Personal Finance

Paying to Pay for Something

Credit card surcharging is in the news. Apparently, consumers are going to benefit by new surcharge limits that will be imposed on retailers. However, what is surcharging? In addition, why does it need limits? Moreover, is surcharging a good or a bad thing for customers?

What is a credit card surcharge?

When you buy something from a retailer, you usually have a choice of payment instruments. You can pay by cash, direct debit (EFTPOS), credit card, or sometimes more exotic options like BPAY or PayPal.

Finding the Middle Ground on Dividend Taxation




Australia's GST Methodology has its Supporters, but also Detractors




The Australian Government Tackles Superannuation

The government has today accepted virtually all of the recommendations of the expert panel behind last year’s Financial System Inquiry. Clearly, we can argue about some, and people would prefer to pick and choose depending on their predilections, but rather than allow the reform process to be unpicked by stealth, the government has opted to support its experts. That is a welcome change.



Tax Havens are Safe from the OECD for Now


The Tobin Tax would Work, in Theory


Commercial Bank Reform would help SMEs and ASEAN

Concerns about moderating economic growth and rising income inequality in ASEAN economies have brought small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the policy limelight. Arguing that SMEs have significant potential for creating jobs, some commentators are suggesting a host of industrial policies such as financial subsidies and local content rules to promote SMEs. However, this risks heavy-handed state intervention in SMEs. One possible alternative is to reform access to finance for SMEs — particularly from commercial banks — in ASEAN economies.

Discretionary Trusts and the Smell Test



Do You Have the Right Personality for a Loan?

Lending money is a risky business. Since 2010, Bank of England figures reveal that lenders have written off an average of £13.2 billion a year in bad loans. You can never be 100% sure that you will ever get your money back.  One way of mitigating that risk is to know as much as possible about the person to which you are lending. Indeed, some financial managers reportedly are now considering the use of personality tests to assess the suitability of borrowers seeking loans or credit agreements.