Unauthorised and mistaken transactions

If you find a transaction in your account that you don’t recognise, it could be unauthorised or mistaken. If you think something is wrong, contact your bank as soon as possible. Signs of unauthorised and mistaken transactions An unauthorised transaction is when someone transfers money from your account without your permission. A mistaken transaction is when when you pay … Read more

Prepare to retire

Preparing to retire is emotional and practical. Making a retirement plan can help you manage your finances, and cope better as your life and priorities change. Make a retirement plan Your retirement plan can be simple or detailed. Include: Timing — when you want to retire. This could change, but it’s good to have a starting … Read more

How iron ore plays a big part in our economy

Iron ore has been the backbone of the Australian economy and many investment portfolios for much of the 21st century. Export of the commodity saw Australia evade recession both in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis back in 2008 and the Covid epidemic. In 2021, resources accounted for 68 per cent of Australia’s export … Read more

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) – the basics

What is the First Home Owner Grant? The FHOG was introduced by the Federal Government in 2000 to assist first home buyers with purchasing a home. Since then, the rules around it have repeatedly changed. While the FHOG is a national scheme, it’s funded by the states and territories—and administered by each of them individually. … Read more

Travel on a shoestring

If you are saving for a long-term goal, it can feel like you have to miss out on things such as travel to keep your savings on track. That’s not necessarily the case, it is possible to have a fantastic holiday without breaking the bank or derailing your savings plans. Let’s face it, cost of … Read more

What is refinancing and why would I do it?

As a home owner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘refinancing’. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances. Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly. … Read more

Retirement planning for small business owners

When you run your own business a good retirement plan can bring real peace of mind. Read more about your options – and why it’s never too early to start. Planning your retirement When you’re busy running your own business retiring could be the last thing on your mind. But planning your retirement well in … Read more

​Is a debt consolidation loan right for you?

What’s a debt consolidation loan? A debt consolidation loan is a way to combine all your debts – credit card, personal loans, store card etc. – into one loan so you’ll be making repayments in one place. It means that you can take a breath and take back some control. It also means no multiple annual fees, … Read more

Is your mortgage still working for you?

A mortgage is a long-term commitment, which many people enter with a ‘set and forget’ mentality. Most loans are around 30 years – during which many things can change, not just in your personal circumstances but in the financial world, with the new loan products and fluctuations in interest rates. If you haven’t reviewed your … Read more

Simple ways to save money

Find out how to save money every day and make a savings plan to stay on track. Separate and automate your savings An online savings account is a great way to grow your money faster. Unlike a transaction account, you can’t spend money directly from a savings account, so it’s harder to dip into your savings. Automate … Read more

Spring into action for the spring selling season

Spring is traditionally the hottest season for property, with buyers and sellers springing into action. There are more listings and more properties sold than any other season, with the REA finding that market action increases in early October.i Due to the increase in listings, buyers tend to have more to choose from during spring, which … Read more