A reverse mortgage can help fund your retirement. CHOICE outlines the risks.
1 Oct 2009 |
Reverse mortgages target homeowners aged 60 and older who want to borrow money against the value of their property. The top three uses of reverse mortgages are home improvement, regular income and debt repayment.
The cash rate has fallen dramatically, yet banks are failing to pass on the savings to consumers and have hiked up credit card interest rates.
11 Jun 2009 |
At a time when more people are struggling with debt and relying on credit to see them through, banks are nudging up credit card interest rates.
If you lose your job, how will you pay your bills? CHOICE outlines your options.
20 Apr 2009 |
Debt relief companies are reporting extreme cases of consumers carrying up to $400,000 in credit card debt on 50 separate credit cards.
CHOICE crunches the numbers to find the most rewarding cards for frequent flyer, shopping and cash rewards.
19 Mar 2009 |
We analysed 63 reward credit and charge cards, looking at frequent flyer points, shopping vouchers and cash rewards.
Credit protection insurance makes an easy dollar for lenders and insurers, but for consumers there are far smarter options.
2 Mar 2009 |
Our investigation concludes that credit protection insurance is a rip-off, as other options give you far better and cheaper cover.
We explain how to make the most of your credit card and keep out of debt.
20 May 2008 |
At a time when more people are struggling with debt and relying on credit to see them through, banks are nudging up credit card interest rates.
Use our tips to negotiate the mortgage maze.
19 May 2008 |
For some people, flexibility and peace of mind are important, and there are a range of home loan options that offer such benefits.
It's not as easy as it once was to get decent rewards.
16 May 2008 |
Interest rates and fees have gone up and the number of points able to be earned has gone down because of less generous point conversion rates and the introduction of point caps.
How to avoid the traps and get the most from a mortgage broker when shopping around for a home loan.
21 Apr 2008 |
If brokers’ advertisements and claims are to be believed, they’re the answer for anyone seeking a loan to suit their circumstances.
The best way to own your home sooner is to get a cheap loan and make higher payments, more often.
1 Mar 2008 |
Extra repayments can have a huge effect. Our case studies were amazed at how modest extra payments could save tens of thousands in interest.
We expose the traps of new types of loans, including 40-year mortgages and no-deposit home loans.
5 Jan 2008 |
With first homes averaging $430,000 and housing affordability at a record low, new types of loan may seem tempting — but are they safe?
Our shadow shop revealed poor advice and information from reverse mortgage sellers.
27 Feb 2007 |
Originally reverse mortgages were sold directly by the lender, but in the last few years mortgage brokers have started to offer these products.
Choosing the wrong type of credit card can end up costing you a fortune in interest.
15 Nov 2000 |
Some cards charge 18% to 20% annually, while others charge interest rates below 10%, so it's well worth shopping around.
Our investigation highlights the diagnostic minefield the average dental patient faces.
23 Nov 2009 |
Our undercover "patient" visited 14 Sydney dentists. Their wildly different verdicts on her teeth expose flaws in our dental system.
Read the fine print, and you’ll find some "natural" toothpastes may not be as pure as you think.
1 Aug 2009 |
Many of the so-called “natural” brands aren’t so different from conventional toothpaste, yet they’re often far more expensive.
Something's rotten in the state of Australia's health - our teeth.
12 Jun 2007 |
Many people are avoiding preventative care and early treatment because they can’t afford dental care, resulting in more serious oral and general health problems — with more extreme treatment and higher costs later on.
Is fluoride good for your teeth, or a slow poison? We look at the most recent evidence.
23 Feb 2007 |
There’s now solid scientific evidence that fluoride added to drinking water helps to protect your teeth from decay.
One terabyte external hard drives – give your PC a welcome capacity boost for less than $200.
8 Jan 2010 |
The quickest and most cost-effective way to add massive storage space to your computer system.
How do your desktop and laptop, printer and digital camera stack up?
13 Jan 2009 |
The results for this year’s reliability survey are in — the good news is there's been an improvement for some products, but there are a few disappointing figures too.
Super-concentrated laundry detergents are one step towards a cleaner, greener environment - but they're not the total solution.
1 Feb 2010 |
Most laundry detergents now claim to be “two times concentrate”, meaning you use half as much. But do they give you the same number of washes?
Tablets are convenient but cost more than double per wash than powders.
2 Jun 2009 |
Since CHOICE's last dishwasher detergent report in Jan 2007, the number of dishwasher detergents sold has risen from 18.7 million to 19.8 million per year, that's an extra 38 million washes.
A few CHOICE buys will give you an effective home gym that costs less than $100.
25 Nov 2009 |
Think you need lots of space and money to set up an effective home gym? CHOICE's shopping list of equipment comes in at about $100.
