The Savings Tip Jar

In this week's Savings News Roundup, we talk through that whopper of a federal budget - probably the most consequential one we've seen in decades, particularly for Aussies that strive to save, invest and growth their wealth. Is it providing a fairer go, or merely blocking people from having a go?We also examine how some banks may be leaving savings account customers behind in how they're passing along the RBA rate hike, and the sudden drop in home loan lending observed in the latest ABS data. Then, in our Dollar Dialogue, we hear from Emeritus Professor of Finance and UNSW Business School Peter Swan, who does not hold back in his assessment of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fifth federal budget, describing it as the "worst one he's ever seen" in his 50 years of budget-watching. And of course, our savings tips - including using a financial planner and not letting social media influence your standards. Email us your thoughts and tips: [email protected]

Emeritus Professor of Finance and UNSW Business School Peter Swan does not hold back in his assessment of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fifth federal budget. Got something to say? Email us: [email protected]

This week's Dollar Dialogue featured a post-RBA hike discussion with Dr Susan Stone, who's the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University. Dr Stone explains why she feels the RBA had to hike this month, and why another hike might be necessary later this year. She also suggests the RBA might be too optimistic in their inflation forecasts, and gives her thoughts on what it all means for the upcoming federal budget.Got any feedback or tips? Email us: [email protected]

In this Savings News Roundup, we talk through this week's RBA rate rise - the third of 2026, and perhaps not the last. We also talk through the property market slowdown and a potential new tax offset that’s rumoured to be in the federal budget.Then, in our Dollar Dialogue, we hear the expert analysis of the RBA decision from Dr Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University. And of course, our savings tips - which includes a special points transfer offer from Velocity which Dom is particularly excited about. Email us your thoughts and tips: [email protected]

Zyft Consumer Finance Expert Joel Gibson joined us in the Jar to share his thoughts on inflation, the RBA's next move, grocery prices and the upcoming federal budget. Email us: [email protected]

In this week's Savings News Roundup we discuss new rate movements from Westpac, ASIC's latest warning on finfluencers, and the recent rise in rents.Then in our Dollar Dialogue, we get Zyft Consumer Finance Expert Joel Gibson's reaction to the latest inflation data and his thoughts on what it means for the RBA 's cash rate decision next week. Joel also explains why milk is the 'canary in the coalmine' for grocery prices, and gives us a brief preview of what to expect from next week's Federal Budget announcement. And of course, we all share our savings tips, including a little known perk to offset accounts that Dom recently discovered.Got a savings tip to share? Email us: [email protected]

In this week's Savings Scribe, Bea Garcia talks us through her new guide to the Bank of Mum & Dad on InfoChoice.She runs us through the the various forms of financial support parents may offer their children, plus the pros and cons - from the perspective of both the kids and parents.Email us: [email protected]

Queenie Tan is a finance influencer, author, and co-founder of Aussie budgeting app Billroo.She joined us this week to share some of her top savings tips, including how to make the most out of rewards programs such as Flybuys.Do you have any questions, comments, tips or feedback? Email us at [email protected]

In this week's Savings News Roundup, we discuss the latest news on the Albanese Government's proposed $1,000 instant tax deduction plus all rumoured changes coming in next month's Federal Budget. Then for our Savings Scribe segment, we chat to Bea Garcia about her guide to the bank of mum and dad.Finally, our Dollar Dialogue this week is with finance influencer, author, and Billroo co-founder Queenie Tan, who shares actionable tips on how we can regain control of our finances and make our dollar stretch further. Plus plenty of great savings tips!If you have any feedback, questions, or savings tips - send an email to [email protected].

