Laine Gordon

Home loan dilemma Aussies caught between interest rate hikes

The time to purchase a home loan may be nigh, as consumer confidence and economic indicators suggest more rate rises in the first half of 2010. Now the decision for home buyers is whether to rush into the market before the rate hikes, or wait until rates settle to compare home loans for the best offers.

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.

Savings What the advertisements won't tell you

The banks and non-banks who spend the most money advertising their savings accounts are not necessarily the ones that deserve your loyalty. Do your own research and comparison shopping to ensure you end up with the best available deal.

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?

Rudd tells home buyers to stand on their own feet

When it comes to home loans, the Australian government isn’t prepared to hold consumers’ hands anymore, and home buyers are expected to rely on their own decisions, according to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Mortgage trends Basic is in, fixed is out, and capped is hot

Despite a recent string of rate hikes, borrowers are shunning fixed rate home loans. The latest ABS figures on housing finance show that demand for fixed loans fell by more than 10 percent, with fewer than 6 percent of homebuyers locking into a fixed rate.

Online or old fashioned savings accounts What's best for you?

Since the introduction of the first online savings account by ING Direct in 1990, Australians have taken to online accounts like ducks to water. And there is no doubt online accounts can help you save faster as they offer the highest interest rates on the market.

Read the fine print on high interest savings account

There are plenty of good deals on savings at present but getting the best return means reading the fine print. One of the key aspects to look out for when comparing savings accounts is whether an advertised rate is the ongoing rate your money will earn or if it's a ’bonus’ rate.