business
Consumer affairs
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Consumer spending
Despite rising prices, Australians are tipping more
Melbourne and Brisbane tippers were the most generous and Sydneysiders among the most frugal as Australians tipped more in 2024.
- by Daniel Lo Surdo
Latest
Why do so few apartments in Sydney and Melbourne have cost-saving solar panels?
It’s a question that has long frustrated governments and apartment dwellers, particularly as Australia is a world leader in rooftop solar.
- by Simon Johanson
Wilma is spending the inheritance money on travel, and her daughter couldn’t be happier
It’s known as “SKI” – spending your kids’ inheritance – and a growing number of Australians are embracing it.
- by Daniel Lo Surdo
Melbourne-Sydney flights jump in price after competition collapse
Flying domestically has become cheaper, but not between Melbourne and Sydney.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Qantas announces frequent flyer shake-up
Qantas has unveiled a suite of changes that will increase the points needed for seat redemptions, while also raising the points earned on flights.
- by Hannah Kennelly
Bonanza for insurance stocks tipped to cool as premium growth slows
Investors in insurance giants made bumper returns in 2024. But analysts say conditions will be less favourable this year as the pace of price rises slows.
- by Daniel Lo Surdo
Opinion
Privacy
No, retailers, you can’t have my number. We’re not in a relationship
I used to give out my phone number to any old shopkeeper. From now on, I’m playing hard to get.
- by Cherie Gilmour
Opinion
Beer
How a $13 schooner pushed me past the pint of no return
Why can’t we know how much a beer costs before we buy it?
- by Paul Marshall
Holden faces class action over alleged transmission defects
Law firm Maurice Blackburn alleges Holden’s parent company, General Motors, sold cars with faulty transmissions.
- by Tung Nguyen
Aussies face $2.7 billion Christmas debt hangover
Christmas shopping has given close to 2 million Australians a debt hangover that many will spend months paying off.
- by Hannah Kennelly
Kids store fined $5 million for exploiting workers
Blue Sky Kids Land promised “exceptional care” to its tiny customers and their parents. But the clothing retailer also systematically exploited its workers.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs