Laine Gordon

Five common credit card traps to avoid

Being a responsible credit card holder requires you to read the fine print and familiarise yourself with common credit card traps. Here are the common credit card traps that can turn your spending into bad debt.

Save $64,000 on your home loan with ease

Having a mortgage is a massive long-term financial commitment. So if there was a way for you to pay it off sooner, wouldn’t you jump at the chance to find out how? Here are some tips to show you how easy it can be to own your home sooner and save potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

Home loan rates going up What you can do to dodge the bullet

We all are aware of interest rates and the effect that their changes have on the economy and more importantly on our bank balances. But did you know that each month interest rates are constantly changing, and most of the time we are unaware of it even happening?

How to escape the 'renew' effect with your term deposit

Term deposits and what to be aware of when your investment reaches maturity. Most of us want to get more for our money, and term deposits are fast becoming a popular short-term option for investors to turn your cash into greater wealth.

Low doc, high cost Be careful of low doc home loans

A growing number of Australians take up the option of self-employment each year, and for many, a ‘low doc’ loan offers the key to home ownership. Low doc home loans are pitched specifically at borrowers who can’t meet lenders’ traditional proof of income requirements.

No incentives, no worries - 2010 is ripe for home buyers

Find the upside to downward pressure on the home loan market. Despite rising interest rates and the drawback of government incentives, 2010 may be the perfect time to buy a home, according to some mortgage experts.

Online savers up the ante with generous rates

We love to hate them, but the banks are doing their best to woo us, or at least to convince us to entrust our savings to them. The most obvious manifestation of the banks’ attempt to snare a bigger slice of savings is the rapidly growing interest rates being offered by online savings accounts.

How much will you pay for home loan satisfaction?

In the wake of Australia’s economic recovery, major banks have reported record profits and market share growth. This has raised concerns about the direction of banking competition in the country

Need some money? Unlock the equity in your home

A line of credit or equity home loan is a short-term solution available to take help take the pressure off. It allows you to access funds as you need them, giving you the flexibility to pay for that new kitchen or bathroom

What options do first home buyers have?

Australians hoping to snap up their first home this year will have to tackle growing property prices, rising interest rates and the continuation of tight lending conditions, all without the help of the First Home Owners Boost.