Buy now, pay later deals that come with an interest-free 'honeymoon' period can be extremely tempting to shoppers - but if they fail to manage the debt or do not pay it off before interest starts to accrue, consumers could end up paying a lot more than they bargained for.
Article Added 02/07/2008
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Australia's "booming" population and continuing demand for homes means the country will require one million new homes to be built by 2013, new figures from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) show.
Article Added 02/07/2008
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Parents exploring ways of remaining a home while their children are babies should be able to apply for a loan to provide them with paid leave.
Article Added 01/07/2008
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Lodgers are being utilised as one solution to easing the financial burden felt by homeowners in Australia as mortgage repayments continue to squeeze consumer spending.
Article Added 01/07/2008
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One million new homes need to be built in the next five years if Australia's growing population is to be housed, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Article Added 30/06/2008
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Many expatriates living in Australia consider their standard of living better than what it was when they lived in their native country, an international property expert has claimed.
Article Added 27/06/2008
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Frustrated builders are barring property buyers from the site of their future homes because of increasing instances of interference and "back seat" building, it has been reported.
Article Added 25/06/2008
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The average Australian is $425 a month better off than they were six years ago, despite rising living costs brought on by record petrol prices and interest rates, a new survey has found.
Article Added 24/06/2008
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The rising cost of property means space is now being "rationed the same way as water and energy", with many Australians having to "downsize" their expectations in order to buy a new property, according to reports.
Article Added 23/06/2008
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The number of home loan borrowers who are at least one month behind in their repayments has hit a 12-year high, according to new figures from credit rating firm Standard & Poor (S&P).
Article Added 20/06/2008
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With economic turbulence seemingly all around these days, many consumers are juggling bills, worrying about debt or in some cases paying off one credit card with another, experts say.
Article Added 20/06/2008
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With prices at the pump on the rise in Australia and many other parts of the world, consumers considering taking out a car loan to pay for a new vehicle might be interested in tips for saving on fuel costs.
Article Added 19/06/2008
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The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) should be increased in order to stimulate the supply of new properties and help young Australians secure their first house, a senate report has said.
Article Added 18/06/2008
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Australians are the least likely people to hit up their credit card for a getaway break after a new survey found they are the most "holiday deprived" people in the world.
Article Added 17/06/2008
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Federal government housing minister Tanya Plibersek has rejected a call to introduce tax breaks on home loans for first-time buyers, saying they would not be the fairest way of helping people onto the property ladder.
Article Added 17/06/2008
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While people on the lookout for a new car may enjoy the browsing and comparing of the different models on the market, it is also important to put some detailed planning into how they are going to finance their purchase, it has been claimed.
Article Added 13/06/2008
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Plans by the federal government to introduce a Housing Affordability Fund could result in around $50,000 being knocked off the eventual cost of buying a property for consumers, it has been claimed.
Article Added 13/06/2008
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Financial experts have said the party is over for "free and easy" credit lending - meaning it is becoming increasingly important to make sure your credit record is in order.
Article Added 12/06/2008
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Australian consumer confidence has reached in lowest level since 1992 this month, a new survey has found.
Article Added 12/06/2008
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Australia's financial services regulations are set for landmark changes intended to improve protection for consumers - but what will they affect and how would the planned changes impact on your personal finances?
Article Added 11/06/2008
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The number of new home loans being taken out in Australia fell for the third consecutive month in April - although the decline has slowed from March levels, new figures reportedly show.
Article Added 10/06/2008
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The Australian federal government has unveiled proposed reforms that would ban predatory lending by mortgage brokers in the country.
Article Added 06/06/2008
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Many banks across Australia are up-selling their mortgages, with more than half of borrowers across the country deciding to buy other financial products with their home loan in order to get discounts, a new report has uncovered.
Article Added 05/06/2008
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Fixing your home loan interest rate at the moment may sound like a crazy thing to do. With rates at a 12 year high - and with the possible prospect that they will not go down for some time - fixed rate mortgages have understandably dropped in popularity with Australians.
Article Added 03/06/2008
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The Australian state of Queensland has been branded the most expensive for new home loans in a study.
Article Added 29/05/2008
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Australian mortgage unit Wizard has attracted takeover offers, according to reports.
Article Added 29/05/2008
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Calls have been renewed for greater competition within the Australian mortgage market in the long-term interest of borrowers.
Article Added 28/05/2008
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The non-bank mortgage sector in Australia is losing its magic and could see a series of consolidation moves in months to come, according to reports.
Article Added 28/05/2008
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The first Australian victim of the global sup-prime mortgage crisis has announced it will extend the maturity of some residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS).
