Aussie Finance Blog

Australian personal finance news, tips and advices.

5 Ways Australians Can Build a Balanced Stock Portfolio

by

All investors want to achieve success and make a quick and sizeable profit on the stock market, but this is easier said than done. If trading stocks was an easy and guaranteed way to earn cash then everybody would be making a fortune off the markets and all swanning off into early retirement happy – but the reality is that it takes knowledge and skill to become a successful trader.

One way to improve your chances of success in the market in Australia, is to adopt a balanced approach to your stocks, and to develop the sort of versatile and robust portfolio which can weather any storm that the domestic and global markets can throw its way. Read on for our five top tips for success: ... (read more)

Do I have a Junk Policy?

by

Compensation for this post was provided by Choosewell. 

The private health insurance industry has found itself in a bit of a pickle after customer advocacy group Choice recently ousted several major providers as proponents of ‘junk’ health insurance policies. Arguing that these policies represent a complete waste of money for consumers, Choice has demanded attention from the Federal Government. ... (read more)

What Personal Loans Are Easy to Get Approved For

by

Anyone who has ever borrowed money knows it can be hard to pay back at times. However, borrowing is a bridge most of us need in order to quickly get ahead in life. Personal loans are the fastest means of acquiring funds for a range of purposes, but the first criterion is your ability to make the loan repayments on time.

If your earnings or income are high and you have a clean credit history, a personal loan will usually be approved. People on lower incomes need to tailor their approach to repayments that are make-able. You will need to provide evidence of current and ongoing expenses, revealing enough disposable income to furnish the loan and thrive . There are other stipulations, including Australian residency requirements, that will affect the application. ... (read more)

What is a home equity loan?

by

This post is a response to Saundra Latham’s great article about the best home equity loan rates for 2016 (US), posted on the The Simple Dollar.

Paying off a mortgage results in more than just owning a home. The value of your home is a form of savings that provides negotiating power for other loan arrangements or investments. For many people, the downside of making regular mortgage repayments is the lack of ready cash or additional savings potential. A home equity loan can provide the solution, by allowing home owners to borrow money against the value of their home. This money can be used for any number of home improvements or other purposes. ... (read more)

Are Personal Loans A Good Idea

by

Taking out a personal loan can be a positive step toward achieving your goals. It is a real commitment, with long-term financial accountability required, and patience is a must. Successfully paying off a personal loan is character-building and also provides valuable advantage for further loan approvals at a later date. In fact, there are several scenarios where taking out a personal loan is a good idea. ... (read more)

What are Rewards Credit Cards?

by

Australians are keen to get the best return on their money. Many of us are enticed by the incentives of reward credit cards offering cash back, frequent flyer miles or points that can be dedicated toward purchases. Coupled with good money management, a rewards credit card will pay dividends. However, in the hands of a whimsical spendthrift the card can become a further drain on financial resources. ... (read more)

What Credit Score Is Needed To Get a Credit Card

by

In essence, it would seem that getting a credit card is easy. After all, credit card company representatives are out and about on the streets and in shopping malls signing up new customers all the time. However, filling out the form is only the first step, and your credit score will be used to determine if you are actually wanted as a customer. So, what credit score is actually needed to get a credit card? ... (read more)

Will A Personal Loan Affect Your Credit Score

by

In 2014, changes were introduced into credit score reports. History regarding personal loans is now scrutinised more thoroughly by lenders, meaning that if you have successfully paid off a personal loan on time and on schedule it will positively affect your credit score. On the other hand, defaults or recurring late payments will reflect badly on your credit score.

The changes to the system provide a more comprehensive overview of an individuals capacity for sound money management. Rather than only negative ‘black marks’ showing up on the credit report, positive information is also taken into account. Lenders and service providers will take previous financial management into consideration. ... (read more)

Should University Be Free?

by

Free tertiary education is an ideal that promotes societal equality, and is especially attractive to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a nation, Australia relies on human capital that generates wealth and improves the overall standard of living for everyone. However, in reality there is no such thing as ‘free’ education as the funding to maintain huge universities has to come from somewhere. This leads to the actual question. Should the government (taxpayer) or student foot the bill for higher education? ... (read more)

What Does Home Contents Insurance Cover?

by

Home contents insurance gives the home owner or renter peace of mind by covering the financial cost of replacing or repairing possessions. Almost everything you own can be covered by contents insurance, including furnishings, computers, white goods, electrical appliances, equipment, toys and even collections such as stamps or coins.

As we accumulate possessions it becomes imperative to protect our investment with insurance. Home contents insurance covers items belonging to every family member, and can even include items belonging to visiting friends as long as their name is also listed on the insurance policy. Items that are not covered include permanent building attachments. These will need to be part of a separate ‘home insurance’ policy. Many people combine home and contents insurance to cover both the house and possessions. ... (read more)