Booking hotels and tickets well in advance has long defined Australian travellers but as household budgets come under stress, last-minute trips and spontaneity are becoming more popular. Amid high prices for groceries, housing and other essentials, Tourism & Transport Forum chief executive officer Margy Osmond has...
MAJOR CHANGES TO PAYMENTS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING AUSTRALIANS IN 2025: * Wage theft laws will come into effect, meaning employers who underpay workers will be committing a criminal offence * More than one million Australians will see government payments increase, including youth allowance, ABSTUDY and carer allowance...
Smarter use of common household appliances – fridges, washing machines and even the toaster – could cut power bills in 2025, an electricians’ network says. The toaster may be a smaller contributor to the power bill but is still worth optimising, says Chris Madikian, electrical expert...
As many as four in five households could be paying less for electricity by shopping around or calling providers to ask for a better deal. Numbers from the consumer watchdog suggest the so-called “loyalty penalty” intensifies the longer households wait to switch. “If you haven’t changed electricity...
Two former internet messageboard darlings that fell from grace a few years ago have been the year’s biggest winners on the Australian Securities Exchange. Zip Co was the year’s biggest gainer among the 200 companies in the ASX200 after its shares closed out 2024 at $2.96,...
Asking for a favour is a delicate art that, when done correctly, strengthens relationships and builds trust. However, when approached poorly, it can strain even the strongest of connections. Whether within families, friendships, or professional relationships, how we ask for help matters as much as the favour...