Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. While primarily focused on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he has experience across energy, home and travel insurances. Mark has been a journalist and writer in the financial space for over ten years, previously researching and writing commercial real estate at CoreLogic. In the years since, Mark has worked for the Winning Group, Expedia, and has seen articles published at Lifehacker and Business Insider.
1028 articles written by Mark Bristow
How do you avoid Lender's Mortgage Insurance?
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can make a big impact on your mortgage budget if you plan to borrow with a low deposit. Whilethere are several options available to avoid LMI, some may better suit some borrowers more than others.
Mark Bristow -
18 Mar, 2024 -
6 min read
Can I get a personal loan to pay for my wedding?
It’s no secret that tying the knot can be an expensive proposition, with the W-word often being associated with higher than typical prices for many products and services. While you might be wedded to getting a personal loan to pay for it, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved before saying I Do to a bank or lender.
Mark Bristow -
15 Mar, 2024 -
5 min read
Some of the top-rated term deposits in March 2024
Could a term deposit help to safeguard part of your wealth from uncertainty? Selecting the best solutions to protect your assets and grow your investments isn’t always easy, but there are a range of options to consider.
Mark Bristow -
15 Mar, 2024 -
4 min read
Some of the top-rated savings accounts in March 2024
How big a difference does your savings account interest rate really make? You may be surprised by the effect that a high-rate savings account could have on your wealth, depending on your saving strategy. Just make sure that the account you choose is one that suits your needs and can help you reach your goals.
Mark Bristow -
15 Mar, 2024 -
3 min read
Some of the top-rated car loans in March 2024
Records were made to be broken, at least when it comes to Australians buying cars. As car purchasing accelerates, it’s important for buyers to carefully consider their finance options before committing.
Mark Bristow -
13 Mar, 2024 -
3 min read
Some of the top-rated personal loans in March 2024
Data shows Australians are increasingly looking to personal loans to secure finance. However, before committing to a personal loan, it’s important to compare the available options and consider your needs to make sure you’re selecting a loan that offers the most value for your needs.
Mark Bristow -
13 Mar, 2024 -
3 min read
What to expect from the RBA meeting in March 2024
According to many economists, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is unlikely to change the national cash rate at its upcoming meeting on 18 and 19 March 2024. The real question is whether recent economic updates could affect when the RBA is likely to announce its first rate cut.
Mark Bristow -
12 Mar, 2024 -
5 min read
How to apply for a home loan
Getting your first home loan doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds. With just a little preparation, you can confidently calculate how much you can afford to borrow, what support you may be able to get, and how to make an application that’s more likely to be approved by the bank.
Mark Bristow -
29 Feb, 2024 -
11 min read
Modem vs router: What is the difference?
Learn the difference between a modem and a router for home internet and find out which one is right for you in our RateCity guide.
Mark Bristow -
28 Feb, 2024 -
2 min read
How fast can you fix a credit score, and how do you do it?
Having bad credit may make applying for loans and credit cards feel impossible. But it is possible to recover from a bad credit score, though the length of time it will take may vary. Checking your credit report is often a good start, as is demonstrating your financial responsibility.
Mark Bristow -
28 Feb, 2024 -
4 min read