Amanda Dean has amassed a large following as the @bargain.boss on Instagram where she reveals some of Australia's best bargains and special offers, plus some of her top money making and money-saving tips. She joins us in the jar to reveal how she became the @bargain.boss and share some of her top savings tips for these school holidays and beyond. We also ask her if it's harder to find bargains in this economic climate and whether bargain hunting is an addiction! If you have any questions, tips or feedback, send us an email via [email protected]

For this week's Dollar Dialogue, we're joined by Melbourne-based mum of two Amanda Dean, popularly known as the Bargain Boss on Instagram. Amanda shares some of her top tips for bargain hunting - crucial for so many of us at this time.That chat follows our Savings Round-Up, where we discuss plunging consumer confidence, the latest oil+petrol price movements, and the fixed-rate dilemma Aussie mortgage-holders are facing.And of course our savings tips of the week! Get in touch: [email protected]

Savings.com.au finance journalist Bernadette Lunas talks us through the ins and outs of using a novated lease to finance an EV.Read Bernadette's guide to novated leases.Send us your thoughts, comments, questions or savings tips to [email protected]

This week Dom and Denise outline the latest movements in the fixed-rate markets for home loans and term deposits, and discuss the dip in oil prices following the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire in Iran. Then, in our Savings Scribe segment, Bernadette Lunas joins us to break down the ins and outs of novated leases, particularly for those considering using them to acquire an EV amid the fuel price crisis. Plus we share some savings tips on Easter chocolate, fruit and fuel. If you have any questions, comments, tips, or feedback, send an email to [email protected].

Dom and Denise chat to John Arnott, the Director of AMP Bank GO, about the rise of the 'unconditional' savings account. If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or savings tips, send us an email to [email protected]

Australia will have three more RBA rate hikes this year - that's what Westpac's economic eggheads have predicted this week. Such hikes - tipped for May, June and August - would take Australia's cash rate to a post-GFC record high. Meanwhile, the fuel price crisis rolls on, but some relief this week with the halving of the fuel excise to save motorists 26cents/litre at the pump for the next three months. But won't this exacerbate inflation, causing interest rates to remain higher for longer?We also explain the new ban on card surcharges and consider whether this will simply drive merchants to pass more costs onto goods. Finally, AMP Bank GO's Director John Arnott joins us in the jar to discuss the resurrection of 'basic' savings accounts that don't require savers to jump through hoops in order to earn a decent rate of interest on their savings. Send in any questions, comments, feedback or savings tips to [email protected].

Savings Scribe Bea Garcia joins to chat all things green car loans. What are they and could they save you money?If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Oil prices are at their highest point since the pandemic and petrol-heads are feeling the pinch. That's why, this week, Dom and Brooke chat with Carma director of buying Pete Willis about the current used car market and the ‘deadline’ facing SUV sellers.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Oil prices are at their highest point since the pandemic and petrol-heads are feeling the pinch. So, we thought it was time for a bumper car edition (get it?) of the Savings Tip Jar.This week, Dom and Brooke chat with Carma director of buying Pete Willis about the ‘deadline’ facing SUV sellers.And, Savings Scribe Bea Garcia joins to chat all things green car loans. What are they and could they save you money?But wait, there's more! Consumer confidence is at an all-time low, APRA warns insurance costs could collapse the banking system, and the latest CPI figures are in.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

AMP Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver gives us his take on the RBA's latest rate hike and its impact on households.Plus he explains why government spending is a factor in Australia's inflation problem and highlights an obvious area of spending the government could cut back on.And finish with a bang, we ask him whether he thinks Australia is headed for a recession.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

The RBA has lifted Australia's cash rate for the second month in a row. But why now? Why smash indebted Aussie households amid the current petrol price panic?Dom and Denise talk to AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver to find out, as well as ask him some big questions about the influence of federal government spending and areas the government could cut back on, plus whether Australia is headed for a recession. Dom and Denise also break down some of the latest movements on the home loan, savings account and term deposit markets this week, plus reveal some property hotspots where mortgage repayments are cheaper than rent.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Savings Scribe Bernadette Lunas joins to talk about Aussie homeownership rates. Is the Australian Dream still alive? Listen to find out!If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

