If you run your own self-managed super fund (SMSF), invest in dividend-yielding shares, or receive income from an investment property, a cash management account (CMA) can help you keep your everyday spending separate from your investment money.
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The current financial framework everyday Aussies have been using is great, but it has its flaws. As Australia and the world economy increasingly digitises, new payment methods are needed to keep up with the breakneck pace of tech evolution.
The recent news of Silicon Valley Bank’s (SVB) collapse has made many Aussies nervous about their bank's stability.
Do you have your BSB and bank account number memorised? Probably not, right?
Share house finances can make for some truly awkward territory, no matter how close the people you’re sharing with are.
Changing bank accounts can be rewarding if you take advantage of the best deals out there.
Update: Afterpay Money is no longer in operation. For current Afterpay services, please refer to our main BNPL hub.
There is a growing movement in Australia to fight climate change. People are signing petitions, lobbying the government and demanding corporations cut their carbon emissions.
Maybe your parents opened one for you when you were little, or maybe you opened one for yourself just before you received your first paycheck. Regardless of how your first bank account came to be, it is highly unlikely that you thought too long and hard about how the financial institution you were joining was structured.
“This year, I’m going to spend less and save more.”
Disney+: It’s the happiest streaming platform in the world! Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or a Marvel maniac – with its massive content library, Disney+ has something for everyone.
It’s 2023 folks, which means you’ve probably got more app and streaming subscriptions than you can count on one hand. But managing multiple subs can feel like a full-time job - and can cost a tonne.
Streaming services have provided hours upon hours of entertainment for Aussie families, with households able to utilise their broadband to access a multitude of movies and series at our fingertips like never before.
Let’s face it - at times dealing with a slow home broadband connection can be frustrating. Whether your Wi-Fi keeps cutting out or your internet speeds just don’t seem up to scratch, there are a number of little issues that can interrupt your daily browsing and streaming.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned Starlink satellite internet has landed in Australia, completing its beta stage and opening its services to new customers.
Getting connected to the NBN network can involve the installation of hardware within your home, particularly if you’re looking to take advantage of the faster broadband speed tiers.
For Aussies living in a granny flat or outbuilding, a broadband connection can be slightly more complicated to organise. If sharing the internet connection of the primary residence isn’t an option, there are still a number of ways you can get connected to the NBN network.
October is cyber security awareness month in Australia, and for many people there may not be anything more important online than their banking. Internet banking has become a staple, but just how safe are your accounts?
Starlink satellite broadband, owned and operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides wireless internet access to households in rural and remote areas who can’t be serviced by traditional wired connections.
Searching for a new home broadband plan can be difficult if you aren’t sure what services your home is eligible for. With the NBN rollout completed across Australia, most homes are now eligible for plans on the network, but here’s how to find out for sure.
In November 2021, a survey from SaaS cloud banking platform Mambu showed that Aussies love Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), with 24% of Aussies using BNPL compared to just 11% of people globally, and the trend has continued.
See more buy now pay later guides
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Electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise in Australia, thanks to better technology, a push for greener options and rising petrol prices leading people to explore alternatives.
There are few more embarrassing and stressful experiences than having your car break down in peak hour traffic or a blown tyre putting a stop to your road trip plans.
It doesn’t matter if you use your motorcycle every day or prefer to take it out for long rides on the weekend, making sure your bike is covered against accidental damage or theft ensures that you’ll be able to continue rolling your way.
Each year thousands of car accidents and injuries happen as a result of mobile phone use behind the wheel. This form of distracted driving is a serious issue in many parts of the world, and Australia is no outlier.
Insuring your car is as much about who is driving at the time, as it is about what actually happened.
If you’re not familiar with the lexicon of insurance, you’re not alone. After all, it’s drenched in legalese and complex terms which are enough to make the average person’s head spin.
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In the insurance world, your excess is the amount you pay out-of-pocket whenever you make an insurance claim. It’s a pre-determined sum listed in your insurance policy, designed to keep claims manageable and premiums affordable. Its major roles are to streamline the claims process by reducing the number of small, frivolous claims, and to distribute the cost burden for larger claims. This helps in maintaining stable premiums for everyone.
Kicking off your search with a handful of car insurance quotes can make all the difference in safeguarding your vehicle effectively.
The lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 saw a decrease in Australian drivers hitting the road, due to several factors, including the shift towards working from home, as well as restrictions like lockdowns and border closures.
Are you a rideshare driver? Confused about what kind of car insurance you need while working for companies like Uber, Ola, or DiDi? No worries, you've come to the right place.
It’s the end of the financial year and with car dealerships in mega sales mode it can be a great time to snap up a new car bargain. But before you step foot onto the car lot, it’s important to spend some time wising up on dealer finance tactics. Mozo asked car finance expert Rob Chaloner of stratton to highlight some of the most frequent car finance mistakes and how you can avoid them, here’s his advice:
Whether you’re looking for a family car, something to zip around the city or you need a ute for your next adventure, Mitsubishi has a lot of options on offer. And when it comes to financing the vehicle you fancy, there’s plenty of choice there too. It’s all about finding the right loan option for you. Let’s start with the three main options:
So you’ve decided to buy a Toyota. Oh what a feeling! For years after the first Land Cruiser arrived in Australia in 1958, Toyota has been a popular choice for many drivers. From a reliable Yaris, to a hybrid Prius, to a heavy duty Hilux, there are plenty of options out there. But what choice do you have when it comes to financing your new vehicle? Read on and find out…
Vehicle finance, or car finance, refers to money you borrow in order to purchase a car. Whether you choose to take out a car loan from a bank or from the car dealership, you’ll have to pay what was lent to you over a certain period of time with the addition of interest.