Article Added 20/05/2008
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A leading global credit ratings agency has given a positive report of the Australian mortgage market, despite identifying rises in delinquency rates.
Article Added 20/05/2008
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A report on Channel Nine's Sixty Minutes programme has been accused of presenting an overtly negative image of the Australian housing and mortgage market.
Article Added 19/05/2008
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The rapid growth of house prices across Australia has slowed during 2008 as high interest rates start to bite into the finances of millions of homeowners, according to new federal government figures.
Article Added 14/05/2008
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The housing market has enjoyed somewhat of a boom over recent years. Many Australians have been able to buy a property and sell it for a major profit a couple of years down the line, as prices soared and mortgages were cheap.
Article Added 13/05/2008
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The home loans offered at one of Australia's most prestigious banks have gone from being among the cheapest on the market to the most expensive within the last year, a new study has revealed.
Article Added 12/05/2008
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New research has found that many Australians are completely clueless to how home loans and mortgage repayments work.
Article Added 08/05/2008
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The recent global credit crunch has made many people touchy regarding their finances. Consumers are more aware of their incomings and outgoings and so are banks.
Article Added 07/05/2008
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Times are tough. Finances are being stretched like they haven't been stretched in a decade. Interest rates are high, inflation is increasing and the credit market is an uncertain place to be.
Article Added 06/05/2008
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When considering to retire, it is only natural to look at every possible way to boost retirement savings accounts and super funds. However, new research has revealed that some baby boomers may be going about it all the wrong way.
Article Added 02/05/2008
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High interest rates have started to take their toll on house values, as new data reveals the average prices of homes across Australia fell during March.
Article Added 01/05/2008
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The current housing shortage across Australia - combined with high interest rates on home loans - means that rental conditions are at near record high levels, according to a new study.
Article Added 30/04/2008
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Balancing a loan and a family can be a tricky act. With rising interest rates and house prices, it is hard for families across Australia to plan their budgets and spend a little on life's luxuries.
Article Added 29/04/2008
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One of Australia's largest banks has increased the interest rates it charges on its home loans in preparation of another rate rise by the Reserve Bank later this week.
Article Added 28/04/2008
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Many homeowners across Australia who are seeing their fixed rate mortgages end this year could be in for a shock, as high interest rates hit them hard, an industry expert has warned.
Article Added 25/04/2008
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The current financial crisis which is being felt in Australia and world wide was recently described as the "perfect storm" for consumers with major debts by one leading expert.
Article Added 24/04/2008
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As the credit crunch continues to affect the financial markets across the world, consumers are increasingly feeling the aftermath in their pockets.
Article Added 22/04/2008
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As home loans get harder to afford - and the property market continues to fluctuate - it can be hard for homeowners to secure a mortgage.
Article Added 21/04/2008
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The number of home loans being approved across Australia has fallen to its lowest level for seven years as a result of recent hikes in the levels of interest rates, a new study has revealed.
Article Added 16/04/2008
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High interest rates and tighter lending conditions may mean some Australians are currently feeling the pinch financially. Despite the current climate, many financial institutions are still willing to lend consumers struggling for money a range of personal loans which could well help consumers out.
Article Added 14/04/2008
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Financing a car can be a tricky project. Currently, with all the financial turmoil, it could be hard to find the cash to trade up, or simply to replace a car that's had it. However, it may not be as hard as you think.
Article Added 11/04/2008
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A recent report found that home loans throughout Australia would be cheaper if the federal government introduced a mortgage-backed securities market.
Article Added 11/04/2008
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Two out of every three homeowners in Australia will be under extreme pressure to refinance their mortgage or sell their homes to make ends meet if there is another interest rate rise, a new survey has revealed.
Article Added 10/04/2008
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In the current testing financial climate, having to change home loan providers can be confusing. The mortgage products on offer tend to change weekly and many consumers are concerned over whether or not they are getting a good deal.
Article Added 10/04/2008
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Rising interest rates, tighter home loan conditions and the affects of the global credit crunch mean that many of Australia's most affluent neighbourhoods are feeling the pinch when it comes to the property market, according to a new report.
Article Added 08/04/2008
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Some of the major banks and lenders across Australia may increase the interest rates they charge on their variable rate home loans despite the Reserve Bank halting rate rises, an industry expert has predicted.
Article Added 07/04/2008
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As property becomes harder to afford - and home loans become harder to secure - the issue of housing is on the minds of many Australians.
Article Added 03/04/2008
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Australians will "never" be able to afford many of the houses on the property market, according to a stark warning from the Reserve Bank.
