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.
1039 articles written by Mark Bristow
NAB launches Meet Now virtual appointment service for home loan customers
A new service from National Australia Bank (NAB), is set to connect Australians with home loan bankers within 15 minutes, providing increased convenience in the age of digital banking.
Mark Bristow -
08 Dec, 2023 -
2 min read
Some of the top-rated term deposits in December 2023
With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping the national cash rate on hold at 4.35% in December 2023, not a lot of movement is expected for term deposit interest rates in the immediate future. But with some economists forecasting that the RBA could hike rates again in February 2024 if inflation doesn’t fall fast enough, It may become possible to give your savings an extra boost later in the new year.
Mark Bristow -
05 Dec, 2023 -
2 min read
Some of the top-rated personal loans in December 2023
New lending indicators from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that in October 2023, the number of new fixed term personal loans rose by 2.1% compared to the month before, to $2.5 billion.
Mark Bristow -
05 Dec, 2023 -
2 min read
Some of the top-rated home loans in December 2023
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board delivered Australian mortgage holders an early Christmas present at its December 2023 meeting by keeping the nation's cash rate on hold at 4.35%. But with economists from some of Australia’s big banks forecasting another rate hike in February 2024, Australian homeowners may not be feeling the love by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around.
Mark Bristow -
05 Dec, 2023 -
3 min read
What to expect from the RBA meeting in December 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to ask if the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has one more rate rise left in the tank for the year. Economists from some of Australia’s leading banks have their own thoughts, based on previous RBA updates, new inflation data, and their own economic modelling for 2024 and beyond.
Mark Bristow -
01 Dec, 2023 -
6 min read
Australian banks unite to stop scammers – how you can protect yourself
Australia’s banking industry is stepping up its war on scams and fraud, launching a new Scam-Safe Accord intended to put scammers out of business in Australia.
Mark Bristow -
24 Nov, 2023 -
3 min read
Can you refinance a personal loan? Here's how
It is possible to refinance a personal loan, provided you can afford the repayments. Refinancing a personal loan is a lot like initially applying for a personal loan, with a few key differences.
Mark Bristow -
23 Nov, 2023 -
3 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
Queensland doubles first home owner grant – what this means for you
The Queensland state government has announced that it would be doubling the state’s first home owner grant (FHOG) from $15,000 to $30,000, in what was described as a pre-Christmas bonus. So how does this affect Queenslanders hoping to put their first foot onto the property ladder in the new year?
Mark Bristow -
20 Nov, 2023 -
5 min read
Advantages and disadvantages of home and contents insurance
If you want to insure your home, as well as your possessions, choosing a combined home and contents insurance policy can come with advantages, such as lower premiums compared to separate policies, and easier filing of combined insurance claims after disaster strikes. However, there may also be some disadvantages, such as lower coverage limits for some of your belongings and needing to buy more optional coverage.
Mark Bristow -
20 Nov, 2023 -
3 min read