Can you borrow extra on your mortgage for furniture?

It may be possible to borrow extra money on your home loan to help pay for furniture. However, this could mean paying more interest on your mortgage, potentially blowing out the cost of furnishing your home.

Can I change jobs while I am applying for a home loan?

Many lenders require you to be in a permanent job with the same employer for at least six months before applying for a home loan. If your work situation changes for any reason while you’re applying for a mortgage, this could reduce your application’s chances of approval. But contacting the lender as soon as you know your employment situation is changing may allow you to come to an agreement.

Does my credit card include ski trip travel insurance?

Many credit cards, especially gold and platinum cards, offer complimentary travel insurance when you book your trip using the card. However, this may not always cover higher-risk activities such as skiing, so it’s important to compare your options and make sure you’re covered.

What the RBA's Financial Stability Review says about money in Australia right now

Global volatility, higher inflation and interest rates, plus cyber-attacks and climate change are all affecting Australia’s financial stability. The new report from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) looks at the risk these factors and more pose to the nation’s economy, but what can you do about their effect on your household bank accounts?

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the October 2022 rate hike?

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is slowing down its hikes to the national cash rate, raising by just 25 basis points in October 2022. But with several of the major banks being quick to announce that they would pass this rise on in full to their home loan customers, it’s important to compare your options when looking for a low-rate home loan.

Which banks have hiked term deposit and savings account rates in October 2022?

The October 2022 meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) saw the national cash rate rise by just 25 basis points. While the RBA may be starting to slow the pace of its rate rises, several leading banks and Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) have been quick to announce increases to their interest rates for savers.

Some of the best home loans in October 2022

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) decision to hike the cash rate by just 25 basis points, rather than 50, at its October 2022 meeting could be a sign there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for homeowners being squeezed by rising mortgage repayments. But with economists forecasting that interest rates could still have further to rise before the RBA hits pause, it may be worth comparing home loan offers to work out if you’re on the best value home loan for your needs.

What's the most tax effective way to buy a car?

Buying a car can be a major financial commitment, so it makes sense to check how this purchase could influence the tax you pay. Depending on your financial situation and how you plan to use the car, there may be several strategies available to claim tax deductions on your car purchase. It’s important to compare the available options to work out which one may be the most tax-effective choice for you.

The benefits of downsizing your home

Senior Australians may find that the family home is bigger than they know what to do with, and may be costing a lot to maintain. Downsizing to a smaller property may not only better suit your changing lifestyle but come with financial benefits for your household budget.

What to expect from the RBA October meeting

Three out of Australia’s four big banks are tipping another 50-point hike to the national cash rate when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board meets on the first Tuesday in October 2022. With another hike of this size likely to exacerbate pressures on household budgets around the nation, the next question is: when are Australia’s mortgage holders likely to see some rate relief from the RBA?Change