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.
1039 articles written by Mark Bristow
What is the average length of a home loan?
Many Australians start out with a 30-year mortgage, though shorter and longer home loan terms are also available from some lenders. The length of your home loan can affect the cost of your repayments, as well as how much interest you’ll pay.
Mark Bristow -
19 Dec, 2022 -
4 min read
Can I choose a superannuation fund or does my employer choose one for me?
Most Australians can choose their own superannuation fund, though a small number may have limited super options available to them. If you don’t choose a superannuation fund, your employer will choose one for you.
Mark Bristow -
16 Dec, 2022 -
2 min read
Can you claim home insurance on taxes?
In most instances, you cannot claim home insurance as an expense on your taxes, because homes are used for personal purposes. However, according to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), you may claim some portion of the home insurance expense if you use your residence to run your home-based business.
Mark Bristow -
16 Dec, 2022 -
4 min read
Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in December 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, what can Australia look forward to in 2023? More rate rises may be on the cards, making it important for investors and refinancers to carefully compare mortgage offers before making any decisions.
Mark Bristow -
14 Dec, 2022 -
3 min read
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 -
14 Dec, 2022 -
3 min read
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 -
13 Dec, 2022 -
3 min read
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 -
13 Dec, 2022 -
3 min read
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 -
07 Dec, 2022 -
2 min read
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 -
06 Dec, 2022 -
3 min read
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 -
06 Dec, 2022 -
2 min read