Financial relief or stress? Here's what the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision could mean for seniors

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has been the centre of attention and speculation over the past months.

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect many Australians, many eyes are locked in on their decision.


The RBA has decided on a move that could impact millions of Australians—especially seniors nationwide.

The RBA decided to cut the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points.

The cash rate cut effectively brought down the cash rates from 4.35 per cent to 4.10 per cent.


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The Reserve Bank of Australia announced its first rate cut after almost five years. Image Credit: International Banker


This rate cut was the first one in over four years and could have a ripple effect on the country's economy.

For Australians, this could affect everything—ranging from mortgage repayments and savings accounts to even weekly groceries.


The RBA's decision could be a welcome reduction for Aussies with mortgages, as it could decrease monthly repayments.

For example, an owner-occupier with a $600,000 mortgage could see their minimum monthly repayments decrease by about $92.

With that in mind, homeowners may have some much-needed breathing room, especially after feeling the pinch of higher living costs and previous rate hikes.

The RBA's decision to lower the cash rate could be a significant shift in monetary policy.

In November 2023, Aussies saw another hike in interest rates, which has been evident in their wallets and savings.

This time, the central bank's move to cut rates was a response to various economic factors and should support sustainable economic growth.


The RBA had to consider several factors before deciding on the cut—which usually consists of inflation, employment rate, and the overall health of the economy.

For over half a million Australian households, this rate cut could be a new yet welcome experience.

'For a lot of borrowers who have been paddling hard to keep their mortgage repayments afloat, this could be a much-needed lifeline,' Data Insights Director Sally Tindall pointed out.

With this in mind, the full benefits of the rate cut could only be felt should the banks choose to pass on the savings to their customers.


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Here are the possible price drops homeowners could experience, depending on their mortgage cost. Source: 7News


Historically, the big four Australian banks have typically passed on the changes to their existing variable mortgage customers within 14 days.

Borrowers should keep a close eye on their banks' responses to the RBA's announcement and be prepared to contact their lenders.

Customers should also consider other refinancing options if their bank does not entirely pass on the rate cut.


On the other hand, savers may not see this rate cut as good news.

Interest rate cuts generally mean lower returns on savings accounts and term deposits.

Watch the full live update about the RBA's decision here:

Source: ABC News Australia/YouTube

RBA's update could be a good time to review savings strategies and look for alternative ways to make saving work harder in your favour.

As we navigate these changing financial waters, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive about managing finances.

Whether it's reassessing your mortgage, exploring new savings avenues, or simply understanding how these changes affect your financial situation, knowledge is power.
Key Takeaways

  • The Reserve Bank of Australia announced a cash rate cut by 0.25 percentage points, bringing interests down from 4.35 per cent to 4.10 per cent.
  • This was the RBA's first rate cut since November 2020. The rate had been steady at 4.35 per cent since its previous hike in November 2023.
  • The rate cut could reduce monthly repayments for owner-occupiers, assuming lenders and banks pass on the cut in full.
  • Major banks should pass on the rate cuts to their variable mortgage customers within 14 days, in line with previous responses to cash rate changes.
How will the RBA's rate cut affect you in the future? Have you already heard from your bank regarding changes to your mortgage or savings account? Share your thoughts about this news update in the comments section below.
 
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To be honest I would rather see those with a mortgage get relief than worry about how much interest I'm going to get.
The best interests rate we were able to get on our savings was 5% that was nearly a year ago.

I have four kids with mortgages and two ready to purchase so I would rather them save.
 
Stuff their mortgage payments poor little princess's, they are the ones who took out the huge loans, what about people like us trying live off the interest in our invested money ... Drop their bloody mortgage if they want but now I make less money each month.
 
I can't see it dropping the cost of groceries and other expenses. Some people used to try to pay a little extra each payment. I don't know if banks will allow you to do that now. Interest rates on savings are likely to go down too.
 