Yoghurt doesn’t have to be loaded with fat to taste deliciously creamy.
24 Jan 2009 |
Are those extra delicious premium brands just as healthy, or do they taste so good because they’re loaded with fat and sugar?
Will it really help you lose weight, or protect your teeth?
16 Mar 2007 |
If you drink diet cola our taste test suggests you might enjoy one of the cheaper brands as much as the heavily promoted big names.
Quick-fix diets are never the solution to sustainable weight loss. We give you healthy tips to help you lose weight.
15 Nov 2000 |
Coming to grips with your own body and making the best of what you’ve got is a safer bet than yet another failed diet.
Compare 83 compact digital cameras to find the best one for your lifestyle.
2 Feb 2010 |
To keep up with this rapidly changing market, we report on cameras every couple of months to find which have the best image quality, are the easiest to use and have the longest battery life.
When a compact camera just doesn’t satisfy, it might be time to think big.
10 Dec 2009 |
DSLRs are much larger than compacts, but once you've sampled their benefits, it's hard to settle for anything less.
These travel tripods are small and light but not so stable.
1 Aug 2009 |
There's nothing quite so disappointing as getting back your travel photos only to find they're all blurred.
A digital camera zoom lens can take your photography to greater heights.
21 Jul 2009 |
If you own a digital SLR camera (DSLR) and want to expand your photographic horizons the next step is to decide on the best lens to complete your kit.
How do your desktop and laptop, printer and digital camera stack up?
13 Jan 2009 |
The results for this year’s reliability survey are in — the good news is there's been an improvement for some products, but there are a few disappointing figures too.
We test a camera that tags your photos with the GPS location as you shoot.
1 Jan 2009 |
We’ve seen devices that show your location as you drive, where you’ve been and how to get somewhere, but what about a product that tags your photos with the location as you take them?
We take a look at the modern day photo album.
7 Nov 2008 |
Designed for the photographer on the go, the Hyperdrive Colorspace is a storage device that's supposed to take the place of a laptop or multiple memory cards.
Ever wondered what goes on in the lab?
25 Jun 2008 |
To try to keep up with the rapidly evolving digital camera market, we report on batches of cameras every couple of months.
Tips to improve your digital photos.
25 Jun 2008 |
Maybe you’re not getting the great results the salesperson promised from your new camera. There’s really no secret to taking good photos and the techniques are pretty simple.
Thinking about buying a digital camera? Here's what to look for.
30 Jul 2007 |
Buying a digital camera can be a daunting exercise — there are literally hundreds of models on the market and a bewildering array of specifications and features.
Explore all the digital camera features on this moveable camera.
17 Mar 2005 |
What's a megapixel? What does a USB cable do? We take you through the basics with our interactive visual tool.
Digital radio has some positives, but for now it's expensive.
7 May 2009 |
Since May 2009, digital radio broadcasts have been transmitted in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Digital radio has hit the airwaves.
19 Jan 2009 |
If you're keen to experience the difference digital technology makes to the radio waves you will have to open your wallet along with your eyes and ears.
When a compact camera just doesn’t satisfy, it might be time to think big.
10 Dec 2009 |
DSLRs are much larger than compacts, but once you've sampled their benefits, it's hard to settle for anything less.
A digital camera zoom lens can take your photography to greater heights.
21 Jul 2009 |
If you own a digital SLR camera (DSLR) and want to expand your photographic horizons the next step is to decide on the best lens to complete your kit.
What will it mean for you?
11 Mar 2010 |
Your normal analogue TV will go blank if you haven’t invested in a set-top-box by 2013. So, what is digital TV and why have it?
High definition set top boxes on test – should you buy one?
21 Dec 2009 |
High definition (HD) set-top boxes are designed to replace your existing television’s tuner.
TiVo is a new way to record TV. Find out how it performs.
11 Nov 2009 |
TiVo offers a means of recording free-to-air digital TV without having to learn too much about the inner workings of the machine.
Freeview products deliver HD Digital TV, but so do many other non-Freeview branded products.
19 Oct 2009 |
CHOICE looks at Freeview, what it's offering and what it means, as well as what you gain, or lose, when compared to an identical non-Freeview product.
What’s an electronic program guide (EPG) and do you need one?
11 Aug 2009 |
An electronic program guide is just a TV guide by another name. More than that, it's a useful tool for planning and organising your TV watching.
These 66cm televisions were a little disappointing with poor sound and uninspiring pictures.
1 May 2009 |
CHOICE takes the guesswork out of buying the major television brands by putting them through their paces in our specialised laboratories.
Do you really need all the cables the installer is suggesting?
