472 articles written by Alex Ritchie

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Home Loans

Can parents pay off a child's mortgage?

The bank of mum and dad has become one of the most common ways young Australians are able to get a foot on the property ladder. Here are three main ways a parent may be able to pay off a child’s mortgage.

/tips-house-valuation
Home Loans

Tips for a house valuation

Taking the time to properly prepare and set up your home for valuation is crucial to ensure it is valued at the most optimal price. Here is how to prepare your home for valuation.

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Car Loans

How to get the best car loan rate before you visit the dealership

As our desire for a new set of wheels grows, Aussies looking to drive away in a new or used vehicle may be wondering what they can do to nab a competitive car loan rate. Here are RateCity’s tips for improving your chances of getting your best car loan.

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Personal Loans

When should I consider a personal loan over a credit card?

Choosing between a personal loan and a credit card can be a tough financial decision. It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of both options before you make any big purchases or consider paying off outstanding debt.

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Credit Score

Will a balance transfer improve your credit score?

When you’re struggling to get on top of your credit card debt, one solution that may offer some financial relief is a balance transfer. However, you may be curious as to how this may affect your credit history and score.

/energy-changes-australian-budget
Energy

How energy changes under the Australian 2021 Federal Budget

The 2021-2022 Federal Budget is out, and amongst the standard tax benefits and schemes for property purchases, there have been changes announced for fuel, gas and electricity supplies

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Credit Score

Does being a guarantor affect your credit score?

Everyone needs a helping hand occasionally, and you may have extended yours to help family or a partner secure finance. Whether you’ve gone guarantor on a home loan, personal loan, or a car loan, this will have an impact on your credit score.

Travel spend back thanks trans-Tasman bubble
Credit Cards

Travel spend on credit cards back thanks to trans-Tasman bubble

Credit card usage is making a resurgence compared to COVID-lows recorded this time last year, according to the latest Citi Australian Credit Card Index. April marks the third month in a row in which credit card spend was above COVID levels.

/australians-stash-extra-124-billion-bank-year-covid
Bank Accounts

Australians stash an extra $124 billion in the bank in the year since COVID

New figures out today from APRA show Australians have deposited an extra $124.14 billion in the bank since COVID hit. At the same time people have been stashing their cash, the interest rates offered on savings have plummeted.

/does-getting-married-change-credit-score
Credit Score

Does getting married change your credit score?

Getting married is meant to be one of the happiest times of your life, so it goes without saying the last thing you’ll be thinking about is how your credit score comes into play. But before you walk down the aisle, it may be worth considering the impact on your personal finances and your credit history.