Mark Bristow

What to expect from the February 2023 RBA meeting

After the customary January break, the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is meeting in February to discuss monetary policy and the national cash rate. A 25-point rate hike is widely anticipated to be the result of the meeting, though economists from Australia’s big four banks have differing opinions on what may happen next.

Can you get a home loan on a visa?

It is possible to get a home loan in Australia if you’re on a visa, though the process could be more complex than for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Understanding some of the requirements for a mortgage with a visa could help you to compare your options and make a decision that suits your needs.

Should you buy or rent your home?

Ask a group of Australians whether it’s better to rent or buy a home and you will get a different opinion from each one of them. Phrases like “safe as houses” and “rent money is dead money” may be thrown around, while others balk at the prospect of decades of housing debt.

What are Australia’s greenest cars?

Australia’s car industry is gradually moving towards a greener future, with more hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) hitting our streets each year. So, which car makes and models are the most likely to make the smallest impact on the environment, and how can you buy one?

CPI Forecast Australia: When will inflation go down? | RateCity

Inflation is affecting every aspect of Australian finances at the moment, from the cost of lettuce to home loan interest rates. So how high is inflation likely to go, and when will it reach its peak? We checked what some of Australia’s leading financial institutions had to say in their forecasts.

Three saving strategies to help you meet your New Year's resolutions

Want to save more money this year? So do most young Australians, according to new research. There are several paths you could take to reach this goal, and it’s important to consider which may be the best saving strategy for you.

Why is my super going down?

The balance in your superannuation account generally rises over time as you accumulate contributions from your employer. However, super fees and changing investment performance can lead to dips in your super balance. 

Causes of inflation

One of the main reasons the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raises interest rates is to bring down high inflation. But what exactly is inflation, what factors push it upwards, and how does raising interest rates push it back down?

Personal Loan vs Home Loan: Which offers a better deal? 

When financing a renovation or buying a big-ticket item, some homeowners use their home loan to access the money they need. Others finance their project by taking out a personal loan instead. So which option is the best choice to help you reach your goals?

What to expect on settlement day

A property sale is said to “settle” when the property changes hands from one owner to another. While the buyer and seller don’t usually need to do much on settlement day, it’s worth understanding the processes that the solicitors, conveyancers, real estate agents and mortgage lenders are taking care of behind the scenes.