Home Loans

The latest APRA data shows money in offset accounts hitting a record high, while mortgage arrears continue to climb.

Eden Radford -

13 Mar, 2024 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Australians love a good life hack and offset accounts are no exception, but as with all good hacks, it’s worth double checking the details to make sure there's no catch.

Eden Radford -

06 Mar, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Loans

For anyone looking to secure a home loan, the stage 3 tax cuts - and the subsequent increase to your take home pay - could mean your borrowing capacity, gets a bump too.

Eden Radford -

22 Apr, 2024 -

4 min read

Term Deposits

When working out where to invest or deposit your money, should a term deposit get a look-in? While term deposit returns may not be the highest of all investment options, their relative reliability and security could make them worth considering.

Mark Bristow -

12 Apr, 2024 -

3 min read

Term Deposits

Could a term deposit help to safeguard part of your wealth from uncertainty? Selecting the best solutions to protect your assets and grow your investments isn’t always easy, but there are a range of options to consider.

Mark Bristow -

15 Mar, 2024 -

4 min read

Term Deposits

Has your term deposit been effectively losing you money in the past? With Australia’s inflation falling faster than expected, it may be getting easier to find term deposits that can keep your money from going backwards. But it’s important to compare the available options and choose a term deposit that will suit your needs and help you reach your savings goals.

Mark Bristow -

12 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Credit Cards

Australians lost over $55 million to scams in the first two months of 2024 alone, according to data from ACCC ScamWatch, with investment scams accounting for the overwhelming majority of the money lost by victims.

Eden Radford -

13 Apr, 2024 -

5 min read

Credit Cards

ANZ, Australia’s fourth largest credit card provider, has today increased interest rates across select credit cards by 0.50 percentage points – the second hike in less than six months.

Eden Radford -

22 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Credit Cards

Australia’s total credit card bill attracting interest charges crept up in the month of December, hitting a total of $17.31 billion, an increase of almost $21 million.

Eden Radford -

07 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Savings Accounts

How long will you be able to make the most of the interest on your savings account? With economists forecasting interest rate cuts later in the year, the days of making maximum interest returns on your wealth may be numbered. There are a few different savings strategies you could consider, which could better suit some household budgets than others.

Mark Bristow -

10 Apr, 2024 -

3 min read

Savings Accounts

How big a difference does your savings account interest rate really make? You may be surprised by the effect that a high-rate savings account could have on your wealth, depending on your saving strategy. Just make sure that the account you choose is one that suits your needs and can help you reach your goals.

Mark Bristow -

15 Mar, 2024 -

3 min read

Savings Accounts

The interest rate on your savings account can sometimes make the difference between you having a savings goal, and you achieving it.

Eden Radford -

28 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Credit Score

Having bad credit may make applying for loans and credit cards feel impossible. But it is possible to recover from a bad credit score, though the length of time it will take may vary. Checking your credit report is often a good start, as is demonstrating your financial responsibility.

Mark Bristow -

28 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Credit Score

Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, an excellent credit score can begin when you’re young. Your track record of managing money can have long-lasting repercussions later in life, making it important for young Australians to start building positive credit habits as soon as they are able.

Mark Bristow -

20 Jun, 2023 -

5 min read

Credit Score

With increased awareness of the threat of cyberattacks, it’s easy to feel concerned about the safety of your personal information. Criminals with access to your details could steal your identity, fraudulently run up debts in your name, and ruin your credit score, making accessing money and credit in the future much harder.

Mark Bristow -

21 Oct, 2023 -

5 min read

Bank Accounts

Do you know that lipstick sales are considered a way to know if we’re in a recession? It’s called the lipstick effect, or the lipstick index, and it’s regarded by some as a helpful way to understand how consumers are responding to an economic downturn.

Eden Radford -

25 Mar, 2024 -

4 min read

Bank Accounts

The term ‘financial literacy’ describes the combination of awareness, knowledge, skill, attitude and behaviour necessary to make sound financial decisions and ultimately achieve financial wellbeing. A key to being financially stable, building assets and achieving personal goals, financial literacy is something everybody should have and want.

Paul Marshall -

18 May, 2023 -

7 min read

Bank Accounts

Australia’s banking industry is stepping up its war on scams and fraud, launching a new Scam-Safe Accord intended to put scammers out of business in Australia. 

Mark Bristow -

24 Nov, 2023 -

3 min read

Personal Loans

Data shows Australians are increasingly looking to personal loans to secure finance. However, before committing to a personal loan, it’s important to compare the available options and consider your needs to make sure you’re selecting a loan that offers the most value for your needs.

Mark Bristow -

13 Mar, 2024 -

3 min read

Personal Loans

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the time of year when a lot of money gets spent on everything from grand romantic gestures to elaborate weddings. While a personal loan could offer the financial support you need to splurge on your loved ones when the cost of living is high, it’s important to consider your budget and your credit score, and to carefully compare personal loan options before you apply.

Mark Bristow -

08 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Personal Loans

The latest lending indicators from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) saw the value of new loan commitments for fixed term personal finance rise 6.1% in August, following a rise of 6.0% in July 2023.

Mark Bristow -

06 Oct, 2023 -

2 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

Paying off your mortgage early lets you own your home sooner and save money on interest charges. But is it the best option for you when it comes to wealth creation? There is no one-size-fits-all approach that is right for everybody.

