Laine Gordon

First home buyers back at highest level in almost a decade

This is the highest level of new lending for first home buyers since October 2009 – almost a decade.

Aussies wipe $2.45 billion off credit card debts in past year

Australians have taken an axe to credit card debt, slashing balances to the lowest level in almost 13 years, according to new RBA figures released today.

Westpac Group last major to bite on Apple Pay

Today’s announcement that the Westpac Group is joining the Apple Pay platform is a win for customers, who have grown increasingly frustrated at the banks’ limited payment technologies.

Big banks offering zero per cent deals to put credit cards back in Aussie pockets

Credit card lenders are offering attractive ‘zero per cent’ introductory deals this summer in a bid to get new customers on to their books.

Gift cards get better, but there are still some on the naughty list

RateCity has today revealed its annual ‘naughty and nice’ gift card list, as tough new rules abolish short expiry cards.

No RBA cut today, but mortgage holders to finish the year $595 ahead

After three rate cuts since June, the average Australian mortgage holder is now $127 per month better off, according to new research from RateCity.

Westpac the last of the big four to cut

Westpac has today dropped the interest rate on its savings accounts; the last of the big four banks to pass on cuts to savers this month. 

Home lending lifts, refinancers lead the charge

New ABS data out today shows borrowers are refinancing at the highest level in three years, spurred on by the falling interest rate market.

Banks slash fixed rates, pricing in Melbourne Cup cut

Three of the Big Four Banks have dropped rates on their fixed home loans in the past week, with NAB the latest major bank to cut.

Westpac and ANZ round out the Big Four cuts

The last of the Big Four Banks have finally handed down their rate decisions with Westpac and ANZ both announcing cuts within minutes of each other.