Banks rake in $4.19 billion in fees from households

Banks charged customers an eye-watering $4.19 billion dollars in bank fees last year, according to the latest figures released from the Reserve Bank of Australia today.

Banks back away from risky business

Banks continue to turn their backs on riskier home loans, as the value of new interest-only and low doc loans hit record lows, according to APRA data released today.

Do your research this EOFY

End of financial year is a popular time to buy cars, with many dealerships offering end of financial year sales (EOFYS). However, it’s important to be aware of the true value offered by a cheap deal, both in terms of the vehicle you’re buying and car loan you’re using to pay for it.

How could a cash rate cut affect your savings?

Speculation is building that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may soon cut the nation’s cash rate for the first time in years. While many home owners and property investors may welcome this news, what effect would a rate cut have on Australians keeping their wealth in saving accounts or term deposits?

How much will a hybrid car set you back?

Of the shrinking number of Australians planning to buy a new car over the next few years, an increasing percentage reckon their next car will be a hybrid. But how much do hybrid vehicles cost compared to petrol-fuelled models?

Lenders adjusting mortgage rates

As speculation builds that a cut to Australia’s cash rate could be arriving in the near future, several of Australia’s lenders have been adjusting their home loan interest rates over the past week.

One in three Aussies losing money on rewards credit cards

How rewarding is your rewards credit card? Possibly not very, according to a new study from ME, which found that for over a third of Aussie cardholders, rewards cards are effectively costing them money.

New financial plan to help keep couples together

With many of Australia’s romantic breakups being attributed to money troubles, can financial planning help couples stay together?

Fixed mortgage rates on the chopping block

Challenger banks are joining market leaders in slashing their fixed mortgage rates to attract new customers.

Where does it cost the most to fill up your car?

Owning a car can be a major expense, with running costs including rego, insurance, servicing, and car loan repayments. But when it comes to fuel, which Australian city is the most expensive on average at the fuel pump?