Mark Bristow -

21 Nov, 2023 -

6 min read

Home Loans

Redraw facilities are a way to access any additional payments you make on your mortgage but are they worth it? Weigh up the pros and cons.

Vidhu Bajaj -

11 May, 2023 -

7 min read

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

Being mindful of your financial habits can make a big difference to how easy or hard it is to keep your credit score at the top end of the band. Here are four of the top ways to maintain or grow a good credit score:

Mark Bristow -

15 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

There are many reasons why you might choose to switch home insurance. You might be looking to save money with a new provider, seeking more comprehensive cover, or looking for a better customer service experience.

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

If you own an item that’s worth a great deal of money, such as a treasured piece of high-end jewellery or a prized musical instrument, it’s important to know you’ll be covered if your item is lost or damaged. Single item insurance for high-value items can provide peace of mind in this situation. 

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

Home insurance can be daunting, especially when trying to protect your most valuable asset - your home. Building insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding homeowners from financial loss due to damage or destruction of their property. Understanding the essentials of building insurance and its costs may help you save some money on your policy.

Mark Bristow -

12 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Car Loans

If you want to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly mechanic bills, then choosing the right fuel is important. In Australia, regular unleaded petrol (91), premium unleaded (95 and 98) and E10 are among the most common petrol choices for motorists. If you’ve seen these names on the petrol bowser without fully understanding what they mean, here are the basics to help you make a more informed choice the next time you fill up your car.

Mark Bristow -

20 Feb, 2024 -

5 min read

Bank Accounts

You don’t need a bank account to send or receive money through PayPal. However, you do need a bank account if you want to withdraw money from your PayPal account.

Alex Ritchie -

17 Aug, 2023 -

4 min read

Bank Accounts

Transferring funds from your PayPal account to your bank account is generally quick and simple. There are six simple steps to follow to complete a successful withdrawal.

Peter Terlato -

20 Jul, 2023 -

4 min read

Bank Accounts

If you’ve ever opened more than one bank account in the past, could you have forgotten about some money that you’ve left behind, which is still waiting to be claimed? And if you think you might have, or if you’re not quite sure, how can you go about finding these outstanding accounts and claiming this unclaimed money?

Mark Bristow -

29 Jun, 2023 -

4 min read

bnpl

Zip Co, which offers Zip Money, and Afterpay are two of the more popular Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service providers but their fees, lending criteria, and repayment terms vary.

Vidhu Bajaj -

19 Jul, 2023 -

5 min read

bnpl

Zip Money, one of two Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services offered by Zip Co, can be used for purchases over $1,000. Check the repayment conditions.

Vidhu Bajaj -

06 Jul, 2023 -

5 min read

bnpl

Beforepay is an app that allows salaried employees to borrow money and repay it from their next four pay cycles. Some may consider it to be a salary advance but it’s ultimately a loan that you’ll need to repay.

Vidhu Bajaj -

05 Jul, 2023 -

8 min read

Car Insurance

Pay As You Drive insurance works by allowing customers to only pay for the kilometres they drive instead of paying a fixed premium. Pay As You Drive policies aim to provide a more individualised approach to calculating insurance costs. 

Alex Ritchie -

30 Nov, 2023 -

4 min read

Car Insurance

If you own a vintage car, you likely spend a lot of time and money on preserving this piece of motoring history. A vintage car insurance policy can help you protect your prized possession.

Mark Bristow -

16 Aug, 2023 -

4 min read

Term Deposits

Each year Australians look for ways to accrue, save and invest their money, with many turning to term deposits for their investments.

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

Credit Cards

From time to time, your lender will proactively ask you if you'd like to increase the limit on your credit card. But should you agree?

Vidhu Bajaj -

19 Jul, 2023 -

9 min read

Credit Cards

A credit card can be an incredibly advantageous tool for individuals and households. They can boost your purchasing power; help to establish, improve and, if necessary, repair your credit history; as well as provide exclusive perks and bonuses.

Peter Terlato -

24 Apr, 2023 -

5 min read

Personal Loans

If you need money for a personal project like a renovation, an event like a wedding or a holiday, or a major purchase like a car, you may be in the market for a personal loan. But before you start firing off applications, it’s important to get an idea of what to look for in a personal loan, and how the application process works.

Mark Bristow -

16 Oct, 2023 -

7 min read

Personal Loans

A personal loan is a simple way to borrow money to pay for a major purchase, or to cover the costs of a personal project. When you apply for a personal loan, you may be able to choose between a secured loan and an unsecured loan. A secured personal loan uses an asset, such as a car, as security. In contrast, an unsecured personal loan doesn’t require any collateral or assets to secure it.

Mark Bristow -

02 Nov, 2023 -

4 min read

Cryptocurrency

What are Bitcoin ATMs, how do they work, and how do you use one to buy and sell Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies?

Vidhu Bajaj -

01 May, 2023 -

4 min read

Energy

Whether your focus is the environment or your budget, you may be thinking of installing solar panels on your roof to generate your own electricity. Household solar can contribute to a better environment by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a cleaner grid. It can also help you save money by buying less electricity and selling your excess power back to the grid. 

Mark Bristow -

17 Oct, 2023 -

6 min read

Savings Accounts

Hear what the experts have to say about making and saving money.

Alex Ritchie -

21 Feb, 2017 -

3 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