News Archive for October 2014

The National Australia Bank today released its 2014 Full Year Result, which showed a 9.8% downward slide from the previous year in cash earnings to $5.18 billion.

If you’re one of the many Aussies who live together before tying the knot you’re probably already stocked up with all the everyday essentials, such as furniture, linen and utensils. So why not make your wedding registry reflect your cool couple personality with some unconventional and dare we say it hipster gifts?

Move over Bridezillas and relentless stereotypes, there’s a new man in town and he’s just as keen as the bride-to-be to make sure the day goes off without a hitch.

With the average Australian wedding skyrocketing to a staggering $36,200*, tying the knot can be a massive money drain. To give you peace of mind, some providers have introduced wedding insurance that financially protects your wedding against unforeseen disasters, like severe weather or the vendor going belly up.

While you’ve probably been dreaming of your wedding day since FOREVER, there’s no reason to blow your entire life’s savings on glitzy centre pieces and lavish limos, when there are plenty of ways to cut costs and still have a wonderful wedding venue.

As Aussie ladies tie the knot later in life, a wild Hens Night with sleazy strippers, L-Plates, pink veils and blow up dolls is quickly losing its appeal for many brides-to-be.

We know the word “finance” doesn’t have the most romantic undertones but unfortunately it can’t be overlooked, as research from the Australian Government indicates the way finances are handled in a marriage may contribute to overall dissatisfaction as a couple.

Australians are saving more, with eight out of ten Australians currently adding to their savings, or at least not dipping into them.

The latest research by Colonial First State Global Asset Management showed Gen X women are lagging behind Gen Y women when it comes to their preference for investing in equities.

Australians love adopting everything American - Apple, Friends, Miley Cyrus and now Halloween, otherwise known as All Hallows’ Eve which rolls around on October 31.

The number of Australians entering the housing market hit a record low over the month of August.

More women are reporting sexual assault while travelling, an Australian travel insurer has observed.

From Monday we will farewell the humble credit card signature, as the 11-week rollover period comes to an end. During the rollover period, which started on 1 August, merchants who had not yet upgraded their terminals could still allow customers to opt for the signature, however from October 20 the signature transaction option will be taken away from retailers.

If you live in north-west WA now is the time to ensure you have adequate insurance ahead of the cyclone season commencing on 1 November, said the National Insurance Brokers Association.

We’re just 10 weeks out from Christmas. Here’s how to save $100 a week in the lead up to the most expensive time of the year.

Shannon and Simon walked away from The Block with hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits and not one single grey hair but three other couples were left with barely enough to justify the three months of toil. Why was there such a difference in the results?

A report released by the Australian Council of Social Service has found 36.8% of children in sole parent families are living in poverty, compared to 17.7% of all children in Australia.

A study by retirement consulting firm Mercer has revealed 40% of Australians are forced into retirement due to redundancy or illness before they are financially ready, with many facing the risk of outliving their savings.

Australian airline Qantas has launched new benefits for its elite “Platinum One” members, including bonus Frequent Flyer points and partner membership.

Let’s be honest: we all want to save money. No one wants to run down to the shops for some milk and come back with two pairs of shoes and a bank account so empty you had to settle for a bottle of home brand skim because you couldn’t afford anything else.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate at a steady 2.5% for the 14th consecutive month.

Home values have stabilised as we enter the Spring auction period, with the RP Data CoreLogic Home Value Index posting a 0.1% capital gain across the combined capital cities for September.

The Australian Property Investor has identified the top locations in Australia with the biggest rental asking prices over the past 12 months and Victoria came out as the clear leader for houses.

The latest Roy Morgan research showed Queensland, in particular the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, is by far the top pick at 34.6% for Aussie holiday goers seeking the sun and surf.

Consumer confidence rose 0.7% in the week ending September 28, according to Roy Morgan. However, credit reporting authority Veda has warned that 2.1 million Australians are at risk of credit card default.