Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. While primarily focused on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he has experience across energy, 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.
1033 articles written by Mark Bristow
Good debt and bad debt, how to consolidate and save
Even if you didn’t pay much attention to the 2017 federal budget, you may remember how it was presented a little differently. Rather than focusing solely on surpluses versus deficits, the federal government sorted its borrowing into "good debt" and "bad debt".
Mark Bristow -
11 May, 2017 -
7 min read
What is a Mortgage Discharge Fee?
Also known as a termination or settlement fee, a discharge fee is paid when you finish paying off the balance on a loan, or refinance with another lender.
Mark Bristow -
23 Mar, 2017 -
1 min read
The Trump Factor, Will fixed rates protect you from volatility?
When US President Trump was first elected, a wave of uncertainty washed over the world of finance, causing investors to seek safe havens for their wealth. The 45th president’s election victory led to the price of gold breaking through the US$1300 an ounce mark, while US treasuries rose 10 points. There was also speculation that investors could start moving their money from shares to property – specifically Australian property, generally considered to be one of the safest markets in the world – as they wait to see the fallout.
Mark Bristow -
20 Mar, 2017 -
5 min read
Will US rate rises affect Australia?
Last night’s meeting of the US Federal Reserve increased America’s benchmark interest rate from 0.75% to 1%. Leading up to this widely-forecast increase, finance industry experts predicted that rising US interest rates may influence Australia and other countries where lenders could struggle with increased overseas funding costs, and raise their own interest rates to compensate.
Mark Bristow -
16 Mar, 2017 -
2 min read
Credit Cards vs Personal Loans vs Payday Loans
Three of the most popular methods for borrowing a bit of extra cash are credit cards, personal loans and payday loans. Each of these loan types have their share of benefits and drawbacks, making them better suited to different financial circumstances.
Mark Bristow -
24 Jan, 2017 -
12 min read
How to find your interest rate
Pop quiz, hotshot – what interest rate are you currently paying on your home loan? Could you name it off the top of your head?
Mark Bristow -
09 Jan, 2017 -
6 min read
How to find the value of your property
It’s romantic to measure what a home is worth in terms of love, memories, or similarly sentimental metrics. Unfortunately, banks and other mortgage lenders aren’t renowned for their sense of whimsy, and prefer to measure the worth of properties in dollar values.
Mark Bristow -
09 Jan, 2017 -
10 min read
What are home loan break costs?
If you have a fixed rate home loan and you are still in the fixed period, you may incur additional charges if you refinance or sell your property and exit from your loan. These charges for breaking the fixed rate home loan contract are called break costs.
Mark Bristow -
03 Jan, 2017 -
4 min read
More housing needed for Australia's retiree renters
Mark Bristow -
11 Oct, 2016 -
3 min read
RBA keeps rates stable following eventful month
The Reserve Bank of Australia Board confirmed today that the nation’s cash rate would remain on hold at 1.5% for a second consecutive month.
Mark Bristow -
04 Oct, 2016 -
1 min read