If you're already struggling with debt, Christmas can be the most stressful time of the year, especially if you feel pressured to buy gifts you can't afford and run up even more debt. According to the National Retail Association (NRA), Australians spend more than $1 billion a day on Christmas shopp..... Read more

While many developed countries have seen debt levels declining in the decade since the global financial crisis, Australia's personal debt is today among the highest in the world compared to GDP. According to the latest OECD data for 2016, Australians owe a combined $2 trillion of personal debt, wit..... Read more

If you've heard about the changes to credit card rules that are being introduced this year in Australia, you might be wondering how they apply to you. The good news is that these reforms are designed to protect consumers by preventing banks, credit card companies and other lenders from using disrep..... Read more

Social pressure for 'Instagram perfect' weddings is leading many Australian couples to begin their married lives deep in debt. Overspending on the big day can have consequences many years down the line if you don't plan and budget carefully, especially if you're already struggling to pay off a mort..... Read more

If you're already in debt, adding a car loan to the pile could create problems if it means you might struggle to meet all your monthly payments on time. But sometimes, there's no avoiding it. Here are questions to ask yourself and steps you should take before making the big decision. Do you really ..... Read more

From mortgages and credit cards to student loans, nearly all Australians are in debt at some time in their lives, but it doesn't have to stay that way. While there can be many factors keeping you in the red, sometimes a change of attitude and adjusting your priorities can go a long way towards getti..... Read more

Rising house prices and stagnant salaries are causing more Australians to rely on their parents for help when financing their first homes. A recent study by Digital Finance Analytics found that the 'Bank of Mum and Dad' now finances over $20 billion worth of home loans and deposits nationwide – eno..... Read more

Despite the ongoing controversy around payday loans, lenders are continuing to find new ways to make short-term, high-interest loans more accessible to borrowers in need. Their latest strategy is automatic loan machines popping up in shopping centres in some of New South Wales' most impoverished su..... Read more

Marriage can affect your finances beyond wedding expenses, but tying the knot doesn't mean you automatically share responsibility for your spouse's past debt. You may decide to help each other out to pay off outstanding loans and credit cards, but in most cases, credit applied for by an individual ..... Read more

Australians are relying on their plastic more than ever. According to recent figures from JD Power and RBA, credit card use increased by 18% last year and the average credit card debt now stands at $1,990 per person, the highest in two years. If you're thinking about getting a credit card, it's imp..... Read more