Laine Gordon

Saving for the Jones's Aussies showing off their savings success

Australians are more worried about their neighbours finding out their financial hardships, than actually going through the hardship itself, according to a new international survey.

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.

New Year's Resolution More money from your savings

2010 will be the year for better interest rates on savings accounts so why not take advantage by starting up a savings plan for your New Year’s Resolution?

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

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.