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: Monthly CPI rose to about 3.8% in October, making a December RBA rate cut unlikely. Black Friday spending is pushing up credit card debt, while BNPL is regulated but still risky if stacked. The consumer watchdog flags fake “ghost” online stores ahead of Cyber Monday. And Aussies are re‑gifting billions in presents, a cue to keep holiday costs low. Practical tips: budget for steady rates, set a hard spend cap, avoid mixing multiple credit lines, verify online retailers, and choose transparent, manageable small‑loan options if you must borrow.
EPISODE 940 | Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials | Sun, 30th Nov 2025
6 Dec 2025 | 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, 30 November 2025.
First, inflation. Australias new monthly Consumer Price Index, or CPI, rose to about three‑point‑eight per cent in October, up from three‑point‑six in September. That lift makes a December rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia, the RBA, unlikely when it meets on the 8th and 9th. For anyone eyeing a small personal or business loan under ten thousand dollars, assume rates hold for now, build a buffer into your repayments, and make sure the numbers fit your budget before you apply.
Next up, Black Friday pressure. Pre‑Christmas sales are seeing more spending on credit, and card balances accruing interest are the highest since 2021. Buy now, pay later, or BNPL, is now regulated as low‑cost credit, so hardship options apply, but fees can still stack up fast. Set a hard spend limit, avoid mixing multiple BNPL accounts with credit cards, and if cash flow is tight, compare options with clear, fixed repayments and transparent fees.
Meanwhile, the consumer regulator is warning about “ghost stores” — fake online shops that vanish after taking your money. Before you click buy, look for an Australian Business Number, real contact details, and a credible returns policy, and prefer secure payment methods that offer dispute rights. Small business owners, the same applies in reverse: clear policies and proper checkout security help customers trust you.
Finally, a lighter note with a money twist. New research suggests Australians re‑gifted about one‑point‑three billion dollars worth of presents from last Christmas. Its a reminder that thoughtful, low‑cost gifts beat going into debt for big‑ticket items. If you do need short‑term funds for essentials or a time‑sensitive opportunity, keep it manageable — choose a simple online application, transparent fees, and repayments you can comfortably cover.
Thats your wrap. For tools, calculators and a free small loan assessment, head to small‑loans.com.au. Im Paige Estritori — talk to you next 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.
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