The Latest Breaking News from Canstar

The average time it takes to buy a first home has been cut as thrifty savers defy cost-of-living pressures and manage to put more money away towards a deposit.

Economists and experts have identified groups at higher risk of serious financial stress and pain as interest rate hikes battle stubborn inflation.

Many new homeowners could see half their incomes consumed by mortgage repayments in coming months as the RBA hikes rates.

Australians could be paying hundreds of dollars too much for car insurance, as new figures reveal premiums have skyrocketed.

Australian consumers are painfully aware of the energy cost crisis. And from July 1, electricity bills are set to rise by a further 20-25% across South Australia, New South Wales, south-east Queensland and Victoria. The increases will add to cost-of-living pressures across households and small businesses.

Unpaid debts are taking thousands of dollars out of the loan budgets of first home buyers, making property less affordable.

David is dying of cancer, but he has already paid more than the cost of his funeral in insurance. Consumer advocates say he is far from alone and they want the "rip-off" to stop.

Almost a quarter of mortgage payers are paying interest rates at least 1.8 per cent above the lowest variable rates, Canstar says.

Confidence among those paying off a home loan has taken another hit in the lead-up to another cash rate call that could add more to their monthly repayments.

The Reserve Bank is inching closer to the point it can take its foot off the accelerator but it's unclear if the central bank has done enough just yet.

Australians earning average incomes are now unable to afford houses in capital cities without immediately being thrown into mortgage stress.