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: analysis suggests the RBAs February rate hike could be a one‑off as a stronger dollar cools import prices; wages growth still trails inflation, keeping pressure on budgets; a fresh scam case shows refunds arent automatic and explains how to escalate to AFCA; and a supermarket faces court over alleged misleading discount promotions, a nudge to check receipts and redirect savings to buffers or small balances. Practical takeaways focus on clear fees, flexibility and safe borrowing for small personal and business loans under $10,000. Visit small-loans.com.au.
EPISODE 1315 | Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials | Sun, 22nd Feb 2026
25 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Welcome to Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 22 February 2026.
First up, after the Reserve Bank of Australia — the RBA — lifted the cash rate earlier this month, fresh analysis this week suggests that hike could be a one‑off, helped by a stronger Australian dollar easing import prices. For households and small operators, that points to a steadier backdrop if inflation cools. If youre weighing up finance, keep repayments workable and compare options with clear fees using a simple online assessment before you apply.
Next up, wages grew by about three per cent over the past year while prices rose closer to four, meaning real wages went backwards. Budgets are still tight for many families and sole traders. If youre considering a small personal or business loan under ten thousand, look for flexible criteria and the ability to make extra repayments so you can clear it faster when cash flow improves.
Meanwhile, a case highlighted today shows how a pensioner pursued a complaint after scammers drained his account — a reminder that fraud is getting smarter and refunds arent automatic. Protect yourself by refusing pressure to send money, using strong authentication, and contacting your bank straight away if somethings off; if its not resolved, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA. And when borrowing, make sure the lender is licensed and watch for copycat websites promising instant approval.
And finally, one of the big supermarkets is in court over claims its “Down Down” promotions misled shoppers by lifting prices, then advertising discounts — the case is ongoing and disputed. For your wallet, double‑check shelf tags and receipts, keep a simple list of regular buys, and redirect any savings to building a buffer or shrinking small balances sooner.
Thats your essentials for this week. For simple online applications, flexible criteria and transparent fees on small personal and business loans under ten thousand, head to small-loans.com.au to start your free small loan assessment.
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.
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