Life insurance versus funeral insurance: What’s best?
Insurance is a safety net for our families as much as it is for us, particularly as we age. If you're weighing up life insurance versus funeral insurance, it's important to look at them in relation to your personal circumstances.
Funeral insurance for seniors
Funeral insurance is one way to ensure your loved ones are not left with a big expense at a time when they are already vulnerable.
Secondhand blues: Understanding car warranties
Before you pay for a used car, it’s important you take steps to protect yourself from avoidable issues.
Used cars: How to avoid a lemon
It's understandable you might be feeling a bit nervous about buying a used car – no one wants to end up with a lemon, facing costly repairs and the inconvenience of being without a vehicle.
Has your card surcharge been supercharged?
We are so used to paying for everything by debit or credit card these days, many of us barely give any thought to the little extra that is often tacked onto the purchase price. But you should take a closer look to avoid being needlessly stung by card surcharges.
Pay wise: How to keep card surcharges down
You might have heard that the Australian Government is preparing to ban debit card surcharges – those pesky percentages added to seemingly every electronic transaction.
Don’t get too excited. While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is reviewing card surcharges – which cost Australians anywhere between $1 billion and $4 billion a year – any change would not come into effect until 2026.
Finding alternatives to payday loans
When you're struggling to pay bills, it can be tempting to look for a quick fix. Payday loans may seem like a simple solution but before you sign up it’s worth exploring alternatives to payday loans.
Paying for JB Hi-Fi extra care
As you go up to pay for your new TV or computer, the helpful salesperson might suggest you take out JB Hi-Fi extra care. If you’re forking over a few thousand dollars, the extended warranty might seem like a good idea, but is it?
Do you have to pay for a warranty?
An extended warranty is a voluntary add-on, not a mandatory purchase. If someone you’re buying a product or service from suggests that you have to pay for a warranty, don’t fall for the sales pitch.
Using a debt collection dispute letter
If you have received a letter of demand from a debt collector for a debt that isn’t yours or is for more than you owe, you should take steps to challenge it. One of the best ways to do so is with a debt collection dispute letter - a formal response outlining why you are disputing the amount claimed.