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Budgeting Stories

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Budgeting stories

Commonwealth Bank tests AI companion in banking app
Data Analytics

Commonwealth Bank tests AI companion in banking app

The trial could make everyday banking decisions clearer for millions of app users, while keeping human oversight and fraud controls in place.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Last month
A smarter way to fund your next RV without the stress
Opinion

A smarter way to fund your next RV without the stress

Flexible finance can ease the upfront burden for Sydney buyers, making RV ownership more manageable while protecting long term budgets.

By Dominic Vivarini • 5 min read • Last month

Global Stories

Budgeting stories

Education bodies boost AI budgets despite poor returns
Data Protection

Education bodies boost AI budgets despite poor returns

Storage and cloud fees are eroding education AI returns, even as 46% of institutions plan bigger budgets this year.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Trademarks professionals warm to AI with human oversight
Digital Transformation

Trademarks professionals warm to AI with human oversight

A growing share of trademark teams are using AI only with human oversight, as enforcement work takes up more resources and budgets rise.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Last month
Lightspark adds AI agent controls to Grid accounts
Crypto

Lightspark adds AI agent controls to Grid accounts

The update lets app users cap, approve and audit AI-driven payments while keeping control of their funds and spending limits.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
OpenAI and PwC build finance AI agents for CFO teams
Data Analytics

OpenAI and PwC build finance AI agents for CFO teams

The move could cut repetitive work in finance teams while giving Chief Financial Officers tighter control over AI spending and risk.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Last month
Gartner: AI layoffs do not improve returns on investment
Digital Transformation

Gartner: AI layoffs do not improve returns on investment

Higher AI returns appear to hinge on redesigning jobs and skills, as Gartner found layoffs alone did not boost investment performance.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month
PocketSmith launches Open Banking hub for Australians
Software-as-a-Service

PocketSmith launches Open Banking hub for Australians

Australian consumers unsure about sharing bank data now have a plain-language guide as PocketSmith expands its use of consented open banking feeds.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month
CFOs to gain margin points by backing AI strategically
Data Analytics

CFOs to gain margin points by backing AI strategically

Finance chiefs could lift profits by 2029 if they back AI with broader systems upgrades, Gartner said, as budgets rise.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Wed, 29th Apr 2026
New Zealand households cut festive discretionary spending
Gaming

New Zealand households cut festive discretionary spending

Cost-of-living pressure has left more than two in five households stretched, with bigger festive purchases falling faster than small treats.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026
Australians trade down to smaller treats, Experian says
Gaming

Australians trade down to smaller treats, Experian says

Cost-of-living pressure is pushing households towards cheaper indulgences, with personal care, digital goods and travel holding up best.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Budgeting stories

NZ households prioritise utilities over telco debts
Bank of New Zealand

NZ households prioritise utilities over telco debts

Cost-of-living pressure is pushing New Zealand households to protect power and water bills first, while telco debts are among the first to slip.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last week
SoFi launches AI Coach for members' financial guidance
Data Protection

SoFi launches AI Coach for members' financial guidance

Available first to premium members, the chat-based tool lets users manage spending, debt and savings inside the app as AI finance rivals multiply.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week
Counterculture partner backs Aqilla for not-for-profits
Digital Transformation

Counterculture partner backs Aqilla for not-for-profits

Charities could cut manual finance work and improve board oversight as the cloud system helps staff spend more time on planning.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Workplace financial benefits boost retention, survey finds
Human Capital Management

Workplace financial benefits boost retention, survey finds

Financial stress is now hitting productivity and loyalty, with 91% of workers saying tailored benefits could sway them to change jobs.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
ChatGPT adds Plaid-linked personal finance preview
Data Protection

ChatGPT adds Plaid-linked personal finance preview

Users can now ask ChatGPT about their own spending and savings after OpenAI added a Plaid-linked finance preview for US Pro subscribers.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Plaid says AI is reshaping consumer finance expectations
Data Protection

Plaid says AI is reshaping consumer finance expectations

More than half of Americans used AI to manage money last year, as consumers increasingly expect financial apps to offer guidance, not just data.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026