Insurance for all, kind of

More Australians rate having life insurance as essential than take it out, a survey by TAL shows. Although those near or in retirement are among the most financially vulnerable to an accident or sickness, only 53 per cent of those on average earnings have some form of life insurance. "Having appropriate protection shouldn't stop once the mortgage is paid. Having protection such as critical illness insurance, which can finance special treatments, pay everyday bills and for costly rehabilitation and modifications such as wheelchair access remains relevant long after the home is paid off," says TAL Group chief executive Jim Minto.

Tax course

Tax accountants H&R Block is starting a 17-week course in mid-February for those who want to take control of their tax affairs or take the first steps in becoming a tax consultant. The course fee starts from $610 and will be offered at around 100 H&R Block offices across Australia.

Private health insurance premiums

The 11 million Australians with private health insurance are likely to face increases in heath insurance premiums of 6 to 7 per cent from April 1. Each year health funds ask the government to approve annual increases on the basis of "claims inflation" or how much they expect their costs to rise. Insurers are in the final stages of negotiations with the government.

Bank fees

The average household thinks it pays about $8.70 a month in bank fees but considers $3 would be fair according to a survey of 1026 for Financial Redress. Australians paid $4.1 billion in bank fees in 2013, an average monthly fee of $19.05.

Household financial conditions report

Rising house prices and low interest rates are making us more confident about our finances; at least those who own their own home outright. According to the St George-Melbourne Institute quarterly household financial conditions report, homeowners have never been more confident in the 20-year history of the survey.