When can I switch energy suppliers without penalty?

If you are looking to switch to a new energy supplier without paying a penalty, here are a few tips to keep in mind. There are many reasons people might want to switch from their current energy supplier to a new one, from high prices to poor service.

Can you use rental income to qualify for a mortgage?

If you own an investment property and are thinking of buying another one, you may want to use the rental income you receive from your tenants to help pay for your next mortgage. However, not all mortgage lenders will take all of your rental income into account when assessing your mortgage application.

What is a secured and unsecured loan?

A personal loan is a simple way to borrow money to pay for a major purchase, or to cover the costs of a personal project. When you apply for a personal loan, you may be able to choose between a secured loan and an unsecured loan. A secured personal loan uses an asset, such as a car, as security. In contrast, an unsecured personal loan doesn’t require any collateral or assets to secure it.

Which bank has the best mobile app? Five questions to ask

A new research report has evaluated the mobile banking apps of Australia’s top lenders, and revealed which of Australia's leading banks has the best mobile app. But what questions can you ask a bank to work out if its app will suit your needs?

Some of the top-rated home loans in November 2023

There’s a strong chance that the next meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board in November 2023 will see the national cash rate rise. All of Australia’s Big Four banks are predicting that the 13th rate hike since April 2022 will arrive in November 2023. But what does this mean for Australian homeowners and first home buyers?

Does home insurance cover animal damage?

Does your home insurance cover animal damage to your owner-occupied house or its contents? Or perhaps you are a landlord wishing to rent out your home to a pet owner, or you’re a pet owner looking to lease a house - what should both parties keep in mind before entering into an agreement?

Home insurance for older properties

Home insurance is an important part of owning your own home because it offers cover for any damage to the property that might occur. When it comes to older properties, you can face various challenges with both maintenance and repairs. Many of the materials used to build older homes are simply no longer available, and these repair jobs might also require specialised tradespeople, architects, and other experts.

Do you need home renters’ insurance?

If you live in a rental property, you shouldn’t need to worry about home insurance, as that responsibility falls on your landlord. But you may want to consider protecting the possessions you keep inside your home.

What is home and contents insurance?

A home insurance policy covers you if the building that you live in is damaged or destroyed by an insured event, such as a fire, a storm, or a break-in. Similarly, a contents insurance policy covers you if the belongings you keep in your home are lost, damaged or destroyed in an insured event.

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.