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.....
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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.....
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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.....
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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 .....
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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.....
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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.....
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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.....
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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 .....
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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.....
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For many people, repaying student loans is low on the list of priorities for life. You may have relied on the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) during your student days, or a Trade Support Loan (TSL) during an apprenticeship, but paying it back is often treated as an optional obligation – especi.....
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