Once you’ve made the decision to get your first car, all you want to do is hit the road.
Around the world, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a popular option for both tech enthusiasts and the environmentally conscious. In recent years, EVs have grown more popular for Aussies, with more than 80,000 registered vehicles on the roads today. Below, we look at some of the most common questions surrounding EVs, as well as the main obstacles to their uptake.
There is no doubt about it: Cars can be expensive. But for many Aussies, access to a car is essential, so the thought of not being able to pay off a car loan can be pretty stressful.
Did you know that there’s such a thing as ‘dealer delivery’? Are you aware that ‘on-road’ costs are sometimes added as a cost on top of what you pay for your car? Among other things, these are just some of the costs you need to be aware of when buying your next car.
You’re buying a car? Well break out the champers! Ok, maybe not yet, because we have a lot of work to do yet. You’re going to have to have a little think about how you’re going to finance your new set of wheels and for how long. It’s all about budget and wishlist. If you can make a compromise somewhere in between then you’ll be cracking out the bubbly in no time. Let’s have a closer look at your options:
So you’re getting a car loan for a new car. This is exciting!
When we think about travel credit cards, we tend to think of fancy airport lounges and frequent flyer miles. For some travellers, namely those on budgets like students and backpackers, what you’re looking for in a travel credit card might actually be a little bit different.
As exciting as it is to head on holidays, planning can be prone to stresses of its own. One of the many choices you’ll have to make is how to finance your trip.
Credit cards may not have the best reputation, as the media is often quick to portray the negative connotations associated with them. If you lack self-discipline, a credit card can run you into trouble with debt levels beyond your comfort. On the other hand, credit cards are a very useful financial tool and when used properly, there are many benefits to having the card available in your wallet.
Whether you’re new to the game, or you’ve been swiping your credit card for years, I think we can all agree that the whole ‘interest-free period’ thing can be totally discombobulating! Which is why we’ve put together this guide for you! So you can walk away knowing what credit card interest-free days are and how they work.
Last year rewards lovers around the country felt their hearts sink as American Express announced it would be decreasing earn rates across many of its rewards cards on April 15 2019.
When stepping up to pay at the checkout Australians have traditionally reached for one of two things - card or cash. According to RBA statistics from 2016, 52% of all payments in Australia were made with a debit or credit card and 37% were made using cash.
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The world of banking and financial technology has come a long way in recent years, with card payments fast replacing cash as Australia’s preferred payment method, and emerging payment technologies such as mobile wallets and wearable payments becoming increasingly popular alternatives.
In this modern era, we seem to be moving faster towards a cashless society so it’s more important than ever to have a reliable credit card in your pocket. With so many credit cards to choose from, how can you ensure you’re making the right choice for you? And how can you untangle all of the confusing jargon around credit card choices?
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A few years ago, you may have never come across the term “interchange fees”. Instead it was reserved for those in the banking world to discuss the profit margins of banks.
If predictions by the experts ring true, the days of paying with cash and coins could soon be a thing of the past. In fact, that could be as soon as 2022, according to a 2019 CommBank report.
We tend to hear talk about debit cards and EFTPOS used interchangeably, but it’s important to know what each term actually means (and that you’ve got the right one in your wallet).
Most of us use debit cards on a daily basis. They even seem to be becoming the norm over physical cash, with the takeaway shop lady reaching for the eftpos machine before she even asks me how I’d prefer to pay.
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Picture this: you’re out to grab a few groceries - you pick up your milk, bread, veggies and a sneaky chocolate bar - and head over to the counter. How are you going to pay?
When it comes to your wallet, it's easy for all of the cards to start to blend together. If you've got yourself a debit card, you might start to wonder what makes credit cards different, and whether you need one or the other - or both!
When you rent, you’re often at the mercy of the property’s existing appliances, gas and electricity fixtures, and how well your place retains or keeps out the heat.
In the face of overwhelming but completely understandable climate anxiety, it’s time to get proactive. So roll up your sleeves: let’s see what you can do.
Mid year is a good time to do a financial check-in and see if there are opportunities to save money on your regular household expenditure, including your energy bill.
Supporting Australia’s transition towards cleaner energy can be as simple as installing solar panels on your rooftop and reaping the financial benefits of producing your own power. If you’re a renter the process isn’t quite as simple, but there are ways around the fact you don’t own your rooftop.
December is here, and homes around Australia and the world are putting up their Christmas trees and decorations in time for the holiday season. As your home sparkles, you might find yourself wondering how these lights add up on your energy bill and we’re here to tell you.
While Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company Tesla is known for its cars and Cybertrucks, the company is also a player in the household energy game. Tesla offers a solar panel and battery system, which in keeping with the company’s style are sleek and efficient in design and performance.
