After having so many interest rate rises over the past twelve months, it’s been quite a pleasure since May to not be anxious about the increase of my monthly mortgage repayment, since the Reserve Bank (and fortunately, my bank too) have seen fit to keep rates stable. But it’s probably not safe to assume that this pleasant state of being will continue indefinitely: or is it?.... Keep Reading »

Social media is everywhere these days and in case you didn’t realise, even banks are getting into Facebook and Twitter. Something that we used to consider as just part of our after hours fun and a way to catch up with friends is becoming all-pervasive and there are even studies out there on how banks are interacting with us, their customers, via social media..... Keep Reading »

There was no interest rate rise at the August meeting of the Reserve Bank: and snap, same again this week, again the cash rate has remained at 4.50 per cent after the Reserve Bank board got together for their first Tuesday in September meeting..... Keep Reading »

Australian mortgage holders in some parts of the country might have become a little nervous this week, with new statistics out showing that the value of Australian houses and units has dropped in some cities – in particular, in Brisbane (by 3.3 per cent) and Perth (by 2.5 per cent) for houses, and in Canberra (by 2.7 per cent) and Perth (by 2.5 per cent) for units, over the three months to the end of July, according to the RP Data-Rismark International quarterly index. In other cities, home owners and investors won’t be so concerned, as there have been slight rises; and in all cases, the overall trend for the past year is still an increase..... Keep Reading »