Mark Bristow

Which banks have hiked term deposit and savings account rates in September 2022?

The fifth consecutive hike to the national cash rate, courtesy of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), has led to several major banks raising rates on their savings accounts and term deposits. But not every saver may be able to benefit from earning more interest on their savings. 

Do you need bushfire insurance in addition to regular home insurance?

In many cases if you already have home insurance, you’re already covered for fire damage to your property, so you may not need separate bushfire insurance. But if you live in an area with a higher-than-average bushfire risk, that could push up the cost of your insurance premiums.

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the September 2022 rate hike?

Australia’s cash rate has shot upward over 2022, rising from a record low 0.10 per cent to 2.35 per cent in just five months. Home loan interest rates have risen as mortgage lenders pass on these cash rate increases, though there are still some low-rate home loans available for borrowers.

Inflation, rate hikes, and the economy: why the RBA is lifting interest rates

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) remains laser-focused on tackling the “scourge” of high inflation, in part through raising the national cash rate at the fastest pace in decades. So how did inflation get so high, and are the rate hikes that are putting pressure on Australian household budgets really going to fix it?

Biggest things to happen in the Australian economy in the last three months

Between multiple major interest rate hikes and rising costs of living, the last three months have been eventful for the finances of many Australians. New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) give some indication of how Australia’s economy has handled the June 2022 quarter.  

Some of the best home loans in September 2022

Home loan interest rates are likely to keep rising across the board, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hiking the national cash rate by 50 basis points at its meeting today. But that doesn’t mean lenders aren’t being competitive, with several actually slashing rates or offering cashback deals for eligible borrowers.

How to finance your renovation

You love the area you live in, but your family has outgrown the house. Rather than packing up and moving into new digs, you can renovate your current home to meet your needs and avoid compromising on location.

What to expect from the September 2022 RBA meeting

The Big Four banks lay out their predictions for the RBA's upcoming monetary policy decision, and they all seem to be concurrent. The anticipated hike in interest rates could further exacerbate fiscal pressures on prospective buyers and existing home loan customers.

Four super funds fail performance test for the second time: is it time to check your fund?

The second annual superannuation performance test from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has seen outcomes generally improve for MySuper superannuation members, though there are still some repeat offenders in the mix.

Getting a mortgage for an international property

There’s an old real estate saying that the three most important factors when buying a property are location, location, location. But what if that location is overseas? Can Australians still get home loans to buy international properties?