Why Australian interest rates are likely to rise and when

Why Australian interest rates are likely to rise and when Senior economist Diana Mousina answers our questions on potential interest rate changes and what it could mean for Aussie households. Why have interest rates been so low for so long? The main reason interest rates have been kept so low is the Reserve Bank of Australia undershooting on its inflation target of 2-3%. We haven’t seen underlying or core inflation within that band sustainably since …

How ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ affects your credit score | Money & Life

How ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ affects your credit score What impact does ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ have on your credit score, particularly for people wanting to secure a home loan? Christopher Zinn explains. In recent years, ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) has become an increasingly popular method for consumers looking to purchase goods via installments without resorting to credit cards. These services are often billed as a safer and more convenient  way for consumers to …

Millennials and money: what does the future hold? | Money & Life

Millennials and money: what does the future hold? With the rising cost of housing, an aging population, climate change and now a pandemic falling squarely on the shoulders of Australia’s millennials, how is this generation faring financially? The first millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are turning 40 this year. Still, despite more than twenty years in the workforce, it seems their financial wellbeing isn’t guaranteed. A Commonwealth Bank study has found that almost two thirds (61 …

APR 21 – Federal Budget & global markets update | AMP Capital

ECONOMICS & MARKETS APR 21 – Federal Budget & global markets update   After a historical Federal Budget spending spree in 2020, what impact will the 2021 Budget have on the recovery? In this webinar Shane Oliver, Chief Economist & Head of Investment Strategy will give an update on the 2021 Budget:   12 May, 2021 By Dr Shane Oliver Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP Capital Sydney, Australia Important information While every …

Changing money habits for good | Money & Life

  Changing money habits for good Is sticking to a budget the money magic wand that can sort out your finances, once and for all? Discover what budgeting can and can’t do for you and how to turn new budget habits into positive lifestyle changes. What’s a budget for? Knowing how to budget is one thing. But what is the real point of a budget and how can it actually help you change your behaviour and get …

Frugal February – how much could you save?

Frugal February – how much could you save? It’s the shortest month of the year so what better time to make a change and save some money? We’ve got three tips for each of the next four weeks to help those dollars pile up in Frugal February. Week 1 – the same lifestyle for less In week one, we’re easing you into the swing of saving with some good financial habits to get you into …

Budgeting for baby: What you need to know

Budgeting for baby: What you need to know Having a baby is an exciting and life changing experience. But what about the cost? There are many hidden and unexpected expenses that go along with your new bundle of joy. Follow our handy guide to planning your finances, so you can avoid any money worries once baby arrives. No two ways about it, having a baby in Australia isn’t cheap. It also comes at a time …

Joe Biden on track to become US president – implications for investors and Australia

Joe Biden on track to become US president – implications for investors and Australia   Key points The US election has been close and final counting as well as legal challenges could still upset the result, but the now highly likely outcome is a Biden Presidency. While there is a possibility that the Democrats could win control of the Senate via runoff elections in Georgia, the most likely outcome is that Democrats will retain control …

COVID-19: How long may your super savings take to recover?

COVID-19: How long may your super savings take to recover? As investment market volatility continues, what does this mean for Australians’ retirement savings? The COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis has caused uncertainty in many areas of life, not least on investment markets. Share prices have been fluctuating wildly as investors react to unfolding global events. From its high point in March the Australian All Ordinaries Index shed more than a third of its value before recovering some …