Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials
Each week, this show brings a clear, plain-English recap of the biggest Australian stories shaping consumer rules, cost-of-living, small business conditions and policy changes. We sort the noise, highlight what’s changed, and explain why it matters for everyday Australians, small operators and the self-employed. Trusted, neutral and repeatable, it’s your steady check-in for context, practical takeaways and credible sources—so you can stay informed and make confident decisions.
This Week:
This week: the mid‑year budget update improves the deficit but confirms national energy bill relief wont continue, so plan for higher summer bills. Darwins market stays hot as investor yields draw buyers, with a likely cool‑down later in 2026. Automatic tipping is popping up on some bills—legal if disclosed and optional—so check receipts and opt out if you wish. Rates are on hold, but lenders can still tweak products, so review repayments and fees. Visit small-loans.com.au for support.
EPISODE 1019 | Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials | Sun, 21st Dec 2025
26 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori
00:00:00
00:00:00
1x
Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 21 December 2025.
First, the federal mid‑year budget update landed this week. The bottom line improves by about $8 billion over four years, and the 2025–26 deficit is now expected to be around $37 billion. But cost pressures arent gone, and the government confirmed the national energy bill relief wont be extended into the new year. For households and small operators, that means planning for higher summer bills and keeping a little buffer. If cash flow is tight, compare options early and avoid last‑minute, high‑fee credit.
Next up, Darwins housing market is running hot. Prices there rose fastest of all capitals this year, with steady rental yields near six per cent drawing more interstate investors and squeezing first‑home buyers. Analysts expect momentum into early 2026 before affordability starts to bite. If youre buying or moving for work, get your documents in order, know your budget, and be realistic about deposits and repayments so you can move quickly when a fair deal pops up.
Meanwhile, automatic tipping has started appearing on some restaurant and bar bills. Its legal if its disclosed and you can opt out—but surprises at checkout arent great for budgets. Always read the bill, ask if youre unsure, and remove fees you didnt agree to. If you run a small venue, be clear and upfront so customers arent caught off guard.
And stepping back, the Reserve Bank of Australia kept rates on hold earlier this month and remains uneasy about inflation. That pause doesnt stop lenders from tweaking products, so its worth checking your repayments and shopping around if a change could lower costs without adding hidden fees.
Thats the wrap. For simple online applications, flexible criteria and support tailored to your situation, head to small-loans.com.au anytime. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and take care this week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
Debt can often feel like a formidable obstacle on the path to financial stability. Many individuals battle with various forms of debt, from high-interest credit cards to significant loans that seem to have an unyielding grip on their financial lives. Recognizing the challenges that debt presents is the critical first step towards regaining control of your personal finances. - read more
Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
Welcome to our beginner's guide on personal loans during financial hardship. Navigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, but personal loans could serve as a viable solution. This article will cover what personal loans are, how they work, and why they might be beneficial during tough times. - read more
Budgeting is often seen as a restrictive practice, something that curtails fun and spontaneity. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Proper budgeting is a fundamental aspect of nurturing financial well-being. It's about understanding your income, controlling your spending, and ensuring that you prioritize saving and investing. A well-crafted budget can lead to a stress-free financial life by giving you a clear view of where your money is going and where you can potentially save. - read more
Personal loans can be a valuable financial tool when used wisely. They can help you cover unexpected expenses, consolidate debt, or even fund major purchases. However, it's crucial to understand the implications of taking out a personal loan, especially if you have bad credit. - read more
Bad credit, often resulting from late payments, high debt levels, or other financial missteps, can feel like a major roadblock. It typically means that your credit score falls below a certain threshold and may reflect a history of financial challenges. - read more
Credit scores play a crucial role in your financial life, influencing your ability to access loans, credit cards, and even housing rentals. In Australia, your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which lenders use to assess the risk of lending to you. - read more
It is no secret that the foundation of financial well-being is rooted in effective budgeting. In today's fast-paced world, where consumerism reigns, understanding how to manage one's finances has never been more crucial. Budgeting is not merely about restraining spending; it’s about creating a strategic plan that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. It allows individuals to gain control over their money, rather than letting their spending habits dictate their life course. - read more
Financial freedom is the ability to live life without being burdened by the stress of money woes. Imagine having enough savings to cover emergencies, living comfortably without constant financial anxiety, and even planning for retirement confidently. This is the goal many Australians strive for – a peaceful and secure life that isn't dominated by worries about bills and debt. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, uncovering several areas of concern. The investigation revealed inconsistent and unclear reporting, downplayed risks, opaque fee structures, conflicts of interest, and poor valuation practices within the industry. - read more
The Australian non-bank lending sector is experiencing significant growth, attracting attention from both the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). As more Australians turn to non-bank lenders for property loans, concerns about financial stability and regulatory oversight have emerged. - read more
In a significant development for Australia's financial sector, business lending has reached an unprecedented $925 billion across the nation's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) as of July 2025. This milestone underscores a robust appetite for corporate borrowing, reflecting growing economic confidence among businesses. - read more
Recent data indicates a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with over 54% now planning to utilise non-bank lenders for business investment in the next six months. This marks a notable increase from 47% recorded a year ago, highlighting a growing inclination among SMEs to seek alternative financing solutions that offer greater flexibility and accessibility. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing high-risk lending practices within the housing market. Effective from 1 February 2026, APRA will implement a cap limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A growing number of these businesses are turning to non-bank lenders to meet their funding needs, driven by the desire for more flexible and accessible financing solutions. - read more
In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant transformation in consumer financing preferences, with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services emerging as a favoured alternative to traditional credit options such as credit cards and personal loans. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
