Renters’ rates, driven seemingly ever higher by tight housing supply in Australia’s capital cities, may finally be topping out. The latest figures from RP Data, a leading housing statistics firm, show that during the second quarter of this year, weekly housing rates dropped 3.5% while unit rates fell 0.6% across Australia. read more..

You’re likely familiar with credit card interest rates. You know that interest rates determine how much you’re charged (in addition to fees) for the privilege of using your credit cards. You probably also know that balance transfer rates can be different than your normal purchase interest rates, and that they can help you save on interest when you transfer your balance to a new card. But do you remember to look at cash advance interest rates when comparing credit cards? You should! read more..

In October 2008 the government guaranteed retail banking deposits to prevent a meltdown similar to those happening in U.S. banks. Good in other ways, the guarantee had the unfortunate effect of making the retail banks more attractive to investors than mortgage funds, leading to fears of a massive exodus and collapse of the market. read more..

If you’re tired of paying high interest rates on your credit card balances, you might have considered initiating a balance transfer — moving your balance to a low interest card. After all, introductory balance transfer rates can be very attractive. You may even find a new credit card that offers 0% interest on balance transfers for a few months, like the ANZ Low Rate MasterCard which offers 0% interest on balance transfers for six months.

Balance transfer credit cards can help you save money, but it’s important that you read the fine print before applying for a new credit card. If you do, chances are good that you’ll see another limit in place on balance transfers. read more..

Independent mortgage brokers originate greater than 35% of all Australian mortgages. By offering loan products from various banks, brokers provide home buyers with a “one-stop shop” to find the mortgage that best suits their needs.

But two of Australia’s biggest banks aren’t entirely happy with the status quo. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac are both issuing new requirements for brokers, forcing them to submit and settle a given number of applications and loans, or undergo reaccreditation classes. read more..