Home and Contents premiums hit the stratosphere.
20 Jan 2012 |
Since the start of the year CHOICE members have been sharing hair-raising stories of premium hikes for home and contents insurance, mainly due to the addition of flood cover.
The insurance industry is set on making consumer-friendly changes to its code of conduct.
9 Jan 2012 |
A year after the flood events that devastated Queensland, the insurance industry has vowed to make some consumer-friendly changes.
The Queensland flood disaster has once again highlighted flaws in Australia's insurance regime.
5 Jan 2012 |
Less than half of the policies surveyed in 2010 include cover for riverine flood.
CHOICE investigates why some consumers are going overseas to save money on their dental treatment.
21 Nov 2011 |
Australian consumers are increasingly looking to overseas dental treatment in order to save money on their dental bills.
With notable exceptions, insurance industry has not served flood victims well
26 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE's Shonky Award to the Insurance Industry is based on information provided by those dealing face to face with the many consumers who have had flood claims denied.
CHOICE's awards for the shoddiest services and the shonkiest products.
24 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE's annual showcase of the worst of the worst consumer products and services.
Choose the right policy and beware of underinsurance.
20 Oct 2011 |
Estimates vary, but some say up to 80% of Australian homes are underinsured.
It's traumatic enough losing your jewellery without having to worry about insurance problems as well.
17 Oct 2011 |
It’s a good idea to check your contents insurance policy to make sure you have the right cover in case your jewellery gets stolen.
If you count your furry friends as part of the family, it makes sense to have a health care plan for your pet. We take you through the options.
28 Sep 2011 |
Pet insurance reviews from CHOICE reveal the best value cover and expose common traps.
If you count your furry friends as part of the family, it makes sense to have a health care plan for your pet. We take you through the options.
28 Sep 2011 |
Pet insurance reviews from CHOICE reveal the best value cover and expose common traps.
If you count your furry friends as part of the family, it makes sense to have a health care plan for your pet. We take you through the options.
28 Sep 2011 |
Pet insurance reviews from CHOICE reveal the best value cover and expose common traps.
Our health insurance reviews are a prescription for painless health cover.
28 Jun 2011 |
A health insurance comparison that is easy to understand. See our recommendations on what to buy.
Income protection insurance can help cover your ability to earn an income.
4 May 2011 |
CHOICE teamed up with Rice Warner Actuaries to evaluate agreed, indemnity and superannuation policies.
Government asks for input on flood definition in insurance policies.
5 Apr 2011 |
Queenslanders who thought they were covered for floods are starting to find out they aren't.
CHOICE finds this particular insurance doesn't always make good sense.
16 Feb 2011 |
Purchasing funeral insurance too early can be costly in the long run.
Drive your dollar further with our 2011 car insurance comparison.
1 Feb 2011 |
We compare 30 car insurance policies and work out how much you can save.
The devil's in the fine print when it comes to making the right choice.
3 May 2010 |
We review 27 comprehensive travel insurance policies and point out what you should look out for in your policy.
Make sure you are financially prepared should the worst happen.
16 Mar 2010 |
We review term life insurance policies from 20 providers and policies from 10 large industry super funds.
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.
Find out how to find a better policy and save.
28 Jan 2009 |
Broadly speaking, you can choose hospital cover and extras/ancillary cover. These are available separately or combined.
Tips on how to find the right car insurance.
19 Jan 2009 |
Even if you drive a bomb you don’t think is worth insuring you’re still wise to take out some form of insurance.
In most states it only gives you protection in extreme circumstances.
26 May 2008 |
The insurance is currently compulsory in all states and territories and adds approximately $1500 to $2000 to the cost of building a new home.
Are you paying too much to insure your holidays? Here's how to find a good deal on travel insurance.
1 May 2008 |
This article helps you decide on insurance for international travel, tells you about cover and exclusions and gives tips about how you can save money.
Private health insurance premiums are rising and consumers are finding their policies have hidden exclusions and high gaps.
20 Sep 2007 |
Premiums have increased 33% since 2001 even though the Government promised stable premiums when it introduced 30% rebate & Lifetime health cover.
A CHOICE shadow shop of major retailers reveals lack of disclosure of interest rates, fees and conditions.
20 Dec 2011 |
CHOICE looked at some interest-free payment offers available with six major retailers, and sent a shadow shopper to the stores.
