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.
Red alert: What you should know about greenwashing
As environmental awareness increases in Australia, we want to know that our purchasing choices matter. Any business proudly proclaiming its green credentials on its packaging should be able to back those claims up. In fact, it is legally required to do so.
Privacy risks: Tackling facial recognition technology head on
Have you seen any signs about the use of facial recognition technology when you’ve been out shopping? CCTV is one thing, but this controversial technology raises more concerns about breaches of our privacy.
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.
Sales season: Stay out of the red this Black Friday
The emails are lobbing into your inbox with increasing regularity. You may even be getting alerts on your phone. The flashing ads are all over websites. All of them promise you amazing deals and unprecedented discounts.
There is no escaping the fact we’re hurtling toward Black Friday. And peak spending season. This mad day of discounts traditionally marks the start of Christmas shopping in the United States, falling just after Thanksgiving.
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’.