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Phillip Portman

When he’s not busy writing, Phillip can usually be found at the movies, playing with his Italian Greyhound Wilma, hanging out with his cockatiel Tiki, or talking about everything pop culture. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism and has previously written about health, entertainment, and lifestyle for various publications. Phillip loves to help others and hopes that people learn something new from his articles.

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Stories by Phillip Portman

Australian woman unhappy with christmas present

4 Dec 2025 11:07

South Australia crowned nation’s worst regifters at Christmas

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by David Koch

Christmas can put a lot of financial strain on households that are already under pressure.

australian women shopping at christmas

2 Dec 2025 09:43

Staggering Christmas 2025 spend revealed as 41% risk debt to fund festive period

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by David Koch

Putting Christmas on credit comes with risks, Compare the Market warns.

1 Dec 2025 08:00

Shock cost of Christmas light energy usage revealed as 59% of Aussies plan festive blackout

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by Meredith O'Brien

There are other culprits driving up Christmas electricity bills, according to Compare the Market.

woman with stolen package

25 Nov 2025 09:38

Online delivery issues spike year-on-year, but who covers lost or damaged packages?

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by Adrian Taylor

More Aussies are facing online delivery problems compared to last year, according to Compare the Market's new research.

family shopping at christmas

14 Nov 2025 11:24

Two-thirds of Aussies set to splurge big in this year’s Black Friday sales

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by Chris Ford

The national average spend per person is expected to hit $492.23 this Black Friday.

11 Nov 2025 10:38

‘Prepare for more pain’: Why health insurance will likely cost more from 2026

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by David Koch

While it’s too soon to know how much the industry average increase will be, Mr Koch said Australians should keep a close eye on correspondence from their health insurer.

Halloween

30 Oct 2025 19:30

Don’t be tricked. The treats that will bleed your wallet this Halloween

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by Chris Ford

Causing the biggest fright was chocolate, with every single chocolate product in the analysis observing a price jump.

Compare the Market's Economic Director David Koch

28 Oct 2025 08:17

Kochie warns RBA could ‘go nuclear’ on rates if inflation surges

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by David Koch

Borrowers saw rates slashed in February, May and August this year, with interest rates cut by a quarter percent each time.

Family with private health insurance visit the doctor

22 Oct 2025 11:00

Health appointments take a hit as Australians cut back on spending

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by Sarah Orr

Compare the Market’s 2025 Household Budget Barometer found many have given up, delayed or cut back on crucial health check-ups and appointments due to costs.

David Koch and Andrew Winter launch Compare the Market's third Household Budget Barometer report

17 Oct 2025 09:33

Cost of living pressures laid bare in new Household Budget Barometer report

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by David Koch

Now in its third year, the report is more comprehensive than ever before.

14 Oct 2025 19:00

‘Times still tough’: Just 7% of Australians think cost of living improved in 2025

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by David Koch

Australians are actively countering rising costs by seeking out greater savings.

30 Sep 2025 14:54

The staggering amount Aussies spend on takeaway coffee each year revealed

Written by Phillip Portman, reviewed by Sarah Orr

New research has revealed the average cost of takeaway coffee reached $5.53 per cup in 2025.

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