Debt Management

Your No 1 Financial Focus, Decade By Decade...

Your No 1 Financial Focus, Decade By Decade...

Everyone has a different life journey they’re on. But getting on top of key financial goals as you follow your own path could see you enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle and being ready for the next chapter to begin. Read our guide to getting all your money matters sorted out, one decade at a time…

Credit rating myths...

Credit rating myths...

With the introduction of mandatory Comprehensive Credit Reporting for the big four banks from 1 July 2018, it’s more important than ever to know what’s going on with your credit score. Find out just what a credit score is all about and what to do if you run into problems with yours…

Global Debt: Be alert, but not alarmed

Global Debt: Be alert, but not alarmed

As global interest rates bottom, concerns about rising inflation and interest rates, quite naturally, come to the fore, particularly in a time where global debt (country, corporate and personal debt) are an all time high. So as investors, retirees and superannuation members, how concerned should we be? AMP’s Dr Shane Oliver gives 7 reasons to be alert, but not alarmed…

Teen heading off to Uni?

Teen heading off to Uni?

5 Vital chats to have...

With the HSC exams finished and new graduates about to begin the next stage of their education, perhaps it’s a good time to start thinking about a new challenge ahead: how your teenager will fund his or her life at university.

Of course, you can always give your childs a helping hand with their finances during this time. But it’s also important to get them ready to stand on their own two feet during and after their studies.

For some parents, this may be a great opportunity to have those crucial chats about money and the financial workings of the world.

Living the Good Life...

Living the Good Life...

Whether you’re twenty-something and single or married with kids, life is full of challenges and opportunities. How can you handle money better so you’re not held back by debts and financial stress? 

Frugal February - How Much Could You Save?

Frugal February - How Much Could You Save?

It’s the shortest month of the year so what better time to make a change and save some money? We’ve got three tips for each of the next four weeks to help those dollars pile up in Frugal February...

Goals: A New Sense of Progress

Goals: A New Sense of Progress

Chances are, you're thinking about 2018 - most of us do this time of year. It's a great time to regroup and hit the refresh button to get a clean start, especially if this year didn't quite work out how you thought it would...

Mistakes To Mastery (Free eBook)

Mistakes To Mastery (Free eBook)

Life doesn’t revolve around money. Lots of other things - like family, friends, and health - can be much more important to you than your bank balance. But some personal goals are hard to achieve if you don’t have much money. That’s why the FPA have put together this handy guide to getting to grips with the do’s and don’ts of your finances...

Interest rates on hold

Interest rates on hold

The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5%. With inflation seemingly well under control and the Sydney property market now showing signs of cooling, this outcome was widely predicted by most financial commentators...

Budgeting: Where does all my money go?

Budgeting: Where does all my money go?

The three biggest drains on our money are paying for housing, food and transport. And there’s no getting away from the fact that it is unlikely we can live without any of the “big three”. Here we look at some ways of how to save on these items...

UNDER 40 & BROKE: THE NEED FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE

UNDER 40 & BROKE: THE NEED FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE

With increasing debt and falling home ownership among the under 40s, their financial prospects are less than rosy.  If this trend is set to continue, young people are going to be needing financial advice more than ever to help them make the best choices for a secure future...

Defining Enough

Defining Enough

Do all your future plans rely on having a lot more money than you do now? If the answer is yes, it might be time to think carefully about your values so you can put together a realistic financial plan that will bring you closer to the sort of life you want.

Planning for your financial future doesn’t have to be about chasing more money. Achieving a real sense of having enough to feel comfortable and happy is more about understanding what’s important to you and then managing your finances accordingly. So just how much is enough for each one of us?

Interest rates remain on hold

Happy Melbourne Cup Day!

The Reserve Bank Board met today and decided to keep official interest rates on hold at 1.5%.

The recently released September quarter inflation data confirmed that underlying inflation at 1.7% year on year was broadly in line with expectations, with fruit and vegetable price rises being offset by lower petrol prices on average. This release is probably the key determinant of the RBA's decision.

Macquarie Bank forecasts the most likely timing of further interest rate cuts to be February and May next year, as inflationary forces remain subdued.

The last RBA board meeting for 2016 will be held on Tuesday 6 December.

Next stop, US elections.

Rick Maggi

Interest rates cut to 1.5%

Interest rates cut to 1.5%

The Reserve Bank Board (RBA) met today and cut the official interest rate by 0.25% to 1.5%. This decision had been widely anticipated, as expectations of declining inflation for the June quarter were realised with the data released in late July.