Mark Bristow

More Aussies choosing to renovate than relocate

The number of owner-occupiers renovating their homes has risen by 21 per cent since 2015, according to research by Westpac. The research also found that the number of Australian homeowners considering selling decreased by 11 per cent compared to last year, dropping back down to the same level as 2015.

A confident start for 2018

Both everyday Australians and the nation’s business sector are enjoying the strongest level of confidence since the end of the mining boom, according to research from Roy Morgan.

Aussie cash rate will rise, but not yet, says RBA

Investors may want to start bracing themselves for the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) first increase to Australia’s cash rate in seven years… though this increase could take some time to arrive.

American Express cuts credit card interest rates

The latest change to credit card interest rates from American Express could see Australians clear their card debts a year and a quarter sooner, saving hundreds of dollars in interest payments, according to RateCity calculations.

ACCC slams banks for synchronised swimming' on mortgage rates

In a pulling-no-punches speech at the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Banking and Wealth Summit, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims called out the nation’s big banks for allegedly using home loan interest rate discounts to maintain market stability rather than to provide their customers with healthy competition.

Westpac's least-cost plan for contactless card payments

Westpac has confirmed it plans to offer least-cost routing for contactless debit card payments, which could allow retailers to lower operating costs and pass the savings on to Australian shoppers.

More Aussies researching new cars and car loan rates online

What’s the best way to do your research before making a new car purchase? According to new research from Roy Morgan, about two thirds of you are likely to have said “the internet” regardless of your generation.

ATO targeting property investors with holiday homes

If you were planning to enjoy the Easter long weekend at your holiday house, which you keep as an investment property for the rest of the year, the taxman may be keeping an eye on you.

Love or money? Cultural shifts around wealth and romance

Australian attitudes to money and relationships are changing, in part due to cultural shifts, though some romantic and financial traditions are dying hard, according to a survey from Greater Bank.

New Code of Practice to help improve Australian bank culture

To help restore public trust in Australia’s banking sector following the recent scandals and the Royal Commission, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) is making subscription to a revised Code of Practice a requirement for membership in the organisation.