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Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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306 articles written by Mark Bristow

Credit Cards

Credit cards offering the biggest sign-up rewards point bonuses in July 2024

Signing up for a new credit card may be able to net you a six-figure points bonus, to be redeemed for retail discounts and other exclusive deals. But points hackers must beware that you’ll need to fulfil the card’s terms and conditions to qualify for these bonus points, such as making a minimum spend within the introductory period.

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Mark Bristow -

05 Jul, 2024 -

3 min read

Car Loans

Car sales have new mid-year record - Some of the top-rated car loans in July 2024

The first six months of 2024 have recorded a record number of new vehicle sales, with an increasing number of these being for electric vehicles.

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Mark Bristow -

04 Jul, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Loans

Some of the top-rated home loans in July 2024

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the national cash rate on hold at its June 2024 meeting, meaning most home loan interest rates are likely to also stay on hold for the time being. But with recent inflation data coming in higher than expected, there are risks that Australian homeowners may not receive rate relief until next year, and may even need to brace for a potential rate hike.

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Mark Bristow -

01 Jul, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Loans

Money in the bank hits $1.48 trillion + where will ANZ sit in the pack following the ANZ-Suncorp merger?

Australians tucked an additional $6.53 billion away in the bank in May as deposits from households continued to hit record highs.

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Mark Bristow -

28 Jun, 2024 -

5 min read

Home Loans

NAB says the next cash rate move will be down, not up, but not until 2025

The National Australia Bank has updated its cash rate forecast, pushing the first projected cash rate cut out by six months to May 2025.

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Mark Bristow -

27 Jun, 2024 -

4 min read

Energy

What is the average electricity bill?

It can help to know what the average electricity bill looks like, and how to compare electricity plan options, to reduce any stress, or even help you switch to a cheaper plan altogether.

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Mark Bristow -

26 Jun, 2024 -

8 min read

Savings Accounts

Ubank increases savings rate to equal second highest in market

Digital bank Ubank has announced it will be increasing the maximum bonus interest rate from 5.10 per cent to 5.50 per cent on its Save product from 1 July 2024.

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Mark Bristow -

19 Jun, 2024 -

4 min read

Credit Cards

Credit cards offering the biggest sign-up rewards point bonuses in June 2024

Do you use your credit card to chase points deals and get the best bonus offers you can? There are a variety of credit card choices available that could net you a six-figure points bonus, simply by joining up and making a minimum spend.

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Mark Bristow -

17 Jun, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Loans

What to expect from the RBA meeting in June 2024

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board is unlikely to change the cash rate at its June 2024 meeting, according to economists from some of Australia’s biggest banks. However, pressure from a variety of economic factors may force the RBA to push back previously forecast cash rate cuts until 2025.

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Mark Bristow -

14 Jun, 2024 -

6 min read

Savings Accounts

Do you dip into your savings? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in June 2024

While many Australians have been stashing money in the bank to take advantage of higher interest rates, others have been dipping into their savings to better manage cost of living pressures. Depending on your saving goals and financial situation, it could be worth comparing savings accounts to find out if an alternative option could better suit your needs.

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Mark Bristow -

14 Jun, 2024 -

3 min read