Consumer law update needed to combat ‘junk insurance’
Handle My Complaint is urging the Federal Government to protect consumers from so-called ‘junk insurance’ by making the Australian Consumer Law clearer.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers filed a class action against JB Hi-Fi in the Supreme Court of Victoria last week, claiming that extended warranties offer no benefit to consumers.
Buckle up: Tips to trim the budget this Christmas
Are you feeling the pinch? Perhaps you’ve already cut back on discretionary spending. Or are contemplating a much more frugal Christmas season.
You’re not alone. New research shows while Australians are tipped to spend almost $5 billion on online shopping in the leadup to Christmas this year, almost half of those surveyed are planning to spend less than the same time in 2022. And almost 80 percent said they plan to cut back on non-essential spending in the same period.
Oversubscribed? Breaking the subscription trap
How many subscriptions do you have? Is it just Netflix and one other streaming service? Or do you subscribe to myriad apps on your phone or online? Do you even know how many subscriptions you have anymore?
Grocery gripe: Why does food cost so much more?
With everything from fuel, utility, to grocery bills rising constantly, Australians are watching their pennies – cutting back on luxuries, leaving heaters off, adding more blankets in winter, and catching the bus instead of driving.
But food isn't just another bill—it's a necessity. We have to eat, ideally healthily - shunning fast food and snacks in favour of fruit and vegetables, lean meat and seafood. But with food prices increasing an average of eight percent a year (many items have risen a lot more), the grocery bill is taking a bigger and bigger slice out of household budgets each week.
Seeing red: How to handle debt collectors
Are you being hounded by a debt collector? Are there endless phone calls and texts? Perhaps they are even calling or texting family members or friends to try to get hold of you. Here’s how to handle debt collectors.
No one wants to be chased for money, especially at a time they are feeling vulnerable and under financial stress. While businesses are entitled to expect payment for a product or service, there are rules and regulations around debt collection. There are also places you can go to get help dealing with debt collectors, so don’t feel backed into a corner.
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
Salespeople will often try to persuade you that extended warranties are the best way to protect yourself against expensive repairs in the future. Don’t be fooled.
What many Australians don’t realise is they are protected under Australian Consumer Law and that, more often than not, the extended warranty being offered covers the same period and rights to repairs or replacement. This is why it’s often referred to as ‘junk insurance’.
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 when you go to pay for petrol with Visa or Mastercard, you're told it will cost another 1.5 percent? These added costs are known as card surcharges and while they might not account for much in one or two transactions, they certainly add up.
The Albanese Government is preparing to ban debit card surcharges - the amount a business charges to cover the cost of an electronic transaction – from 1 January 2026, pending a review by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Treasurer Jim Chalmers said consumers should not be punished for using cards or digital payments.
Reality bites: The true cost of dental care
Seeing the dentist for the first time in a while? Need to take your child to the dentist? There are things you should know before you go.
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.