Get on top of your finances with 3 simple steps

If the festive season has left you feeling a little flat, financially, there are a few tools to get you back on top of your budget and in control of your money.

Switching banks, why should you bother?

With ANZ and Westpac Bank's decision to raise mortgage rates independently of the Reserve Bank, lifting standard variable rates by 6 and 10 basis points respectively, RateCity estimates that around 1 million variable home loan customers will be impacted before the end of the month.

The real cost of buying a home

You may have a vague idea of the fees and charges associated with buying a home, but many first-home buyers are caught by surprise by the hidden cost of becoming a homeowner.

What will another rate cut mean for you?

The Prime Minister last week joined the chorus of voices calling on the Reserve Bank of Australia to drop interest rates further, but it may not have been necessary – the general consensus by economists and financial markets is that we are heading for a cut in the 4.25 percent cash rate when the RBA meets tomorrow (February 7), even without politicians joining the fray.

Could you save a packet with a package?

Home owners are flocking to 'package loans' combining a mortgage, transaction account and credit card all with the one lender – but are they all that they're cracked up to be?

Is equity the key to wealth?

Keen to buy a rental property but short of a deposit? Your home equity could open the door.

Don't be a victim of credit card fraud

Despite concerted efforts by banks to fight fraud, figures released in December by the Australian Payments Clearing Association (APCA) showed credit card fraud reached $210 million last financial year, up by $39 million from the previous year.

House prices rise as rate cuts take effect

After a year of lacklustre performance, Australian house prices rose for the first time in 11 months, hot on the heels of the November interest rate by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Baby on board, are you financially prepared?

Thinking of starting a family? Now's the time to make plans for managing your finances once your baby comes on board.

Grants: are they best for first home buyers?

Australian property prices show no sign of easing. If you’re a first home buyer, eager to jump into the market, you’ve probably been keeping an eye on federal and state government grants and stamp duty exemptions in the hope that they can help you buy your first home faster.