Record financial comfort levels, the Oscars & Dora the Explorer’s insurance claim: This week’s best banking news

By Rhianna Dews · · 3 min read
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Record financial comfort levels, the Oscars & Dora the Explorer’s insurance claim: This week’s best banking news
  • Aussies pessimistic about the future, despite reporting record levels of financial comfort
  • Where to stream the 2022 Oscar nominees in Australia?
  • Aussie households favouring high-speed NBN plans
  • Slowing auction rates indicate red-hot Australian housing market might be cooling down
  • Why Dora the Explorer’s travel insurance claim would’ve been denied
  • Aussies paying off their debts? Credit score increases suggest they are

All in this week’s best banking news recap: editor’s pick.

Aussies pessimistic about the future, despite reporting record levels of financial comfort

While still recovering after a rough couple of years due to the pandemic, ME Bank’s latest financial comfort report has revealed that Aussie households are financially comfortable as ever.

“Taking into account 11 different measures including income, living expenses and debt levels, the report put Australian household financial comfort at 6.04 out of 10 in December 2021 — up by 3 per cent in the last year and 8 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels,” explained Mozo Money writer, Niko Iliakis.

Of the households surveyed, a solid 27% reported their financial comfort levels had improved mainly due to increased cash savings and improvements around jobs, income and spending.

Read the full article: Aussies pessimistic about the future, despite reporting record levels of financial comfort for the full scoop.

Where to stream the 2022 Oscar nominees in Australia?

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s nearly time for the event of the season. That’s right. The Oscars are almost here! Now, who doesn’t love a good award show? 

And if you’re wondering where you’ll be able to catch a glimpse at all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s finest, we’ve got you covered.

Read the full article: Where to stream the 2022 Oscar nominees in Australia? A genuine guide for the full rundown.

Aussie households favouring high-speed NBN plans

Aussie households favouring high-speed NBN plans

This just in: The latest ACCC NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report (December quarter 2021) has revealed that Aussies are favouring high-speed NBN plans over alternative broadband services.

According to the report, there are nearly 8.6 million residential broadband services currently on the NBN, with 58% using high-speed services of 50 Mbps and an extra 15% on speeds above this.

Read the full article: Aussie households favouring high-speed NBN plans for the rest of the story.

Slowing auction rates indicate red-hot Australian housing market might be cooling down

In 2022 the Aussie housing market continues to stay extraordinarily busy, following 2021’s massive property price and sales boom.

Recent CoreLogic data revealed a hefty 36% increase in the number of homes up for sale compared to the same period last year, with a whopping 2,898 auctions going down across Australia’s capital cities this week alone. 

Read the full article: Slowing auction rates indicate red-hot Australian housing market might be cooling down for the whole shebang.

Why Dora the Explorer’s travel insurance claim would’ve been denied

Why Dora the Explorer’s travel insurance claim would’ve been denied
Image credit: Nickelodeon

What do you get when Swiper swipes Dora’s unattended backpack at the airport luggage carousel? A denied travel insurance claim!

Travel insurance can be a drag - but it’s just one of those things that shouldn't be overlooked. So, to help you learn the ropes, let’s take a look at some (almost) real-life examples of travel insurance gone wrong inspired by some of your favourite flicks. Vamonos!

Read the full article: Why famous movie characters would get their travel insurance claims denied for a good laugh!

Aussies paying off their debts? Credit score increases suggest they are

According to credit bureau Experian, there’s been a steady increase in average credit scores across every demographic in Australia (regardless of age or gender) since the start of the pandemic.

Credit scores generally sit between 0-1,200 and help lenders determine whether you’ll be a good borrower. The higher your score, the better. Between March 2020 and December 2021, overall credit scores in Australia jumped up from 710 to 734 (a 3.4% increase). 

Read full article: Aussies paying off their debts? Credit score increases suggest they are for more information.

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Last updated 24 October 2024 Important disclosures
  • NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer

    Spend with confidence with a low 13.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).

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    0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
    Annual fee
    $59 $0 in the first year
    Rewards program
    -
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  • Citi Rewards - Balance Transfer and Purchases offer

    Enjoy 0% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate. Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.

    Purchase rate
    0% p.a. for 15 months then 21.49% p.a.
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    0% p.a. for 15 months and then 22.24% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $199
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    Citi Rewards Program
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  • Apply By 14 Jan 2025
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.

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  • Kogan Money Black Card

    Get 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Reverts to cash advance rate. $0 annual fee to pay. Earn 2 rewards points per dollar on your eligible purchases at Kogan.com & 1 rewards point per dollar on your everyday purchases, almost anywhere (T&Cs apply). FREE Kogan First membership valued at $129/year. Add up to 4 additional cardholders at no cost.

    Purchase rate
    0% p.a. for 9 months then 21.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    0% p.a. for 9 months and then 22.74% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards program
    Kogan Rewards Points
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  • American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.*

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    No current offer
    Annual fee
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    Rewards program
    Membership Rewards
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