Laine Gordon

Low interest rates fail to curb mortgage defaults

Borrowers are increasingly defaulting on their home loan repayments despite the low official cash rates, research shows.

Renovating for profit

It’s easy enough to paint a few walls, sand floorboards and call yourself a renovator. But knowing exactly what you need to do to add value to your home requires expert knowledge, which many people do not have.

Cheaper to buy than rent

A new report has found it's now cheaper to buy than it is to rent in 388 suburbs around the country, that's up a massive 63 percent since August.

Survive Christmas without going into debt

Christmas doesn't have to blow the budget this year, however. There are simple ways to cut the cost of the festive season.

Rents surpass purchase prices in affordable suburbs

Renters looking to play the property game now have an opportunity to do so, according to the latest research from RP Data, which revealed that there is up to 238 suburbs nationwide where it is currently cheaper to own a home through a principal and interest mortgage than it is to rent.

Property market ripe for rebound

Falling property prices and lower interest rates are drawing buyers back into the property market, giving Australia's gloomy lending sector some cause for optimism.

Beat the tax man to claim your lost super

There is around $17 billion in lost superannuation accounts and some of it could be yours.

Home deposits remain a hurdle for first home buyers

First home buyers remain overwhelmed by the need to save a large deposit for their first home with the revelation that the nation's average loan size has jumped by 48 percent in the last 10 years.

Rate cuts "too late" for struggling borrowers

Forty percent of Australians who bought homes after the global financial crisis are facing mortgage stress, and many will be forced to sell because their homes are worth less than their mortgages, reports show.

Three money tips for every income

Money is tight, you're busy and tackling money issues isn't fun. But if you wish you could once and for all get your financial house in order, then the time to act is now.