Clear of Christmas debt

If ever there was a popular time to go into debt, Christmas is the choice of many. According to a Reserve Bank report, Australians have more than $1.9 trillion in outstanding debt, 61 per cent of which is made up of consumer debt. The festive season may well blow-out this already inflated figure unless we fast reign-in our spending. Read More >>

Seize the Day

You have been thinking about buying a property for some time, but you cannot bring yourself to take the first step. Although you know the benefits it will bring, you keep putting your decision off because you are afraid of the risks involved. Read More >>

The Gift of Giving

Many of us spend a fortune on gifts at Christmas but ignore one of the most simple and effective ways to renew the true spirit of the festive season - to give without expecting anything in return. Find out what you can do and give a little this festive season. Read More >>

Interest Rate Bulletin November 2009

RBA Raises Official Cash Rate At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.5 per cent, effective 4 November 2009. Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBA The global economy has resumed growth. With economic policy settings likely to remain expansionary for some time, the recovery is likely to continue during 2010 and forecasts have been revised higher. The expansion is generally expected to be modest in the major countries, due to the continuing legacy of the financial crisis. Prospects for Australia's Asian trading partners appear to be noticeably better. Growth in China has been very strong, which is having a significant impact on other economies in the region and on commodity markets. For Australia's trading partner group, growth in 2010 is likely to be close to trend. Read More >>

The Finance Group - Interest Rate Bulletin October 2009

RBA Raises Official Cash Rate At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent, effective 7 October 2009. Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBA The global economy is resuming growth. With economic policy settings likely to remain expansionary for some time, the recovery will likely continue during 2010 and forecasts are being revised higher. The expansion is generally expected to be modest in the major countries, due to the continuing legacy of the financial crisis. Prospects for Australia's Asian trading partners appear to be noticeably better. Growth in China has been very strong, which is having a significant impact on other economies in the region and on commodity markets. For Australia's trading partner group, growth in 2010 is likely to be close to trend. Read More >>

First Home Buyers Deadline

No one likes to miss a bargain so be quick to take advantage of the First Home Buyers Boost before time runs out. The first of next month (1 October 2009) will see a significant reduction in the boost, down from $21,000 to $14,000 for the purchase of a new home and down from $14,000 to $10,500 for the purchase of an existing home. Read More >>

Rainy Day Savings

Under your bed, in a bank account or on your home loan, it's always handy to have a stash of cash for that rainy day. A cash buffer gives you the security of having money on hand if your personal finances take a turn for the worse. A hike in interest rates, job change, car troubles or even health issues can leave you strapped for funds if you don't have savings to fall back on. Read More >>