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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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1039 articles written by Mark Bristow

Credit Score

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

Mark Bristow -

15 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Loans

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

Mark Bristow -

14 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

What is contents insurance?

Contents insurance is a form of insurance that covers your personal possessions in the event of loss, damage or theft. Many insurance providers sell contents insurance as part of a package deal with home insurance, offering discounts if you purchase both together, but it is generally also available to purchase separately. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

13 Feb, 2024 -

5 min read

Term Deposits

How far can your savings take you? Some of the top-rated term deposits in February 2024

Has your term deposit been effectively losing you money in the past? With Australia’s inflation falling faster than expected, it may be getting easier to find term deposits that can keep your money from going backwards. But it’s important to compare the available options and choose a term deposit that will suit your needs and help you reach your savings goals.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

12 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

First-time renters: Your essential guide to leasing your first property

Whether you're moving out of your parents' home, leaving student accommodation, or moving in with a group of friends, it’s important to be prepared, and understand the ins and outs of the rental process.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

12 Feb, 2024 -

5 min read

Home Insurance

What does building insurance cover?

Home insurance can be daunting, especially when trying to protect your most valuable asset - your home. Building insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding homeowners from financial loss due to damage or destruction of their property. Understanding the essentials of building insurance and its costs may help you save some money on your policy.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

12 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

Unoccupied home insurance: Your essential guide

Leaving your home unoccupied beyond a certain length of time can have consequences for your home and contents insurance coverage. If you are planning on spending an extended period away from home, or know in advance that your house will be empty, then unoccupied home insurance may be worth considering.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

09 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

Jewellery Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve ever lost a piece of jewellery or had an item stolen or damaged, you’ll know how much it can hurt, both personally and financially. Whether it's an heirloom necklace, unique engagement ring, or luxury watch, the loss, theft, or damage of such items can be a major headache. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

09 Feb, 2024 -

5 min read

Home Insurance

Renting out a room in your home: Are you insured?

Renting out a room in your home can be beneficial in a number of ways - it can help you earn extra income to put towards household bills or mortgage payments, and it can even be a way to make use of a space that’s sitting dormant. That said, if you are considering becoming a landlord, even on a small scale, then it’s important to understand the legal requirements and the workings of the rental market, as well as how renting out a room could potentially affect your home and contents insurance. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

09 Feb, 2024 -

5 min read

Personal Loans

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

Mark Bristow -

08 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read