A collection of articles to help improve your financial health.
Are you exploring your health cover options? Or perhaps you’d like a refresher of the benefits your policy already brings? As we’ll see in this guide, there’s more to health insurance than skipping the public system waiting list or having elective surgery. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to access some lesser-known perks. […]
LEARN MOREIf you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have seen an array of quizzes offering to tell you everything from which X-Men character you are to what continent you should live on based on what sort of burgers you like. Many of us love to indulge in the somewhat frivolous fun of putting […]
LEARN MOREHow long could you cope without your regular income? If you’re like a lot of people, the answer is probably not very long. But insurance can help you. Having income protection cover means having some peace of mind that, even if you were not able to work for a while, your bills could still be […]
LEARN MOREIf you’re thinking about buying a new home, you might have considered purchasing one that doesn’t actually exist yet. Building activity has picked up a lot in recent years, and there are new housing developments around the country offering buyers a selection of newly built homes. But what are the pros and cons of buying […]
LEARN MOREExperiencing a serious illness can bring about a great deal of stress – not just emotionally, but financially too. To help Kiwi patients navigate their financial journey, the Cancer Society and Sorted.org.nz have recently created a handy guide to ‘Managing your money after being diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness’. Click here to view […]
LEARN MOREAt the beginning of this year, the media was full of stories about borrowers being turned down for a mortgage because they had gone shopping at Kmart or spent too much on Netflix. The so-called “credit crunch” was allegedly because of the introduction of new responsible lending rules, which required lenders to be much more […]
LEARN MOREA lot of the time, when people talk about KiwiSaver, they think about it from an employee’s perspective. They’ll mention things like the benefits of having your employer contribute to your savings goals, or how much of a contribution your employer might match. But what if you’re self-employed and you don’t have an employer helping […]
LEARN MOREInsurance is something most of us think we are fairly familiar with. But some common misconceptions might be standing in the way of you getting the maximum protection possible from your insurance policies. How many of these have you heard? #1: I don’t need insurance, ACC will help New Zealand’s ACC scheme is great if […]
LEARN MOREIs your fixed-rate mortgage due to expire soon? If so, you may be considering the next steps now that interest rates continue to increase. The answer depends on many factors. To get you started, here are some key things to think about. And of course, get in touch if you’d like to discuss your options […]
LEARN MOREThere is nothing like a pandemic to highlight how close to their limits many of our district health boards (DHBs) operate. When Covid-19 first arrived in New Zealand, it wasn’t long before we were hearing that our hospitals, and intensive care units, might really struggle to keep up with the sort of caseload that other […]
LEARN MOREIf you already own your own home, you may have seen the equity in your property build over recent years. Have you wondered how you can use that to become a property investor, too? It might be easier than you think. It is often possible to borrow against the equity in an existing home to […]
LEARN MOREFrom time to time, share markets go through periods of volatility. International and local economic factors, as well as investor confidence, can cause swings in the value of shares. This can be a little disconcerting if you’re not used to seeing this sort of movement, but it’s nothing to worry about when you’re investing for […]
LEARN MOREAs the world comes to terms with the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation has taken hold across the globe, including in New Zealand. That has prompted central banks to respond with interest rate hikes, which have created a double-whammy for many households. Ring a bell? If it does, here are some steps you can take to inflation-proof […]
LEARN MOREIf there’s anything we know for sure, it is that life’s unpredictable, and sometimes it’s not ‘business as usual’. You never know when something might put your business at potential risk – which is why business insurance is so worth considering. And with the help of an expert – like us – you can ensure your […]
LEARN MORELots of people set New Year’s resolutions, firm in the belief that, within the next 365 days, they’ll have ticked off some big goals and set some fabulous new habits. But then, we all know it, life has a way of getting in the way. So, what if the solution wasn’t just about the goals […]
LEARN MOREYou’ve got a mortgage – but have you thought about having two, or maybe even more? It might sound a strange thing to suggest, but dividing a home loan into smaller parts can be a really good way to manage your debt. Here are a few reasons why you might want to think about splitting […]
