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

The latest Gen Z trends? Saving and budgeting
As inflation and the cost of living put the squeeze on more Australian budgets, one generation is actively taking steps to save money and stay ahead of the curve. But how effective could these strategies be for reaching your savings goals?

Mark Bristow -
22 Jan, 2024 -
3 min read

Some of the top-rated car loans in January 2024
Australians bought cars in record numbers last year, with the number of new vehicle sales reaching an all-time high in 2023. But if you’re still looking to buy a set of wheels in 2024, it may be worth making sure that you have access to car finance that suits your needs and goals.

Mark Bristow -
16 Jan, 2024 -
3 min read

Some of the top-rated personal loans in January 2024
A new year is a popular time to set new goals and commence new projects. But do you have the finance available to get your plans out of the concept stage and transform them into tangible reality? The right personal loan may be able to help, but it’s important to carefully compare your options first.

Mark Bristow -
16 Jan, 2024 -
3 min read

Some of the top-rated savings accounts in January 2024
Is 2024 the year you’ll finally buy that boat, go on that holiday, or organise that dream wedding? Whether you’ve already been growing your wealth, or you’re yet to start building your nest egg, it may be worth comparing savings accounts to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money.

Mark Bristow -
15 Jan, 2024 -
3 min read

Some of the top-rated home loans in January 2024
Even if you’re still in holiday mode following the Christmas and New Year break, it may be worth keeping a close eye on Australia’s mortgage market. With the chance that interest rates could start falling later in the year, getting your finances organised could help to put you in a better position for when the time is right.

Mark Bristow -
15 Jan, 2024 -
3 min read

Scam stats: how to stay safe these holidays
Fraud on payment cards is returning to pre-pandemic levels, with authorities and police warning Australians to be vigilant against scammers over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Mark Bristow -
22 Dec, 2023 -
3 min read

Can you use a personal loan for tax debt?
Many banks won’t allow borrowers to use a personal loan to pay tax debts. However, it may be possible to get a loan to help cover your other expenses while you concentrate on repaying what you owe to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Mark Bristow -
21 Dec, 2023 -
3 min read

How to get started in property investing
Owning an investment property could potentially offer a path to building wealth and ensuring a more comfortable retirement. However, not all borrowers will successfully invest in property, with many selling within the first five years and giving up on their property dreams.

Mark Bristow -
21 Dec, 2023 -
5 min read

Can you change your home loan to an investment loan?
Mortgage lenders offer different types of home loans to owner occupiers and to property investors. Buying a home to live in is different from buying an investment property, and comes with a different type of risk for the lender.

Mark Bristow -
15 Dec, 2023 -
4 min read

A short guide on different types of home loans in the market
Different types of home loans are better suited to borrowers with different conditions or requirements. For instance, if you’re building your home from scratch, a construction loan might prove more useful than a regular home loan. By understanding the various home loan options in the market, you can choose the mortgage that’s best suited to your needs.

Mark Bristow -
21 Nov, 2023 -
6 min read