The Government has announced significant changes to payday lending regulations
30 Aug 2011 |
Last week the government announced significant changes to the regulation of High Cost Short Term Lending, better known as Payday Lending.
Who will provide the most bang for your buck when it comes to hard-earned savings?
31 Mar 2011 |
To determine the winner, we looked at 150 savings accounts and the rates they've been offering over the past 12 months.
To celebrate World Consumer Rights Day, move your money from accounts that simply top up the profits of banks.
14 Mar 2011 |
$153 billion worth of Australian money currently sits in everday transaction accounts that earn little or no interest.
Rates are on the rise again.
6 Apr 2010 |
The RBA increased interest rates by 0.25% in April 2010.
Financial institutions are using unfair practices to squeeze every last cent of interest from customers.
25 Jan 2010 |
CHOICE reveals which providers are bucking this trend to treat their customers fairly.
Traditional and internet savings accounts compared.
15 Jan 2008 |
If you've got money parked in an everyday transaction account paying next to nothing interest, you could be earning much more by switching to an account with a better rate.
Low-cost deals for those who pay on time, exorbitant interest rates for those who don’t — and a warning about deals to avoid.
3 Nov 2006 |
Store credit deals are lucrative for finance companies and can be profitable for retailers too, but for consumers they’re a real mixed bag.
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
The world wide web is your stage with these eight high definition webcams.
9 Nov 2011 |
Thanks to the Internet age, creating and sharing video content is as simple as talking to a camera on top of your PC.
CHOICE's latest survey reveals the ISPs worth celebrating.
27 Oct 2011 |
The survey results show which internet sevice providers performed best, how satisfied users were with service, speed, costs and billing, and trends in our use of the internet.
CHOICE takes a look at an internet-based alternative to pay TV.
26 Oct 2011 |
FetchTV provides another alternative to cable, with your Internet provider delivering a host of channels and rental movies to your television.
It's not the cheapest wireless broadband option, but its one of the fastest.
13 Oct 2011 |
Telstra claims its new USB 4G modem is up to 10 times faster than other 3G wireless internet options.
Network your home instantly using its existing electrical wiring.
29 Aug 2011 |
Powerline devices provide a simple home networking alternative or addition to traditional Ethernet cabling and Wi-Fi.
Jump online to ensure your complaints and compliments are heard loud and clear.
24 Aug 2011 |
Your online comments can help inform other consumers about products and services. CHOICE outlines how businesses are engaging with savvy consumers online.
Media hubs plug the gap between your TV and your PC
19 Aug 2011 |
With the ability to play music, videos and pictures on your TV and stream directly from the internet, media hubs can be great tools for today's digital age.
CHOICE Computer's pick of the best add-ons for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome
13 Apr 2011 |
All major internet browsers - Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome - come with a host of add-ons to supercharge your browsing.
A quick reference guide to the most useful key combinations.
11 Feb 2011 |
This is the quick reference guide to Windows shortcut keys from CC Jan/Feb 2011.
Should you think about ditching your home phone altogether or is there life in the tried-and-true service yet?
9 Feb 2011 |
We look at existing landline and mobile options as well as some cutting-edge alternatives.
Hook this handy device up to your TV to enjoy video, audio and image files stored on your network.
4 Jan 2011 |
The Sony SMP-N100 also provides access to over 20 internet TV channels under Sony’s BRAVIA Internet banner.
We review the offerings of the most popular providers to reveal the best options.
3 Dec 2010 |
Wireless broadband is now faster and cheaper than ever before.
Avenues like Twitter and Facebook offer a lot more than just social networking.
20 Oct 2010 |
Forget hanging on the end of a customer service line if you have a gripe. Switch on your computer, log onto the internet and tell the world.
More expensive software can contain extras that are of limited value.
30 Apr 2010 |
We review nine programs to help you trace and catalogue your family history.
The popularity of the iPhone is changing the face of mobile banking.
30 Apr 2010 |
The latest Nielsen research has found that 61% of online consumers who use a mobile phone will consider an iPhone in the next year.
Controversial internet filter to be introduced, despite widespread criticism.
18 Feb 2010 |
A mandatory internet filter is to be introduced, the federal government announced late last year.
ADSL and ADSL2 plans can be a minefield of fine print and confusing pricing. Our interactive tables help to make sense of it all.
4 Feb 2010 |
CHOICE details the main things to look for in this fiercely competitive market.
Avoid bill shock with our data usage guide.
