RateCity.com.au
mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

linkedin

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

Home Loans

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the December 2022 rate hike?

As Australia’s banks and mortgage lenders gradually pass the latest cash rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on to their customers, a few lenders are still offering relatively low home loan rates or have even cut rates for new customers.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 Dec, 2022 -

3 min read

Superannuation

How do you pay superannuation?

Superannuation is paid by employers to employees, in both small and large businesses. Employees can also choose to make their own additional super contributions to help fund their retirement lifestyle. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

13 Dec, 2022 -

3 min read

Savings Accounts

Which banks have hiked savings account and term deposit rates in December 2022?

Australians hoping to save more money in the new year may welcome the news that many banks are raising interest rates on savings accounts and term deposits. And with even more rate hikes forecast for 2023, it may become even easier for Australians to earn interest on their savings.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

13 Dec, 2022 -

3 min read

Bank Accounts

Can you deposit money into somebody else's bank account?

One of the easiest banking tasks in the world is depositing money. You can even deposit money into someone else’s bank account if you wish.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

07 Dec, 2022 -

2 min read

Home Loans

Household spending eases – could rates be next?

Newly released figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that household spending rose at a slower pace in October 2022. Combined with news that inflation may begin to ease, is this a sign that interest rates could soon pause their journey skywards?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

07 Dec, 2022 -

2 min read

Home Loans

Some of the best home loans in December 2022

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate for the last time in 2022, though more rate rises could follow in 2023. As Australians strap in for the post-holiday financial hangover, it’s important to check if your home loan is a good fit for your evolving financial situation.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

06 Dec, 2022 -

3 min read

Bank Accounts

Can debt collectors take money out of your bank account?

If you find yourself struggling with an outstanding debt, at some stage you could be contacted by a debt collector. In this situation, remember that both debtors and debt collectors have rights and obligations. For example, a debt collector cannot take money directly from your bank account or salary without a court order.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

06 Dec, 2022 -

2 min read

Superannuation

What are the risks and challenges of an SMSF?

A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) may sound great on paper, as you get to decide where your retirement savings are invested. However, an SMSF may not be the best choice for every Australian, as they also come with their fair share of potential problems to overcome if you want to get the most out of one. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

05 Dec, 2022 -

3 min read

Home Loans

What to expect from the December 2022 RBA meeting

As the final meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board for 2022 approaches, most major banks are forecasting another hike to the national cash rate. This may not be the last rate hike we’ll see over the next few months, though it’s not yet certain when the cash rate will peak before the RBA puts rates back on hold again. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

01 Dec, 2022 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Inflation slows slightly – what does this mean for you?

Newly released data shows that Australia’s inflation rate has eased slightly. But it’s not yet clear whether this will be enough to curb the likelihood of another interest rate hike.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

30 Nov, 2022 -

3 min read