News

How to close the gap on pesky health insurance gap payments

How to close the gap on pesky health insurance gap payments

If you fear some of the intricacies of navigating private health insurance, like being stung financially, here's a straightforward fix which could save you hundreds. When the doctor or specialist's office sends you a letter with the operation's item numbers, so you can check with your fund that you are covered, try just one thing. Don't be shy, don't wait to be asked and don't hesitate: m... read more>
Exposed—the high cost of being too loyal with your home loan

Exposed—the high cost of being too loyal with your home loan

It may be hard to believe, but the banks stand accused of not only making it difficult to compare home loans but also ensuring switching to cheaper mortgages is trickier than it could be. Incredible, isn’t it?  Perhaps not, given their track record of erecting hurdles in front of those of us merely seeking a better deal for what can be our most costly outlay. What is incredible is despite... read more>
Spend, spend, spend the new mantra for retirement, as too many go to the grave loaded

Spend, spend, spend the new mantra for retirement, as too many go to the grave loaded

Older generations have long called out the young for being wasteful with their limited resources. For example, what about the furore over their alleged preference for high-priced smashed avocado? But now the boot is on the other foot. Retirees are being egged on to spend their money in savings, super and even the family home before it’s all too late and their children are the beneficiaries o... read more>
The smarter ways to make ends meet at Christmas

The smarter ways to make ends meet at Christmas

It hardly needs saying that it pays to avoid high-interest borrowing, be that credit cards or payday lenders, especially at Christmas. Those who pay top dollar over the festive season to finance their purchases, even the necessities, presumably feel they have no other choices. Few would sample the delights of the payday lender, whether online or in the shopping strip, if they thought th... read more>
Even if you can’t fix it, we all need a right to repair

Even if you can’t fix it, we all need a right to repair

Older people make better repairers. It may not be as racy as claiming we are better lovers, but it’s more likely to be true. Surely more people over 50 can mend, stick, fix, glue, solder or stitch and breathe new life into an item, be it clothing or a car, which might otherwise be discarded. Granted, the young are better at activating digital devices and addressing error messages, but sad... read more>