Money
Borrowing
Opinion
Money Makeover
Why I’ve fixed part of my mortgage at 2.19 per cent
There are several things to consider when facing one of the most vexed questions in personal finance.
- by Jessica Irvine
Latest
Opinion
Credit cards
Ultra-cheap money but not on your credit card
Borrowing money has never been cheaper but there is a glaring exception to the almost universal plunge in interest rates.
- by Clancy Yeates
First-home buyers
Cash grants likely in 'buy-new' home incentive
Government handouts to buy new builds should not blind buyers from additional risks of buying new over established properties.
- by John Collett
Banking products
Bank charges double late-payment penalty despite promising leniency
If you are experiencing financial hardship, always approach your bank for help and assistance.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Home loans
The best home loans for cutting mortgage repayments
The big four banks are now offering interest rates that are close to the best in the market. If you’re with one already, you might consider fixing half your loan.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Credit cards
Minimise your debt pile - starting with your credit card
It’s crucial you don’t come out of this COVID-19 crisis with a monster credit card balance and undo all your good work.
- by Joel Gibson
Opinion
Budgeting
How to recession-proof your finances
Some simple steps to take to put you in the best position to survive a prolonged economic downturn.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Responsible lending
Mortgage redraw risk revealed as lenders raid savings
Redraw is a huge risk. Instead, you need the protection of a real offset account.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Responsible lending
Crunch time for BNPL sector as unemployment rises
There is mounting pressure for the regulator to step in and police the buy now pay later sector as economic downturn bites.
- by Nina Hendy
Credit cards
Credit card charges at eye-watering high despite record-low interest rates
While offers of repayment deferrals on credit card debt is welcome by those struggling financially, for those who are able to make some repayments it would be better to ask their lender for a lower interest rate card.
- by John Collett
Opinion
Home loans
Three cheaper alternatives than taking a mortgage holiday
For the banks, a payment holiday means some short-term pain for longer-term gain. It's the opposite for borrowers, who mostly will pay more.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon