Laine Gordon

The age old question to rent or buy?

It seems like a perennial debate, but for many Australians surrounded by financial and economic uncertainty, the decision about whether to rent or buy a home has arguably never been more relevant.

Unlock the equity in your home

If you’re a homeowner, before you put that next big purchase on your credit card, you may want to consider a line of credit on your home loan.

How to spot a dodgy home loan

Dodgy deals, misleading ads, and fake companies are just some of the landmines in the home loans market. To keep yourself safe from stress and scandals, here are some common symptoms of bad lending for the savvy borrower.

The biggest purchase you'll ever make

There are no 'secrets' to buying a house or affording a mortgage, rather following simple principles for money management should see you through the biggest financial commitment of your life.

Is fixing your home loan your best bet?

Lenders have started competing aggressively in the fixed home loan market by dropping rates, and it seems to be working.

How crime can impact your car insurance bill

Drivers in the Australian Capital Territory are likely to be making fewer car insurance claims with the number of vehicle thefts reported last financial year down 37 percent on the previous year, according to police figures.

What are brokerage fees and why to compare them?

Stockbrokers don't work for free…which is why every time you make a trade via a broker, such as buying or selling stock in a company that's listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), you will pay a fee to the stockbroker. These are commonly known as brokerage fees, and they turn out to be one of the most important factors determining whether you make or lose money on your share trading portfolios.

Saving for a home easier now than five years ago

Average Australians face a better prospect of saving for a first home now compared to five years ago and especially two years ago, new research has shown.

Are you ready for mortgage season?

It's only one week until spring and that means neighbourhoods across the country will be dotted with 'open house' signs every weekend. Thanks to steady house prices nationwide, it's a buyer's market.

50,000 reasons to elope

While many of us have spent the past few years in angst about economic conditions, others are forking out nearly $50,000 to get married. That's the average cost of a wedding, according to research from Bride To Be magazine.