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Something mystifies me. If a borrower has an outstanding balance of one million dollars in a mortgage he probably borrowed around $1,400,000.00 including insurance and deposit. So, to obtain that size of a mortgage the lender would have had to ascertain his borrowing capacity which means he would have to have a sizeable regular income. Therefore a saving of $154.00 per month would mean nothing to them. And this would apply pro-rata for lesser amounts. Why not keep the mortgage rates where they are or maybe a little lower and apply a rebate system to pensioners, concession card holders, the unemployed, etc for their monthly bills i.e. groceries, electricity even fuel? I think that would be vastly more beneficial and fair.
 
It's good for me. I've been struggling to pay my mortgage for over 30 years. Had to refinance due to circumstances beyond my control. Small mortgage minimum wage so even if l save $5 it helps. Not everyone has million dollar homes. Not everyone is lucky enough to have enough money just sitting around earning a good interest rate.
 
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Stuff their mortgage payments poor little princess's, they are the ones who took out the huge loans, what about people like us trying live off the interest in our invested money ... Drop their bloody mortgage if they want but now I make less money each month.
100% correct. if someone wishes to have a million dollar+ home then it is their wish, not ours.
 
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To be honest I would rather see those with a mortgage get relief than worry about how much interest I'm going to get.
The best interests rate we were able to get on our savings was 5% that was nearly a year ago.

I have four kids with mortgages and two ready to purchase so I would rather them save.
that is because of your production line nothing else. opinions come from what suits one. personaly mine are with me.
 
It amuses me that when the interest rates go up the most banks increase their rates immediately and yet as the interest rates go down most of the banks are slower taking at least ten days to decrease the interest rates. While there may be exceptions to this, I believe most of the banks seem to follow the same narrative. When does making a profit turn into pure greed.
 
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Stuff their mortgage payments poor little princess's, they are the ones who took out the huge loans, what about people like us trying live off the interest in our invested money ... Drop their bloody mortgage if they want but now I make less money each month.
Why are you assuming everybody has huge loans? Sorry but I think you're the princess. If people have got that much money in their savings account that they're able to live off the interest they can't be doing it that bad.
 
Stuff their mortgage payments poor little princess's, they are the ones who took out the huge loans, what about people like us trying live off the interest in our invested money ... Drop their bloody mortgage if they want but now I make less money each month.
What choice do they have if you want a home rather than renting near the city, you work then you have no option, but to pay the price. The only other choice a person has and that is go outside the city. In many cases most rentals cost more than the average mortgage.
 
Stuff their mortgage payments poor little princess's, they are the ones who took out the huge loans, what about people like us trying live off the interest in our invested money ... Drop their bloody mortgage if they want but now I make less money each month.
So I'm guessing you don't own your home and have never had a mortgage 🤔
 
100% correct. if someone wishes to have a million dollar+ home then it is their wish, not ours.
Who says people are buying million dollar properties and above ?

One of my daughters moved 3 hours away so she could buy a house without going over their heads.
Fact is most houses in Syney in the cheaper areas are close to a million .
So should they rent their entire life rather than buy.

Cost of rent isn't that much lower than a mortgage yet people get rent assistance.

People purchasing property is a way of trying to help their future.

I know when I purchased my home when looking at wages ect it would be the same as today's prices.
House prices go up but so does wages
 
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100% correct. if someone wishes to have a million dollar+ home then it is their wish, not ours.
Who’s talking about a million dollar home ? Us oldies have had our lives you can’t go knocking the younger generation wanting to have a home of their own ! Interest rates don’t bother me I rent and have damn all in savings to attract huge sums of interest. Some of you people think only of yourselves no thought that the youngsters would like what you had when times were easier !
 
So I'm guessing you don't own your home and have never had a mortgage 🤔

Stuff their mortgage payments poor little princess's, they are the ones who took out the huge loans, what about people like us trying live off the interest in our invested money ... Drop their bloody mortgage if they want but now I make less money each month.
You sound a bit selfish. Better a mortgage than making investors rich by renting all your life with having to move a lot.
 

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