New Year, New You!
Each year we make New Year's resolutions that focus on our health and wellbeing. But how often do we think about improving our finances? Here are five financial New Year's resolutions that could help you start 2019 with a bang!
Bank wanted mortgage broking fees transferred to customers
A big four bank almost overhauled its broker remuneration model so that the cost of mortgage broking services would be transferred to the customer, the royal commission heard. Here's how to prevent that from happening.
Buy now, pay later schemes putting young shoppers at debt risk
One in six customers who use payment methods such as Afterpay and Zip Pay run into financial strife – and ASIC is putting the 'buy now, pay later' industry under the spotlight.
How much does it cost to own a pet?
We thought we'd have a little fun this week and look at how much it costs the average Aussie family to own a pet. After all, two in three households have one and very few budget for them!
Having a managing agent vs doing it yourself
One of the biggest milestones you'll encounter on your climb up the property ladder is becoming a landlord. Which means that one big decision you'll face is whether to hire the services of a managing agent, or take on the responsibility yourself.
Property round up: NSW overhauls stamp duty, NAB increases rates
There's been a couple of fairly big property-related announcements recently, including a stamp duty overhaul in NSW and NAB increasing interest rates. Let's break down what they could mean for you.
6 Christmas tips to help you save this silly season
Most of us roll our eyes when we start seeing shopping centres spruik Christmas merchandise in November. While it's important not to get caught up in the festivities too early, now's actually a great time to start prepping to ensure a budget blow-out doesn't derail your mortgage repayments over the silly season.
Under the microscope: your micro-transactions
When it comes to paying off your mortgage, many of us are in the dark as to where we should be making significant savings. A good place to start? Cutting down on ‘micro-transactions’.
Guidance needed for borrowers, industry body says
Property owners and prospective first home buyers are increasingly in need of clear guidance on home lending as the housing markets in Melbourne and Sydney begin to cool, says the Housing Industry Association.
On the up and up. Keen to jump into a property hotspot?
With housing values falling across half of Australia's capital cities over the past year it can be all too easy to forget many regions are doing well. Here's where property prices have recently experienced healthy growth.