With a rise in solar panels and other renewable energy sources, virtual power plants are growing in popularity around Australia as more communities take charge of their own power.
Green hydrogen is a growing industry, with billions of dollars of investment in what has been described as a “fuel of the future”. But as the clean energy transition continues around the world, where does green hydrogen fit into the picture?
The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) is an electricity price set by the Essential Services Commission (ESC) in the state, in order to provide Victorians with access to a fair energy deal.
The term electricity reference price is often mentioned in advertising material for energy companies as they advertise their plans to customers. While providers will compare their own rates to this reference price, what you may be asking is what is it exactly and how does it affect my energy bill. Here are the answers.
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Understanding how home insurance premiums are calculated isn't just about peeking behind the curtain. It's about taking an active role in the process and equipping yourself with the knowledge to make smart decisions about your cover.
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Picture a quiet day at home suddenly interrupted by a ball breaking your window - a classic case of playtime gone wrong. This is where accidental damage insurance shines. Unlike standard home and contents insurance, which covers you for things outside of your control, like theft and natural disasters, accidental damage insurance comes to the rescue for everyday mishaps, or dare we say, clumsiness.
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If you own a holiday home, your insurance options fall into two categories: one for renting the property out, and another for personal use only. If it’s just for you, home and contents insurance is what you’re after.
For the last three years, Australia has been deluged with record-breaking rainfall thanks to an unlucky string of La Niña weather events. As a result, home insurance premiums surged as providers tried to offset billions worth of damages, as shown in Mozo’s latest insurance report.
For the last three years, Australia has weathered one natural disaster after another. From the devastating Black Summer bushfires to three years of record-breaking floods, home insurance premiums have skyrocketed to compensate for the surge in claims, as highlighted in the 2022 Mozo insurance report.
For renters looking to protect their belongings, contents insurance can make an excellent option. But for the premium cost to be worth it, it’s vital your policy covers you adequately.
Severe weather has surged home insurance premiums across Australia, from coastal cities to interior bushlands. Mozo's research found that 22% of policyholders have had to reduce their level of coverage to relieve the cost pressure – but this can be a disaster in itself.
Exploring cheap home insurance in Australia? This guide cuts through the complexity, helping you find a policy that’s both affordable and reliable. Whether you're trimming expenses or seeking essential coverage, we provide the key insights to help you compare home insurance policies effectively so you can get the best deal possible.
Home is where the heart is, and ensuring it's protected with the right home insurance is key to peace of mind. When faced with unexpected events like fire, theft or vandalism, knowing how to navigate the claims process is crucial.
Finding your dream home is no small feat. With a pricey housing market and range of other factors at play, it can be a minor miracle to find a property that ticks all the right boxes.
See more home insurance guides
The first step when buying a home is saving up for a home loan deposit. The first deposit is typically 20% of the property purchase price, so for an $800,000 home, you’ll typically be looking at a deposit of $160,000.
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In finance, we deal with interest all the time.
If you’re in the home buying process, then you’ve probably heard about stamp duty. Stamp duty can be a significant home-buying cost to budget – and unfortunately, your home loan does not cover it. How much stamp duty costs varies by location, property value, and buyer.
If you’re thinking of buying an investment property, you’ll want to know what your return on investment could look like.
Some of the most common advice you’ll read at Mozo is to, “Call your mortgage lender.” See if you can negotiate a lower interest rate and avoid mortgage stress.
One of the main decisions borrowers make when comparing home loans is whether to opt for a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate.
Your home equity is the value of your financial stake in your home, and it’s an important number to know whether you’re at the start of your home loan or ready to refinance.
In Australia, mortgage stress is when a borrower struggles to repay their home loan. The standard for mortgage stress is when a borrower has to devote 30% or more of their monthly income to mortgage repayments.
Paying at least 20% of the purchase price upfront is standard when taking out a home loan. This portion establishes the loan-to-value ratio (LVR) for the mortgage and the interest rate the borrower is eligible for.
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The Australian rental and housing market is notoriously tight, and while supply is often cited as the solution, the type of supply being brought to the market is equally important. One potential solution being discussed is the build-to-rent (BTR) model.
Shrinkflation is the practice of shrinking the size of consumer products while maintaining the price.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held interest rates steady for two months in a row. Inflation has slowed meaningfully enough for the central bank to wait and see for now, which is great news for those struggling under the weight of rate hikes.
Official interest rates, also known as the cash rate, have been the source of countless news stories in recent years, with each movement generating plenty of chatter about the state of the economy, monetary policy, and the general direction it’s all heading.
There are a lot of things you need to research and consider before making any kind of financial decision. One of those is your interest rate.
When you take out a loan, whether it’s a car loan, home loan or amount on a credit card, you’ll have to pay back both the amount you borrowed and interest on top of it. But what do we mean by that?
The flip side of variable interest rates, fixed interest rates are one of the two main types of interest you’ll come across when choosing a loan or bank account.
Mozo has compiled this handy guide to give you the rundown on the facts, features, pros and cons of variable interest rates.
When shopping for a home loan, you’ve probably noticed something called a comparison rate sitting beside the interest rate. But what is the difference between the two? Why is the comparison rate important?
