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:
RBA pushes to end card surcharges, warning costs may shift to shoppers if prices are adjusted. The bank also says the First Home Guarantee could lead to riskier, higher LVR and DTI loans, so stress‑test repayments. ABS data shows the biggest monthly business turnover fall since 2023, pointing to softer demand. Consumer sentiment also dipped in October. Takeaways: review payment fees, borrow only what you need, keep buffers, and match repayments to cash flow. For simple, transparent small loans under $10,000, visit small-loans.com.au.
EPISODE 778 | Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials | Sun, 12th Oct 2025
24 Oct 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, its Saturday 11 October 2025.
First up, the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, told senators yesterday it wants to scrap card surcharges and cut the behind‑the‑scenes fees on debit and credit payments. The Governor also noted shoppers could still end up paying if businesses bake costs into prices. For households, watch checkout fees and prefer low‑cost payment options. For small operators, review your merchant service plan and keep an eye on blended pricing, so your costs—and your customers—stay predictable.
Next up, the RBA flagged risks around the expanded First Home Guarantee. With just a five per cent deposit, borrowers can end up with higher LVRs—loan‑to‑valuation ratios—and higher DTI—debt‑to‑income—loans. If prices dip, that can mean negative equity. If youre weighing any loan, stress‑test repayments for rate moves and income bumps. Borrow only what you need and keep repayments within your cash flow.
Meanwhile, fresh data showed monthly business turnover fell by about two per cent in August, the biggest drop since early 2023. That lines up with what many of you are feeling: slower demand and tighter wallets. Practical move this week: tighten invoicing cycles, trim non‑essential spend, and keep a small buffer. If a shortfall pops up, smaller loan amounts with clear fees can bridge a gap without overcommitting.
And consumer sentiment slipped again in October, signalling more cautious spending ahead. For families, thats a cue to plan for essentials and avoid stacking multiple debts. For sole traders and small businesses, assume sales might be choppy and build flexibility into your budgets and financing.
If you need options that are simple, fast and transparent—across personal or business use—start with a small amount, compare the total cost, and pick a repayment that fits your pay cycle. Our independent broking network can help you understand choices without pressure.
Thats it for this week. For tools and a free assessment on small loans under ten thousand dollars, visit small-loans.com.au. Im Paige—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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Asset Allocation: An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
