Money matters: How a financial counsellor can help you
Struggling to juggle all your bills? Falling behind on your rent or mortgage payments? You may benefit from financial counselling.
We seek advice from the experts for all kinds of things in our lives – from health to education and everything in between, so you shouldn’t be embarrassed about asking for assistance in an area integral to your wellbeing.
Financial counsellors can help you navigate a very stressful time. But who exactly are these professionals? What role do they play in helping you regain control of your financial health? Let's delve deeper into understanding the invaluable support they can provide.
Debt disaster: How to ask for financial hardship help
Money – particularly the lack of it – is a sensitive topic for most of us. There's a level of embarrassment or shame that can come with the inability to meet financial obligations.
Taking flight? Here’s how to deal with delays
Qantas proudly sells itself as “the spirit of Australia” but if that’s the case the spirit is not happy. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Qantas received the highest number of complaints of any airline in the 2022 financial year. Most grievances related to service issues, such as flight delays and long wait times to speak with customer service agents.
The right direction: How to get the best car loan
We love our cars. In fact, the number of registered vehicles in 2021 was almost as many as the country’s total population. But it's no secret that buying a car is a costly exercise.
In fact, the cost of a new car has risen by an average of 7.4 percent in the past year, according to the latest figures.
Add car insurance, registration and general running costs, and it's easy to see why many people opt for a loan when buying a new set of wheels. But with so many lenders in the market, how do you find the best car loan for your needs?
Up in the air: What is going on with Qantas?
J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, "Not all who wander are lost." But if your wander is booked with Qantas, you could be. That is if your flight was cancelled and you opted for a travel credit instead of a refund.
Complaints about Qantas have been mounting on social media since Australia's borders reopened and people have been trying to use their flight credits. According to some reports, it has been almost impossible to get through to the airline, let alone redeem the credits.
Taking credit: Don’t pay for your credit report
We’ve all seen the ads encouraging us to find out our credit score or check our credit report, but how much do we really know about the process?
According to Choice, one in three Australians have no idea how credit reporting works and have never seen their credit report.
A credit report, also known as a credit file, helps financial institutions determine whether or not to lend money to an individual. A good credit history indicates that you are likely to pay your debts on time and in full. Poor credit history could make it difficult - even impossible - to get approval for loans, car leases, mortgages, or other forms of financing.
Protect your good name: Why you should check your credit report regularly
Jessica Meyer was excited about buying her first home with her mother. She’d saved a good deposit and was ready to sign the contract.
Until the bank contacted her to say they had checked her credit status with a credit reporting company and she was deemed a risk.
Credit Card or BNPL: Which Offers Better Safety and Protection for Your Money?
These days, cashless is the way to go. But with other services like Buy Now, Pay Later available in Australia, is it still smart to get a credit card? Let’s talk about that hot piece of plastic and what it can really do for you.