Has the tide turned? Household lending surges
Lending to Aussie households spiked 3.9% in July, the strongest growth seen since October 2014, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Is the housing market drought finally over?
Marge, Marge, the rains are ‘ere! Home prices have recorded their first rise since October 2017, with national dwelling values increasing 0.8% over August, according to the latest CoreLogic report.
Buy now, pay now: the importance of budgeting for gifts
How much do you think the average Aussie spends on gifts each month? $20, $50 or 100? (hint: we’re a generous bunch). Today we’ll look at why it’s important to budget for these expenses correctly, rather than succumbing to ‘buy now, pay later’ services.
New code to protect Aussies buying solar panels
Ever thought about investing in solar panels for your home? If so, you’ll know it’s a big decision and there’s a lot to wrap your head around. Fortunately, the consumer watchdog is proposing a new retailer code to make solar purchases safer and easier.
Caviar and wine, anyone? What a court ruling means for you
Indulgences such as caviar, wagyu beef and the finest bottles of wine shouldn’t count against you when lenders assess your application for finance, a Federal Court judge has said.
On the hunt for a new loan provider?
One in 10 consumers have switched credit products in the past year, according to new research, with Millennials and women in particular pouncing on offers from small banks, credit unions and building societies.
Time’s ticking: ATO to report overdue tax debts to credit agencies
Businesses that put off paying large tax bills for too long may soon find that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has notified credit reporting bureaus.
How criminals steal your identity to steal your money
Scams involving identity theft have cost Australians at least $16 million this year, and that figure is likely to be just the “tip of the iceberg”, says the ACCC.
Got a spare pineapple? Pay off your mortgage faster
Reckon you could scrounge together an extra $50 each week to pay off your mortgage? If so, latest modelling shows the average household with a $400,000 loan could save $46,992 and pay off their home loan four years faster.
Housing affordability the best it’s been since 1999: HIA
Great news for home buyers – housing affordability is the best it’s been since 1999, according to new data released by the nation’s peak housing and building body.
