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/20240607/cashback-home-loan-deals-in-june-2024-YYNevWiwZ.jpg)
Cashback home loan deals in June 2024
Australians are running out of time to apply for some cashback deals, with Westpac’s subsidiaries withdrawing their cashback offers from the market as of the end of the month. There are still a limited number of cashback home loan deals available for refinancers and owner occupiers, making it important to compare options before deciding.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
07 Jun, 2024 -
5 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20200716/home-loans-uKcBE1wRQ.jpg)
How to reduce your home insurance premium
There are several options available to help lower your home insurance premiums, from bundling offers to finding ways to reduce the insurer’s risk.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
20 May, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240514/where-can-you-find-rate-relief-some-of-the-top-rated-home-loans-in-may-2024-BW0vBX2Fa.jpg)
Where can you find rate relief? Some of the top-rated home loans in May 2024
With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping the cash rate on hold in May 2024, and economists from some big banks pushing back their rate cut forecasts, Australians wanting cost of living relief may need to give themselves a rate cut. Comparing home loans options before your switch can give you a better idea of which options may be best for your financial situations and personal goals.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
14 May, 2024 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20231115/are-kitchen-appliances-covered-by-contents-insurance-WooqmXyTV.jpg)
Are kitchen appliances covered by contents insurance?
Many kitchen appliances count as part of your home’s contents for insurance purposes. However, some insurers could consider certain built-in appliances to be part of your building, meaning they may only be covered under a building insurance policy.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
14 May, 2024 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20201125/home-insurance-premium-uOQVzRNAc.jpg)
Does home insurance cover foundation damage?
Home insurance may help you to avoid paying the substantial cost of foundation repair, but your policy may only cover foundation damage in some cases, such as when the damage is caused by specific events.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 May, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20230821/is-insurance-a-requirement-of-having-a-mortgage-Y-fXj9xB_.jpg)
Is insurance a requirement of having a mortgage?
While home insurance isn’t compulsory in Australia, most mortgage lenders require borrowers to have a home insurance policy in place over a property before they’ll approve a home loan application.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 May, 2024 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240513/some-of-the-top-rated-personal-loans-in-may-2024-7wwXl6GoT.jpg)
Some of the top-rated personal loans in May 2024
New data shows more Australians may be taking out personal loans, while others are struggling with the cost of living. But what effect could a personal loan have on managing household budgets?
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 May, 2024 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240513/saving-for-a-rainy-day-some-of-the-top-rated-savings-accounts-in-may-2024-VhyE0lzkI.jpg)
Saving for a rainy day? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in May 2024
How are you managing your savings? Whether you have a savings goal you’re actively working to achieve, or are simply regularly putting a little aside for a rainy day, you’ll want to be confident that you have a savings account that suits your needs. Comparing savings accounts could be an important first step on the road to financial security.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 May, 2024 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20240513/where-can-australians-put-their-record-level-savings-some-of-the-top-rated-term-deposits-in-may-2024-Ooc4X3o3R.jpg)
Where can Australians put their record-level savings? Some of the top-rated term deposits in May 2024
Australians are reportedly saving record amounts of money, according to recently released statistics. If you want to put part of your savings into a term deposit, it’s worth comparing your options to help ensure you’re selecting an option that will suit your needs.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 May, 2024 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20210105/what-is-fusion-damage-insurance-and-why-would-i-need-it-qYAzK-2a7.jpg)
What is fusion damage insurance and why would I need it?
Fusion cover protects your electrical appliances and other devices against damage caused by electrical currents or wiring. It’s often an optional extra you can select for your contents insurance policy. While fusion damage insurance may cost a little extra, the value it offers could make a big difference in some homes.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20190930/author-mark-512-zioiNTrC5.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
06 May, 2024 -
3 min read