18 Feb 2009 |
How much money should you spend on your home entertainment cables to feel confident about sound and image quality? CHOICE finds out.
Should you go Blu-ray just yet?
21 Jul 2008 |
CHOICE looked at a range of Blu-ray players to see if their performance lived up to the hype.
CHOICE reviews the latest technology for recording your favourite shows.
5 Mar 2010 |
Digital video recorders (DVRs) have replaced VCRs as the modern way to record a single TV program to be viewed at a later date.
TiVo is a new way to record TV. Find out how it performs.
11 Nov 2009 |
TiVo offers a means of recording free-to-air digital TV without having to learn too much about the inner workings of the machine.
Don’t worry too much about picture quality when shopping for a digital camcorder — it’s mainly their sound quality that sets them apart.
1 Jun 2009 |
Whether it’s a holiday or your kids growing up, a digital camcorder can help you preserve your favourite memories in high, never deteriorating quality.
Find test results rating over 40 dishwashers on performance, energy and water efficiency.
27 Jan 2010 |
We take the guesswork out of buying the major dishwasher brands by putting them through their paces in our specialised laboratories.
Tablets are convenient but cost more than double per wash than powders.
2 Jun 2009 |
Since CHOICE's last dishwasher detergent report in Jan 2007, the number of dishwasher detergents sold has risen from 18.7 million to 19.8 million per year, that's an extra 38 million washes.
Searching for a new dishwasher? Consider these factors before buying.
3 Mar 2009 |
A dishwasher can save you hours of slaving over a hot sink and help save the planet too – used properly, dishwashers are generally more water and energy efficient than dishwashing by hand.
Our trialists put 14 disposable nappy brands and five different types of cloth nappies to the test.
9 Mar 2010 |
A typical baby goes through about 6000 nappies. The total cost can vary between about $1700 and $4650, so it pays to find the smartest buys.
What's best - cloth or disposable? We'll tell you about the environment effects and other issues.
22 Jul 2003 |
Most babies don't get to the toilet training stage until their second or third year. This makes nappies a major part of their life, and yours.
How much influence do drug companies have on what your GP prescribes you?
27 Aug 2008 |
GPs are bombarded with marketing and promotions from drug companies. This can influence their prescribing habits — and this isn’t in the best interest of consumers.
Plan ahead for when you can no longer look after yourself.
22 Aug 2006 |
Most of us don’t want to think about nursing home care while we’re still relatively healthy and independent; we tend to leave it until an emergency forces us to face the issue, utterly unprepared.
Looking for doctor right.
6 Feb 2006 |
The relationship you have with your doctor can be one of the most crucial in your life, particularly if you have a chronic condition or develop a serious illness.
CHOICE analysed 63 pet insurance policies and outlines the best deals for different levels of cover.
18 Jun 2009 |
Pet insurance is in its infancy in Australia, with fewer than 2% of cats and dogs insured and only three underwriters offering insurance products.
Getting a new dog is an exciting time, but how do you buy one ethically?
1 Sep 2008 |
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with an estimated 63% of households owning a pet and more than 50% having a cat or dog.
A guide to dog and cat nutrition.
22 May 2007 |
Very little independent research has been done in Australia about the long-term effects on the health of pets eating commercial pet food - the majority of research is done by manufacturers themselves.
CHOICE trialled electronic and disposable breathalysers and the results were disturbing.
4 Sep 2009 |
Personal breathalysers give an indication of a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). CHOICE trialled nine priced below $200.
Hot chocolate now promises all manner of sensual delights.
27 May 2008 |
Montezuma, the 16th century ruler of the Aztec empire, is said to have fortified himself by drinking chocolate before visiting his harem. And, according to research, chocolate causes a longer-lasting buzz than kissing.
CHOICE investigates adverse events associated with medication and what can be done to prevent them.
11 Sep 2009 |
Our reliance on medicines has dramatically increased, and mixing them can prove a dangerous cocktail. CHOICE explains who’s at risk and why.
How to save money on your prescription medication.
25 Nov 2008 |
A generic drug is a copy of a branded drug. It's chemically equivalent to its branded counterpart but usually costs less.
How much influence do drug companies have on what your GP prescribes you?
27 Aug 2008 |
GPs are bombarded with marketing and promotions from drug companies. This can influence their prescribing habits — and this isn’t in the best interest of consumers.
A six star energy-efficient dryer is now on the market, but you’ll have to dig deep upfront.
2 Apr 2009 |
Miele claims this technology saves up to 46 percent of energy used in comparable condensor dryers.
We put 17 dryers, including a couple of gas models, through their paces.
20 Feb 2009 |
To help you make the right decision, we go out and buy the most popular clothes dryers on the market, bring them back to our laboratories and test them for six weeks.