LEARN MOREWhen you’re investing, it takes a certain amount of dedication to stay the course. We’ve collated some of the best investment wisdom, to provide you with motivation if you’re in a bit of a rut, or just need to supercharge your success. Successful investing is about managing risk, not avoiding it – Benjamin Graham Risk […]
LEARN MOREHow healthy is your health insurance coverage? A growing number of New Zealanders have health insurance, and are using it to help them pay for everything from glasses to major surgery. The Financial Services Council says more than 1.4 million New Zealanders have health cover, and insurers paid almost $1.4 billion in claims in 2020 […]
LEARN MOREWith recent events bringing a wave of changes to Kiwis’ lives, the pandemic has certainly been a key time for personal finance lessons – which will be worth keeping in mind in the years to come. Here are six key money lessons that we can take with us into the future. Setting aside your ‘rainy […]
LEARN MOREWorking towards homeownership? Or perhaps, you’re looking to use your mortgage towards a reno, or another financial goal? New consumer credit rules are coming into effect on 1 December 2021, which may or may not affect your plans to top-up your mortgage, or to get a new one. Read on for a handy guide on […]
LEARN MOREHow good are you at money matters? According to the latest financial capability survey* from the Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, a key way to boost your financial wellbeing, now and in the future, is through improving your financial knowledge. So, what does financial capability mean? Put simply, it’s the “ability to manage money […]
LEARN MOREAccording to the latest data from the Financial Services Council (FSC), $400 million claims were paid out to New Zealanders in the quarters ending 30 June 2021 – $60 million more than what was paid in the previous quarter. So, how is health cover helping Kiwis stay on top of their health? Check out some […]
LEARN MORETime for a new home? As life goes on, you may want to find a home more suited to your current needs. And with an existing mortgage, you may be considering your options; like, what happens with your mortgage? Might you buy or sell first? Here are some key things to know as you plan […]
LEARN MOREBuying a new home can be an exciting time, whether it’s your first or your fourth property transaction. But it can also be a little nerve-wracking. Given it’s often one of the biggest investments that people you may make in your lifetime, you want to get it right. But mistakes can happen, and here are […]
LEARN MOREIf you own a business, you may be pouring your time and energy into day-to-day operations and business growth. But one crucial aspect might get sidelined – retirement planning. Unlike employees, you don’t have the safety net of employer-contributed KiwiSaver or a regular paycheck coming in until retirement. But with the right planning and a […]
LEARN MOREFinancial setbacks can often feel like a formidable storm, but remember, no storm lasts forever. While setbacks are stressful, they can also teach resilience, adaptation, and the power of proactive action. Here are some constructive steps to help you overcome financial hurdles and get back on track. Acknowledge and understand the situation The first step […]
LEARN MOREHave you ever wondered why you splurge on certain items or struggle to save money consistently? The answer may lie in the fascinating relationship between emotions and your spending habits. Read on as we dive into the world of emotional spending, uncovering tips to help you take control of your finances. Discover your money mindset […]
LEARN MOREHave you ever found yourself making investment decisions based on a gut feeling or reacting impulsively to market news? If so, you may have fallen into the trap of emotional investing – which can get in the way of your financial goals. Read on to learn what emotional investing is, the risks it poses, and […]
LEARN MOREIf you are moving to a new job, you’re probably thinking about lots of things. Will you have a new commute? Will there be new systems to get to grips with? What will your new coworkers be like? But have you thought about what it might mean for your insurance? Here are a few things […]
LEARN MOREYou may have heard of trauma cover and wondered what it actually is. So, what does ‘trauma’ actually mean? And how can it help you? Here’s what you need to know about trauma insurance and what it offers you. What is trauma cover? Trauma insurance is also sometimes referred to as “critical illness” cover. It’s […]
LEARN MOREHealth insurance can make a big difference when you need to access medical treatment. Depending on what is required, having cover can mean you can avoid hospital waiting lists and have major costs covered. But, as with most insurance solutions, it’s not something you can set and forget. It’s important to review your health insurance […]
LEARN MORECould you cope if an unexpected bill landed in your email inbox tomorrow? Data shows that many New Zealanders are living payday to payday, and would struggle to cope with an out-of-the-ordinary expense. Research from Consumer NZ found that 15% of New Zealanders surveyed had no savings at all and another quarter were concerned about […]
