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

Does my credit card include ski trip travel insurance?
Many credit cards, especially gold and platinum cards, offer complimentary travel insurance when you book your trip using the card. However, this may not always cover higher-risk activities such as skiing, so it’s important to compare your options and make sure you’re covered.

Mark Bristow -
11 Oct, 2022 -
3 min read

Why are cars so expensive in Australia?
Most Australians are familiar with having to pay a bit more for some goods and services than they would elsewhere around the world. In the case of cars, this can be partially attributed to the higher cost of importing and manufacturing, but also to tougher regulatory and environmental conditions, as well as taxes and tariffs.

Mark Bristow -
16 Sep, 2022 -
5 min read

Can you use a personal loan to buy land?
If you’re buying a block of vacant land with ambitions to build your own property on the site, you may be able to pay for it with the help of a personal loan. But there are also other land finance options available that may better suit the financial needs of some borrowers.

Mark Bristow -
14 Sep, 2022 -
3 min read

How much does a carport cost?
A carport can provide your car with more protection from the elements than parking on the street, in your driveway, or on your front lawn. Carports may also be less expensive to install than a garage, though their cost can vary depending on your property.

Mark Bristow -
14 Sep, 2022 -
5 min read

A guide to paying off your home equity loan
Accessing the equity in your home can provide extra financial flexibility, which can be useful for managing major purchases and household expenses. But how will you go paying down your loan until your debt is cleared?

Mark Bristow -
25 Aug, 2022 -
3 min read

ANZ has a change of heart and hikes some of its savings accounts
ANZ has had a change of heart, today hiking some of its savings accounts, after initially leaving them untouched following the August cash rate increase.

Mark Bristow -
19 Aug, 2022 -
4 min read

Do I need a house valuation for probate? What you to know about deceased estates
Becoming the executor for a deceased estate can be daunting. While you’re dealing with your grief for the departed, you’re also taking responsibility for the will they left behind. Understanding some of the requirements and responsibilities involved when dealing with a deceased estate can help to ensure that everybody is well looked after, financially and emotionally.

Mark Bristow -
16 Aug, 2022 -
3 min read

What is a revolving credit mortgage?
A revolving credit mortgage is another name for a home equity line of credit, often used in countries such as New Zealand. A revolving line of credit lets you borrow up to a maximum limit based on your equity in property, and enjoy the flexibility to make repayments when you choose.

Mark Bristow -
11 Aug, 2022 -
3 min read

Most Australians worried about cost of living: where can you cut costs and save?
With both inflation and rising interest rates pushing up the cost of living around Australia, many of us are considering different ways to cut expenses and save a dollar or two. But where can Australians make the most effective cuts to their household budgets, and how can they maximise their savings?

Mark Bristow -
04 Aug, 2022 -
3 min read

How long does it take to get a home loan approved?
Getting a home loan approved could be a short and simple or lengthy and complex process, depending on your application and your financial situation. While the average time from home loan application to formal approval and settlement can take between four and six weeks, some mortgage lenders advertise that they can approve a home loan in as little as 10 minutes.

Mark Bristow -
03 Aug, 2022 -
5 min read