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. Mark has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities.
306 articles written by Mark Bristow

Some of the top-rated home loans in August 2024
With interest rates likely to remain on hold for the immediate future, what does this mean for your home loan? If you’re in the market to buy a property or refinance your existing home loan, it’s important to compare your options before selecting a mortgage deal.

Mark Bristow -
07 Aug, 2024 -
3 min read

Borrowers should take matters into their own hands as Governor Bullock all but rules out a rate cut this year
Borrowers should not bank on a rate cut in 2024, but instead plan for a potential hike as the RBA kept rates on hold for the sixth consecutive meeting at 4.35 per cent.

Mark Bristow -
06 Aug, 2024 -
4 min read

Some of the top-rated car loans in August 2024
Another new record has been set for vehicle sales in the month of July 2024, with many of these purchases being made by professional or government buyers.

Mark Bristow -
06 Aug, 2024 -
2 min read

RBA to hold, but borrowers should still plan for a hike, not a cut
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep the cash rate on hold for the sixth consecutive meeting, continuing its ‘wait-and-see’ approach, after last week’s CPI results landed broadly as forecast.

Mark Bristow -
05 Aug, 2024 -
6 min read

Some of the top-rated personal loans in August 2024
New data shows that June 2024 recorded an uptick in personal loans, reversing a fall recorded the month prior. There are a variety of reasons to consider applying for a personal loan, including adding green and sustainable features to your home.

Mark Bristow -
05 Aug, 2024 -
3 min read

What to expect from the RBA meeting in August 2024
Economists from the big four banks are in consensus that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board will keep the cash rate on hold at its August 2024 meeting, with the most recent quarterly inflation data falling in line with the RBA’s forecasts. And while the big four banks are also forecasting that the Board’s next cash rate move will be a cut, the risk remains that the rate could rise if economic events don’t proceed as planned.

Mark Bristow -
05 Aug, 2024 -
6 min read

Saving or spending? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in August 2024
If you recently dipped into your savings to splurge on end of financial year sales, you may not be alone. But new data indicates that Australians could soon be putting more money back into the bank again to help manage the high cost of living.

Mark Bristow -
02 Aug, 2024 -
3 min read

Money in the bank drops for the first time in a year
Money in the bank from households has fallen for the first time in a year, recording a sizable $11.5 billion drop in just one month.

Mark Bristow -
01 Aug, 2024 -
5 min read

Rates to remain on hold as CPI provides the RBA with a temporary leave pass
The stage is set for the RBA to leave the cash rate on hold next week, despite a rise to Australia’s annual inflation rate from 3.6 per cent to 3.8 per cent.

Mark Bristow -
31 Jul, 2024 -
5 min read

Can you make an offer without pre-approval?
You can make an offer to buy a property by private treaty without having pre-approval from a mortgage lender. However, nothing is final until the contracts are exchanged and signed, so you could miss out on your dream property if you can’t get your home loan organised and approved fast enough.

Mark Bristow -
22 Jul, 2024 -
5 min read