RBA expectations are heating up ahead of the central bank's Tuesday rate decision, with two of the big four banks now putting their money on a March rate hike.But where should you - or shouldn’t you - be putting your money? Australia’s #1 bill buster and consumer finance expert at Zyft, Joel Gibson, joins Brooke and Dom to unpack the latest cost-of-living pressures.With Aussies set to feel around $2,000 more in back-pocket pain in 2026, now is the time to put the brakes on unnecessary spending - and Joel shares exactly where households can cut back.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

RBA expectations are heating up ahead of the central bank's Tuesday rate decision, with two of the big four banks now putting their money on a March rate hike.But where should you - or shouldn’t you - be putting your money? Australia’s #1 bill buster and consumer finance expert at Zyft, Joel Gibson, joins Brooke and Dom to unpack the latest cost-of-living pressures.With Aussies set to feel around $2,000 more in back-pocket pain in 2026, now is the time to put the brakes on unnecessary spending - and Joel shares exactly where households can cut back.Plus, Savings Scribe Bernadette Lunas joins to talk about Aussie homeownership rates. Is the Australian Dream still alive? Listen to find out! And of course, Brooke and Dom break down the week in news - and what a week it has been! If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Savings Scribe Denise Raward breaks down the rumoured changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give To Gain’, highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and access to opportunity, including financial advice.With the financial literacy gap still contributing to wider inequalities such as the wage gap, wealth gap, super gap and retirement gap, Dom and Brooke are joined by UniSuper Head of Advice Strategy Annika Bradley to discuss how better financial knowledge can help people take control of their financial futures.

International Women’s Day is on 8 March, and with this year’s theme being 'Give To Gain', it’s the perfect time to tackle the financial literacy gap and its impact on other inequities: the wage gap, wealth gap, super gap, and retirement gap.Joining Dom and Brooke is UniSuper Head of Advice Strategy, Annika Bradley, who shares practical ways women (and men) can use financial knowledge and advice to take control of their financial futures.Plus, Savings Scribe Denise Raward breaks down the rumoured changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. And of course, there’s plenty of news on the RBA, the housing market, and the broader financial landscape.

What would you do if you unexpectedly received a chunk of cash? Your first instinct might not be the best cause of action. That’s according to Bridges Financial Services financial planner Pete Brewster, who joined the Savings Tip Jar podcast the week to talk about what Aussies should do if they suddenly find themselves with a lump sum. Hint: Paying off your mortgage or dumping it into superannuation might not be the best course of action. Plus, Savings scribe Harry O’Sullivan joins to reminisce on his years as a Savings.com.au finance journalist as he prepares to jet off into a new chapter in life. And of course, Dom and Brooke run through all the latest financial news, including this week’s shock inflation read and the market’s new leading savings account.

Thinking about turning your home into an investment property? Savings Scribe Bea Garcia breaks down the financial, tax, and lending implications - including the financial and emotional traps that could cost you. Got questions, comments or savings tips? Email us at [email protected]

What sparked Australia’s refinancing surge in 2025? Australian Banking Association CEO Simon Birmingham joins the Savings Tip Jar podcast to unpack why so many mortgage borrowers jumped ship, and what it signals for the market today.We also cover:🏦 Bonus savings account interest rates 🔀 Brokers vs direct‑to‑bank lending📈 What’s happening with investor lendingGot questions, comments or savings tips? Email us at [email protected].

Australian Banking Association CEO Simon Birmingham joins the Savings Tip Jar to break down a ripper year for home loan refinancing. What drove mortgage-holders to refinance in droves in 2025? He also covers the latest in the banking world - bonus savings rates, brokers vs. direct-to-bank lending, and investor lending trends.Plus: Savings Scribe Bea Garcia unpacks the key steps for transitioning your owner-occupier home into an investment property.And of course, Dom and Brooke run through the must-know finance news for Aussies to stay ahead of the game. On the agenda: Coles vs. the ACCC, the latest wage price index data, and a look at February's major bank reporting season.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Is the solution to Australia’s housing crisis a flat‑pack home from Bunnings?The retail giant is now selling pre‑fabricated modular houses, and Custodian managing director James Fitzgerald is here to break down what it could mean for homeowners and the nation.We cover:🏠 How pre-fab homes can add value to a property💰 What they cost (and what they might cost in the future)📉 The potential tax implications for homeowners🌏 And more!Got questions, comments or savings tips? Email us at [email protected].

