Pay off or Save? If we have credit card/loan/mortgage debt, are we better off paying as much off this as we can or splitting our budget between saving and paying off? Or, should we pay the minimum and save as much as we can? Finance Expert, Anthony Bell tells us the best practices.   by AnthonyREAD MORE

When looking at savings accounts, the three things that need to be considered are: 1. Interest rate paid 2. Fees charged 3. Accessibility of the funds Getting higher interest rates used to lock consumers in to having to take out term deposits. Over the last 10 years there’s been READ MORE

Recent Federal Government legislation should now ensure that the cost of moving banks is relatively cost free and unrestrictive. The guidelines have removed the banks right to hold a borrower with unjustified and high discharge fees. You may incur some small legal and transfer fees of approximREAD MORE

The toughest part in uncertain economic times is often the constant media speculation and “bad news” stories being written and broadcast. It’s important to be aware of what is happening in the world, but always keep in mind that as individuals, we can do little to influence it, and no aREAD MORE

All types of insurance relieves policy holders from the financial burden in the event the risk covered materialises. This is a very important advantage of holding an insurance policy. It helps one cope with hard times and secures the financial state of an individual and their families at all tREAD MORE

Before jumping into registering with the Australian Tax Office for an Australian Business Number ("ABN"), I'd recommend you take a step back and begin your business plan, start to consider some of the following: - What is your business and what will it do? - Who will its customers be anREAD MORE

With the end of financial year upon us, there is limited time left to effectively minimise the amount of tax you will pay. Tax planning doesn’t have to be an onerous task, and can often involve some simple housekeeping!  What you do to manage your tax will depend on whether you derive yourREAD MORE

A lot of people who have been successful will mention a concept that has changed their ability to focus, and not worry about everything else around them. In its simplest form, the concept is to focus on what you can control, and not worry about what you can’t. Start by listing areas that areREAD MORE

Perhaps you didn't pay your mobile when you were younger, or you went abroad for three years and left your electricity bill unpaid. How do you get your credit rating back in check? Also, what does a bad credit rating mean? And how will not paying your mobile bill (and incurring a bad credit raREAD MORE

Given what we have seen over the last few years in share markets across the world, it is understandable that the average investor may be a bit more hesitant to start a share portfolio and enter the share market. As with any type of market (residential property or the price of bananas at the READ MORE

Interest rates keep going up and affording the mortgage is getting harder. What should homeowners be wary of? How tight is too tight? Will interest rates keep rising? Should renters stick to their lease contracts for now? Whether or not interest rates will rise or fall inevitably involves a READ MORE

Mixing your assets can be fraught with danger and uncertainty but, as RESCU’s finance expert Anthony Bell explains, this can be reduced with some upfront discussion and planning. Keep in mind that issues over finances are a big cause of relationship issues and breakdowns, so it makes sensREAD MORE