Cash-poor Aussies letting shonky operators take advantage
There are loan sharks cashing in on 5 million savings-poor Australians, but there are more affordable borrowing options out there.
Peer-to-peer lenders lead increase in personal loans
Personal loan applications rose strongly during the December 2016 quarter, with much of the growth coming from online marketplace lenders.
Zero-interest balance transfers credit cards can have sting
Lenders promote their zero-interest balance transfer credit cards at this time of year. They know that many people return from Christmas and holidays struggling to pay-off their credit card debt.
The most effective debt reduction strategy for you
As widely expected, financial institutions have gradually been increasing their mortgage interest rates especially the longer term fixed rate offerings. This has been triggered by expectations of higher US interest rates following the Trump election victory.
Warning about new 'buy now, pay later' system in festive frenzy
There are four frantic days until Christmas and it's possible you're panicking.
Why so few of us fix interest rates at the right time
In the past month or so, the window to lock in ultra-cheap mortgage interest rates for the next few years may well have closed, as more banks have jacked up fixed rates.
Our early Christmas present: refinancing our home loan
Knocking a few basis points off your mortgage rate can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
The best way to borrow money and pay off debt
Here is how one woman smashed her debt and became a home owner.
Is this as low as interest rates go?
Changes in an obscure corner of the financial markets that could ultimately have implications for millions of households.
Three dumb ways you could double your Christmas spend
Think ahead for Christmas and limit how much you spend.
How banks cash in with parallel deals
How consumer finance companies cash in with parallel deals.
Millions at risk of default in next 12 months but don't know it
A leading credit agency says almost 3 million Australians are at risk of credit default or other adverse credit event in the next 12 months.
How I paid off my home by 36
Money Columnist Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon confides the way she worked the system, leveraged lucky breaks and, yes, economised to get debt-free in seven years.
Mortgage pre-approval is a smart move but avoid these traps
Pre-approval can be your best friend, or your worst enemy.
Low rates are a chance for mortgagors to get ahead
Many economists think we're in for another interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank in 2017.
The 'bank of mum and dad' has risks too
Buying a home has become so tough for many young people in the past few years that more and more are relying on the "bank of mum and dad".
NAB credit card customers risk bad credit record
NAB credit card customers who do not update their direct debit arrangements when they are issued their new Visa credit card risk damaging their credit records.
Nicole helps… beat a $20,000 credit card debt
How to avoid bankruptcy with smart credit repair and a good 0 per cent balance transfer credit card.
More parents helping children onto property ladder
Sarah Hopkins and her husband did not have to think too long before agreeing to go guarantor for their son’s mortgage.
Nicole helps ... with a mortgage masterclass
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon has a new column tackling consumer finance issues.
Beware the $61,282 remortgage mistake everyone makes
Money educator Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon tackles readers' consumer finance problems in a new column.
Be a power user of credit card rewards programs
Anthony Bianco maximises the rewards points for his credit card but diligently pays off the balance every month.
How to choose your first credit card
Choosing your first credit card is equal parts daunting and exciting.
Why using a mortgage broker gives borrowers more power
At a time when the finance industry has become too complex for most Australians, there is also a low awareness of what finance or mortgage brokers do, and how they can help the borrower.
Forget unstable super, attack your mortgage while it's dirt cheap
Superannuation offers tax advantages but it can't beat the security of a fully paid off home and the time to tackle the debt mountain is while rates are cheap.
The push to reward good borrowers with cheaper loans
Should you be rewarded for always paying your bills and loans on time with lower interest rates on loans?
Big-bank mortgage holders can easily do better
Why big-bank customers should pick up the phone and ask for a bigger interest-rate cut.
The cheaper debt product Aussies forgot. Hint: it's not plastic
We're in love with credit cards, but that costs us more than it needs to.
Why the best home loan may not be the cheapest
Many homeowners are shopping around for a cheaper mortgage but features such as offset accounts are worth holding on to.
Should you move or renovate?
As a person who has both moved and renovated, let me assure you that both create major disruptions in your lifestyle.