Should you buy or rent your home?

Ask a group of Australians whether it’s better to rent or buy a home and you will get a different opinion from each one of them. Phrases like “safe as houses” and “rent money is dead money” may be thrown around, while others balk at the prospect of decades of housing debt.

What are Australia’s greenest cars?

Australia’s car industry is gradually moving towards a greener future, with more hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) hitting our streets each year. So, which car makes and models are the most likely to make the smallest impact on the environment, and how can you buy one?

Three saving strategies to help you meet your New Year's resolutions

Want to save more money this year? So do most young Australians, according to new research. There are several paths you could take to reach this goal, and it’s important to consider which may be the best saving strategy for you.

Why is my super going down?

The balance in your superannuation account generally rises over time as you accumulate contributions from your employer. However, super fees and changing investment performance can lead to dips in your super balance. 

Causes of inflation

One of the main reasons the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raises interest rates is to bring down high inflation. But what exactly is inflation, what factors push it upwards, and how does raising interest rates push it back down?

Personal Loan vs Home Loan: Which offers a better deal? 

When financing a renovation or buying a big-ticket item, some homeowners use their home loan to access the money they need. Others finance their project by taking out a personal loan instead. So which option is the best choice to help you reach your goals?

What to expect on settlement day

A property sale is said to “settle” when the property changes hands from one owner to another. While the buyer and seller don’t usually need to do much on settlement day, it’s worth understanding the processes that the solicitors, conveyancers, real estate agents and mortgage lenders are taking care of behind the scenes. 

Can you afford an investment property deposit?

Buying an investment property may require an upfront deposit of 20 per cent of the property’s value. If you haven’t saved up enough cash to afford a deposit, there may be other options available to help you invest in property.

Choosing between a used and a new car

Buying a new car often comes with advantages, like a warranty, access to more modern features, and often easier loan options. But it’s also typically a more expensive option compared to purchasing a used car.

Can you be your own mortgage broker?

Any Australian who thoroughly researches the home loan market and carefully compares mortgage offers could enjoy similar results to visiting a mortgage broker. While there may be some advantages to being your own broker, there are also potential benefits from having a broker in your corner.