Mark Bristow

Record scam numbers recorded

Australians are reporting a record number of scams, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s annual Targeting Scams report showing a 47% increase from 2015 to 2016.

Stats show slowdown in new dwelling approvals

Figures recently released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicate that Australia’s total number of new dwelling approvals shrank significantly in March 2017, after having risen over the previous two months.

What the new bank levy could cost you

One surprise to come out of Australia’s 2017 Federal Budget was the introduction of a new 'budget repair' levy on Australia’s big banks.

Good debt and bad debt, how to consolidate and save

Even if you didn’t pay much attention to the 2017 federal budget, you may remember how it was presented a little differently. Rather than focusing solely on surpluses versus deficits, the federal government sorted its borrowing into "good debt" and "bad debt".

Looking beyond the rate, other home loan features to get excited about

Many of us get hung up on interest rates when comparing different home loans. It’s easy to understand why – “the lower the rate, the better the loan” is a very simple formula to understand.

Looking at interest only loans

The governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), Philip Lowe, has shown support for new housing affordability regulations from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, including limiting interest-only loans to 30% of all new loans supplied by banks and lenders.

What is a Mortgage Discharge Fee? | RateCity

Also known as a termination or settlement fee, a discharge fee is paid when you finish paying off the balance on a loan, or refinance with another lender.

The Trump Factor, Will fixed rates protect you from volatility?

When US President Trump was first elected, a wave of uncertainty washed over the world of finance, causing investors to seek safe havens for their wealth. The 45th president’s election victory led to the price of gold breaking through the US$1300 an ounce mark, while US treasuries rose 10 points. There was also speculation that investors could start moving their money from shares to property – specifically Australian property, generally considered to be one of the safest markets in the world – as they wait to see the fallout.

Will US rate rises affect Australia?

Last night’s meeting of the US Federal Reserve increased America’s benchmark interest rate from 0.75% to 1%. Leading up to this widely-forecast increase, finance industry experts predicted that rising US interest rates may influence Australia and other countries where lenders could struggle with increased overseas funding costs, and raise their own interest rates to compensate.

Credit Cards vs Personal Loans vs Payday Loans

Three of the most popular methods for borrowing a bit of extra cash are credit cards, personal loans and payday loans. Each of these loan types have their share of benefits and drawbacks, making them better suited to different financial circumstances.