Mark Bristow

How much of my credit card should I pay off each month?

Credit cards offer a convenient way to borrow large or small amounts of money whenever you need it, which can prove very useful in the right circumstances. But of course, any money you borrow will need to be paid back, with interest over time.

ASIC shifts strategy from financial literacy to capability

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is proposing updates to its National Financial Literacy Strategy, including shifting the focus to financial capability and outcomes rather than financial literacy alone.

More Aussies own less of their homes

The number of Australian mortgage-holders with little or no real equity in their properties has grown over the past 12 months, according to figures from Roy Morgan Research, placing them at considerable risk if they must sell or prices decline.

CBA puts focus on service, not sales

The Commonwealth Bank is continuing its recent charm offensive by changing how it pays its frontline staff. Rather than offering tellers financial incentives to make sales, the new system will reward the delivery of superior customer service in CBA branches.

How do mortgage brokers get paid? | RateCity

How much does a mortgage broker cost? How do brokers make their money? And can this affect which home loans your broker recommends? For the answers to these questions and more, read on:

Is Australia's future housing supply at risk?

An unprecedented number of Australian dwellings are currently in the development pipeline, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). With the average length of time between dwelling approval and commencement increasing, there is a growing risk that these projects could end up abandoned, potentially affecting Australia’s future building activity and housing supply.

Banking with your digital assistant

If you’ve ever asked a friendly disembodied voice to schedule an appointment, answer a trivia question, or just to tell a silly joke, then you may also be happy to ask your digital assistant for financial advice. With this in mind, National Australia Bank (NAB) has teamed up with Google to launch a new app for the Google Assistant platform.

ATM usage surges after fee removal

Just days after eliminating withdrawal fees from its ATMs, Commonwealth Bank has recorded a significant increase in usage of its machines by customers of other banks.

Aussies buying more cars, making more purchase plans

The latest trend data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows an increase in new car purchases over the past month. Meanwhile, more Australians are making plans to buy a new car in the next four years, according to Roy Morgan research.

Aussies spend more on bare necessities

Australians are seeing basic expenses gobble up a larger share of their household budgets, but are experiencing less financial stress, according to new figures released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).