Marge’s computer wouldn’t turn on. Then IT support offered ‘help’
There’s a new scam doing the rounds this Christmas, and it’s a tough one to spot.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Latest
Opinion
Home loans
Five ways to get a leg up on the property ladder (including one new one)
The Help to Buy legislation passed parliament this week, giving first home buyers five feasible ways to get started.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
General insurance
How paying car insurance monthly could cost you twice
There’s a costly, yet common, clause in many contracts that may take you by surprise.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Retirement living
There’s more to a happy early retirement than $73,000 a year
There are three keys to happiness: someone to love, something to do and some things to look forward to. And that makes for a pretty sound retirement template.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Ask an expert
Should I use my savings to pay down my mortgage?
Some lock-in loans are cheaper than variable rate loans right now because the next rate move is expected to be downwards.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Interest rates
Play the rate cycle right, and you could save $242,700 on your mortgage
The odds are slim for a Melbourne Cup Day rate cut, but economists are betting on a fall by February. Here’s how you can make the most of it.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Loyalty programs
The quiet, yet significant, change to Qantas’ frequent flyer scheme
In a huge change, Qantas has quietly altered the schedule on which it opens up its some of its cheapest seats.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Kids & money
Forget tradies. It’s the kids who’ll suffer if cash disappears
Digital payments make money scarily psychologically disposable, with cash still the best way to help young minds learn how to spend wisely.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Scams
Beware the ‘Microsoft support’ scam – it cost Fran $30,000
Want a chance of getting scam compensation from one of the big banks? There’s one simple rule to follow.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
BNPL
All the ways to get your pay early – and why you should never use them
Just 50 years ago, it was near impossible to spend more than you earned. Today, it’s a piece of credit cake.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Interest rates
Why now could be the very worst time to fix your mortgage
Forget the fixed-rate cliff, Aussies locking in their home loans today risk altitude sickness.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/nicole-pedersen-mckinnon-hveqa