Article Added 03/04/2008
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Taking out a fixed rate home loan - in order to avoid any future interest rate hikes - may come at a cost in the long term, according to industry experts.
Article Added 02/04/2008
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The recent interest rate hikes have forced many people looking to buy property at auction to keep their money in their pockets, new research has revealed.
Article Added 02/04/2008
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A tightening of the mortgage market - as a result of the recent credit crunch - means that many Australian first-time buyers are finding it hard to get on to the property ladder.
Article Added 01/04/2008
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The Reserve Bank of Australia has held interest rates at 7.25 per cent, after a slowdown in the economic growth across the nation reigned in inflation.
Article Added 01/04/2008
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Despite the affects of the recent credit crunch hitting Australian markets and homeowners, more people than ever before are flocking to mortgage brokers in order to secure a home loan deal.
Article Added 31/03/2008
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Rising interest rates and fluctuating financial markets did not put homebuyers off from taking out mortgages in December, new figures have revealed.
Article Added 26/03/2008
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People looking to take out personal loans from loan sharks could become the victims of greedy conmen, a new report has warned.
Article Added 18/03/2008
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The Australian property market is slowing down, with housing auction clearance rates falling rapidly, a new study has revealed.
Article Added 18/03/2008
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Australia's mortgage crisis is showing signs of affecting the most affluent members of society for the first time, a new report has claimed.
Article Added 14/03/2008
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One of the fastest growing financial institutions in Australia at the moment is Members Equity. After only being created in 1999, in that short space of time it has become one of the nation's largest providers of home loans, superannuation funds and credit cards.
Article Added 13/03/2008
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Borrowing money in the form of personal loans or bonds, in order to invest, can lead to both good and bad news in the future, it has been claimed.
Article Added 12/03/2008
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The recent hikes in interest rates by the Reserve Bank of Australia have led to a record number of people looking to refinance their mortgages, according to a leading industry expert.
Article Added 12/03/2008
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Article Added 11/03/2008
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Rapidly increasing wages have overtaken fuel prices as the major concern for businesses and economists across Australia, according to a new report.
Article Added 10/03/2008
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Australia's largest bank has increased the interest rates it charges on home loans as a result of the Reserve Bank's decision to hike up rates earlier this week.
Article Added 06/03/2008
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More Australians than ever before are remortgaging their homes in order to tidy up their debts, new figures have claimed.
Article Added 05/03/2008
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Prime minister Kevin Rudd has moved to ease the affordability crisis in the Australian rental market by doubling a tax incentives scheme for property investors.
Article Added 04/03/2008
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Families across Australia are having to pay more than a third of their income to meet the demands of the average home loan, new research has revealed.
Article Added 03/03/2008
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Mortgage Choice is now one of Australia's most prominent companies in the home loans sector. However, it is a relative newcomer to the market and has worked its way to the top very rapidly.
Article Added 29/02/2008
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Many a small company has floundered in the world of finance. History is littered with businesses which have attempted and failed to flourish in the financial sector. Not MyRate Home Loans though.
Article Added 28/02/2008
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The rise in fortunes of Wizard across Australia has been impressive as, in little over a decade, the home loans company has gone from having one branch to more than 250 and becoming the largest non-bank mortgage lender in the country.
Article Added 27/02/2008
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When it comes to having a patriotic company name, there is surely only one winner in the Australian financial sector - Aussie.
Article Added 25/02/2008
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Three quarters of indebted Australians are unconcerned about the prospect of losing their home, despite concerns over a likely rise in mortgage defaults.
Article Added 22/02/2008
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Australian lender GE Money has pulled its 100 per cent mortgages from the market after concerns were raised over the number homeowners defaulting on their loans.
Article Added 22/02/2008
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The recent interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) would have been even higher if it had got its own way, official documents have revealed.
Article Added 20/02/2008
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In the past, many Australians have been stuck with their mortgage lender or financial institution when they take out loans. High entry and exit fees often priced many consumers out of switching loans companies.
Article Added 20/02/2008
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Homeowners could be in for a good surprise after some of the biggest banks and financial institutions in Australia predicted variable interest rates on home loans to decrease earlier than expected.
Article Added 15/02/2008
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Women on low to average incomes are more susceptible to get rich quick financial schemes, new research has found.
Article Added 15/02/2008
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A large number of Australian homeowners will bare the brunt of continuing interest rate rises when they come to renew their home loans later this year, according to an industry expert.
Article Added 14/02/2008
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Home loan debt throughout Australia unexpectedly increased during December, despite increasing house prices and higher interest rates, federal government figures show.
Article Added 12/02/2008
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With all the talk of rising interest rates affecting savings accounts and home loans, many people throughout Australia may not fully understand what the decisions made by the Reserve Bank actually mean.
Article Added 11/02/2008
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Rising interest rates and rapidly increasing house prices are not putting people off from taking out home loans and moving house, new federal government figures have revealed.
Article Added 08/02/2008
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One of the largest financial institutions in Australia has raised the interest rates charged on variable home loans just a day after the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the base rate to a 12-year high.
Article Added 07/02/2008
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Uncertain times in the financial market are certain to hit the property market, according to experts, but what about those selling their homes through auction?
Article Added 06/02/2008
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A recent study found that Australians have to deal with some of the highest interest rates and stamp duty costs in the Western world.
Article Added 06/02/2008
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The uncertain outlook of the global stock markets is likely to hit house prices closer to home over the next year, an expert has claimed.
Article Added 05/02/2008
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Data released this week by the Reserve Bank of Australia has made it likely that the bank will raise interest rates this month, according to reports.
Article Added 01/02/2008
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Women are more reliable than men when it comes to paying bills and repaying debt, according to the latest research from a credit reference check facilitator.
Article Added 01/02/2008
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In recent weeks, stock markets across the globe have taken a bit of a bashing. Billions of dollars have been wiped off the values of some of Australia's biggest companies, with many superannuation funds also being affected.
Article Added 31/01/2008
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Australians have been urged to look around and compare savings accounts in order to get the best interest rates available for the money they would like to set aside, a newspaper has reported.
An analyst from financial research company Cannex has said it is important savers are alert to the fact that basic transaction accounts offer very low interest rates and that a much higher rate can be found for savings.
Article Added 30/01/2008
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Despite record levels of household debt, approvals for car loans also hit new highs during 2007 and show no sign of stopping.
Article Added 30/01/2008
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Property investments are, traditionally, some of the most secure savings funds in the market. However, with the recent slowdown in house prices, will that statement continue to be true through 2008.
Article Added 28/01/2008
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Record numbers of Australian homeowners are refinancing their mortgages as they look for better deals in a bid to avoid the impact of another interest rate increase.
Article Added 21/01/2008
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Higher education costs across Australia are forcing many parents to take out personal loans in a bid to fend off debt problems, according to new figures.
Article Added 21/01/2008
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It may seem like an extraordinarily long time to be tied to a lender, but it could be the case that 40-year mortgages might provide families with that bit of breathing space when buying a home.
Article Added 18/01/2008
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Owning a home and becoming part of that great Australian dream is becoming more of a reality for an increasing number of adults.
Article Added 17/01/2008
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Prime minister Kevin Rudd has indicated for the first time that recent moves by some banks to increase their interest rates will be followed by a rate rise by the Reserve Bank in the near future.
Article Added 16/01/2008
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The current theme of banks increasing their home loan interest rates may not grab the attention of many homeowners but there is a major reason why it should.
Article Added 15/01/2008
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The government is pondering scrapping exit fees charged on mortgages in a bid to open up the home loans market to more companies.
Article Added 15/01/2008
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Another of Australia's largest financial institutions has moved away from the Reserve Bank and increased the interest rates it charges on its home loans.
Article Added 14/01/2008
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Consumers who feel they have been a victim of unfair lending practices should take their complaints to the financial ombudsman, councillors have urged.
Article Added 11/01/2008
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A new form of home loan which was introduced to the Australian market last year has surprised the industry with its popularity.
Article Added 10/01/2008
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One of Australia's largest financial institutions has joined two of its counterparts and raised the interest rates it charges on its home loans.
Article Added 10/01/2008
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Leaving a home loan to get a better deal elsewhere can seem like a good idea but it can cost thousands of dollars in exit fees.
Article Added 09/01/2008
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One of Australia's largest banks has followed in the footsteps of the National Australia Bank (NAB) and raised interest rates on mortgages.
Article Added 08/01/2008
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One of Australia's largest banks has raised its interest rates away from the national rate set by the treasurer.
Article Added 04/01/2008
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Despite enduring a difficult year in personal finance terms, consumers in Australia confounded expectations by coming out in force over the festive period.
Article Added 03/01/2008
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An influential voice has lent his support to calls for lenders to bring stability to the market for the benefit of consumers.
Article Added 02/01/2008
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Borrowers who have taken out loans with conforming lenders could face higher rates of interest next year, it has been claimed.
