We’ve all voted and another federal election is over! 📃
You would have noticed cost-of-living was a major theme during the campaign. 💸
Interestingly, some key data about inflation was released this week.
It revealed in the March quarter, headline inflation rose 0.9 per cent (and the annual inflation rate was steady at 2.4 per cent).
This means prices are still going up, but the rate at which they are rising has slowed. 💲
It’s important to also look at another measure called the “annual trimmed mean” or “underlying” inflation, which strips out volatile things like electricity (and is the measure the Reserve Bank looks at closely). 🔍
Underlying inflation fell from 3.3 per cent to 2.9 per cent. 📉
Both measures are now within the RBA’s target range of 2-3 per cent, which means economists are almost certain there will be a cut to the cash rate in May (and most likely a 0.25 percentage point cut).
Lower rates are usually good news for anyone with a mortgage, but it might make getting into the property market more difficult for first home buyers. 🏠
National house prices lifted in April and are expected to keep rising amid rate cuts.
You can look more closely at how each capital city is faring here. 📍
Some Australians have come up with out-of-the-box ideas to afford housing.
These families choose to live in a housing co-op to save costs. Could you do it? 👀
Many households are still doing it tough and struggling to pay rent or bills.
This article explains your options and how to get help.
In other news, thousands of passwords have been stolen from customers of the Big Four banks. 😨
Experts say it’s because customer devices have been infected (however hackers have apparently also stolen staff logins).
You can find out what to do to protect yourself here. 🔒
Meanwhile, one of the biggest challenges about ending a relationship can be disentangling your finances.
Whether it’s joint bank accounts, assets or even kids, it’s often complicated.
Here are some tips about how to prepare yourself financially. 📋
Finally, are you sick of paying for streaming services?
My colleagues have put together a list of films and TV series that are totally free. 📺
Enjoy!
Until next time,
Sensible Emily
