Enough is enough. Insurance companies and banks must stop hiking premiums and prices for loyal customers, while offering better discounts for new customers. Last week, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) was hit with a class action which is alleging they’ve used computer algorithms to inflate premiums for existing loyal customers. They target customers who will most… Read more »
At a time when the economy is sagging and household budgets are being squeezed by high inflation and interest rate increases, this week’s government-approved lift in private health insurance premiums on 1 April is the last thing Australians need. The fact the announcement was delayed until after the Dunkley by-election, and just three weeks before… Read more »
You may already have what you need to bring your car insurance premiums down an average of 4.15 per cent. Usually, small black boxes are associated with expensive rings, but what if one that many drivers already have could be saving you money instead? Car insurance comparison website Compare the Market (where I am Economic… Read more »
Drivers are ditching comprehensive car insurance and I get it, money is tight. But ditching, rather than switching, could cost you plenty down the track. Owning and maintaining a car can be one of the biggest contributors to the household bills, but according to new research from Compare the Market (where I am Economic Director)… Read more »
When you look back on 2023 in ten years’ time, the one thing you might remember is just how expensive everything from petrol to power and even chips and chocolate got. That’s why we need to make 2024 the year of the financial fightback. Yes, some price hikes will be hard to avoid. But if… Read more »
The financial squeeze on most Australian families from higher interest rates and inflation is leading to a great focus on managing the household budget better. New research from Compare the Market has found that saving money is the top New Year’s resolution for Australians ahead of the new year… which is only the end of… Read more »
I reckon the backlash against Qantas, its chief executive, its board of directors and the Prime Minister is because every travelling Australian is stunned by the continuing high cost of airfares. When Qantas does a cosy deal with the Federal Government to stop more competition and more flights, which would bring down airfares, we justifiably… Read more »
I know you’re sick of me always saying you need to constantly shop around for the best deals on everything. But it’s so important. Those who have been following me for a while know my wife Libby is the world’s best when it comes to household finances… she has managed ours ever since we were… Read more »
Yesterday the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) announced it will allow energy retailers to lift prices for existing customers by 19.5-23.7 per cent. This is the cap that energy retailers can charge existing customers who haven’t looked elsewhere. And it follows an 18 per cent increase last year. These are huge increases which feed directly into… Read more »
Instead of just accepting the current wave of repayment increases from your bank, it can be really worthwhile to look around for a better deal and refinance. And lots of people are doing just that. A record breaking $18.88 billion of loans were refinanced in August, while $201 billion worth of home loans have switched… Read more »
