SMSF market hits $539 billion

Australia's booming self-managed super fund (SMSF) sector shows no signs of slowing - it's the fastest growing sector of the Australian super industry, and in dollar value equates to three times that of New Zealand's gross domestic product.

Increase your chances of a loan approval

Whether you are applying for a more sizeable home loan or a smaller personal loan, your chances of approval will be much greater if you are prepared and pre-empt any concerns your chosen lender may have.

First home buyers hit by budget cuts

The Federal Government has scrapped the First Home Saver Accounts scheme which is currently housing up to 46,000 active accounts and over $521 million in first home buyer’s savings.

Federal Budget hits hip pockets

The Government's first Federal Budget announcement last night confirmed what many feared - most Australians will be hit in the hip pocket.

When property investment goes wrong

Last week’s RBA rate hold announcement was great news for Australian property investors. With the cash rate set to stay at 2.5 percent, a high demand for rental properties and property prices across Australia booming, it presents attractive market conditions for property investors.

Tough times for first home buyers

Anyone trying to buy a home in Australia knows our property prices are among the highest in the world. As a result, it can be particularly hard for first home buyers to break into the market.

Are you financial ready to fly the nest?

Deciding to fly the nest and leave the security of your parent’s humble abode can be daunting – especially if you are soaring towards your first home loan. Besides being emotionally prepared for regular home loan repayments and long-term investments there are a lot of other questions you should be asking yourself.

Home versus baby: Can you tackle both?

Starting a family is a happy and exciting time, but it can also be financially stressful transitioning from two incomes to one while taking on the extra costs that come with a newborn.

Australians to spend $2.9 billion this Easter

Australians are set to indulge this Easter holidays with the latest report from IBISWorld revealing our holiday-loving nation will spend approximately $2.9 billion over this Easter period.

Saving money won't cost you the earth

With Earth Hour casting darkness over the world this weekend - in the name of environmental conservation - we thought it would be fitting to share with you some of our RateCity user's savings tips - a lot of which are quirky but clever.