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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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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.

1009 articles written by Mark Bristow

Credit Cards

Is it worth considering a credit card balance transfer?

A credit card balance transfer is a type of debt consolidation that can help you pay down your mounting credit card debt faster. It involves transferring your debt from one or more credit cards onto a new card with a temporary low interest rate to minimise your interest charges while you pay off your outstanding debt. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

28 Feb, 2023 -

5 min read

Car Loans

Which eco-friendly car should you buy?

Whether you are looking for an SUV to accommodate your growing family or a compact city car to zip through the traffic, there are some eco-friendly options out there that could help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

24 Feb, 2023 -

5 min read

Car Loans

What is a car subscription service?

In a subscription economy, it isn’t surprising to see an increasing demand for pay-as-you-drive cars. Just like you pay a fixed amount regularly to listen to your choice of music on Spotify or similar streaming services, a car subscription service lets you pay a regular fee to use a car of your choice. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

24 Feb, 2023 -

7 min read

Home Loans

Can you buy a house with a reverse mortgage?

Unlike a typical home loan, a reverse mortgage is often taken out by people who already own a home. A reverse mortgage allows equity in the home to be unlocked and used on other expenses, but it may not be easy or even possible to buy a home with a reverse mortgage. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

23 Feb, 2023 -

4 min read

Savings Accounts

Rate rises costing us sleep: five stress-relieving savings tips

Interest rates and inflation aren’t just affecting our wallets, but our mental health. New data shows that young Australians are literally losing sleep over the rising cost of living.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

23 Feb, 2023 -

3 min read

Savings Accounts

How much of my pay should go to savings?

Whether you earn a salary or run your own business, you need to look over your finances from time to time to make sure what you earn meets your needs and lets you put aside some money for a rainy day. If you find yourself wondering how much you should save up, you may not find an easy answer. However, you can approach the question from a couple of different angles.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

23 Feb, 2023 -

5 min read

Car Loans

Choosing between a hatchback or an SUV for your family

Getting a new car could significantly enhance your lifestyle by offering freedom and convenience. If you’re torn between a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a hatchback, it’s important to choose a car that will suit your style and needs.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

21 Feb, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Can you convert a personal loan to a home loan?

If you are juggling multiple debts, one way to simplify your finances is by consolidating your debts into a single loan. Converting from a personal loan to home loan can result in a more affordable, single loan under certain conditions.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

21 Feb, 2023 -

4 min read

Personal Loans

Is now the time to renovate your home?

Renovating a property could potentially greatly improve your lifestyle at home, or increase the value of your investment. But when is the best time to consider undertaking a renovation project, and are there any risks or hazards to avoid?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Feb, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

What's the minimum deposit for a home loan in Australia?

How much a bank may be willing to lend you to buy a property will depend on a range of factors, including your income, household expenses, savings, other debts, credit score, and the size of your deposit. In most cases, a lender will offer an 80 per cent LVR (Loan to Value Ratio) home loan, meaning they’ll lend 80 per cent of your home’s value, and you need to pay the remaining deposit of 20 per cent. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2023 -

5 min read