Consumer "Must Knows"
Pre-paid cards may be the answer to consumers’ escalating credit woes
The introduction and subsequent popularity of debit cards is proof that consumers are making the choice to move away from choosing the credit option when making their purchases. Particularly in these tough economic times more and more people are looking for ways to cut costs and tighten the budget. It may not be widely known but there is another product on the market that can help to keep an even tighter lid on spending – pre-paid cards.
Investors Moving Money To Greener Pastures
A few months ago the Federal Government announced that it would be introducing a guarantee on all deposits held in Australian banks, building societies and credit unions. For those who have their money invested in various bank deposit products, this was welcome news and went a long way to easing some of the uncertainty brought on by the global financial crisis.
However, there are a large number of consumers who have their funds in alternative investment options, such as mortgage funds and cash management trusts (CMTs) for example.
Super Co-contributions - maximse your super fund and secure your financial future
With recent events across the globe emphasising the volatility of the international financial market it is perhaps some timely advice that consumers make a move to not just focus on the immediate effects of the current downturn. It is important that, in times such as these, that we continue to also look to the future in an attempt to make personal financial decisions that will have a long-lasting impact and can potentially secure our financial future.
A Tax Refund to Aid the Education Revolution
Following through with the yet another scheme that was announced in the 2008-09 Federal Budget, the Rudd Government has recently introduced to Parliament legislation that will see the enactment of the Education Tax Refund.
As set out in the budget, the Education Tax Refund will see the current Government invest $4.4 billion over the next four years to fund the all-important continuing education of the next generation of Australians.
Does Your Deposit Have Insurance Protection?
In light of the current economic crisis in the US and particularly the downfall of renowned financial institution, Lehman Brothers, it is understandable that depositors are somewhat concerned about the safety of their money.
There is a common misconception that some institutions here on Australian shores are safer than others. For example, the four big banks are safer that credit unions or building societies. This is not necessarily the case.
What You Should Know About “Buy Now, Pay Later” Plans
These days we are exposed to an increasing number of television and newspaper advertisements for “interest free” or “buy now, pay later” offers. These types of promotional products are usually offered by major retail chains such as Harvey Norman, Domayne and Freedom Furniture. These stores sell the latest-and-greatest homewares and electrical products, from lounge suites and bedroom settings to plasma televisions and surround sound stereo systems.