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: a surge in scam calls and tougher anti-scam rules coming; ASIC says $3 billion in unclaimed money could ease budgets; refinancing plans rise after the RBAs latest hike, with tips to compare total loan costs; and Bike Loans Australia launches a rider-focused resource hub. Clear, practical pointers for households, small businesses and the self-employed. Visit small-loans.com.au for tools and guides.
EPISODE 3337 | Small Loans Australia Weekly News Wrap: The Essentials | Sat, 24th Oct 2026
25 Oct 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 Saturday, 24 October 2026.
First up, a fresh warning on scam calls. One major telco says almost all of the 24 million scam calls it tracked in a year came via a single wholesale network, and Australias new Scams Prevention Framework is due next year with tougher obligations and penalties. Why it matters: scams target households and small businesses when cash is tight. Hang up on surprise callers, contact the real business on a number you trust, and never share codes or remote‑access details; set clear invoice‑check steps if you run a business.
Next, unclaimed money could give some budgets breathing room. The corporate regulator ASIC — the Australian Securities and Investments Commission — reports about $3 billion in unclaimed funds from old bank accounts, insurance and shares. Theres no deadline to claim, but youll need ID. Take two minutes to search official registries for your name — and any past trading names — before you borrow or if youre juggling bills.
Meanwhile, refinancing momentum is building after the Reserve Bank of Australia, the RBA, lifted the cash rate to about four‑point‑six per cent late last month. New survey data shows roughly one in seven mortgage holders plan to switch lenders in the next year, and almost one in ten already have. For listeners weighing up a small personal or business loan under ten grand, the lesson is similar: compare the total cost, not just the headline rate. Check comparison rates, fees, and any early‑exit charges, and use a calculator to stress‑test repayments against your cash flow.
And for riders, a quick heads‑up from our wider network. Bike Loans Australia launched this week with plain‑English guides and a motorcycle loan repayment calculator tailored to Aussie buyers. If youre pricing a used bike or a modest upgrade, tools like that can help you map repayments and running costs before you commit.
Thats the wrap. For guides, calculators and clear explanations on small loans under ten thousand dollars, visit small‑loans.com.au and subscribe to MoneyTips for updates. Thanks for listening, Im Paige — see 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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