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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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1049 articles written by Mark Bristow

Credit Cards

Prepare for buyer's remorse this Christmas

Over two thirds of Australians suffer from ‘post-purchase blues’ following impulse buys in the lead-up to the Christmas season, according to new research from AMP.

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Mark Bristow -

07 Dec, 2017 -

2 min read

Home Loans

First Home Super Saver Scheme on the way

The Australian senate has passed legislation for the First Home Super Saver Scheme, as part of the federal government’s efforts to provide relief for the nation's housing affordability crisis.

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Mark Bristow -

06 Dec, 2017 -

2 min read

Car Loans

What is a balloon payment?

Despite how it sounds, balloon payments have nothing to do with buying inflatable novelties, and everything to do with car loans and vehicle finance.

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Mark Bristow -

05 Dec, 2017 -

4 min read

Bank Accounts

Dodging the crowds, What are Australia's busiest Christmas shopping days?

Australians are planning to spend around $11 billion this Christmas, with new research from the Commonwealth Bank putting each person’s average spend at around $593.

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Mark Bristow -

04 Dec, 2017 -

3 min read

Superannuation

Aussies no more trusting of financial planners

The level of trust that Australians have in the financial planners who manage their superannuation hasn’t changed significantly over the past eight years, according to new stats released by Roy Morgan.

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Mark Bristow -

01 Dec, 2017 -

2 min read

Bank Accounts

Banking royal commission announced

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced a royal commission into Australia’s banking sector, following repeated calls for an inquiry into the scandal-prone sector from the finance community and beyond.

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Mark Bristow -

30 Nov, 2017 -

3 min read

Bank Accounts

Disabled Australians at financial risk

A new study has confirmed that people living with disabilities are vulnerable to financial exploitation and abuse by unscrupulous service providers, and that access to financial education may be able to help disabled Australians and carers make more confident financial decisions.

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Mark Bristow -

27 Nov, 2017 -

3 min read

Credit Cards

Aussies looking on the bright side

Things are looking up for the Aussie economy, with declining unemployment and the recent same-sex marriage survey result boosting consumer confidence to a 16-week high, according to ANZ and Roy Morgan Research.

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Mark Bristow -

23 Nov, 2017 -

2 min read

Bank Accounts

Are paper billing fees unfair? Government plans to investigate

If your bank, utility company or telecommunications provider charge you extra to receive paper bills, the Australian government may want to hear from you.

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Mark Bristow -

22 Nov, 2017 -

3 min read

Home Loans

How much is Lender's Mortgage Insurance?

Because Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can be a significant extra expense when purchasing a property, it’s important to include it in your budget when calculating whether you can afford a home loan, to avoid finding yourself in financial stress at the very start of a 30-year mortgage term.

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Mark Bristow -

21 Nov, 2017 -

3 min read