August 2018 RBA Decision: Cash Rate Remains at 1.50% pa
No change as RBA holds ground on interest rates.
No news is good news. With experts predicting the next move is up, the news that rates remain at a record low of 1.5%pa is positive for people with mortgages.
As August is the last official month of winter, it’s a good time for financial reflection. For example – have you had an in-depth look at your credit cards recently? You may be surprised at what you find. Spend some time in the next few weeks looking over your options using these six steps:
What you owe. Write down the total of your credit card debts. How much per month do you pay on them?
Credit limit. If you find yourself using a card ‘because you can’, you may want to reduce the credit limit to avoid temptation.
Interest rates. If you have more than one card, which one has the highest interest rate? It may make sense to pay off that card as soon as possible.
Dormant cards. Do you have a card you don’t use anymore but you still pay a yearly fee on? Get rid of the card asap – it’s costing you money to keep ‘just in case’.
Set up a regular monthly payment. Don't rely on your memory – you can set up regular payments in your online accord, or arrange with the credit card company to set up a direct debt. That way, you’ll avoid late payment fees (and your credit history will remain spotless).
Consolidate your debt. There are a number of cards that you can move the balance from your other cards that are interest free – for a period of time. Do some research to find the best one for you, and ensure you can pay off the balance before the interest free period expires (these cards typically have a very high interest rate once it kicks over).
This review and revision process can let you enter the spring season with a refreshed, more positive financial outlook.
As always, if there is anything we can help you with, please get in touch.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information only and may not reflect the publisher’s opinion. None of the authors, the publisher or their employees are liable for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the publication or any change to information in the publication. It was prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consult your financial adviser, broker or accountant before acting on information in this publication. Please click here for disclaimer information and terms of use for this website and terms of use for this website and all our associated media as well as information regarding to links to 3rd Party / External websites that are not related to APLS Finance Solutions.