27 Jan 2010 |
Smartphone mobile internet plans have come under fire lately because of exorbitant excess data usage charges.
CHOICE members nominate their favourite virtual stores.
10 Nov 2009 |
We save you time and effort by bringing you a list of the best online sites for books and CDS, clothes, electronics, as well as as cosmetics and fragrances.
CHOICE uncovers the hidden traps with international prepaid phone cards and what their blaring posters don’t tell you.
25 Sep 2009 |
Extra costs, such as “service” fees that gobble up credit even when you’re not making calls are often not advertised on the posters or phone cards.
Is the internet the future of TV? We take a look.
13 Aug 2009 |
With thousands of internet TV "channels" available, how do you find something worth watching?
Wireless networking allows you to access the web anywhere in the home.
7 May 2009 |
CHOICE reveals the issues you need to consider before you incorporate Wi-Fi into your home networking environment.
Plans to upgrade the broadband network need to be carefully considered
29 Apr 2009 |
In April 2009 the Federal Government announced it will establish a new company that will invest up to $43 billion over 8 years to build and operate a National Broadband Network.
Clean up your inbox with these no-cost junk email fighters.
3 Mar 2009 |
Spam is not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous. Here's how to combat the ever increasing stream of junk.
Watch out! If certain music industry representatives have their way, internet service providers will be required to police your use of the internet.
19 Feb 2009 |
The music industry reports a reduction in CD profits, which has motivated them to push for control over how consumers access and store music.
Protecting internet users from illegal material is important, however the proposed mandatory ISP-based filter won’t do the job.
19 Feb 2009 |
CHOICE holds a number of concerns about the government’s current proposal to introduce mandatory internet filtering at an ISP-level.
Can using VoIP with Naked DSL cut your phone bill in half?
21 Jan 2009 |
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and uses an Internet connection to make and receive telephone calls.
Email scams are on the rise, but commonsense is the best defence.
3 Dec 2008 |
Almost 70 percent of all email in Australia in August 2008 was spam and we rank in the top 10 list of countries.
Make your own Christmas e-card in a few simple steps.
28 Nov 2008 |
Have some festive fun with your computer this Christmas. There are lots of things you can do to make personalised cards, decorations and even install some cute Christmas lights onto your computer.
Google polishes up its web presence.
1 Oct 2008 |
Do we need another web browser, when we already have Interet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera and others to choose from?
There are desktop and roaming plans but is it the high-speed internet alternative for you?
1 Oct 2008 |
Wireless internet is broadband internet access that doesn't use a telephone line or cable network.
Deciding where to eat on Friday night? Check out a restaurant guide website.
29 Sep 2008 |
CHOICE's verdict on which ones offer the most useful information, and how to know which reviews you can trust.
How to create an online photo album.
13 May 2008 |
One of the advantages of digital photography is that your photos no longer have to be locked away within a physical photo album.
Make sense of the bits and bytes.
16 Apr 2008 |
CHOICE's simple guide to broadband tells you what you need to know in order to choose the right broadband plan.
Make sense of the bits and bytes.
16 Apr 2008 |
CHOICE's simple guide to broadband tells you what you need to know in order to choose the right broadband plan.
Keep your child safe from internet nasties with net filtering software.
15 Jan 2008 |
Internet filtering software helps to block unwanted content. But is your child really safe to browse the Web unsupervised with one of these programs in place?
There's plenty of free software on the internet, but is it any good?
19 Sep 2007 |
Free software is appealing because you can find useful office and multimedia applications without the hefty price tag. But there are a few drawbacks to consider.
Virtual worlds could be the future of the internet.
13 Sep 2007 |
There are different types of virtual worlds — some are more like games, some are chat forums and others simulate a life-like world.
ADSL2 is the new kid on the broadband block.
7 Apr 2007 |
More households are opting for broadband over dial-up internet services, looking for better speeds and fewer delays and disruptions.
Saving money with internet telephony.
3 Apr 2007 |
Long-distance phone calls can keep you in touch with far flung friends and loved ones, but you don’t want to have to mortgage your house to pay for them.
Shopping comparison websites can help you sniff out a good deal.
3 Apr 2007 |
Where do you go to find the best deal? Let your mouse do the walking and search for the best price on one website.
With a few precautions, shopping on the internet can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
10 Jan 2007 |
With some simple precautions, shopping online can be relatively trouble-free.