It turns out love might care more about budgeting than bouquets.New research from ING shows 1.5 million Aussies have ghosted a potential partner after discovering their financial values didn’t match.ING head of consumer & market insights Matt Bowen joins Brooke and Dom to unpack why money habits matter so much in modern dating, what Aussies really think about financial compatibility, and the money‑smart dating tips that could save your next relationship.We cover:💔 Why 1.5 million people have ghosted over money❤️ Why 39% of Aussies believe financial compatibility is as important as emotional compatibility💡 Matt’s top money‑matchmaking tips for anyone dating in 2026Got questions, thoughts or savings tips? Email us at [email protected].

Cool housing solutions, financially hot dates, and a swathe of financial news: It’s a dual-expert episode of the Savings Tip Jar podcast.This week, Custodian managing director James Fitzgerald joins us to unpack the rise of modular homes, a low-cost housing solution now stocked by retail giant Bunnings.Then, ahead of Valentine’s Day, new research reveals 1.5 million Aussies have ghosted a potential partner over misaligned financial values. ING head of consumer and market insights Matt Bowen explains what’s behind the trend, and what it says about modern relationships.Plus: shocking rental growth, record first home buyer borrowing, and the continuing fallout from the latest RBA rate hike.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

The RBA has delivered its first rate hike of the cycle, but why now, and what happens next?Dom and Brooke sit down with Savings.com.au journalist Harry O’Sullivan - our resident Savings Scribe and unofficial 'chief economist' - to break down the Reserve Bank’s latest move.With a background in economics, Harry walks us through what drove the RBA’s decision, what it signals about the path ahead for interest rates, and what it could mean for borrowers and savers in the months to come.If you’re trying to make sense of the RBA’s thinking, without drowning in central bank jargon, this one’s for you!

It’s official: the Reserve Bank of Australia has hiked the cash rate for the first time since 2023, bringing the 2025 cutting cycle to an abrupt end.Dom and Brooke are joined by Savings.com.au 'chief economist' Harry O’Sullivan, who breaks down all punters need to know about the decision and what to expect next.Plus, house prices and the Aussie dollar are both on the up.And finally, Raiz CEO Brendan Malone joins the podcast to unpack new data showing Gen Z is packing a serious financial punch in 2026.All that, and plenty of savings tips. If you have questions, comments, or feedback, please email us at [email protected].

In this week's Dollar Dialog, CommBank senior economist Ashwin Clarke breaks down one of Australia’s most overlooked - yet integral - data points: the Household Saving Ratio.If you have questions, comments, feedback or savings tips, email us at [email protected].

Inflation is out, unemployment is down, and an RBA rate hike looks more likely - and that's just the first 10 minutes!This week Dom and Brooke break down a financial news cycle that's been pedalling at lightspeed.Then, savings scribe Bernadette Lunas joins the show to unpack Australia’s most consistent suburbs for property investing.Finally, CommBank senior economist Ashwin Clarke drops into Dollar Dialog to break down one of Australia’s most overlooked - yet integral - data points: the Household Savings Ratio.And as always, we've peppered plenty of expert savings tips to help you manage your money with confidence.If you have questions, comments, or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Raiz CEO Brendan Malone joins Dom and Brooke in the Savings Tip Jar to unpack the findings of the 'Raiz Young Australians Money Reset Report'.If you have any questions, comments, feedback or savings tips you'd like to share, shoot us an email at [email protected].

