News Archive for April 2023

There are two key things every person wants in their home loan: a low rate and a lender they can trust. That’s why it’s no surprise to see Bendigo Bank absolutely sweeping in our annual home loan awards.

As someone with a life-threatening peanut allergy, Easter can be more bitter than sweet. Let’s just say playing the ‘Easter bunny’ ain’t so simple when you've got a child with a food allergy.

The cost of living crisis has been hard on everyday Aussies, and students—both domestic and international—are being hit particularly hard by rising expenses. However, there are things you can do to improve the situation.

Are you a super streamer? If so, you might be looking for a new home internet plan.

After ten consecutive rate rises, the Reserve Bank of Australia astonished home loan borrowers with a dovish pivot in April, voting to leave the cash rate on hold at 3.60%.

As the consumer price index eases down to 7%, banks are increasingly looking at cutting their fixed interest rate loans with the expectation that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will continue to halt the cash rate.

Most Australians say they will prioritise travel this year, despite inflation and rising interest rates affecting the cost of living.

When a lender looks at your home loan application, one of the main things they look at is your borrowing power.

Apple recently continued its dive into the financial world in the US with a new savings account with investment bank Goldman Sachs. The announcement shook up the American financial sphere as the new product offers an appealing 4.15% annual interest rate - more competitive than some of the leading banks in America.

Finding yourself tempted to add another credit card to your wallet? Before you do, there are a few important pros and cons to consider to decide whether it is worth your extra time – and the potential impact to your bank account.

Last year was financially challenging for many Australians. Between the cash rate hikes, the cost of living crisis and rising house and rental prices, it’s been hard to take a breath.

Rain, leaves, and mushrooms: Autumn in Australia is certainly a mood. But cooler weather also means new hazards for our homes and valuables.

Despite the April RBA pause, Westpac and CBA have raised interest rates on several home loan offerings. While the increases are relatively small compared to the 0.25% and 0.50% hikes that have become the norm in the last 11 months, they still indicate the banks expect rates will stay higher, or go higher, in the next few months.

It comes as no surprise that the usage of credit cards has surged amidst the rising cost of living.

House inspections are a necessary part of the home buying process—after all, you want to know what you’re buying. However, there’s more to inspections than taking in the looks of the new place you’re thinking of purchasing.

South Korea looks to boost tourism as part of its post-pandemic recovery using the global popularity of Korean culture and the easing of visa rules for travellers from certain countries, including Australia.

When you’re planning a trip, there’s a lot to get organised. But one of the more overlooked parts of planning your travels is what to do about your home and contents insurance.

When it comes to how you holiday, cruising can be a controversial option. Those who love it are hardcore fans, and those who hate it will dismiss it as nothing more than a floating RSL club. What we want to know is the answer to a long-held question - are cruises good value?

Tax cuts introduced in the 2018-2019 financial year are being axed, with the biggest impact to be felt by middle-income earners. Those earning less than $126,000 per year are set to cop the majority of this.

In an announcement made to the cheers of mortgage-stressed homeowners, the Reserve Bank of Australia has, at last, paused its crusade against inflation, leaving the cash rate at 3.60%.

Today Amaysim launched a range of international roaming packs that can be added to existing or new Amaysim mobile phone plans.

National home prices rose for a third consecutive month in March, as limited supply and strong demand continue to hold up the property market, according to the PropTrack Home Price Index.

The Reserve Bank’s relentless rate hike campaign — which commenced in May last year and has brought the cash rate to its highest level since 2012 — may finally be coming to a close.

A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month – April has arrived! With school holidays, Easter, ANZAC Day and more – it’ll be a busy month, that’s for sure!