Michelle Bowes
Contributor
Advisor
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The Complete Guide To Term Deposits In Australia
During the extended period of time when low interest rates dominated the Australian financial landscape, term deposits were unfashionable. But with interest rates much higher than they were two years ago, term deposits are making a comeback as a place... -
How To Budget In Australia: The Complete Guide
Budgeting. It’s a word that strikes fear into the hearts of people who see it as a strict set of money rules designed to stop you enjoying life. But, as many experts would argue, budgeting is the opposite: instead, it’s... -
Plastic, Not So Fantastic: How To Crush Your Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt has risen over the past two years in Australia, as the cost-of-living crisis and interest rate hikes have squeezed household finances. The nation’s credit card debt now totals more than $41 billion, according to the Reserve Bank... -
How To Save Money: Top Tips On Cutting Back
With inflation rocketing and interest rates putting the squeeze on household budgets it’s no surprise saving money is at the top of many to-do lists. According to a survey published in Nine newspapers, half of Australians claim they would battle... -
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
With the cost of flights and accommodation rising, travel insurance might be one of those extras you think you can do without. But, as one industry expert warns, while travel insurance premiums may be increasing, the cost of not having... -
How To Start A Franchise In Australia
Franchising in Australia is big business. Over 1,200 different franchise systems operate more than 94,000 individual franchised outlets employing 565,500 people, according to the Franchise Council of Australia. But while the names of some are very well known, such as... -
How To Change Super Funds
With the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) now naming and shaming under-performing superannuation funds, you might be paying closer attention to your fund’s performance and wondering if your super could be doing better elsewhere. But if you’re considering changing funds,... -
More Bang For Your Buck: Destinations Where The Aussie Dollar Is Strong
While the value of the Australian dollar is most commonly spoken about in relation to the US dollar, the Greenback is far from the only game in town. If you’re looking to stretch your travel wings in 2023, it’s worth... -
What Is Monetary Policy? Everything You Need to Know
Monetary policy has been getting a lot of airtime in recent months, ever since interest rates began their steady ascent. But if you’re not sure exactly what monetary policy is, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Despite being frequently used by... -
Switch Or Stay? How To Deal With Poor Super Performance
If your superannuation underperformed in 2022 you’re not alone. Data from Rainmaker Information found median returns for MySuper products (the default super products that most Australians are invested in) were down -5.1% for the year, while fellow research house Super... -
How To Check Your Credit Score In Australia
When you apply for credit, such as a bank loan or credit card, the lender needs to make a decision about whether you’ll be able to repay the money you want to borrow. To do this they will look at... -
Energy Costs: How To Beat Electricity Price Rises
As life in Australia gets more expensive due to rising inflation, there is one cost that stands out above all others: the price of energy. Electricity and gas prices are already on the rise and October’s Federal Budget indicated that...