Personal Finance

Better dealsBanks sharpen mortgage rates ahead of lending frenzy

Two of Australia’s biggest banks have slashed interest rates on a suite of home-loan products in what’s shaping up as the start of a lending war.

Gerard Cockburn

Easy explainerWhy super, property and shares are out of whack

COVID-19 has turned the financial world upside down, but in different ways than many people expected. Experts explain how you can make the most of what you have.

Anthony Keane

Quicker approvalsCredit changes light fire under banks

Shares in the big four have surged as the Federal Government reveals plans to loosen responsible lending laws to boost the flow of credit into the economy.

Peter Vercoe

Easy explainerWhy super, property and shares are out of whack

COVID-19 has turned the financial world upside down, but in different ways than many people expected. Experts explain how you can make the most of what you have.

Anthony Keane

Money tipsEasy ways to avoid five nasty bank fees

From annual fees to late payment charges, banking costs can set consumers back hundreds of dollars each year. Here’s how you can give them the flick.

Sophie Elsworth

Save cashTips on scoring a great deal on pet insurance

Consumers have often complained about pet insurers’ high costs and frustrating policy exclusions. But following these simple tips can help you get the most bang for your buck.

Anthony Keane

Household expensesAppliances driving up Victorians’ energy costs

Victorians stuck working from home during the tough COVID-19 lockdown are being slugged with energy bills worth hundreds of dollars more than usual, with some appliances proving more costly to run than others.

Sophie Elsworth

Growing angerAngry Vic CBA staff get $50 fruit box instead of pay rise

CBA bosses have been slammed for sending frontline workers a delivery of fruit and vegetables while offering them “an offensively low pay offer”.

Sophie Elsworth

Money tipsEasy ways to make big bucks from record low interest rates

Whether it’s share dividends or shopping around for cheaper mortgage deals, the current interest rate environment can deliver Australians a financial boost. Here’s how.

Anthony Keane

Cutting backVictoria weighs on August retail spending drop

Retail spending fell across the nation in August, with Victoria recording a massive 12.6 per cent drop as the State’s COVID-19 restrictions hit non-essential retail businesses.

Colin Brinsden

Health insurance‘I saved $400’: Best health cover for Aussies over 50

Health insurance premiums are set to rise soon, and older Australians should take these important steps to ensure they’re getting the best bang for their buck.

Sophie Elsworth

Mortgage ratesMortgage interest rates to fall further

Home loan customers could see their interest rates fall after the Reserve Bank of Australia signalled more changes to the cash rate could be on the way.

Sophie Elsworth

Coping strategiesWhat to do when the bank wants its money

Restarting debt repayments after COVID-19 deferrals will be tough for many households but borrowers have some options. These are strategies you need to know.

Anthony Keane

End of the roadThousands of millionaires pocket JobSeeker

The Federal Government suspended the asset test six months ago as thousands of Australians lost their jobs — but that reprieve is about to end.

Daniel McCulloch

New warningTen worst fat cat super funds revealed

The difference between having a good or bad super fund could cost you tens of thousands. See the list of the top 10 worst funds compared to the best and why Aussies are making the switch.

Anthony Keane

Deadline loomingWhy you need to file your tax return now

Time is running out for Australians are lodging their tax returns themselves. This is what you must do to avoid getting hit with a fine.

Sophie Elsworth

Govt hits backThe big names shouting down tax cuts

Australia Institute research released in recent weeks suggests the cuts will benefit high income earners, who are more likely to save rather than spend the extra cash.

Colin Brinsden

Price hikeHow to save cash on private health cover

Millions of Australians are about to feel a financial pinch as private health insurers push up their premiums. Here’s what you should do to save some cash.

Sophie Elsworth, Personal finance writer

Release equityDownsize to free up time and cash

Downsizing might not be an option right now for older Australians with homes full of adult children impacted by COVID-19 border closures, but for others it’s a way to free up time and money.

Anthony Keane

Super winUnderpaid workers’ $588m windfall

Nearly 400,000 Australians who have been short-changed in their superannuation payments are set to be handed back $588 million.

Sophie Elsworth, Personal finance writer

JobKeeper changesEasy ways to prepare for JobKeeper, JobSeeker shake-up

Millions of Australians will have their JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments wound back next week, and they need to have a financial plan in place.

Sophie Elsworth

OpinionAussies shouldn’t get a tax cut, JobSeeker needs our cash

Rewarding Australians for doing nothing might not be in the Coalition’s DNA, but they risk hurting the economy’s COVID-19 recovery if they slash welfare payments while giving others tax cuts, writes Anthony Keane.

Anthony Keane

Money tipsSecrets to surviving on a single income

A growing number of Australian families face a shift to single-income households as COVID smashes jobs and relationships. Here’s how they can adapt.

Anthony Keane

Essential stepsHow I got rid of my credit cards with $20,000 limits

Consumers are turning their backs on plastic and ditching credit cards in droves. These are the important steps to take to getting rid of your card for good.

Sophie Elsworth, Personal finance writer