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Spending

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Despite Kmart profits rising, spurred by growth in its private label Anko products, uncertainty over interest rate cuts could bring gloom on the horizon for the big retailer.

‘We’re not out of the woods yet’: Kmart owner says rate cut not enough to entice shoppers

Although consumers continue to flock to Kmart in search of better deals, Wesfarmers’ CEO remains cautious.

  • Cindy Yin

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Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock.

What Michele Bullock really meant in speech after cutting interest rates

We’ve deciphered the RBA governor’s comments on Tuesday, after the Reserve Bank cut rates for the first time in more than four years.

  • Matt Wade and Shane Wright
Michele Bullock, governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), speaks during a news conference at the bank’s head office in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. Australia’s central bank cut interest rates for the first time since 2020 as inflation approaches the top of its 2-3% target, while saying it will take a cautious approach to future decisions.

RBA dashes hopes of further rate relief after first cut in four years

The big four banks moved quickly to match the cut to their mortgage rates to alleviate the pain mortgage holders have been feeling since rates started rising in May 2022.

  • Shane Wright, Millie Muroi and Sumeyya Ilanbey

Want to keep your local cafe in business? Start paying them $7 a coffee

As a coffee-obsessed nation, Australia has been holding terrified cafe owners to ransom for too long. It’s time we enter our $7 coffee era.

  • Rachel Clun
A treat here and there won’t break the bank, but being more mindful about it could leave you with more cash to save.

Are your small spending habits sending you broke?

In some ways, our discretionary spending money feels the most real to us. But it can also be the most dangerous.

  • Victoria Devine
Australians tipped more generously and with greater frequency in 2024, with increased ease of gratuity-giving among the reasons proposed for the surge.

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.

  • Daniel Lo Surdo
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Laura Boyd.

Could you buy nothing for a whole year? The Aussies curbing their shopping habits

A no-buy challenge may sound restrictive, but for those who have done it, it’s brought freedom.

  • Lauren Ironmonger
Australian Open food prices

$120 for lunch? Fans stunned by Australian Open food prices

With beer at $15 a can and pizza slices for $20, tennis fans should be ready to fork out big on food and drink – or follow the wisdom of some clever families: BYO.

  • Sophie Aubrey
The price of beer is seldom displayed in pubs. But it should be.

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?

  • Paul Marshall

$550 for a haircut might seem a lot, but bad hair can really cost you

Attractive, well-groomed people usually get more promotions and make more money. But hundreds of dollars for a cut and colour, in this economy?

  • Rachel Clun

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/spending-hp0