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.
1049 articles written by Mark Bristow
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220913/which-banks-have-hiked-term-deposit-and-savings-account-rates-in-september-2022-JnPqNCPMs.jpg)
Which banks have hiked term deposit and savings account rates in September 2022?
The fifth consecutive hike to the national cash rate, courtesy of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), has led to several major banks raising rates on their savings accounts and term deposits. But not every saver may be able to benefit from earning more interest on their savings.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 Sep, 2022 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220912/who-is-still-offering-low-rate-home-loans-after-the-september-2022-rate-hike-HfUlZbRZT.jpg)
Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the September 2022 rate hike?
Australia’s cash rate has shot upward over 2022, rising from a record low 0.10 per cent to 2.35 per cent in just five months. Home loan interest rates have risen as mortgage lenders pass on these cash rate increases, though there are still some low-rate home loans available for borrowers.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
12 Sep, 2022 -
2 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220909/inflation-rate-hikes-and-the-economy-why-the-rba-is-lifting-interest-rates-x2eb1pgOb.jpg)
Inflation, rate hikes, and the economy: why the RBA is lifting interest rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) remains laser-focused on tackling the “scourge” of high inflation, in part through raising the national cash rate at the fastest pace in decades. So how did inflation get so high, and are the rate hikes that are putting pressure on Australian household budgets really going to fix it?
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
09 Sep, 2022 -
6 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220908/biggest-things-to-happen-in-the-australian-economy-in-the-last-three-months-R6tWlrXGC.jpg)
Biggest things to happen in the Australian economy in the last three months
Between multiple major interest rate hikes and rising costs of living, the last three months have been eventful for the finances of many Australians. New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) give some indication of how Australia’s economy has handled the June 2022 quarter.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
08 Sep, 2022 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220906/some-of-the-best-home-loans-in-september-2022-spfkATE9-.jpg)
Some of the best home loans in September 2022
Home loan interest rates are likely to keep rising across the board, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hiking the national cash rate by 50 basis points at its meeting today. But that doesn’t mean lenders aren’t being competitive, with several actually slashing rates or offering cashback deals for eligible borrowers.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
06 Sep, 2022 -
3 min read
![](https://cdn.ratecity.com.au/article/news/3119/iStock_3669917_SMALL.jpg?w=1024)
How to finance your renovation
You love the area you live in, but your family has outgrown the house. Rather than packing up and moving into new digs, you can renovate your current home to meet your needs and avoid compromising on location.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
05 Sep, 2022 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20191203/i-stock-950975006-1-0X5ITRnXi.jpg)
What to expect from the September 2022 RBA meeting
The Big Four banks lay out their predictions for the RBA's upcoming monetary policy decision, and they all seem to be concurrent. The anticipated hike in interest rates could further exacerbate fiscal pressures on prospective buyers and existing home loan customers.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
02 Sep, 2022 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220831/four-super-funds-fail-performance-test-for-the-second-time-is-it-time-to-check-your-fund-r39MtngS5.jpg)
Four super funds fail performance test for the second time: is it time to check your fund?
The second annual superannuation performance test from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has seen outcomes generally improve for MySuper superannuation members, though there are still some repeat offenders in the mix.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
31 Aug, 2022 -
5 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220829/how-to-buy-a-house-in-a-de-facto-relationship-It52GBcPw.jpg)
How to buy a house in a de facto relationship
The process of buying a property is similar for both married couples and couples in de facto relationships. That said, some of the steps involved may require some extra consideration for de facto partners, as they could make a difference to future personal and financial goals.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
29 Aug, 2022 -
5 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220825/a-guide-to-paying-off-your-home-equity-loan-AHTPKfqJB.jpg)
A guide to paying off your home equity loan
Accessing the equity in your home can provide extra financial flexibility, which can be useful for managing major purchases and household expenses. But how will you go paying down your loan until your debt is cleared?
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
25 Aug, 2022 -
3 min read