Want to upgrade your computer for free? Here’s how.
3 Jan 2006 |
Firmware used to be read-only — it limited what the hardware could do. Nowadays, however, most firmware can be updated to give your hardware new features and capabilities.
Does Cupid web surf? Online dating sites have exploded in popularity but are they worth the money and what are the risks?
29 Jan 2005 |
We talked to some of the largest internet dating providers and checked out the sites ourselves to get an idea of how online dating works.
The popularity of the iPhone is changing the face of mobile banking.
30 Apr 2010 |
The latest Nielsen research has found that 61% of online consumers who use a mobile phone will consider an iPhone in the next year.
Online backup could be the quick and free storage solution you've been looking for.
21 Feb 2010 |
Finally, anybody can have offsite backup. We test 10 services that offer secure online storage of all your important information.
Our browser showdown reveals performance winners.
11 Feb 2010 |
Is bigger really better? We test five leading web browsers for speed, safety and versatility.
Avoid bill shock with our data usage guide.
27 Jan 2010 |
Smartphone mobile internet plans have come under fire lately because of exorbitant excess data usage charges.
Protecting internet users from illegal material is important, however the proposed mandatory ISP-based filter won’t do the job.
19 Feb 2009 |
CHOICE holds a number of concerns about the government’s current proposal to introduce mandatory internet filtering at an ISP-level.
How to stay safe when banking online.
26 Sep 2008 |
Have you ever received an email that looked like it came from your bank, instructing you to urgently click on a link because of a security upgrade or some other matter?
Nearly half a million Australians were victims of identity fraud last year.
24 Aug 2008 |
It's estimated there were 499,500 victims of identity fraud in Australia last year - 383,000 incidences of credit or bank card fraud, while 124,000 people had their identities stolen.
Keep your child safe from internet nasties with net filtering software.
15 Jan 2008 |
Internet filtering software helps to block unwanted content. But is your child really safe to browse the Web unsupervised with one of these programs in place?
Identity theft is a relatively rare crime — but you still need to be vigilant.
18 Sep 2007 |
Identity theft is a crime where your personal details are used by another person to commit fraud or access your money.
CHOICE's latest survey reveals the ISPs worth celebrating.
27 Oct 2011 |
The survey results show which internet sevice providers performed best, how satisfied users were with service, speed, costs and billing, and trends in our use of the internet.
Should you think about ditching your home phone altogether or is there life in the tried-and-true service yet?
9 Feb 2011 |
We look at existing landline and mobile options as well as some cutting-edge alternatives.
We review the offerings of the most popular providers to reveal the best options.
3 Dec 2010 |
Wireless broadband is now faster and cheaper than ever before.
ADSL and ADSL2 plans can be a minefield of fine print and confusing pricing. Our interactive tables help to make sense of it all.
4 Feb 2010 |
CHOICE details the main things to look for in this fiercely competitive market.
Avoid bill shock with our data usage guide.
27 Jan 2010 |
Smartphone mobile internet plans have come under fire lately because of exorbitant excess data usage charges.
Watch out! If certain music industry representatives have their way, internet service providers will be required to police your use of the internet.
19 Feb 2009 |
The music industry reports a reduction in CD profits, which has motivated them to push for control over how consumers access and store music.
There are desktop and roaming plans but is it the high-speed internet alternative for you?
1 Oct 2008 |
Wireless internet is broadband internet access that doesn't use a telephone line or cable network.
Make sense of the bits and bytes.
16 Apr 2008 |
CHOICE's simple guide to broadband tells you what you need to know in order to choose the right broadband plan.
Make sense of the bits and bytes.
16 Apr 2008 |
CHOICE's simple guide to broadband tells you what you need to know in order to choose the right broadband plan.
We're calling for substantial changes to the way in which the National Guarantee Fund is run.
15 Dec 2011 |
The Australian government is reviewing the way in which investors are compensated when their stockbroker acts without authority or becomes insolvent.
The proposed new “best interest duty” for financial advisers is long overdue.
26 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE has been calling for an overhaul of the financial services industry for more than 20 years. The federal government's Future of Financial Advice(FOFA) reforms will hopefully resolve some of the issues.
Make sure you are financially prepared should the worst happen.
16 Mar 2010 |
We review term life insurance policies from 20 providers and policies from 10 large industry super funds.
Paying kickback commissions you didn't even know about? CHOICE outlines an easy way to reclaim your money.
