Mark Bristow

More Aussies considering new cars with alternative fuels

More Australians have made plans to buy a new car this year, according to Roy Morgan. But as well as considering the costs of car loans and financing for their new vehicles a growing number of Aussies are also considering vehicles with alternative fuel supplies.

App-using bank customers more likely to share the love

Do you mostly do your banking on an app? If you do, you may be more likely to be satisfied with your bank, and more likely to recommend their services to a friend, according to a new study.

Cheaper car loans fail to offset rising transport costs

Australia’s transport costs were up over the 2017 December quarter, with rises to the cost of fuel, tolls and insurance outpacing falls in the cost of car loans, servicing and registration, according to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).

Counting the cost of overseas fees in 2017

Australian travellers lost $442 million in overseas bank fees and charge over 2017, according to new research from ING. At the individual level, this breaks down to paying $155 per person, per trip, for the convenience of accessing their finances internationally.

Banking organisations respond to Productivity Commission

Australia’s banking organisations have responded to the release of the draft report from the Productivity Commission (PC) on competition in Australia’s financial sector, looking closely at issues affecting both their members and Australian bank customers.

Rising costs affecting vulnerable households

Pensioners and other recipients of government benefits have been the most affected by rising prices for goods and services, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

75% of Aussie capitals see dwelling values drop in January

The latest hedonic home value index from CoreLogic found that six out of the eight Australian capital cities experienced a drop in dwelling values over the first month of 2018, and unless something changes, the market may continue to soften over the course of the year.

ASIC accuses CBA of unconscionable conduct

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to the Federal Court over allegations of unconscionable conduct and market manipulation.

Adding up the back-to-school bills

As parents count down to the start of a new school year, they’re also counting up the growing costs of sending the kids back to school, thanks in part to the increasing emphasis on technology in the classroom.

What is a comparison rate, and how is it calculated?

While many people talk about home loan interest rates, far fewer people talk about comparison rates. This is unfortunate, as home loan comparison rates can make a big difference when you’re estimating the costs of different mortgage options, whether you’re applying for your first home loan or refinancing.