Inflation, rate hikes, and the economy: why the RBA is lifting interest rates

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) remains laser-focused on tackling the “scourge” of high inflation, in part through raising the national cash rate at the fastest pace in decades. So how did inflation get so high, and are the rate hikes that are putting pressure on Australian household budgets really going to fix it?

Biggest things to happen in the Australian economy in the last three months

Between multiple major interest rate hikes and rising costs of living, the last three months have been eventful for the finances of many Australians. New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) give some indication of how Australia’s economy has handled the June 2022 quarter.  

Some of the best home loans in September 2022

Home loan interest rates are likely to keep rising across the board, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hiking the national cash rate by 50 basis points at its meeting today. But that doesn’t mean lenders aren’t being competitive, with several actually slashing rates or offering cashback deals for eligible borrowers.

How to finance your renovation

You love the area you live in, but your family has outgrown the house. Rather than packing up and moving into new digs, you can renovate your current home to meet your needs and avoid compromising on location.

What to expect from the September 2022 RBA meeting

The Big Four banks lay out their predictions for the RBA's upcoming monetary policy decision, and they all seem to be concurrent. The anticipated hike in interest rates could further exacerbate fiscal pressures on prospective buyers and existing home loan customers.

Four super funds fail performance test for the second time: is it time to check your fund?

The second annual superannuation performance test from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has seen outcomes generally improve for MySuper superannuation members, though there are still some repeat offenders in the mix.

Getting a mortgage for an international property

There’s an old real estate saying that the three most important factors when buying a property are location, location, location. But what if that location is overseas? Can Australians still get home loans to buy international properties?

How to buy a house in a de facto relationship

The process of buying a property is similar for both married couples and couples in de facto relationships. That said, some of the steps involved may require some extra consideration for de facto partners, as they could make a difference to future personal and financial goals.

A guide to paying off your home equity loan

Accessing the equity in your home can provide extra financial flexibility, which can be useful for managing major purchases and household expenses. But how will you go paying down your loan until your debt is cleared?

Do home equity loans require a credit check?

While different lenders may assess home equity loan applications differently, a credit check may be one of the steps involved. If you’re concerned about your credit score affecting your application, it may be worth learning more about exactly what’s required to help improve your application’s chance of approval.