By Owen Fitzgerald
Translates markets into money decisions: saving, investing, retirement and building wealth over time.
UK house prices fall faster than expected as mortgage costs bite
UK house prices fell more than expected in October, with Lloyds reporting a 0.6% monthly drop and a 1.2% annual decline. Higher mortgage rat
New Zealand card spending rises 1.2% in October, but fuel costs drive the gain
New Zealand card spending rose 1.2% per person in October, but Westpac says the gain was mostly due to petrol prices topping NZ$3.60 per lit
Canada's variable-rate mortgage shock may stretch into 2027
A wave of variable-rate mortgages taken out in 2021-22 is hitting renewal, and Desjardins says some first-time renewers could face payment j
Best Budgeting Apps of 2026: Match the Tool to Your Money Style
Most budgeting apps tell you where money went last week, but few help you avoid overspending before it happens. We break down the main appro
Canadians plan to spend 11% less this holiday season, PwC finds
PwC's holiday survey finds Canadians plan to spend 11% less this season, averaging CA$1,487. More shoppers are staying home and 54% say they
UK mortgage rates jump as 30-year gilt yield tops 6% for first time since 1998
A global bond selloff has pushed Britain's 30-year government bond yield above 6% for the first time since 1998, prompting lenders to pull s
Australia's card surcharge ban shifts costs into menu prices
Australia's ban on card surcharges took effect, but cafes and bars are folding the old fees into higher menu prices. The RBA expects a small
NZ borrowers stay current on loans, but hardship cases climb to 14,500
New Zealand households are mostly keeping up with repayments, with arrears near 11% in August. But hardship arrangements climbed to 14,500 a
Why a cinema ticket can beat a streaming subscription
A new Deloitte report shows streaming has a firm grip on daily media habits, yet cinemas still offer something subscriptions can't. Understa
India's insurance regulator proposes new commission caps to lower premiums
India's insurance regulator is proposing new limits on commissions across life, health, and motor insurance to lower distribution costs and
Mortgage applications slide as 30-year rates hit 6.97%, highest since May
US mortgage demand slipped again as the average 30-year fixed rate climbed to 6.97%, the highest since May 2025. Refinancing took the bigges
Why prepaid cards are surging: privacy, flexibility, and control
Prepaid cards are no longer just a budgeting tool. Their growing popularity reflects a broader cultural shift toward privacy, flexibility, a