RateCity.com.au
mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

linkedin

1039 articles written by Mark Bristow

Home Loans

Which bank is best for first home loans?

Because a home loan is a major financial commitment, it makes sense to look for the best possible option for your first mortgage. To find the best mortgage lender for your needs, you may need to look beyond just the interest rates and consider each lender’s features and benefits, including their customer service.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

06 Mar, 2023 -

6 min read

Home Loans

What to expect from the RBA meeting in March 2023

In February 2023, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) sprung out of the blocks ready to take on inflation, hiking the cash rate by 25 points. Most of Australia’s major banks are expecting a repeat performance at the March 2023 meeting, though it’s not certain when the cash rate will reach its peak, or when the RBA will start cutting rates. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

03 Mar, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Why lenders may use exposure limits to curb the size of your mortgage

Exposure limits are the maximum amounts that lenders will let you borrow, taking all your current debts into account. For property investors taking out a mortgage when they’re already paying off others, debt exposure can be a dealbreaker.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

02 Mar, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Some of the best home loans in March 2023

Interest rates are widely tipped to rise at the next meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), with at least one more hike expected to follow. As the cash rate potentially approaches its peak, what will this mean for Australian homeowners and first home buyers?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

01 Mar, 2023 -

2 min read

Home Loans

How to get multiple mortgages for investment properties

Investing in real estate can let you benefit from rental income today and potentially capital gains in the future if your investment property’s value increases. The more investment properties you add to your portfolio, the more of these benefits you could potentially enjoy.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

28 Feb, 2023 -

7 min read

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