News Archive for May 2014

The high-risk winter fire season is approaching and new research by RACQ Insurance shows only one in five Queenslanders have an extinguisher in their home and only one quarter have a fire blanket, a warning to other Australians to ramp up their fire preparations.

Record low interest rates have helped drive housing affordability to its most favourable level in 12 years during the March 2014 quarter, according to the HIA-CBA Housing Affordability Index.

<> After less than three years Coles has withdrawn from the life insurance market. Full details here.

HSBC Bank has reduced its 2 year fixed rate home loan to 4.58% for all new borrowings over $50,000, making it the lowest 2 year fixed rate mortgage available in Australia among retail banks.

The Budget’s introduction of real interest rates on outstanding HELP debts will unfairly affect those who take a career break, which will mainly be women, according to a new analysis by the National Tertiary Education Union.

According to new research by RP Data, April's housing market results show capital gains through rent are falling further behind home prices with dwelling values only 0.3% higher over the month.

Thailand is a popular holiday destination for many Aussies but the recent political unrest could leave thousands of travel insurance policies void, as some insurers refuse to cover anyone travelling to the country.

Traditionally lay-by was limited to your wardrobe and home appliances but now the concept has been extended to the travel industry.

New research by Suncorp Bank shows one in three Australians won’t save at all for their holidays this year and one in five will take no annual leave.

The Commonwealth Bank’s latest Business Sales Indicator (BSI) suggests Aussie spending will grow in the next few months, despite the tough budget announcement.

A new study by Roy Morgan has found customers who use their financial institution’s website to conduct banking have the highest level of satisfaction.

RBA head of financial stability Luci Ellis, at a speech to the Residential Housing Conference, has warned first home buyers against overstretching themselves in order to buy a property.

Household debt per person in Australia reached a staggering $1.8 trillion - equal to $79,000 per person - at the end of 2013 according to a report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The stable Australian dollar and next week's looming 2014/15 federal budget has seen the Reserve Bank of Australia Board keep the official cash rate at a steady 2.50% for the ninth consecutive month.