Rate Detective Guides

Electricity and Gas FAQs

Does Rate Detective charge you for their Services?
To allow Rate Detective to provide our service to you free of charge, we have multiple commercial agreements in place from all the energy retailers in Australia, that supply a miniscule administration fee to us for every time a consumer decides to switch to a new energy supplier or sign up for a contract.

How to switch Electricity or Gas?

Electricity and Gas switching

Switching Electricity and Gas has never been easier. In the past if you wanted to compare electricity companies or gas prices it was time-consuming and confusing.

The Energy Market

The energy market comprises of three levels.

1. Generators

This is the collective name given to the companies that are responsible for the production of the basic product of electricity.

Top ten individual finance tips

  1. It is not about how much you earn, but more about how much of it you keep, even a substantial income is not going to have you achieve your goals if you spend it all.
  2. Know yourself financially; understand your own personal finance habits.  
  3. Create a budget for you and your family, make sure you whole family sticks to it.

Trauma Cover Insurance

Definition of Trauma Cover Insurance

Trauma Cover Insurance pays a lump sum in the event of a diagnosis of incurable condition, e.g. cancer, stroke, heart attack, major head injuries.

Are You Living 'The Life'?

Why is it that things just seem to work out for some people?

Top 10 Tax Tips for Individuals

Tax is inevitable – if you are earning money. So even though we all have to pay it – there is no reason why you should pay more than your fair share. My top 10 tax tips are:

Top 6 Small Business Financial Mistakes

The 6 most frequent mistakes that I see small business operators make are:

  1. Trying to do everything.

    You cannot – nor should you even try – to do the bookwork, develop new products, create marketing plans, manage every staff member, deliver products, etc etc.

Small Business Tax Management

In my experience too many small business owners, and individuals alike, make financial decisions based on the tax implications of the transaction. STOP IT.

Paying tax is GOOD – it means that you are making money.

Selecting the Right Financial Advisor

Accountants are accountants – right?

Wrong!

Accounting is one of the most diverse areas of business. Some of my friends are accountants with over 25 years experience – yet never prepare their own tax return!

Legal Structures

I get asked all the time:

“What is the best legal structure to operate my business in/buy my investments in/ own my home in?”

The reality is that there is no “best”. Each has their own pros and cons and you need to sit down with someone who knows your affairs properly and decide on the best structure with them.

Total and Permanent Disability Insurance

Have you ever thought what would happen to you if you became permanently and totally disabled? Would you be able to meet your financial and family commitments and maintain the quality of life you and your loved ones currently enjoy?

Term Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance has become a popular form of life insurance because policy holders are covered for large benefits, in the case of death, relative to the premium that is paid. Term Life Insurance is also one of the simplest forms of insurance to understand because it’s just like any regular insurance such as car or home and contents.

Buyers Advocacy – what can they do that I can’t do myself?

Buyers’ advocates or Buyers Agents offer a service to their clients, which enables these clients the ability to assess the real value and potential of Property acquisitions which in general would not be available to them as laymen. Different people have different reasons for enlisting the services of licensed Buyers Advocates; some of these are mentioned below.

After You Have Purchased Your Home

So you’ve bought your home and settled in. Now what? The commitment to regular repayments is a permanent fixture of your budget, your disposable income is much lower, but you have the security and peace of mind in owning your own home.

Buying Your Own Home - Step by Step


For first homebuyers this process can be challenging and a little confusing. Help is at hand however, and with a little forethought and assistance from the professionals you’ll be settled into your new home enjoying that book or bottle of red, in no time!

Before You Make an Offer Buyer's Checklist

It is smart to know what you are getting for your (or your bank’s) money! Keep the following points in mind before you put an offer to the vendor. We’ve also included a few to consider when working through the process of offer and acceptance.