The Latest Breaking News from Fiona Guthrie

More people using buy now pay later services for basics

A new survey has revealed more financial counselling clients are using buy now pay later services to purchase items such as groceries and fuel.

AAP · Jul 19, 2023

Fears buy now, pay later crackdown will fail vulnerable Australians

A proposed crackdown on the buy now, pay later industry could fail to deliver desperately needed consumer protections, advocates fear.

The New Daily · May 22, 2023

Buy now, pay later services will be considered credit products by the end of the year. Here's how it will work

The federal government will classify buy now, pay later options as credit products, as part of sweeping changes to protect both consumers and the industry. Here's what it means in practice.

ABC News · May 22, 2023

Financial counselling 'cleaned up so much mess' after Jacqueline's life was devastated by unexpected trauma

Jacqueline Goodwin became a widow with two babies at the age of 25. She says a financial counsellor helped her overcome extreme budget stress and she's not alone, with experts expecting a spike in mortgage repossessions amid the rising cost of living.

ABC News · Jul 22, 2022

As fixed mortgages end and rates rise, many risk losing their homes

Almost 40 per cent of Australians with mortgages who have locked in ultra-low fixed interest rates will roll off them as soon as next year, raising fears that more people will default on their loans, creating financial system instability.

ABC News · Jun 22, 2022

Worried about rising interest rates? Here’s what experts suggest

Be prepared to switch lenders, cut other spending, potentially fix your loan and, if all else fails, seek help

The Guardian - AU · May 4, 2022