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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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1039 articles written by Mark Bristow

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.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 Jun, 2024 -

3 min read

Car Loans

Some of the top-rated car loans in June 2024

While Australia continues to grapple with high costs of living, sticky inflation and low economic growth, car sales are continuing to smash records. Electric and low emission vehicles are also continuing to grow in popularity, according to the latest sales figures.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 Jun, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Loans

Cashback home loan deals in June 2024

Australians are running out of time to apply for some cashback deals, with Westpac’s subsidiaries withdrawing their cashback offers from the market as of the end of the month. There are still a limited number of cashback home loan deals available for refinancers and owner occupiers, making it important to compare options before deciding. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

07 Jun, 2024 -

5 min read

Energy

Guide to energy efficient heating

This article looks at some of the steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency and possibly reduce your energy bills.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

01 Jun, 2024 -

7 min read

Home Insurance

How to reduce your home insurance premium

There are several options available to help lower your home insurance premiums, from bundling offers to finding ways to reduce the insurer’s risk.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 May, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Where can you find rate relief? Some of the top-rated home loans in May 2024

With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping the cash rate on hold in May 2024, and economists from some big banks pushing back their rate cut forecasts, Australians wanting cost of living relief may need to give themselves a rate cut. Comparing home loans options before your switch can give you a better idea of which options may be best for your financial situations and personal goals. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 May, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

Are kitchen appliances covered by contents insurance?

Many kitchen appliances count as part of your home’s contents for insurance purposes. However, some insurers could consider certain built-in appliances to be part of your building, meaning they may only be covered under a building insurance policy.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 May, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

Does home insurance cover foundation damage?

Home insurance may help you to avoid paying the substantial cost of foundation repair, but your policy may only cover foundation damage in some cases, such as when the damage is caused by specific events.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

13 May, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

Is insurance a requirement of having a mortgage?

While home insurance isn’t compulsory in Australia, most mortgage lenders require borrowers to have a home insurance policy in place over a property before they’ll approve a home loan application.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

13 May, 2024 -

4 min read

Personal Loans

Some of the top-rated personal loans in May 2024

New data shows more Australians may be taking out personal loans, while others are struggling with the cost of living. But what effect could a personal loan have on managing household budgets?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

13 May, 2024 -

3 min read