Rainy day funds are essential, and earning interest is a fantastic and easy way to give them a boost. But how do the banks calculate your interest payments?
Good question. An interest rate is a fee you're charged for borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of the loan.
If you’re planning to send an international money transfer (IMT), it's important to understand that these transfers aren’t instantaneous like BPAY.
If you’re here, that means you’re looking to live overseas for an extended period of time and maybe wondering, “do I need to lodge a tax return while living abroad?”
If you send money overseas by using an international money transfer (IMT) provider, chances are you’ve seen the term ‘forward contract’ before.
In 2021, Australians have lost more than $130 million in scams. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), most people lose money through investment and money transfers scams.
From balmy beaches to scrumptious cuisine, many Aussies dream of retiring overseas. But moving halfway across the world is no easy job, and requires a lot of financial planning, especially if you’re looking to be free of money worries by the time you jet off to your retiree’s paradise. Often, you’ll be dealing with big sums of cash, whether that’s your pension, super or life savings.
Planning to send money overseas from Australia and curious about how it all works? From choosing the right transfer service to understanding fees and limits, we've got you covered. Here's a quick guide to get you started on everything you need to know about international money transfers.
With just over 140,000 Sri Lankan-born residents in Australia and even more with family and friends in Sri Lanka, it’s no surprise that many Australians are looking for ways to send money there for a variety of reasons - from purchasing presents for family, to buying property.
Sending money overseas can be daunting enough, without having to decipher all the mumbo jumbo foreign exchange providers throw at you.
Are you unsure whether to use an online international money transfer (IMT) specialist or PayPal to make your next overseas money transfer?
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Looking for an easy and reliable way to set up a regular international transfer for your overseas business transactions? Well, whether it’s for making recurring payments for goods you’re importing or freelancers you’ve employed, you need to have an efficient foreign exchange account in place that doesn’t affect your company’s profits.
See more international money transfer guides
Having a financial plan to look after your family when you can’t anymore is a hard but important conversation to have. This is where life insurance can help step in.
While it can be tricky to think about, life insurance can be a useful financial safety net for your family if you’re no longer able to provide for them. From death cover to income protection insurance, there’s a range of policies available for a variety of needs.
Whether you work for yourself or as an employee, life insurance exists to ensure your needs and those of your family are met if you’re no longer able to provide financial support.
If you haven't investigated it before, life insurance can seem a bit complicated. To start with, the term itself is a catch-all for different kinds of coverage, including income protection cover, total and permanent disability cover, and death cover.
After you’ve worked out whether or not you need life insurance, the next step is working out what level of cover you should opt for. The key? Finding the right balance for your situation.
As the old saying goes, there are two things you can count on in life: death and taxes. Life insurance is all about planning for the former (even if it’s not really pleasant to think about).
When you purchase a vehicle from a car dealer, you'll probably be offered a whole lot of extras. While an alarm system may be worth forking out extra for, one add-on you should avoid at all costs is life insurance.
Life insurance is meant to be a safeguard for the tough times in your life. It should give you peace of mind in the event of a loved one's death or to guarantee your financial safety if something happens to you and you’re unable to work.
If you’ve decided to bite the bullet and buy a life insurance policy, you should take the time to work out which of the key features on offer are important to you. After all, this is one insurance policy you could wind up sticking with for the rest of your life.
In October 2016 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) handed down a report into the handling of claims by the life insurance industry. This was in responses to criticisms of outdated definitions being used to avoid payouts and conflicting interests in the sale of policies.
See more life insurance guides
Margin lending can be a high risk, high return investment strategy. It's a great way to squeeze the investment value out of your capital, but the unwise - or unlucky - investor can lose money just as quickly.
When you compare mobile phone plans, you’ll often see two types: prepaid and postpaid. While the names are supposed to be obvious, the difference between the two isn’t always completely understood.
Looking for a mobile phone plan with international roaming add-ons so you can use your mobile phone while overseas?
When you’re planning on travelling overseas, there’s a lot to think about. You might need to compare travel insurance, sort out travel money cards, find accommodation and flights, and more. But one of the more overlooked parts of travelling is working out if you’re going to be able to use your phone (and mobile phone plan) overseas.
Look, we’ve all had a weird thought or random question, especially when it comes to new technology. So in the spirit of learning and curiosity, here are your silliest mobile questions, seriously answered.
Black Friday deals can nab you some serious savings, including from mobile phone plan providers.
Sand, salt, and good ol’ H2O: the best things about Australia’s beaches can be some of the worst things for our smartphones. So if you’re keen on an aquatic summer lifestyle, is a waterproof phone worth it? Do they work? How about waterproof cases?
Maybe you have a nice smartphone. You take care of it, everything works, and it’s a decent brand. You’d like to spring for the latest model, but is it worth the money? And besides, you already have one. If it ain’t broke, as they say…
Smartphones are heckin’ expensive. Yet despite the lofty price tag, they’re also fragile little gadgets prone to breaking, lagging, and wandering off. So let’s make the honeymoon phase with your mobile last as long as possible – and get the best bang for our buck.
These days most mobile plans come with unlimited call and text credits, so a major factor to consider when you compare mobile phone plans is how much data is included.
