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.
971 articles written by Mark Bristow
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240701/some-of-the-top-rated-home-loans-in-july-2024-cygGxRDFs.jpg)
Some of the top-rated home loans in July 2024
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the national cash rate on hold at its June 2024 meeting, meaning most home loan interest rates are likely to also stay on hold for the time being. But with recent inflation data coming in higher than expected, there are risks that Australian homeowners may not receive rate relief until next year, and may even need to brace for a potential rate hike.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
01 Jul, 2024 -
3 min read
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Do I need home insurance for renovations?
Having home insurance isn’t always essential if you’re planning a renovation, though it can be nice to have. If a mishap occurs while you’re renovating your home, it may already be covered by your regular home insurance policy. However, this may not apply in every situation, as renovations may be an exception to your home insurance coverage, especially for larger renovation projects.
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Mark Bristow -
26 Jun, 2024 -
6 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20200116/i-stock-964372360-dF4KrrDOH.jpg)
Do I need to get homeowners insurance liability coverage?
If someone is injured or falls sick while on your property, you may be legally liable and required to pay a considerable sum of money in personal damages. You can’t prevent an accident, but you may be able to avoid some significant costs by being insured for legal liability.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
26 Jun, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20200903/i-stock-155145685-4Hq_7ib7e.jpg)
Will my home insurance policy cover lost jewellery?
The average home and contents insurance policy in Australia may only cover lost jewellery in some circumstances, and even then, only up to a certain value. If your jewellery is not lost in an insured event listed in your insurance policy, your insurer may not approve your claim. Consider checking the details of your insurance policy to know which incidents are covered.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
26 Jun, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20161014101011/iStock_16375135_SMALL-compressor1.jpg)
Landlord insurance vs home insurance
Home insurance can cover several risks you may face as a homeowner, such as rebuilding your house if it burns down, replacing the possessions stolen in a break-in, or paying medical bills if someone is hurt on your property.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
26 Jun, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240619/ubank-RLOBsvSMn.jpg)
Ubank increases savings rate to equal second highest in market
Digital bank Ubank has announced it will be increasing the maximum bonus interest rate from 5.10 per cent to 5.50 per cent on its Save product from 1 July 2024.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
19 Jun, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240617/credit-cards-offering-the-biggest-sign-up-rewards-point-bonuses-in-june-2024-kRQ2rWfIE.jpg)
Credit cards offering the biggest sign-up rewards point bonuses in June 2024
Do you use your credit card to chase points deals and get the best bonus offers you can? There are a variety of credit card choices available that could net you a six-figure points bonus, simply by joining up and making a minimum spend.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
17 Jun, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240614/what-to-expect-from-the-rba-meeting-in-june-2024-nex0oLY8I.jpg)
What to expect from the RBA meeting in June 2024
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board is unlikely to change the cash rate at its June 2024 meeting, according to economists from some of Australia’s biggest banks. However, pressure from a variety of economic factors may force the RBA to push back previously forecast cash rate cuts until 2025.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
14 Jun, 2024 -
6 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240614/do-you-dip-into-your-savings-some-of-the-top-rated-savings-accounts-in-june-2024-dpfm8Nbvl.jpg)
Do you dip into your savings? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in June 2024
While many Australians have been stashing money in the bank to take advantage of higher interest rates, others have been dipping into their savings to better manage cost of living pressures. Depending on your saving goals and financial situation, it could be worth comparing savings accounts to find out if an alternative option could better suit your needs.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
14 Jun, 2024 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240614/some-of-the-top-rated-car-loans-in-june-2024-Bp3i5U0Nu.jpg)
Some of the top-rated car loans in June 2024
While Australia continues to grapple with high costs of living, sticky inflation and low economic growth, car sales are continuing to smash records. Electric and low emission vehicles are also continuing to grow in popularity, according to the latest sales figures.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
14 Jun, 2024 -
3 min read