The Latest Breaking News from Canstar

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.

Failing to swap to a better home loan rate could be costing mortgage holders hundreds of dollars extra per month.

The Reserve Bank is expected to raise interest rates again, turning up the heat on already stretched household finances.

Pressure is mounting on the federal government over tax cuts, amid support for super changes and ahead of another interest rate rise.

The Reserve Bank is expected to hike interest rates again this week and turn up the heat on already stretched household finances.