Most of us just go to the supermarket to pick up groceries, but did you know these days you can even get a brand new mobile phone plan?
See more mobile phone plan guides
If you’re considering switching to a neobank, or just hoping to learn more about how they work, one question is probably weighing heavily on your mind: are they safe?
Between 86 400’s launch and Xinja’s acquisition of its full banking licence, neobanks have been making plenty of waves as of late. But if you’re planning on making the switch, there’s a lot you’ll need to know. Mozo’s Kirsty Lamont answers some of the biggest questions about neobanks and what they have to offer.
What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow? Is my bus going to be on time? Is it cheaper to fly to Rome in June or July? What do I want for dinner? Whether it’s a question you need answering, or a task you need doing, chances are there’s a mobile app out there to solve your problem and help make your life easier.
The neobank revolution is well and truly underway in Australia with a number of players positioning themselves to be the next big alternatives to conventional banks. And with a range of innovative apps, products and features on offer, it’s safe to say neobanks are generating a fair bit of excitement.
Whether you’re looking to transfer funds or review your monthly spending, chances are you rely a whole lot on your smartphone. There’s been a real shift from physical banking to digital banking lately, and with plenty of online banks and up-and-coming neobanks offering primarily app-based services, this is set to become even more pronounced.But while banks’ own security measures are pretty reliable, there’s no shortage of shady characters out there looking to rob people of their information and their money. So to help you out, we’ve compiled some tips to keep you safe when banking on your phone.
Technology and finance are both rife with obscure and difficult concepts. Merge the two and it seems that some unfamiliar bit of jargon awaits you at every turn. To make sure you’re up to speed with all the latest developments in the world of financial technology, we run through what fintech is and how key players in that space, like neobanks, are leveraging it to provide exciting new services.
They’re new, they’re fully-online and they’re promising to change the way Australians bank by integrating the latest technology with some innovative new features, but is a neobank the right place to keep your cash and manage your finances?
If you’ve got multiple debts and are struggling to keep up, a debt consolidation loan can seem like a lifeline. Rolling all your debts into one can streamline your repayments and potentially reduce the amount of interest rate you pay overall.
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If you’re thinking about getting a personal loan, chances are that you’ve come across “secured” and “unsecured” loans, but maybe you weren’t exactly sure what the difference between the two loan types is.
With sustainability at the top of mind for many Australians, getting a green loan can be a way to make costly lifestyle changes without blowing the bank.
Wouldn’t it be nice if things were all just a little bit easier? When it comes to personal loans, we sure think so.
When we talk about loans, we spend a lot of time talking about what sets them apart or why you might want to go with one over another. What we don’t tend to talk about as much is why you might choose a long term loan or short term loan, important parts of the personal loans process that can’t go overlooked.
If you’re earning a lower income, a personal loan might not feel like a possibility. However, income is just one of many tools used to calculate whether or not you can get a loan. At Mozo, we’re here to break down the ins and outs of a low income loan.
The freedom of working for yourself also comes with a lot of hard work, especially when it comes to sorting out your finances.
We get it. Personal loan eligibility criteria aren't always so clear cut. So, before you even consider applying for a personal loan, it's super important to shop around and compare your options until you find the right loan for you.
Understanding credit and all of its terms can be confusing, especially when they all sound so similar. Terms like credit score, credit file and credit history are all as equally important to understand as the next.
If you’re like many other Aussies with a personal loan, you probably signed the papers and never looked back. But have you ever stopped and wondered about the potential savings you'd get if you were to refinance? Now, now, don’t let the word ‘refinance’ scare you away. With our help, refinancing your personal loan will be a piece of cake, only the savings will be far sweeter!
Summer heat is on its way in Australia, and this year promises to be an El Niño scorcher. But while most of us know to keep ourselves cool, keeping our pets cool too can sometimes slip our minds – and burn a serious hole in our wallet if the worst happens.
Maybe your precious puppy gave you sookie eyes, so you relented and fed them a piece of your dinner. Or they vacuumed something off your kitchen floor. Pooches get hungry! But now you’re wondering: “Wait, can my dog eat that?”
Your veterinarian is an important part of your pet’s life, from routine care to emergencies, so it’s essential to choose the right one for you.
Keeping up to date with vaccinations is an essential part of owning a pet. Most pet insurance policies that offer routine care benefits will cover the full or partial cost of vaccines, though this will depend on the provider, and limits and exclusions may apply.
One of the most popular optional extras for pet insurance is dental coverage. Oral health can be crucial for pets, but most standard pet insurance policies won’t cover it automatically (unless you opt-in, which can add to your premium).
Medibank has more than 45 years of experience when it comes to insuring Australians. You no doubt would have heard the name before when it comes to health, life, and travel insurance, but did you know Medibank also offers pet insurance? In fact, it’s award-winning!
Coles was named top of its class in the 2022 Mozo Experts Choice Pet Insurance Awards^, taking the grand title of Pet Insurance Provider of the Year.
While there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to protect our furry friends, sometimes pet insurance premiums can have us howling. And no wonder!
Pet insurance can be a great way to avoid paying expensive vet bills. That said, as with all forms of insurance, it’s not cut and dried. What exactly is covered with cat and dog insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, including the insurance company and individual policy.
