If you have been with the same gym, insurer, or lender for years and never questioned the price, chances are you are quietly paying a loyalty tax that is costing you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year.
From the Iran conflict and surging oil prices to back-to-back RBA rate hikes and mounting cost of living pressure, the first quarter of 2026 has been one of the most turbulent in recent memory for Australian households and investors.
If a recent pay rise has left you wondering why you’re not getting ahead, bracket creep could be the culprit, and there are practical, legitimate strategies that can help you keep more of what you earn.
With the RBA signalling that interest rates could stay elevated for longer, we cut through the uncertainty and gives homebuyers and existing mortgage holders a practical checklist to take control of their financial position.
Interest rates may stay higher for longer, which can feel uncomfortable if you are thinking about buying or already have a mortgage. This article steps through five practical checkpoints to help you make more confident decisions in today’s lending environment.
Learn how to approach buying, refinancing or holding your home loan in a higher for longer interest rate environment.