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.
1027 articles written by Mark Bristow
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 -
24 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
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 -
24 Feb, 2023 -
7 min read
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 -
23 Feb, 2023 -
4 min read
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 -
23 Feb, 2023 -
3 min read
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 -
23 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
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 -
21 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
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 -
21 Feb, 2023 -
4 min read
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 -
20 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
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 -
16 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
Some of the best home loans for refinancers and investors in February 2023
The most recent meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board brought us a 25-point hike to the national cash rate, along with assurances that more rate rises are coming. Australians looking to refinance the mortgage on their home or investment property may need to carefully compare their available options to make sure they’re getting a deal that suits their needs.
Mark Bristow -
16 Feb, 2023 -
3 min read