Laine Gordon

Aussies consider locking home loans before rate hikes

After a year filled with consecutive rate hikes, many Australians are turning to the old staple of fixed home loans to bring them relief in 2011. With the floods staving off more aggressive rate rises in the near future, many are predicting more hikes later on. So is this the perfect time to lock yourself in?

Don't get trapped by your savings plan

In a society where credit is easily available, saving can often be neglected. Having a good savings record, however, is crucial when it comes to securing a loan or even applying for a credit card. While as a nation we are now saving more than ever, your savings plan can be derailed if you don't pay attention to common traps when trying to save.

Is your bank too greedy? Get the right advice

If you thought your home loan repayments stung you harder last year than previously, then you were right. Research by RateCity revealed Australians paid a whopping $3.86 billion in higher interest charges in 2010 for home loans, credit cards, car loans and savings.

Don't let your savings account leave on a honeymoon

When the internet started an online savings account revolution, it changed the way we saved. Interest rates on these accounts have gradually increased, so it's not surprising that recent Reserve Bank of Australia data reveals household savings mimics that of the mid-1980s.

Get your new year's saving resolution on!

At the top of many lists of New Year resolutions will be to save more money. The results of a recent survey by RaboDirect, however, show we're far from a nation of savers The good news is it is easy to turn around. Nearly half of the population put their money into a transaction or savings accounts.

Australians scramble to insure their cars after flood disaster

Flooding across Queensland has destroyed hundreds of homes and affected the lives of thousands. With the worst of the disaster receding, the question many car owners are asking is whether their car insurance policy covers them for flood damage, and how they can protect their vehicles in the future.

Don't let your credit card sting you after your Christmas spend

In the aftermath of Christmas spending, credit card holders should brace themselves for sneaky interest rate hikes, gracing the pages of statements due out this month. The silly season could leave many credit card holders stung after it was revealed by RateCity that 23 institutions upped their rates on 113 cards by an average of 25 basis points in December 2010.

Free money for first home buyers in 2011

If you're looking to buy your first home and take out a mortgage in 2011, you're in luck. Not only is the $7000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) still kicking around, but in some states around Australia, you'll be eligible for up to $26,500 in grants.

How to pay less on your mortgage no matter when you started

Whether you're in your first year of a mortgage, you took out a home loan before the global financial crisis or you've had your variable rate for five years, there are ways to ensure you are getting the best deal and save yourself money

Major four banks standard variable rate highest since late 2008

Standard variable rates from the major four banks are the highest they been in two years. Meanwhile the gap between them is also increasing - does this mean more competition in the market? According to RateCity, interest rates from the major four banks have increased to levels not seen since the start of the global financial crisis in 2008.