Broken promises: Are you eligible for an insurance refund?
Did you know that you could be in line for an insurance refund of up to $290? The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has discovered that over 5.6 million consumers have been overcharged by insurers, amounting to a total of $815 million.
Tech update: From faster connections to more financial help
The world moves fast, but the internet often doesn’t. If you’re one of the two million Australians whose internet speed is slower than a wet weekend, you’ll no doubt be pleased to hear this big tech update: you can now upgrade to full-fibre. But there’s a catch.
And it’s not the only news you should be across in the tech world. Let’s take a look at some of the changes worth wrapping our heads around.
Not so super: How to avoid delays in superannuation claims
Superannuation is our retirement safety net, a nest egg no one wants to access too early. But there are many reasons why you might need to do so, not the least of which is financial distress.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) says the number of complaints involving delays in the handling of superannuation claims has jumped in the past year, from 18 percent of all complaints in 2022 to 24 percent in May 2023.
Raising hell: Why does childcare cost so much?
More than one million Australian families used childcare last year. If you were one of them, you know how expensive it has become.
After a six-month investigation, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) handed down its interim report into the sector earlier this month.
The ACCC found that childcare fees were rising faster than inflation and wage growth, and government subsidies have failed to keep pace.
Taxing time: Wise up to end of financial year scammers
The only people who love this time of year are accountants - and scammers.
While you’re busy trying to get your finances for the end-of-financial year tax submission, scammers are also busy trying to persuade you to part with money.
Pet insurance: What does ASIC’s crackdown mean for you?
Have you received a large veterinary bill for your pet even though you had what you thought was the right insurance? You’re far from alone.
Seeing red: How to handle debt collectors
Are you being hounded by a debt collector? Are the phone calls and texts never ending? Perhaps the debt collector is constantly calling or texting family members or friends to try to get hold of you.
No one wants to be chased for money, especially at a time they are feeling vulnerable and under considerable financial stress. But what exactly is a debt collector? And how are they supposed to behave?
Tooth ache: Are dental implants the best option?
Are you having a tooth pulled? Or lost some teeth in an accident? Or simply don’t like the way your teeth look? Your dentist may suggest dental implants.
While there are good health reasons for replacing a missing or extracted tooth (or teeth) as soon as possible, it’s important to understand what dental implants are and what is involved in the procedure.
Extended warranties: Don’t pay extra for nothing
Have you ever bought an extended warranty? Chances are you’ve been made to feel like it’s the best way to protect yourself against expensive repairs in the future. It’s not.
Card surcharges: Are you paying too much?
Ever wondered why your cup of coffee costs an extra 15 cents at one café and not another? Or why the service station advises that you will have to pay another 1.5 percent to use Visa or Mastercard?
It’s called a card surcharge - the amount a business charges to cover the cost of an electronic transaction, typically between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. While two-thirds of merchants absorbed this fee about five years ago, the use of debit and credit cards increased, and so has the number of businesses passing on the cost.