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Credit Simple

Is your food bill out of control? It could be that big lump of protein on your plate

Protein – at least the meaty versions – is expensive. And research indicates that we’re obsessed with protein, to our detriment. Most Aussies spend far too much on that protein, by not eating and shopping consciously. It’s simple to cut the cost of a plate of food radically. First off, not all protein is created equal in terms of cost. A nice porterhouse steak for four can cost $28 for the protein alone. Even own brand sausages can cost more…

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The future of banking: it’s banks, Jim, but not as we know it

Banking is moving into a new high-tech universe. Like many other aspects of our lives, the digital revolution is about changing the way we bank. In the future, we might even use Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram or other social media platforms for our banking with the traditional bank relegated to providing wholesale services. Here’s what I think: Right now, banks have the power Whichever way we turn there are fees, fees, and more fees. Most banks keep their shareholders very happy…

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Five ways to screw up your retirement: a lifelong project

Step One: Spend money you don’t have First of all, you probably want to spend lots of money. More money, in fact, than you’ve got in the bank. Let’s say you’ve got a good job and you’ve found a place to rent in the Sydney or Melbourne market and you’re happy with your lifestyle. Why not crank it up to the next level by moving out of your flat, buying a bigger car on HP and maybe going on that…

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So you want a clear score. Can payday loans stop you from getting one?

Looking for a clear score but wondering if a payday loan could stop you from getting one? Payday loans became prevalent as quick fixes for Australians in the 1990s, responding to the need for small, personal loans that banks and credit unions would no longer provide. Payday loans were frequently offered to people with bad credit or who didn’t have clear scores, making the loans even more ubiquitous. A small payday loan can be up to $2,000 and has a…

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Wham, bam, thank you, scam: How to spot a holiday scam

If you like your money, don’t fall victim to a holiday scam. All too many Aussies do. NSW Liberal MP Gareth Ward escaped a “terrifying” attempt to blackmail him in a New York hotel, The Australian reported.  He ordered a US$100 massage and was allegedly charged US$1,000.  Fake “chiefs” in Fiji were trying to sell holiday properties they didn’t own to Australians, The Courier Mail reported. The offers were “too good to refuse”.  News.com.au reported that a New Zealand man…

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Is Credit Simple legit? Our response to reviews on ProductReview.com.au

Welcome to Credit Simple. If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve found your way here after asking a search engine if our business is legitimate. Indeed, we’ve had some pretty bad reviews on sites such as ProductReview.com.au. So we thought we’d give you the low-down on myths and truths about our business, credit scores, and your rights and privacy. I think your business is a scam and you’re ‘phishing’, or conducting identity theft None of the above. Credit Simple…

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Why you should be careful of opening a joint account

If you’re thinking about opening a joint account with a significant other in your life, or as part of a shared account between housemates or friends, tread carefully. There’s a lot riding on the responsibility of the account, and your name will be on it. In the case something negative happens, like a bill payment is forgotten or you go into unplanned overdraft, the resulting mark could end up on your credit report. It’s vital to know the credit history…

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What credit score do I need to buy a house?

Are you thinking about taking the next big step in your life and applying for a home loan? Buying your own property is a major part of becoming financially stable in the future, because you have a huge investment as a part of your portfolio. However, if you don’t have a clean credit report, you could find it difficult to get favourable terms on your mortgage. When a lender looks at your application for a home loan, they’ll consider more…

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5 easy ways to be smart about your credit card usage

Are you finding your credit card debt racks up quickly every month, no matter how much you try to pay off? If you don’t have the right sort of account, or a limit set too high, it can be easy to blow your budget on a purchase you really don’t need. Adding debt to the point where you’re unable to repay lenders can affect your credit report. When you can’t pay what you owe, a default will be marked against…

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What can your credit report influence in your personal life?

How regularly do you check your credit report? If you don’t know what’s on it, there’s a chance you could have defaults against your name that shouldn’t be there. A credit report will show you what loans you’re missing payments on, either because someone has taken out a fraudulent loan in your name or you forgot about a loan you’d taken out. There’s a lot of crucial information on there, and lenders use the document to find out about what…

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