2012 Best of the Best

Now into our 11th year, Money Magazine’s annual Best of the Best issue has narrowed down Australia’s best financial products, services and investments for 2012. With thousands of products from hundreds of different institutions, Money - with the help of our research partners - has identified 101 gold winners to help ease your financial worries as we approach the New Year.

A taste of Money’s Best of the Best Awards:

Cheapest Home Loan Package: HomeSide Lending (Bank); Newcastle Permanent (Non-Bank) Money says: A mortgage rate discount of up to 0.8% if you’re prepared to hold a number of key financial products with the same institution – that’s the general incentive to opt for a packaged home loan.

Best Term Deposits – Short Term: UBank (Bank); Railways Credit Union (Non-Bank) Money says: If you want the certainty of a fixed return, a term deposit can be appealing. It’s a low-risk option free from concerns about market shake-ups.

Best Saving Account: RaboDirect (Bank); Railways Credit Union (Non-Bank) Money says: These accounts are typically free and convenient as you can easily transfer money from your transaction account into the online savings account.

Best Reward Credit Cards: ANZ (Bank); American Express (Non-Bank) Money says: American Express really dominates this category with four out of the six featured cards having an American Express card link.

Best Frequent Flyer Program: American Express (International); American Express (Domestic) Money says: The winner’s big plus is that you get a free return flight every year.

Cheapest Postpaid Mobile Plans – High Usage: Amaysim Unlimited Money says: Known as ‘have a chat’ by family and friends? Then Amaysim’s $39.90 Unlimited plan is just the ticket.

Best Broadband Plans: SpinTel 5GB Plan. Money says: Statistically speaking, Australians like to be connected while they’re on the move.

Best Balanced Super Funds: REST Money says: An industry fund’s strategy pays off as financial turmoil takes a heavy toll on sharemarket returns.

Best Feature Packed Online-Broker: Commsec Money says: In a competitive field Commsec is still able to lead the pack.

Lowest Cost Super Fund: First State Super Money says: Economies of scale and a cost-conscious culture ensure members benefit from low fees.

Best Value Green Car: Toyota Hybrid Camry Money says: Improved economy, performance and safety are strong points in this year’s line-up.

Cheapest Home and Contents Insurance: IMB Money says: Recent natural disasters have underlined the need for home insurance.

HIGHLIGHTS AND GIVEAWAYS

• Book of the month: Wiley Trading Guide Volume II. We’re giving away 10 copies to our readers.

• Subscribe to Money and you could win one of 10 holidays of a lifetime to beautiful Hawaii! Each prize is valued at over $12,000. Subscribe online to double your chance to win

• Money’s Letter of the Month gets a 12-month subscription to Money magazine.

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