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.
1026 articles written by Mark Bristow
What the RBA's Financial Stability Review says about money in Australia right now
Global volatility, higher inflation and interest rates, plus cyber-attacks and climate change are all affecting Australia’s financial stability. The new report from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) looks at the risk these factors and more pose to the nation’s economy, but what can you do about their effect on your household bank accounts?
Mark Bristow -
11 Oct, 2022 -
6 min read
Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the October 2022 rate hike?
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is slowing down its hikes to the national cash rate, raising by just 25 basis points in October 2022. But with several of the major banks being quick to announce that they would pass this rise on in full to their home loan customers, it’s important to compare your options when looking for a low-rate home loan.
Mark Bristow -
07 Oct, 2022 -
3 min read
Which banks have hiked term deposit and savings account rates in October 2022?
The October 2022 meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) saw the national cash rate rise by just 25 basis points. While the RBA may be starting to slow the pace of its rate rises, several leading banks and Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) have been quick to announce increases to their interest rates for savers.
Mark Bristow -
07 Oct, 2022 -
3 min read
Some of the best home loans in October 2022
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) decision to hike the cash rate by just 25 basis points, rather than 50, at its October 2022 meeting could be a sign there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for homeowners being squeezed by rising mortgage repayments. But with economists forecasting that interest rates could still have further to rise before the RBA hits pause, it may be worth comparing home loan offers to work out if you’re on the best value home loan for your needs.
Mark Bristow -
06 Oct, 2022 -
3 min read
What's the most tax effective way to buy a car?
Buying a car can be a major financial commitment, so it makes sense to check how this purchase could influence the tax you pay. Depending on your financial situation and how you plan to use the car, there may be several strategies available to claim tax deductions on your car purchase. It’s important to compare the available options to work out which one may be the most tax-effective choice for you.
Mark Bristow -
05 Oct, 2022 -
4 min read
The benefits of downsizing your home
Senior Australians may find that the family home is bigger than they know what to do with, and may be costing a lot to maintain. Downsizing to a smaller property may not only better suit your changing lifestyle but come with financial benefits for your household budget.
Mark Bristow -
05 Oct, 2022 -
4 min read
What to expect from the RBA October meeting
Three out of Australia’s four big banks are tipping another 50-point hike to the national cash rate when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board meets on the first Tuesday in October 2022. With another hike of this size likely to exacerbate pressures on household budgets around the nation, the next question is: when are Australia’s mortgage holders likely to see some rate relief from the RBA?Change
Mark Bristow -
28 Sep, 2022 -
6 min read
How to choose a car loan
The best car loan for you may not always be obvious. Car loans from different providers may better suit some households than others by fulfilling different needs. When choosing a car loan, it’s important to compare a variety of different options so you can be confident that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Mark Bristow -
21 Sep, 2022 -
5 min read
How to compare to find your best car insurance quotes
Because every Australian household is different, there is no single car insurance policy that will be the best choice for everybody. To get the best car insurance policy for you, it’s important to compare different quotes and consider which offer may best suit your needs.
Mark Bristow -
21 Sep, 2022 -
5 min read
5 things to consider before Australia's third La Nina
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has forecasted that for the third year in a row, Australia will experience a La Nina weather system. With Australia’s eastern states likely to cop an absolute drenching over the summer months, there are a few steps you could consider taking to get ready for La Nina sooner rather than later.
Mark Bristow -
20 Sep, 2022 -
4 min read