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Home loan interest rate cuts - December 2008

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut the official interest rate by 100 basis points to 4.25% at today's meeting. Another big cut and another big question - how much of the rate cut will be passed on to consumers by banks?

RBA cut official cash rate to 4.25%

The Reserve Bank of Australia has dropped the official cash rate by 100 basis points, to 4.25 per cent, following today's monthly board meeting. This is the lowest the cash rate has been in six and a half years.

The RBA comes to the party

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets today and economists are predicting that there will be a further cut of 75 to 100 basis points after new data showed pressures receding rapidly.

This will take the official cash interest rate to 4.5 per cent for the first time since June 2002.

Housing market stalls

It seems that home owner's grants are not enough to prompt buyers, as Victoria's real estate market has dropped to its lowest point in more than four years.

There were 807 auctions held this Saturday, of which one of two homes failed to sell under the hammer.

Recession proof your lifestyle

The ill winds of a recession are looming. With Christmas not far away and people looking forward to spending a little money to keep the Christmas cheer alive, it's also in the back of every Australian's mind, 2009 is going to be financially difficult for everyone.

Buy now pay later

Australian Institute of Architects says first home buyers grants should be axed and replaced with "Hecs - Style" interest free government loans.

No deposit home loans thing of the past

The global credit crisis is having its effect on first time homebuyers as no deposit home loans could disappear next year.

Travel Insurance is Essential

Organising comprehensive travel insurance before you depart on your holiday should be an essential part of your preparations and can save you the worry of unexpected medical costs. Regardless of how healthy and fit you are you cannot travel without insurance.

Credit card holders slugged yet again

Despite cuts to the official cash rate, certain banks are hiking card interest rates forcing consumers to switch to credit card deals that charge lower interest rates.

Another interest rate cut to help boost spending

The Reserve Bank will most likely drop interest rates by another one percent next month giving households an early Christmas gift.

Has Christmas arrived early bringing $1 a litre petrol?

Sceptical Victorian motorists spurred predictions that the price of petrol was heading towards $1.00 a litre at the bowser.

Prices are currently at their lowest in more than a year, dipping under $1.20, but motorists are still unconvinced that there will be a major fall in prices.

Bank Tied Insurance

The clock is ticking and in 3 years, it's time up for the banks as we know it. Westpac can merge their retail branches of St George and Westpac into one to dominate the retail branch outlet network in Australia.

Water rations a reality

Victorian's prosperity depends on a secure water supply for our homes, farms, environment and industry.

The city's water storage dropped 0.2 per cent after yet another week of below average rainfall.

First Time Home Buyers Fake Contracts

Due to the government's new grant of $21,000 for first homebuyers, builders and real estate agents have been swamped by buyers in search of bargains.

How low can interest rates go?

Just how far will the Federal Reserve Bank go in lowering interest rates to save the country from a long and painful recession?

How to spend Life Insurance Claim Money

It's important to know what to do with insurance Claim money should you be forced to make a claim.

Insurance policies may exist for long periods of time before a claim is made. The original reason and the original amount of cover may no longer stand relevant to the situation of the claimant and their dependents, even if it does what is the money meant for.

Fixed Versus Variable Interest Rates

One of the major choices to be made when choosing a home loan or a loan on a residential investment property is whether to take a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate.

Changing Banks Made Easier

Since November 1st it has become easier to switch your business from one bank to another with the Australian Payments Clearing Association confirming financial institutions are able to supply customers' direct debit and credit arrangements.

New pricing system to offer grocery bill relief

A new pricing system in supermarkets could offer much needed relief from soaring household grocery bills.