Mark Bristow

Home & Personal Finance Editor

Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. Mark’s expertise includes home loans, energy and both 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.

773 articles written by Mark Bristow

/offering-low-rate-home-loans-august-2022-rate-hike
Home Loans

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the August 2022 rate hike?

For the fourth month in a row, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the national cash rate at its August meeting. Many mortgage lenders have already passed this rate hike on to their customers, so where can you still find a low home loan interest rate?

/australians-worried-cost-living-cut-costs-save
Savings Accounts

Most Australians worried about cost of living: where can you cut costs and save?

With both inflation and rising interest rates pushing up the cost of living around Australia, many of us are considering different ways to cut expenses and save a dollar or two. But where can Australians make the most effective cuts to their household budgets, and how can they maximise their savings?

/long-does-approved-home-loan
Home Loans

How long does it take to get a home loan approved?

Getting a home loan approved could be a short and simple or lengthy and complex process, depending on your application and your financial situation. While the average time from home loan application to formal approval and settlement can take between four and six weeks, some mortgage lenders advertise that they can approve a home loan in as little as 10 minutes.

/best-home-loans-august-2022
Home Loans

Some of the best home loans in August 2022

Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) decision to hike the national cash rate by 50 basis points at its August 2022 meeting, many owner occupiers and aspiring homeowners may be feeling concerned for their futures.

/move-renovate-makes-financial-sense
Home Loans

Should I move or renovate? What makes more financial sense

It’s a decision that many an Australian homeowner has had to make – should you sink the time and money into fixing up your home, or pull up stumps and move elsewhere? The answer could depend on your plans for the property, your financial situation, and the personal goals you want to achieve.

/expect-rba-meeting-august-2022
Home Loans

What to expect from the RBA meeting in August 2022

With inflation high and unemployment low, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is being widely tipped to be planning another cash rate hike at its August 2022 meeting. But how much are rates likely to rise, and how long could this last? 

/buying-house-when-you-re-unmarried
Home Loans

Buying a house when you’re unmarried

When it comes to getting a home loan and buying property in Australia, there is usually no real difference between a married couple and a couple in a de facto relationship. That said, it’s still worth considering whether buying property when you’re unmarried is the best choice for your personal finances and your relationship.

How to choose a cryptocurrency exchange
Cryptocurrency

How to choose a cryptocurrency exchange

Even if you’ve done your research and are confident you’ve found a crypto coin that’s heading straight to the moon, you’ll need to choose a cryptocurrency exchange to make your investment.

/rules-home-equity-loan
Home Loans

What are the rules of a home equity loan?

Accessing your equity can help you make the value of your property work for you, allowing you to enjoy more financial flexibility and reach your goals. But there may be rules and regulations to consider before applying for a home equity loan, which could affect your decisions.

How do couples split finances?
Bank Accounts

How do couples split finances?

Finance and romance don’t always go well together, with nearly three quarters of Australian couples clashing over money. There are several different methods available for couples to consider when splitting their finances, each with their advantages and disadvantages.