The folks at Pet Insurance Australia believe all dogs and cats deserve protection from life’s unexpected twists and turns. It’s their commitment to providing Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance that’s secured their Pet Essentials policy a spot on the Mozo Experts Choice Awards^ list in 2022.
Does your lifestyle involve hitting the shops big time or boarding airplanes on a regular basis? You could be the perfect candidate for a premium rewards card. This page features all you need to know about premium plastic - from VIP services like airline lounge access and 24/7 concierge to complimentary insurance for purchases made on your card. Let’s get started!
Addicted to freebies? Chances are, you’ll love what bonus point rewards cards can offer you too.
Are you a frequent flyer who would jump at the chance to access swish airport lounges, flight upgrades, free airline tickets and more? Perhaps it’s time you carried a proper rewards card in your wallet and started collecting points on your everyday spending. Before you sign up or switch to a more rewarding program, take a moment to read all about them here, so your frequent flyer points really take off. Let’s get started!
Have you been stacking up credit card reward points throughout the pandemic? Are you lost when it comes to getting the most bang for your rewards buck? Well, that’s where this guide comes in.
Have you considered signing up with a rewards credit card that will give you cold hard cash? Welcome to the world of cashback offers where becoming a new customer is often enough to earn you extra bucks! It’s worth flirting with the idea if your preferred credit card reward is financial in nature.
If you’re tossing up between a rewards card and a regular piece of plastic, then you might be wondering just what the benefits of having points earning power in your corner are.
You’re probably the kind of person who uses a credit card a lot and has managing your balance down to a fine art. The next question is, which rewards card will suit you best? To find a piece of plastic that matches up to your freebie dreams, head over to our rewards revealer tool.
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Whether you’re planning a mega shopping trip along Rodeo Drive or a great exploration of Europe, there is one thing you’ll need to pack - a competitive travel credit card. But finding the right one is hard to do if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s where this guide comes in, giving you the lowdown so you can be your own expert. Let’s go!
Congrats on your decision to join the rewards credit card club (or at least, resolving to switch providers)! During your search for an ideal piece of plastic online, you’ve probably stumbled across the term “gold” credit cards.
Some rewards credit card customers pay hundreds of dollars every year just for the privilege of being a cardholder. While other borrowers opt for the more basic rewards card with a lower annual fee attached.
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Here’s the list of top savings accounts with the highest rates or best features for this month reviewed by Mozo’s expert research team and money journalists. We track over 200 savings accounts in Australia from big banks, digital banks and customer owned banking providers. Whether you are looking for the best bonus saver, high interest or everyday savings account for you, your family or kids, we’ve got you covered.
Most of us have had to tighten our belts over the past couple of years, and keeping a healthy stash of savings is one of the ways you can keep your head above choppy financial waters.
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With interest rates sitting at a bit higher than usual—and the next RBA meeting scheduled for February—now might be a good opportunity to take advantage. But with savings accounts coming in so many different shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
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They say that “failing to plan is planning to fail”, and nowhere is that more true than in personal finances. Having a solid financial plan is super important for making your money work for you.
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Did you know that if your savings are in an every day savings account instead of a high interest savings account, you could be missing out on a lot of extra savings?
With the kids going back to school soon, you’ve probably been thinking about how to teach them new and better money habits. Starting early on is a great way to make sure your kids have the best chance possible at developing positive money habits and saving skills for later on in life.
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Half? A quarter? A dollar? It can be challenging to figure out how much of your income you should save. Thankfully, there are ways of figuring this out so that you can start saving for whichever goal you’re aiming for.
With rates climbing upwards and the rising cost of living causing stress, we’re all looking to save money wherever we can. The first things we look at are always the big expenses - home loan repayments, credit cards - but could you be earning more on your savings?
Teaching your kids how to save money early in life could help to set them up with money management habits which they’ll take into adulthood. So, when is the right time to open a savings account for your child? And what key features should you look for in a kids savings account?
The student life might mean that you have a tight budget and there isn’t much wiggle room for anything else.
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When researching brokerage platforms, you've probably heard that Australian shares are either CHESS sponsored or in a custodial model. As an investor, understanding the difference between the two can help you to decide what brokerage platform you might want to use as some will opt for one ownership model over the other.
Investing in the stock market can be a good way of storing wealth. However, most working-age adults don’t have the time to research individual companies and consistently pick winners. That’s why a lot of retail investors will generally opt for a managed fund.
In share trading, a Holder Identification Number (HIN) is a unique ID assigned to anyone who buys shares in the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Portfolio diversification is one of the central tenets of the share trading world. It’s a time-tested strategy that serves to mitigate risk by balancing a portfolio of investments, ultimately generating stable returns.
Over the past few years, the popularity of cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin) has exploded amongst those in the share trading world. However, the volatility of many digital currencies has forced investors to look for more stable ways to purchase crypto.
The share market is characterised by regular bouts of volatility, and even the most experienced traders sometimes have difficulty pinpointing the best times to invest. One strategy for dealing with this uncertainty is dollar-cost averaging (DCA).
‘Buying the dip’ means investing in a company when it drops in value due to wider concerns within the market, rather than investors jumping ship from said company due to performance concerns over the long run.