Article Added 28/12/2007
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Buy now, pay later deals 'can have sting in tail' 
Australia 'needs 1m new homes' 
Groups suggests loans for maternity leave 
Consumers take lodgers 'to help pay mortgage' 
More homes needed, says HIA 
Lifestyle and cost of living 'part of Australia's broad appeal' 
Contractors banning "back seat builders" 
Australians 'better off' despite economic conditions 
Australians 'may have to downsize home expectations' 
"Mortgage stress" hits record high 
Biting the bullet on financial advice 
Keeping your fuel costs down 
Raise grant for first time buyers, says report 
Aussies 'least likely to take holiday' 
Minister rules out tax breaks for home loans 
Do homework on financing, car shoppers told 
Proposed housing fund 'could wipe $50,000 off prices' 
Safeguarding your credit record 
Consumer confidence hits 16-year low 
How would proposed finance laws affect you? 
Home loan approvals down in April 
Proposal to regulate mortgage lending 
Borrowers 'bundling loans with credit cards' 
Is fixing home loans such a crazy thing? 
Home loans in Queensland 'least affordable' 
Takeover approaches received for Wizard 
New call for more players in the mortgage market 
Mortgage sector 'loses magic' 
Home loan group extends RMBS maturity 
Agency highlights problems in Australian mortgage market 
'Getting negative' 
Rates bite into house price growth 
The bursting of the bubble 
Macquarie home loans 'most expensive' 
Australians 'clueless' about home loans market 
Credit crunch nerves 'hitting mortgage providers' 
The default lines are appearing 
Reversing the mortgage chunk by chunk 
High rates 'force home values down' 
'Unaffordable' home loans 'increasing rental prices' 
Getting the balancing act right 
Treasurer slams "lousy" Anzac Day NAB rate rise 
Homeowners in for mortgage rate shock 
Surviving the "perfect storm" 
Protecting against the credit crunch bite 
Joint home loans 'becoming more popular' 
Home loan approvals fall as rate hikes bite 
Being the personal loan ranger 
Got your eye on a ute? Why not choose a car loan 
Cheaper home loans 'on the horizon' 
Homeowners 'see trouble ahead if rates increase again' 
Common home loan types 
Affluent feeling property pinch 
Banks 'to hike mortgage rates despite RBA decision' 
What is stamp duty? 
Houses will "never" be affordable 
Fixing home loans 'could cost more in long-run' 
Rate hikes halt house auction clearances 
Credit crunch woes 'hitting first-time buyers' 
Reserve Bank holds steady with interest rates 
The mortgage broker boom 
Homebuyers 'not being put off by high rates' 
Desperate Australians 'increasingly using loan sharks' 
Home market 'slowing down' as mortgage stress hits 
Mortgage crisis 'now hitting affluent' 
What is Members Equity? 
Loans 'can create mixed fortunes' 
Rate hikes 'forcing more to refinance mortgages' 
RBA 'considers pausing rate hike cycle' 
Wage increases 'worse concern than rate rises' 
NAB follows RBA with rate hike 
Homeowners refinance mortgages 'to service debts' 
PM moves to ease rental affordability crisis 
Rate rises 'pushing homeowners hard' 
What is Mortgage Choice? 
What is MyRate Home Loans? 
What is Wizard Home Loans? 
What is Aussie? 
Homeowners 'unconcerned' over losing home 
Australian lender leaves 100% LTV market 
RBA 'wanted higher rate rise' 
Ditch expensive loans and switch 
Banks predict loan rates to fall 'sooner than planned' 
The perils of 'get rich quick' schemes 
Thousands warned over rapid home loan rate rises 
Home loan debt increases despite rate rises 
How do the Reserve Bank's decisions affect you? 
Aussie home dream 'not being put off by rate rises' 
Commonwealth Bank follows Reserve Bank with rate increase 
Home auctioning 'on the rise in troubled times' 
Why is stamp duty in Australia so high? 
Housing markets 'look uncertain' 
Reserve bank 'expected to raise interest rates' 
Women 'more likely to pay back credit' 
What is subprime? 
Australians urged to shop around for better interest rates 
Car loan competition 'increases savings' 
How will stock market wobbles affect property investments? 
Homeowners refinance their futures 
Education costs 'forcing parents to consider personal loans' 
Families 'tided over' by long-term mortgages 
Record numbers 'chase the Aussie dream' 
PM weighs into rate rise debate 
Home loan rises 'here to stay' 
Treasurer 'considers scrapping exit fees' 
St George follows others with rate increase 
Victims of unfair lenders urged to complain 
The changing shape of home loans 
Commonwealth Bank raises home loan rates 
Exit fees hit thousands of Aussies 
ANZ follows NAB with mortgage rate rise 
NAB breaks away from Reserve and ups loan rates 
Financial fears put aside during festive spending spree 
Politician calls for interest stability 
Loan interest rates to rise?