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:
Paige covers this weeks essentials for Australians seeking small personal or business loans: inflation eased to about 3.4% but remains above target; the RBA deputy says near‑term rate cuts are very unlikely ahead of the 3 February decision; lenders lifted many fixed rates in December and savings rates lag, so comparing costs matters; and a fresh cyber breach prompts vigilance against fraud. Practical takeaways focus on budgeting for steady rates, choosing predictable repayments, checking fees, and staying scam‑aware.
EPISODE 1123 | Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials | Sun, 11th Jan 2026
15 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday 11 January 2026.
First up, inflation cooled in November, with the consumer price index (CPI) running at about three and a half per cent over the year. Thats lower than the month before, but still above the Reserve Bank of Australias two to three per cent target. Markets think February could still bring a hold, but a hike remains possible. If youve got variable repayments, plan for current conditions to stick a bit longer and make sure any new small loan fits your budget after essentials.
Next up, the Reserve Banks deputy governor said this week that more rate cuts are very unlikely in the near term because inflation is still too high. The board meets on Monday and Tuesday, 2 and 3 February, with the decision due that Tuesday afternoon. For households, small operators and the self‑employed, assume todays rates are the baseline when mapping cash flow. If youre considering a small personal or business loan, compare the total cost and choose terms that keep repayments predictable and fees transparent.
Meanwhile, lenders lifted many fixed home loan rates in December, and analysts expect most banks would pass on a full 0.25 percentage point increase if the RBA hikes. Average variable mortgage rates sit in the mid‑fives, while average ongoing savings rates are closer to three. That gap makes shopping around worthwhile. For loans under ten thousand dollars, focus on affordability, flexibility if income is irregular, and whether there are any monthly or early‑payout fees.
Finally, a new cyber breach hit an insurer this week, with customers contacted by a so‑called threat actor. If your details may have been exposed, watch for phishing texts and emails, update passwords, and monitor bank statements and your credit report for unusual activity. If a fraud issue creates a short‑term cash squeeze, dont rush; compare options carefully and choose clear fees and manageable repayments.
Thats the essentials for this week. For a simple online application, flexible criteria and support from an independent broking network, visit small‑loans.com.au and 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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