Credit Score

While it’s not that common, it is possible for your credit report to contain mistakes. If you think there’s a mistake on your credit report, there are steps you can take to make sure it is corrected.

Eden Radford -

12 Apr, 2024 -

3 min read

Credit Score

In Australia, only a very specific list of businesses and lenders can access your credit report - and they must only do so for specific reasons.

Eden Radford -

15 Mar, 2024 -

2 min read

Credit Score

Banks and lenders use your credit scores when deciding whether or not to approve your loan application. Learning your credit score may be the simplest way to identify fraudulent activity and may also encourage you to improve your rating in order to become a more viable candidate for financing.

Peter Terlato -

13 Oct, 2023 -

3 min read

Credit Cards

Having credit card debt may not be out of the ordinary, but if you’re struggling to pay that debt off, it’s worth taking a moment to figure out a game plan, and fast.

Eden Radford -

11 Apr, 2024 -

3 min read

Credit Cards

Household credit card debt rose by more than a quarter of a billion dollars in the month of January as shoppers struggled to clear their debts following a bumper spendathon in November.

Eden Radford -

07 Mar, 2024 -

4 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

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

While Australians traditionally go all-out splurging on gifts for Mum each Mother’s Day, this year we’ve had to tighten our belts, according to data from one of Australia’s Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) providers.

Mark Bristow -

16 May, 2023 -

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

Term Deposits

Australians concerned about how shifting interest rates could affect their savings in 2024 could consider locking in a term deposit interest rate. However, it’s essential to carefully compare term deposits before you commit to help ensure your choice matches your personal goals and financial needs.

Mark Bristow -

16 Jan, 2024 -

3 min read

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

While the idea of pocketing a couple thousand dollars for switching your mortgage might sound appealing, it’s important to understand there are a number of different factors that go into choosing a loan.

Eden Radford -

26 Mar, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Major mortgage regulatory reform appears to be over, after the banking regulator revealed "the heavy lifting on lending standards has largely been done".

Nick Bendel -

12 Jul, 2018 -

3 min read

Health Insurance

Private health insurance is a heavily regulated industry. On balance, that's a good thing, because issues around health, and in particular health costs, are pretty important. But one of the downsides is that regulations change frequently and health insurance has lots of regulations that affect both the premiums you pay and your tax bill.

Laine Gordon -

02 Jul, 2012 -

4 min read

bnpl

BNPL companies will soon be forced to perform hard credit checks on customers. If your credit application is subsequently denied, this could negatively impact your credit score and your potential to access credit in the future.

Peter Terlato -

26 May, 2023 -

4 min read

bnpl

Not all Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) companies run a credit check when you sign up for memberships, and these checks may not always affect your credit score. However, your BNPL activity could still make an impact on your credit history, which could affect your chances of seeing future credit applications approved. 

Vidhu Bajaj -

14 Jun, 2023 -

4 min read

bnpl

RateCity.com.au welcomes the government’s move to regulate the burgeoning buy now, pay later sector, and warns any change must protect people from accessing multiple debts they can’t afford to repay.

Laine Gordon -

21 Nov, 2022 -

8 min read

Home Insurance

Bushfire season is a regular occurrence in Australia, to the point where many of us can start feeling overconfident that we already know everything there is to know about the danger bushfires pose and how to keep our homes and loved ones safe. 

Mark Bristow -

04 Sep, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

In the face of Australia's unpredictable bushfire season, taking proactive measures for your home may better protect your family, property, and future.

Alex Ritchie -

30 Aug, 2023 -

4 min read

Superannuation

HESTA has recommended that family violence and financial abuse be added to Superannuation Industry Supervision Regulations as compassionate grounds.

Alex Ritchie -

20 Jun, 2017 -

2 min read

Superannuation

Employees don’t need to do anything with regards to the increase in super contributions. Your employer has the responsibility of making the necessary adjustments. However, it's sensible to regularly review your super payments.

Peter Terlato -

30 Jun, 2023 -

5 min read

Superannuation

Australia��_s pool of retirement savings grew by 10 per cent during the last financial year, according to APRA, the superannuation regulator.

Nick Bendel -

23 Aug, 2017 -

2 min read

Bank Accounts

The payment behaviour of Australians has changed significantly over the last five years prompting banks to now request customers call ahead if needing to draw large amounts of cash.

Alex Ritchie -

07 Jul, 2023 -

4 min read

Bank Accounts

Commonwealth Bank has filed its response to the civil proceedings filed in August by Australia��_s financial intelligence and regulatory agency.

Nick Bendel -

14 Dec, 2017 -

2 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

Cryptocurrency

Intense volatility, reluctant real-world adoption and more has pushed consumer advocates to petition the newly-elected federal government to assess and identify ways to regulate cryptocurrency markets.

Peter Terlato -

21 Jul, 2022 -

4 min read

Cryptocurrency

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released information outlining what’s expected from finance influencers (finfluencers) in order to comply with financial services laws and regulations.

Mark Bristow -

21 Mar, 2022 -

3 min read

Cryptocurrency

Stakeholder consultations are underway to help establish a regulatory framework for the ever-developing crypto industry. A public consultation paper will be released soon.

Peter Terlato -

23 Aug, 2022 -

3 min read

Investment Funds

The financial services regulator has taken legal advice on whether financial advisers can claim to be ��_independently owned��_.

Nick Bendel -

28 Jun, 2017 -

2 min read

Investment Funds

Australia’s financial services regulator has warned people to avoid “scammers” connected to Luxembourg Offshore Banking, also known as LUXOSB Limited.

Nick Bendel -

30 Dec, 2018 -

2 min read

Investment Funds

With the popularity of bitcoin and similar blockchain-based virtual currencies currently booming around the world, the Australian government has passed new legislation extending anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations to digital currency exchanges.

Mark Bristow -

11 Dec, 2017 -

1 min read

Car Loans

After 18 months of research, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its recommendations for future changes and regulations for Australia��_s car retailing industry, to help protect Aussie car buyers.

Mark Bristow -

15 Dec, 2017 -

3 min read

Car Loans

Drivers could save up to $520 per year by buying petrol at the bottom of the price cycle, according to a new report from Australia�۪s competition regulator.

Nick Bendel -

06 Dec, 2018 -

2 min read

Car Loans

Australia��_s financial services regulator has targeted ANZ, Allianz, Suncorp and National Warranty Company for questionable car loan, insurance and warranty practices.

Nick Bendel -

19 Jan, 2018 -

4 min read

Personal Loans

New lending indicators from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that in October 2023, the number of new fixed term personal loans rose by 2.1% compared to the month before, to $2.5 billion.

Mark Bristow -

05 Dec, 2023 -

2 min read