15 Dec 2009 |
You can choose who receives the sales and advice kickbacks from your investments. But weigh up the pros and cons before making any changes.
Is options trading a dangerous get-rich-quick scheme or a low-risk strategy to profit from volatile markets?
15 Sep 2009 |
Options trading is promoted as a "high profit and low risk" strategy to make money. It sounds great, especially if you believe the claims.
Direct Share Purchasing Corporation and Hassle Free Shares offer to buy shares at below market value.
13 Aug 2009 |
NIB has issued a warning to its shareholders about an offer they may receive from Hassle Free Shares.
There are ways to take control of your superannuation. We answer your most frequently asked questions.
25 May 2009 |
The global financial crisis has decimated many Australians’ retirement savings. What steps can you take to rebuild your nest egg? CHOICE looks at your options.
Gold is considered a safe haven in uncertain times, but will it lose its shine?
7 May 2009 |
As shares and property crashed and the world nudged closer to recession, canny investors steadily turned their attention to one of the world’s oldest asset classes – gold.
The plunging share market is attracting bargain hunters. CHOICE guides first-time investors through their options.
23 Mar 2009 |
Despite the market hitting a five-year low, the worst may not be over, with further ups and downs likely in this volatile economic environment.
What is an investment warranty and does it mean your money in a mortgage trust is safe?
3 Jun 2008 |
You wouldn’t buy a telly without a warranty … so why would you invest without one?
We give you the facts without the advertising hype and expose the dangers.
12 May 2008 |
Setting up your own super fund can give you control and flexibility but it’s also risky. If your accountant or financial planner recommends it make sure it really will give you the best deal before you jump.
What are your options for securing your retirement?
12 May 2008 |
Your June statement might show the worst return in years. Will you have enough money to retire? Should you switch investment options to manage stockmarket risks?
A guarantee on your investment sounds great but it can be deceptive.
30 Apr 2008 |
Experts say capital protection comes at a cost: most of your money is used for a low return/high-security investment to provide the capital guarantee.
Schemes promoting early access to super have got consumers and the scheme promoters into hot water.
30 Mar 2008 |
Financial services watchdog, ASIC, has been busy chasing and charging promoters of illegal early-release super schemes.
Wraps and master trusts can provide convenience and choice, but beware high fees and adviser kick-backs.
1 Mar 2008 |
Wraps and master trusts dominate as one-stop-shops for accessing a wider range of investments.
Are they reliable or just a waste of money?
21 Feb 2008 |
Websites that offer automated property valuations often use emotive language to sell their services.
Borrowing to invest can make your money work harder but it's a risky strategy in a volatile market.
7 Feb 2008 |
The margin loan is secured against the investment you make with it and/or other investments you have.
The "Transition to Retirement" rules allow older workers to access their super before they retire.
17 Jan 2008 |
If you're 55 or over you can access your super to start an income stream without having to retire.
You might be surprised where some ethical and sustainable funds invest your money.
26 Aug 2007 |
State governments' super funds are investing millions of dollars of their employees’ super in gambling, cigarette and oil companies?
Want to invest your money but not sure where to start? A managed fund might be what you’re after.
20 Feb 2007 |
Based on the type of fund you choose (for example: shares, property and/or cash), the fund manager decides which assets to invest in.
The best way to save enough to put your kids through school and uni is to just knuckle down and do it.
9 Jan 2007 |
It can be as simple as putting a few dollars a week into a high interest-savings account or as complex as developing a portfolio of shares.
We compare Australian share index funds and profile a low-cost Exchange Traded Fund.
6 Mar 2006 |
Index funds are the most cost-effective way to get investment returns reflecting (before fees).
Minimising the tax you pay on investments is all about good planning
3 Feb 2006 |
It is possible to plan your investment strategy to reduce tax, without taking too much risk.
An easy way to profit from residential property or a fashionable way to lose money?
7 Jan 2006 |
Negative gearing is being promoted as a way small investors can make money from the property market, but are these claims are too good to be true?
Be sure you take all the steps possible to ensure your planner is working hard for you, not just looking after their own interests.
10 Sep 2005 |
Follow this six-step guide to improve your chances of getting a high standard of service and advice from a financial planner.
How to get the greatest benefit from super choice.
6 Jan 2005 |
According to our recent online survey on attitudes to fund choice, 59% of those surveyed were fairly or very satisfied with their current fund, while 10% were dissatisfied.