One in six Australians struggles with credit card debt, according to ASIC figures. People who miss their monthly payments can find themselves trapped in a spiral of debt with exorbitant fees and interest rates often as high as 20%. If you're burdened by credit card debt, you should compare options to help lower your interest rate and make your monthly payments more affordable. One of the most eff..... Read more

Jetting off for a new life overseas is a fresh start, but it doesn't mean you can wipe the slate clean. If you've built up credit card debt, unpaid taxes, a student loan or other borrowed and owed money you haven't paid, it could follow you to your new home or affect your finances from afar. Whatever type of debt you have, it's important to know what will happen to it and what your responsibiliti..... Read more

Many people worry that getting married, being in a long-term relationship or the death of a spouse means they will be liable for their partner's debt. This is not the case, but there can be certain situations where you agree to share or take on all the responsibility. If creditors are demanding that you pay someone else's debt for them, it's important to check what your obligations are. When am I..... Read more

Australians owe around $45 billion in total credit card debt. Many people are trapped in a vicious cycle of debt with cards charging interest as high as 20%. If you're struggling under the weight of debt, paying off your credit card with a personal loan at lower interest could leave you better off, but there are a few things to consider. Advantages of a personal loan Consolidating debt with a pers..... Read more

If you're trapped under a mountain of debt that you can't repay and being hassled by debt collectors, bankruptcy may seem like an attractive solution for wiping the slate clean. However, like any major decision, it needs to be researched carefully to make sure you know the risks. When you go bankrupt, in most cases you will be released from your debts (depending on how many dependants you have an..... Read more

No one likes to be in debt, but debt is a necessary fact of life for most Australians. Whether you're buying a home, going to university or starting a business, loans are often the only way to access the urgent finance you need to move forward in life. On the other hand, some types of debt can be less beneficial and has the potential to cause hardship. Knowing the differences between good debt an..... Read more

Whether it's paying for a holiday or Christmas gifts, Aussies are prone to reach for their credit cards when they need some extra cash. According to data from the Reserve Bank of Australia and Finder.com.au, the nation spent a total of $29.7 billion on credit cards in December 2018 alone, or $1,863 per person. This number is up $1.8 billion from the previous December. Credit card use has increase..... Read more

Most Aussies use their credit cards unwisely, according to a recent survey of 1,000 credit card holders by Members Equity Bank. 70% of people admitted to at least 3 out of 7 common bad habits that can lead to expensive charges, higher interest rates and spiralling credit card debt. For Millennials aged 25 to 39, the figure was even higher at 85%. If you're worried that you might not be using your..... Read more

For many Australians, a relaxing holiday is followed up by stressful debt repayments when they arrive back home, as they struggle to pay off the loans and credit cards used to fund their trips away. If you don't want your holiday spending to spoil the rest of your year, following these 5 tips could help you avoid 'debt lag' or minimise its effects. 1. Stick to a budget Work out how much money you..... Read more

The downturn in Australia's housing market is causing uncertainty for many first-time buyers and existing homeowners. Whether you're entering the property market for the first time or struggling to keep on top of your mortgage, learning from other homeowners' mistakes could mean you avoid making these same mistakes yourself. 1. Not doing your research For many people, buying a home is the biggest ..... Read more