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Millions are turning to loyalty programs to survive

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Amidst rising expenses, Australians are utilising loyalty programs to make ends meet in the face of rising household costs.

Carly Neubauer, director and co-founder of Elevate Loyalty highlights that loyalty programs have become a vital tool in managing household budgets for many families.

With the rising cost of essential items, Australians are finding themselves in a constant battle to make their budgets stretch further.

“Consumers are looking for ways to save money to meet their household needs on a smaller budget. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard, and Aussies around the nation are having to budget very carefully and make lifestyle sacrifices to keep their heads above water. This is where loyalty programs are coming to the fore; they can really help you out if you’re smart about using them and work them to your advantage,” Neubauer explains.

Range of benefits

Loyalty programs offer a range of benefits and rewards to consumers who participate in them.

These programs allow shoppers to accumulate points, receive discounts, and access special offers, ultimately helping them save money on their everyday expenses.

With the cost of living on the rise, loyalty programs have become a valuable resource for cost-conscious Australians.

As more Australians sign up for loyalty programs, companies are intensifying their efforts to attract and retain customers.

Loyalty programs are becoming increasingly competitive, with businesses offering deeper discounts and more enticing incentives to stand out in the market.

“Companies are really digging deep with their loyalty program incentives because competition is fierce at the moment. In addition, shoppers are also increasingly turning to research to find better deals,” Neubauer adds.

This competition among retailers has led to consumers benefiting from deep discounts and a wide range of additional perks, including points, gifts, and other discounts. Some companies are even expanding their loyalty programs to allow spending with other brands to generate loyalty benefits for program members, further enhancing the value proposition.

Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.

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Money

Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

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Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

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In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.
A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.Banner

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.


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Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

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Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

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In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.
This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

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Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.


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RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

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Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.Banner

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.


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