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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. Focused primarily on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he 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.

956 articles written by Mark Bristow

Home Insurance

What types of home insurance are there?

Home and contents insurance are often mentioned in the same breath, and many insurance providers sell them as a package deal, but they are two different types of insurance that cover two different things. Whether you’re an owner occupier, a tenant or an investor, it’s important to know you’re covered with the right kind of home insurance - in fact, having insurance may be a requirement of your mortgage.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

22 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Loans

ANZ and Suncorp Bank merger back on – what does this mean for refinancing?

The merger between ANZ and the banking arm of Suncorp is set to proceed, with a previous block from the competition watchdog being overturned. But what does this mean for Australian mortgage holders? 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

22 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

Insurance for watches: A comprehensive guide to safeguarding your timepieces

Whether you're the owner of a luxury watch or a collection of prized timepieces, you may want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered in the event of loss or damage. Knowing some key facts about watch insurance, and being aware of some important limitations, can help make sure you’re not left high and dry.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Car Loans

E10 vs 91: Navigating your fuel choices

If you want to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly mechanic bills, then choosing the right fuel is important. In Australia, regular unleaded petrol (91), premium unleaded (95 and 98) and E10 are among the most common petrol choices for motorists. If you’ve seen these names on the petrol bowser without fully understanding what they mean, here are the basics to help you make a more informed choice the next time you fill up your car.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Feb, 2024 -

5 min read

Home Insurance

Accidental damage home insurance: Protect your home from the unexpected

A home can be your pride and joy, but home ownership also means dealing with damages, which may need a quick DIY fix or major repairs. Home insurance with cover for accidental damage can provide a financial safeguard if your home needs extensive - and expensive - repairs.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

19 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

How much should I insure my house for?

It’s important to determine the exact amount you’ll need to be insured for to cover potential losses. Understanding the nuances of home insurance can help ensure your property and possessions are adequately protected without overpaying. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

19 Feb, 2024 -

6 min read

Credit Score

How good debts and bad debts can affect your credit score

With political commentators discussing whether the latest Federal Budget has put Australia into too much debt (we’ll leave that debate to the experts), some everyday Aussies may be concerned about the debts in their own household budgets, and what they could mean for their financial futures.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read

Home Insurance

Single item insurance: A comprehensive guide

If you own an item that’s worth a great deal of money, such as a treasured piece of high-end jewellery or a prized musical instrument, it’s important to know you’ll be covered if your item is lost or damaged. Single item insurance for high-value items can provide peace of mind in this situation. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

Switching home insurance: A comprehensive guide

There are many reasons why you might choose to switch home insurance. You might be looking to save money with a new provider, seeking more comprehensive cover, or looking for a better customer service experience.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

16 Feb, 2024 -

3 min read

Credit Score

Four habits to keep your credit score top notch

Being mindful of your financial habits can make a big difference to how easy or hard it is to keep your credit score at the top end of the band. Here are four of the top ways to maintain or grow a good credit score:

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

15 Feb, 2024 -

4 min read