

Alex Ritchie -

05 Mar, 2024 -

6 min read

Home Loans

As the interest rate is arguably the biggest ongoing cost that can influence a home loan, preparing your budget for a rate rise may be useful in reducing potential financial stress.

Alex Ritchie -

07 Nov, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Are you feeling the pinch of rising interest rates on your household budget? Refinancing to a lower interest rate could give you room to breathe and possibly earn you a cash rebate in the process!

Vidhu Bajaj -

30 May, 2023 -

3 min read

Personal Loans

Your personal loan repayments will drop with a new, lower interest rate. However, you will typically need to negotiate or refinance for a lower interest rate, as a personal loan rate may not fluctuate with the RBA's cash rate. 

Alex Ritchie -

18 Sep, 2023 -

5 min read

Personal Loans

Choosing between a personal loan and a credit card can be a tough financial decision. Let’s explore whether a credit card or a personal loan may be better for your specific financial goals. 

Alex Ritchie -

13 Dec, 2023 -

4 min read

Savings Accounts

Earning the maximum interest from a savings account may require you to meet certain conditions, such as making regular deposits or minimal withdrawals. If you don’t fulfil these conditions, you may earn less interest on your savings, or even none at all.

Mark Bristow -

22 Jan, 2024 -

4 min read

Credit Cards

The purchase rate is the interest you’ll pay on the overdue balance of credit card purchases, made in-store or online.

Peter Terlato -

25 Aug, 2023 -

4 min read

Credit Cards

Learn how to make a successful credit card balance transfer to save on interest and streamline debt repayment effectively.

Vidhu Bajaj -

24 Nov, 2023 -

7 min read

Credit Cards

When credit card debt starts accumulating, you could consider a balance transfer, where you roll your debt onto a card charging low or no interest during its introductory period so you can pay it off quicker. However, you’ll also need to consider the card’s revert interest rate in case you don’t pay off your debt during the introductory period.  

Mark Bristow -

30 May, 2023 -

3 min read

Car Loans

If you’re looking for a more competitive interest rate, or your circumstances have simply changed, it might be worth considering refinancing.

Peter Terlato -

10 Nov, 2023 -

7 min read

Car Loans

It is possible to use a car as collateral to secure a loan, which could let you enjoy a cheaper interest rate. But there are also risks to consider before you apply.

Mark Bristow -

03 Nov, 2023 -

5 min read

Car Loans

Cars can be expensive, and you may need to use a car loan or another form of car finance to afford your next set of wheels. But not all car loans are created equal, and the interest rate you’re charged can affect how much you’ll pay for your car, both from month to month and in total.

Mark Bristow -

20 Sep, 2023 -

6 min read

Term Deposits

It’s usually possible to withdraw your money from a term deposit early if you need the cash back in your pocket. But doing so may require providing advance notice to the bank, and you may miss out on earning interest on your savings.

Alex Ritchie -

01 Sep, 2023 -

4 min read

bnpl

humm is a buy now, pay later platform that allows you to break down your purchases up to $30,000 into interest-free instalments spread over several months. However, not meeting the repayment schedule could see you hit with a late payment fee and could also hurt your credit rating.

Vidhu Bajaj -

05 Jul, 2023 -

7 min read

bnpl

Deferit is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform with a difference. Instead of facilitating retail purchases, it pays your bills on time while allowing you to pay them off in four equal fortnightly instalments without any interest. The service is available for a monthly subscription fee for months when there is an active bill.

Vidhu Bajaj -

03 Jul, 2023 -

6 min read

bnpl

PayPal Pay in 4 is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) service available to PayPal users for breaking down their shopping into smaller, interest-free instalments payable over six weeks. Unlike other BNPL services like Afterpay, Pay in 4 doesn't charge any late fees to users on missing a repayment, but it can report the default to credit bureaus.

Vidhu Bajaj -

04 Jul, 2023 -

6 min read

Superannuation

Superannuation can sometimes feel a bit like a simple savings account or term deposit – money goes in, earns interest, and doesn’t come out again until you retire. But did you know that some Australian super funds offer financial education, advice and other services? Not all Australians take advantage of these services, which could make a big difference to your retirement plans.

Mark Bristow -

10 Jul, 2023 -

4 min read

Superannuation

It is possible to use the money in your superannuation fund to help cover the cost of your mortgage in certain circumstances, such as if you’re retiring or are in financial hardship. However, accessing your super fund early can make a big difference to your retirement lifestyle. 

Mark Bristow -

21 Jul, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

Fire damage is usually included in home insurance policies Australian insurers offer. If you’re worried about bushfires, consider ensuring adequate coverage.

Peter Terlato -

24 Aug, 2023 -

6 min read

Home Insurance

If you live in a rental property, you shouldn’t need to worry about home insurance, as that responsibility falls on your landlord. But you may want to consider protecting the possessions you keep inside your home.

Mark Bristow -

27 Oct, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

With more and more flooding events occurring in Australia, it’s a no-brainer to investigate whether your home insurance covers damages from floods.

Alex Ritchie -

13 Nov, 2023 -

5 min read

Car Insurance

How much you may be charged for car insurance is influenced by a range of factors, with your age and gender being key deciders for insurance providers. 

Alex Ritchie -

31 Oct, 2023 -

4 min read