Laine Gordon

Avoid the sting Banks take $5billion a year from home owners

RateCity investigates just how much income banks earn from your home loan fees and how you can lessen the sting. Do you currently have a home loan and always seem to be paying fees? Well, the banks aren\\\'t complaining as they profit from your money.

Save over $34,000 on your home loan

RateCity shows you how to save on your home loan and why you shouldn't give up on your dream of owning your own home while the housing market plummets.

Reduce your credit card fees for good

RateCity looks into how much you are really being charged in credit card fees and how to save more and pay less when using your credit card.

Exploit sale season without damaging your credit card

RateCity shows you how to stay out of credit card debt during end of financial year sale time. For most of us, the end of the financial year sales mean a good work-out for our credit cards, so be sure to watch your spending and don\\\\\\\'t go overboard on the plastic or you will pay for it later.

Want to save more than $3300 extra every year?

RateCity reveals how much extra cash you can make from you're increased earnings with a high-interest online savings account. Over the past 12 months to February 2010, full-time adult earnings have increased by 5.9 percent for males and 4.5 percent for females.

Quitting smoking can save you $100,000 off your mortgage

RateCity investigates the huge savings smokers can make by quitting and paying down their mortgage. The latest interest rate rises have put pressure on most households with a mortgage. And if you’re a smoker, the federal government’s new 25 percent tax hike on packs of cigarettes will be sure to put an extra sting on your finances.

Playing scrooge beating banks at their own home loans game

Australian home buyers are facing some of the strictest lending requirements in recent years, as financial institutions demand more genuine savings before securing a home loan. But are Australians getting a raw deal, or are these the necessary precautions that every lender must make?

Investors set to heat up property market

RateCity looks at the surprise investment boom in the property market as higher rates push home owners out. An increase in the size of home loans taken on by Australians is a concern, especially for first home buyers who generally earn less money, and will have a harder time affording any increased mortgage repayments.

Can you really save more with a home loan package?

RateCity uncovers the benefits of choosing a home loan package over a regular loan if you are in the market for a home loan. But be careful of the catch - packaging can be harder to switch.

Retailers fighting for market share with credit cards

Retailer-branded cards are fighting for market share from other credit cards, but are they worth comparing? Both types of cards offer customers with an opportunity to buy now and pay later; however there are a few unique differences between the two.