Laine Gordon

Dodge the taxman to supersize your savings

How would you like a savings account with an interest rate 60 basis points (or more) above the best savings accounts on the market, that is not only delivered tax-free, but could also help to clear your mortgage years early?

Why ticking the wrong box could cost you $80K

If you've got a home loan or are considering borrowing to buy property this year then stay tuned, because one simple piece of advice for the mortgage application process could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Don't get caught in the first-home trap

Thousands of Australian homeowners risk being stuck in their existing home because falling property prices have eroded or even wiped out the equity needed to move on to a bigger house or unit.

Banks roll $6 billion on plastic

Thousands of Australians saddled with credit card debt are "throwing money away", according to new research, which shows that credit card providers are making over $6 billion per year in credit card interest alone, despite the cash rate dropping.

Mortgages at mates' rates

A growing group of Australians are pooling funds to buy a home jointly, enabling them to get a foot on the property ladder when they may be otherwise locked out of the market. But the pitfalls of buying with friends or family can outweigh the benefits, unless all parties share a common goal.

How to bag a real estate bargain

Everyone wants to find a bargain when house-hunting and in a real estate market such as this; when house prices are either flat or declining, now could be the time to get a foot on the property ladder.

More doors open to the home loan market

Many more potential homeowners will be eligible for mortgages this year than for the past three years, as institutions loosen the belt on lending criteria, new research shows.

Downsize your house expenses, not your home

The rising cost of living is pushing more homeowners to the brink, with around one in 10 Australians forced to downsize their home last year to reduce living expenses, new research has revealed.

Is it the right time to fix your home loan?

The mere mention of the words 'rate rise' sends many homeowners into a spin, as they debate the long-term financial benefits of fixing their rate compared to riding out the variable rate rollercoaster. But is now the right time to fix your home loan?

How to fake a pay rise

Would you like to increase your disposable income by 5 to 10 percent, but can't convince your employer that you deserve a pay rise? There may be another way to beef up your spending (or saving) money without having to wrestle the extra money from your boss, and the solution involves shopping!