‘CHESS’ stands for Clearing House Electronic Subregister System. In plain English, it’s a computer system that facilitates the buying and selling of shares on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). CHESS sponsored shares are recorded on this computer system to keep track of who owns the shares directly.
Your comprehensive guide to share trading and stock market investing for beginners in 2022.
Whether you're a seasoned investor, or a complete beginner, you'll likely want to consider where your money goes and what it invests in.
Managing cash flow is crucial to the success of any business. But accurately forecasting how much money comes and goes can be difficult, particularly if you depend on the timely payment of invoices by customers.
Becoming your own boss - it’s the ultimate dream for many working Australians and one that tens of thousands take a chance on each year by starting up their own businesses. In fact, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) there were over 2.3 million actively trading businesses in Australia in 2018, with thousands of new businesses joining the ranks each year.
Whether you’re running a small business, a big business or a new start-up, there’s a good chance that you’ll need some extra funding at some point along the way and will encounter the need for a business loan.
Taking out a small business loan can be key to getting things off the ground for your business startup or expanding operations at your existing business, whether you're after a $20,000 loan to kit out your new office, or a $100,000 loan to really boost your operations to the next level. And if you’ve already done the hard yards and found the right business loans match, the next step is to nail the application process.
Tedious bank applications are made even more tedious when you don't have the required forms on hand. Fast-track your applications with Mozo's applications checklist.
Choosing a business banking account is about packing all the transaction facilities you need into the smallest possible monthly fee. There's a wide range of options, often varying from bank to bank, but here are some small business finance tips.
It's important for a small business to establish a relationship with a bank, as you may one day want to ask for a business loan or demand a mates rate on fees.
Whether to get a small business credit card - and which one to apply for - is a matter of balancing features against interest and fees, and securing the best business credit card offer.
The variety of high interest business accounts may spoil you for choice. It's all about the features you need and the best interest rate you can get.
It’s a term you may have come across before, but what exactly is a business overdraft? Essentially it’s a line of credit attached to a business bank account or debit card which allows businesses to draw on money (up to an approved limit) beyond what they actually have in the account.
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There’s a world of opportunity for university students these days, with the option to do a global exchange program being a dominant one - but it comes with large costs that can seem out of reach for many young Aussies.
Tracking your spending and making the most of your money while at uni can often be tough, but the creators of QPay may have found a solution to make saving for students easier.
G'Day! So, you're planning on studying in Australia? There are plenty of things you'll need to get sorted before you make the big move like deciding what university course you’ll be studying, where you’re going to live and how you will manage your finances.
This is the second part of Mozo’s Frugal Student’s Survival Guide. Read the first part (where we tackled the money sinkhole that is textbook shopping) here.
Welcome to Mozo’s Frugal Student’s Survival Guide. ‘Survival guide to what?’ we hear you ask. Well, to everything you might need to spend your very finite money supply on. We’re offering tips for tackling #studentlife without being forced to sell a young and well-educated limb on the black market. Let’s start with the biannual wallet clear-out that is purchasing textbooks.
The result of a wild one night stand between a bank card and a credit card, the debit card could be the answer to your student money problems.
It’s easy to get caught up in the complex world of savings accounts, credit cards and personal loans, but you shouldn’t forget to find a home for your regular ol’ dough.
Being a student is the best time of your life. Between term break trips, backpacking around Asia and roadtripping up the coast in your first car, life as a student is basically one big party (with a couple of exams thrown in).
Let’s start with the #realtalk: saving money as a student is bloody hard. Primarily - no, wait, let’s try that again - entirely because you don’t have much of it to save in the first place.
So, you're looking for your first credit card? Great! Well done, you! 10 points to Gryffindor! (Or, realistically, Ravenclaw. They always seemed like the financially responsible house.)
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We often hear questions about the distinction between lost and unclaimed superannuation. It's a common point of confusion for many managing their retirement savings, but it doesn't have to be.
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Understanding superannuation contributions is crucial for optimising your retirement savings. And it's not just about relying on your employer's mandatory contributions.
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For Australians considering the future of their superannuation, retail super funds provide an option worth exploring. These funds, operated by financial entities, offer an extensive range of investment opportunities, coupled with a suite of financial products. Grasping the intricacies of retail super funds is crucial for informed retirement planning.
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Considering boosting your super? You're not alone. Salary sacrificing into your super is a smart move many Aussies are making to secure a better retirement. It's not just about stashing away more cash for the future; it's also about smart tax moves today.
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Tax on super affects each stage of the super journey, from the initial contributions, through to the earnings phase, the final withdrawal of funds, and even after death. These tax implications are influenced by various factors like the type of contribution, age and income level.
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Have you ever spotted the term 'unique superannuation identifier' (USI) peeking out from your superannuation statements, or perhaps during the initial paperwork of a new job?
Part of the onboarding process when you start a new job typically involves filling out a superannuation choice form. And as you go through different employers throughout your career, it’s possible that you’ll join several super funds along the way.
It pays to know where your nest egg is being invested, not only to get the most out of your super fund in retirement, but to make sure the selected investments meet your expectations.