This week's Dollar Dialogue features wealth coach Andrew Woodward who discusses a key savings trend to keep in mind for 2026 and explains why he feels the cost of living crisis is set to continue. Andrew also runs us through a money management system that everyday Aussies can implement this year. For an in-depth demonstration of how to use this system, try out Andrew's free mini course: 5 Steps to Financial FreedomIf you have any questions, comments, suggestions or feedback, send an email to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

This week Dom and Brooke discuss the concerning uptick in construction costs, the latest increases to home loan rates and whether term deposits are cool again. Also, savings scribe Harry O'Sullivan joins to discuss his report on how many big bank bonus-rate savings account customers are failing to earn the top rate, which leads our jarheads to question the value of such products and whether they're simply an opportunity for banks to rip-off savers. Finally, our Dollar Dialogue segment features wealth coach Andrew Woodward who discusses a key savings trend to keep in mind for in 2026 and explains why he feels the cost of living crisis is set to continue. Andrew also runs us through a money management system that everyday Aussies can implement this year. For an in-depth demonstration of how to use this system, try out Andrew's free mini course: 5 Steps to Financial Freedom.And as always, plenty of savings tips!If you have any questions, comments or feedback, email us at [email protected].

Bendigo Bank Chief Economist David Robertson joins Dom in the jar to explain why he feels it's 'too hasty' to expect the RBA to hike the cash rate early this year. David also shares his 2026 forecasts for inflation, the labour market, plus his thoughts on whether AI technology is the solution to Australia's flailing productivity rate.

We're back! But things have changed...After more than three years as co-host, Harrison has hung up the microphone and tipped the last of his savings into the jar. We'll miss him dearly but thankfully we have a new permanent jarhead to take his place alongside Dom, and that's Your Mortgage Editor Brooke Cooper!This first full episode of 2026 sees Brooke and Dom discuss the weaker-than-expected inflation results, the latest property price movements and an unexpected boost to savings account rates from a big four bank. They also sit down with savings scribe Denise Raward to discuss the big money changes of 2026.Then we wrap up the show with our first Dollar Dialogue of the year, which features Bendigo Bank Chief Economist David Robertson, who runs us through his economic forecasts for 2026. And of course, plenty of savings tips throughout! Enjoy the episode. For any questions, comments or feedback, reach out to us at [email protected].

Summer Series rolls on. 2026 is set to be a big year for property with many research houses forecasting big gains in values. So, what's a first home buyer to do? Darragh Heard, founder and director of sales and marketing property at Tallpopie, explains to Brooke Cooper the challenges FHBs face now, including construction bottlenecks and actually having a series of good dwellings to choose from! Reach out to us at [email protected] 00:39 - Savings tip - buy humbly03:59 - FHBs in 202606:12 - Supply side struggles11:21 - Demand side13:19 - Taxes on developers16:03 - Developers changing tack20:18 - Repurposed sites for housing

Summer Series: In depth chats to keep you entertained and informed over the December-January lull where you don't know what day it is. Melbourne remains an enigma in terms of property price performance. Prices are still flat in a lot of areas. Despite interest rate cuts, demand hasn't picked up too much and it remains a balanced market. Victoria is one of the only states broadly on track fulfilling its housing supply goals, and there are some ambitious densification projects going on.Haz and savings scribe Harry sit down to digest the top suburb picks that real estate agents and property experts have identified for us. Read Harry's article here https://www.savings.com.au/news/melbourne-suburbs-to-watch-in-202602:00 - Sunshine04:21 - Footscray07:11 - Point Cook10:10 - Corio11:59 - Thomastown 14:14 - Coburg 16:23 - Box HillReach out to us at [email protected]

Summer series rolls on. In this episode we're talking about Darwin property. Property in the Top End has been a curious success story over the past year or so, neatly coinciding with the introduction of a $50k homeowners grant. On to discuss this and the suburbs to watch in 2026 is Belinda Tennant, the founder of Thrive Property NT. The article about Darwin property herehttps://www.savings.com.au/news/darwin-suburbs-to-watch-2026Reach out to us at [email protected] 00:54 - Darwin CBD02:15 - Lyons and Muirhead03:30 - Fannie Bay04:54 - Stuart Park, Parap, Larrakeyah, The Gardens06:18 - Local bant08:30 - Influence of $50k homebuyers grant10:14 - Investors driving demand?

