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. Mark has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities.
306 articles written by Mark Bristow

Four habits to keep your credit score top notch
Being mindful of your financial habits can make a big difference to how easy or hard it is to keep your credit score at the top end of the band. Here are four of the top ways to maintain or grow a good credit score:

Mark Bristow -
15 Feb, 2024 -
4 min read

Cashback deals to compare as rates are kept on hold in February 2024
Many mortgage lenders have been gradually pulling their cashbacks from the market due to increasing refinancing activity and more intensive competition. But there are still cashback deals available for refinancers and first home buyers to compare, as well as other competitive incentives.

Mark Bristow -
14 Feb, 2024 -
4 min read

Feeling the love? Some of the top-rated personal loans for February 2024
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the time of year when a lot of money gets spent on everything from grand romantic gestures to elaborate weddings. While a personal loan could offer the financial support you need to splurge on your loved ones when the cost of living is high, it’s important to consider your budget and your credit score, and to carefully compare personal loan options before you apply.

Mark Bristow -
08 Feb, 2024 -
3 min read

Will you grow your wealth this year? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in February 2024
Australia’s inflation may be falling faster than previously predicted, which could make it easier for savers to grow their wealth. However, it’s important to consider more than just interest rates when comparing savings account options.

Mark Bristow -
07 Feb, 2024 -
3 min read

Would new emissions standards affect which car you’ll buy? Some of the top-rated car loans in February 2024
Australians bought record numbers of new vehicles in January 2024, with most being SUVs and Light Commercial vehicles. However, with new emissions standards potentially on the cards, how could this affect your choice of vehicle, and in turn your choice of car loan?

Mark Bristow -
07 Feb, 2024 -
3 min read

Apply now or wait? Some of the top-rated home loans in February 2024
With interest rates on hold for the time being, the next question for many Australian borrowers and refinancers is whether they should apply for a home loan now or later. In either case, it’s important to compare home loan options and make the best decision to suit your financial situation and personal goals.

Mark Bristow -
06 Feb, 2024 -
3 min read

What to expect from the RBA meeting in February 2024
In the leadup to the first meeting of the year for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board, economists from Australia's leading banks are in agreement that interest rates should stay on hold this month. That leaves two questions: how long will it take for inflation to fall into the RBA’s target band, and when will the first interest rate cut arrive?

Mark Bristow -
02 Feb, 2024 -
5 min read

Inflation growth at two-year low: does this mean no more rate hikes?
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that Australia has experienced its lowest rate of inflation growth in two years. So, what does this mean for Australia’s interest rates in 2024, and for Australian home loans in turn?

Mark Bristow -
31 Jan, 2024 -
3 min read

11 home loan cashback deals available in January 2024
If you’re considering refinancing this year, or looking for your first home loan, a cashback deal could be a competitive perk to prioritise when comparing home loans.

Mark Bristow -
23 Jan, 2024 -
4 min read

What are savings account conditions?
Earning the maximum interest from a savings account may require you to meet certain conditions, such as making regular deposits or minimal withdrawals. If you don’t fulfil these conditions, you may earn less interest on your savings, or even none at all.

Mark Bristow -
22 Jan, 2024 -
4 min read