Found a super fund you like better? Making the switch is easy and you can do it all online! Here’s what to do…
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Travel and relaxation are commonly associated with retirement, but getting there usually takes some financial planning.
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Term deposits are covered under the government’s Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), but what about the interest you’ve been patiently trying to accrue?
A term deposit is one of the easiest and safest ways to invest your savings. Just lock up some cash for a set period and let the interest do the rest. Since a term deposit is fixed interest, you’ll get a predictable amount for the agreed-upon term even in the event that the RBA changes the cash rate.
For anyone who’s looking to grow their savings, term deposits can be a risk-free and reliable option. Nominate an amount of money and how long you’d like to lock it away, and a nice little stack of interest will be waiting for you once that time is up.
When you’re trying to make the most of your term deposit interest, you’ll want to make sure you pick all the right options to suit your saving goals. One way of going about this is by selecting when your term deposit interest rate is paid.
If you’re considering a term deposit as a savings strategy, you probably want to earn high interest for your lump sum savings and invest in a secure and safe manner.
You’ve done the hard work of saving and squirrelling away every spare dollar, decided a term deposit is the best place to park your money and now you can kick back and forget about it, right? Wrong!
Don’t have a problem going in for the long haul and making a serious commitment? Well then, apply that to your savings strategy with a long term deposit, for a low-risk way to earn a return on your rainy day fund.
One of the great things about a term deposit is that it’s not only a low risk way to earn a return on your savings, but also a pretty low maintenance one. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some great tricks to making your term deposit work harder for your money - but it does mean that opening a term deposit is a pretty stress-free process.
Wondering if you should lock your cash up in a term deposit? While there are a lot of benefits to getting a fixed interest rate on your savings, there are also a few disadvantages to making your savings illiquid.
So you’ve decided a term deposit is the best place for that nice Christmas bonus, or the nest egg you’ve been working on, but now the question is, where do you go to get one? The answer might seem easy - the bank, of course - but there are heaps of options when it comes to choosing where you want to open a term deposit.
When you factor in the cost of flights to Europe from Australia, travel money cards, international travel insurance, accommodation, and food and drink expenses, it’s only natural that the budget-conscious among us look to trim the fat where we can on our holiday expenses.
If you’re making plans to head over to Europe in 2023, in addition to sorting out your itinerary, travel money and travel insurance, you might also be wondering if you need to organise multiple visas for the countries you’re visiting.
Tourism in Australia suffered a massive blow during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the industry looks to be recovering steadily since border restrictions were scrapped almost two years ago, in November 2021.
Everyone has that one friend or family member who’s seen everything. Hiked the slopes of Kilimanjaro, swam the sapphire Aegean, and wandered the markets of Latin America. What could they possibly want (or need!) for Christmas?
Our mobile phones go with us everywhere. (It’s in the name). After all, how else are we supposed to navigate, plan, spend, and capture those sweet, sweet travel memories?
World cuisines are lovely and diverse, but if you have dietary restrictions, travelling can feel extra stressful.
Frequent flyer points conjure images of suits in the sky and first-class cocktails. But you can use airline rewards for much more than discounted flights and earn them without ever setting foot in an airport.
For every trip, there’s travel insurance – or close to it. But how do you choose the best travel insurance policy for your needs?
If you can’t afford travel insurance and you have a credit card, it’s worth taking a peek at your bundled rewards to see if there’s a complimentary travel insurance perk.
So you’re taking your children overseas: woohoo! Whether it’s a vacation or long-awaited visit to relatives, there’s plenty to look forward to once you get there.
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Is the countdown finally on until your next getaway? Have you been stuffing every spare banknote into your piggy bank until it could burst at any moment?
Holidaying overseas is a huge part of the Australian way of life, with thousands of keen travellers jet-setting across the world every day.
Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys. You get to explore every nook and cranny of a totally fresh destination, experience new cultures and of course form fond memories that will last a lifetime. But your dream holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare if your hard-earned holiday funds are stolen or you find yourself the victim of identity theft.
Planning a big overseas holiday? Whether it be a trail-heavy adventure of the Andes or a soothing two-week stay at a resort in Sumatra, you’re going to need a few things ticked off your travel checklist before you leave Australian shores.
While many credit card travel insurances have some great features, it's still important to read the fine print to make sure that your credit card has the right coverage for the adventure you're planning.
Almost as exciting as booking your idyllic holiday, high-flyer biz trip or irritatingly long stay in some exotic location is the exciting world of currency conversion. Hold on to your hats, as Mozo cruises through the four basic ways to spend money overseas.
Nothing can obliterate a post-holiday glow like discovering the damage you've done on your credit card. But with a few simple strategies, you might come back pleasantly surprised instead of suffering a cash-related comedown.
Arm yourself against excessive international fees, skimming, and the aftermath of card theft with our pre-holiday checklist.
A couple of months ago, we gave you the lowdown on Australia Post’s Load & Go Visa Prepaid – our national postie’s first Visa card. We were impressed with its novel prepaid approach which allowed people to enjoy all the benefits of Visa’s worldwide network, without having to go through the fussy sign-up process normally associated with credit cards. However, we found its lack of travel money features disappointing, which made the Load & Go an expensive choice for travellers wishing to make purchases in currencies other than Aussie dollars.