Summer Series continues on. Let Denise Raward's dulcet tones take you through some of the Gold Coast suburbs to watch in 2026, as marked by property experts. There's a central theme among most: Northern growth corridors. With Denise as a GC local herself, and with Haz growing up there, it's an entertaining one. Read Denise's article with expert picks:https://www.savings.com.au/news/gold-coast-suburbs-to-watch-2026Reach out to us at [email protected]:08 - Overview03:27 - Southport07:18 - Labrador09:37 - Pimpama12:49 - Helensvale16:30 - Biggera Waters18:17 - Ashmore, Parkwood & Molendinar 22:20 - Miami25:46 - Why no southern suburbs?

The first summer series kicks off! These episodes are designed to be more casual in nature over the quiet period. In this episode Brooke and Haz sat down casually to talk about some of the biggest themes and stories of the year. From the RBA cuts to a continued pause, to the ongoing property price rebound, savings account conditions, mortgage rates under 5% - 2025 had a bit of everything. Reach out to us at [email protected] Experts' top savings tips wrap:https://www.savings.com.au/news/how-can-i-financially-get-ahead-in-202602:15 - Best savings tips of the year07:00 - Most impactful money habits13:00 - New TD rates from ANZ, Macquarie, Heartland16:55 - Domain housing affordability report22:30 - Fixed home loan rate hikes from Macquarie, others25:15 - RBA 2025 review27:30 - Trump Tariffs Review31:56 - Election and budget review40:17 - Mid-year RBA and inflation review41:10 - Changes to savings accounts in 202546:05 - Changes to home loans in 202551:41 - Property prices in 202555:55 - RBA forecasts for 202658:20 - Property forecasts for 2026

We speak to savings scribe Harry O'Sullivan on the latest GDP figures and what it all means for the economy and the RBA's rate setting agenda this week.Reach out to us at [email protected] 00:37 - Savings tip02:38 - GDP overview04:12 - Household savings ratio04:50 - GDP per capita06:38 - Red flags in the economy?08:01 - Will the RBA change the cash rate in December?

Ever seen some dodgy financial advice floating around on socials, namely TikTok and Instagram? Ever thought they make it seem like it's too easy to buy 50 investment properties and leverage yourself to the hilt? Here to discuss the problem of finfluencers and the dangers of overleverage is Deline Jacovides, financial adviser and founder of Mazi Wealth. She's been busy herself busting those finfluencer myths on social media and she joins the podcast to discuss this more in-depth.Of course, this in itself is not to be considered financial advice.Reach out to us at [email protected] 01:34 - Savings tip03:05 - Crackdown on properties bought through trusts04:38 - The dangers of overleverage08:22 - The rise of finfluencers11:11 - Why APRA is cracking down on high leverage12:57 - Are the finfluencers sweating

Ever seen some dodgy financial advice floating around on socials, namely TikTok and Instagram? Ever thought they make it seem like it's too easy to buy 50 investment properties and leverage yourself to the hilt? Here to discuss the problem of finfluencers and the dangers of overleverage is Deline Jacovides, financial adviser and founder of Mazi Wealth. She's been busy herself busting those finfluencer myths on social media and she joins the podcast to discuss this more in-depth.Of course, this in itself is not to be considered financial advice.Plus we speak to savings scribe Harry O'Sullivan on the latest GDP figures and what it all means for the economy and the RBA's rate setting agenda next week.And all the latest news and savings tips of course.Reach out to us at [email protected]:30 - Savings tips06:05 - Listener feedback07:23 - APRA lending restriction news10:45 - Westpac savings news12:46 - Help to Buy launches 5 Dec18:45 - Harry on GDP28:44 - Deline Jacovides on dodgy financial advice