Laine Gordon

Aussies pay $3.36 billion too much on car insurance

Australians have been content with paying high premiums and fees on their car insurance for years now, but new research suggests that these costs may be far higher than we deserve to pay.

2009 A year in review for home loans

2009 was a big year for home loans, with hundreds of lessons to be learned for home buyers. Going into the New Year, home buyers will hate to repeat past mistakes. So what have we learned from 2009?

Freebies for the picking loans with extras

In an environment of rising rates it makes sense to get every ounce of value from your mortgage lender, and there are plenty of freebies available if you know where to look. The idea of getting something for nothing holds universal appeal. However it’s essential to check that the freebies don’t come at the cost of a higher rate and fees.

New homes become the first buys for 2010

Experts believe that this is the perfect time for keen home buyers to snap up bargains in the housing market, which puts home loans at the top of many shopping lists. Is it a good time to buy a home with interest rates on the rise?

21st century savings How to win back your money and time

Technology is becoming even more important for Australian savers, as the popularity of electronic funds climbs. There is still room for many to sign up to new and safe methods of managing their finances, which offer a range of savings and benefits.

Don't let the banks steal your savings!

Not all saving accounts are equal. When it comes to how they calculate and pay interest, it’s definitely worth checking the terms and conditions before you open a new savings account.

2010 Hotspots Biggest property bargains revealed

A report of Australia’s cheapest property areas reveal ’hotspots’ for price growth that are almost $400,000 less than median house prices across the country. These bargain properties are fodder for investors, and home buyers wishing to own a property outright as soon as possible.

Loan portability Take your mortgage with you and save

The ability to transfer your home loan from one house to another, without having to fork out for the usual set-up and exit fees, is an increasingly attractive loan feature. Loan portability, as this feature is known, is available on a growing number of home loans.

Offset versus redraw the winner is -

When you’re paying off a home loan, it doesn’t always make sense to hold savings in an interest-bearing account. Redraw facilities and offset accounts let borrowers use their spare cash to whittle away the mortgage. But which option offers the biggest savings?

When a cheap home loan could be costly

Not surprisingly, borrowers often make the interest rate their key point of consideration when shopping for a home loan. But a low rate doesn’t always offer the best deal