Second best: Are used cars still worth your money?
If you’ve been casting your eye around for a new car recently, you’ll know that they aren’t that easy to come by, particularly if you’re fussy about the colour or model.
With the pandemic creating all kinds of delays in delivery, you could be waiting for many months before that shiny new vehicle is in your garage.
Sure thing: Are new car warranties a safe bet?
For many of us, cars are our second most expensive investment after our home. So it's only right to want some peace of mind when it comes to buying one.
Enter: the car warranty. In Australia, most new cars come with a manufacturer's warranty. That warranty covers you for a set period of time, usually three years. But in recent times, we've seen an increase in the number of brands offering longer warranties. Up to 10 years in some cases. It's a persuasive marketing tool.
Second bite: What does Apple’s new repair program mean for you?
Have an iPhone that needs repairing? Is your MacBook not working properly again? It’s almost expected that technology won’t go the distance, or that Apple parts will cost too much to get fixed. So we may as well buy a new one. It’s a mindset that has contributed to a stockpile of e-waste that is tipped to hit more than 70 million tonnes globally by 2030.
But what if you could repair your phone or other electronic devices yourself? Apple has introduced a Self Service Repair program, where you can order the parts to fix the issue yourself — or get a more experienced third party to do so.
Driving prices: How to make your fuel dollars go further
Holding your breath every time you head to the petrol station? Wondering whether to fill up or just put in $20 and hope the price takes a dive within the week?
There’s no question we’re all feeling the pinch at the pump. According to the Australia Institute of Petroleum, the national average petrol price as of 20 March 2022 was 197.6c and 202.4c for diesel. The trend has been going up since 27 December 2021, with only a slight dip on 31 January this year. The price of fuel is expected to drop in the coming weeks due to a cut in fuel excise but we are yet to see the impact.
Ready to travel? Here’s how to see Australia without blowing the travel budget
If you’ve been feeling trapped within your own state, you’re probably more than a little excited at the thought of the country opening up. But you may be worried about blowing your travel budget with unexpected expenses.
Travelling in this Covid recovery period is not without its challenges. The pandemic has brought unpredictability to almost everything we previously took for granted — from border restrictions and other new travel requirements to the inevitable price rises, there’s a lot to catch you unawares.
So how do you plan an affordable getaway in this era? We’ve rounded up some top tips from budget travel experts.
Take a load off with our easy guide to laundry appliances
Washing machine given up the ghost? Dodgy dryer dampening your mood? Whether you’re washing for a family of four or downsizing to an apartment for one, there are laundry appliances to fit your needs.
But if it’s been a while since you last bought one, your head may be spinning with all the new features and options on the market. Take a load off — we’ve done the dirty work for you so that you can go shopping for laundry appliances with confidence.
You now have more power over your energy bill
Worried about your energy bill? You now have more power to do something about it.
As of 1 October 2021, the Federal Government requires energy companies to switch you to a better deal within 48 hours of asking for one.
Prior to this change, companies could take up to three months to switch you over — that’s three months of paying more than you should. With Christmas on the horizon, making a switch now might just put some much-needed extra money into your account.
Power costs are falling. So why are your household electricity bills rising?
Winter was coming... but the cold snap has well and truly arrived. The mercury drop means woolly coats, water-proof boots, and eye-watering power bills. In fact, previous research found households use almost a third of their annual electricity in winter and could be paying 40 percent more compared to the summer season.
When to indulge and how to save this Easter
Easter is just around the corner and like always, we are here to make your life easier. Like you, we have been working hard all year and we are excited for a chance to relax and enjoy the break with our loved ones. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday, so we have done the research into Covid-friendly fun for you!
The 2 minute car service that will save you hundreds
For most of us, cars get us from A to B and carry ‘stuff’. You put fuel in it, take it to the mechanic when the book says so (well, sometimes). In return, it gets you to where you need to go without causing a fuss. End of story, right?
This would be a short article if this were 100% true.