Laine Gordon

When should you combine finances with a partner?

Taking the plunge and combining your finances with a partner can be an exciting stage in life. However, sharing finances can also create some challenges if you don't do your homework first and put some sensible plans and structures in place.

Five reasons potential borrowers are rejected

The banking sector has loosened the belt on who qualifies for a home loan since the global financial crisis, yet lenders remain cautious of high-risk prospective borrowers.

Financial stress leads more of us to cheat

Tough economic conditions are fuelling the rapid growth of "cheating websites", research suggests, as thousands of unhappy spouses say they are unable to afford separation.

Smokers quit for $100,000 reward

There are smoke-free bars, smoke-free restaurants, and even smoke-free prisons. But a smoke-free country?

Aussies look abroad for new mortgage model

Millions of Australians with variable-rate home loans sweat on the decision made by Reserve Bank about interest rates. But in countries like the United States, it's a very different story. There, homebuyers can lock in a 30 year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate just under 4 percent.

Millions struggle to repay debt, yet seek more

More than 2.7 million Australians are struggling to pay their current credit commitments, research suggests. Despite this, 25 percent also admitted they would seek to overcome difficulty by increasing their credit card limit, mortgage or loan.

Cars with the worst safety records

Porsche drivers could be three times more likely to be involved in an accident on the road than Daewoo drivers, research suggests.

Understanding hospital and extras cover

When it comes to buying private health insurance there are two main types – hospital and extras. The level of cover you choose determines the procedures and services you’re covered for – but as a rule of thumb the higher the level of cover the more you’ll be able to claim and the more money you’ll typically get back.

Health cover for the whole family

Understanding health insurance can be tricky with waiting periods, excess, rebates and surcharges to think about – particularly if you’re part of a couple or family and need cover to suit the whole gang. Here are some tips to help put you on the right path and find suitable cover at the best price for your greatest assets – your family.

Baby, talk is cheap

Having a baby is one of the most exciting life stages, yet it may also be one of the most uncertain for expectant parents. Pregnancy can raise so many questions, not least about the health of mother and baby.