LEARN MOREAre you a new ‘empty nester’ or about to become one? The period of your life when your kids leave home can be one of mixed feelings. Sometimes there’s a sense of loss, but at other times there’s excitement on both sides and a sense of opportunity. The question here is: what does it all […]
LEARN MOREIf you’ve been in your first home for a while, you may be starting to think about your next move. Maybe your family is growing and you need a bit more space, or you’d like to move to a different area. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if it’s time to move […]
LEARN MOREWould you like to get financially fit? Or just want to make sure everything is in order? Here are some things to think about each month of the year, to get the most out of your year. January The start of the new year is a great time to set some goals. Think about the […]
LEARN MOREHow can you stay on top of your finances? According to research by the Commission for Financial Capability, there are some mistakes that Kiwis commonly make with their money. Here are some behaviours you can build, to avoid those mishaps and support you on your financial journey. Lack of planning Remember – not having a […]
LEARN MORESince New Zealand’s rate of inflation took off in late 2021, it’s been top of the agenda in lots of people’s discussions about their personal finances. As the cost-of-living pressure has gone on, it’s prompted a lot of us to go back to the basics, reassessing our budgets and ensuring we have things like emergency […]
LEARN MOREDoes having more money make people happier? You might think it’s a trick question – anyone who’s struggled with money or worried about their financial lives knows that a windfall can make a big difference. But it turns out that, in the bigger picture, the relationship between money and happiness is a complicated one. Money […]
LEARN MORE2023 is just around the corner – which means you’re one year closer to your KiwiSaver goals. With some of that new year’s motivation going strong, now can be a good time to set the stage for the next 12 months. What would you like to achieve with your KiwiSaver plan? Here are some key […]
LEARN MORESometimes, the biggest barrier between us and our goals is – ourselves. But with a new year, comes an opportunity to start fresh and do things differently. So, take a moment to look at how you respond to financial situations: are any of these common mindsets blocking your path to financial success? Impulse spending Do […]
LEARN MOREWhat are your goals for the year ahead? Perhaps saving more money, getting healthier, or buying a home? As you work hard to get there, having appropriate personal risk insurance in place can help you protect the road ahead. Here are some key things to consider, depending on your New Year’s resolutions. I’d like to… […]
LEARN MOREAre you in ‘planning mode’ and feeling the wind of change blowing in your direction? The new year can be a great opportunity for a new approach to your mortgage debt. So, here are some key steps you can take in 2023. Pay a little extra (if you can afford it) Any extra money you […]
LEARN MOREWhen it comes to your financial lives, are you and your partner operating in sync? When you don’t agree on money matters, it can be a major problem for a couple. But when you set goals together and work towards them as a team, you can achieve a lot more than you might have ever […]
LEARN MOREIf you have a mortgage, the past few months may have been a confusing time. Interest rates have been rising fast as central banks around the world (including our Reserve Bank) tried to battle inflation, and house prices have softened. Wondering how to navigate this financial environment? One of your first stops could be with […]
LEARN MOREWhen you think of your bank account, what do you imagine? An amount of money held by a bank? A line on your online statement? Used well, your bank account can be a good tool to help you better manage your money. Here’s what you need to know. You probably need more than one To […]
LEARN MOREIf you’ve spent time anywhere near the New Zealand health system, you’ve probably heard of Pharmac. So, what does it mean that a treatment is ‘non-Pharmac’? And what happens if you need it? Read on for some key things to know. What does Pharmac do? In short, Pharmac is the agency that choose what medicines […]
LEARN MOREGetting a home loan is a big commitment, and this, of course, involves choosing an interest rate that suits your needs. The following tips are a good starting point but don’t forget we’re always here to help.
LEARN MOREI think it’s fair to say that understanding wellbeing and resilience has suddenly become critical for all of us, but as a professional in this field even I’m getting bored (and overwhelmed) by all the rhetoric and free resources that are being thrown around social media right now. So, I’ll cut to the chase. Chances […]
LEARN MOREMany households around the country are coming under increasing financial strain as the impact of Covid-19 bites. In these uncertain times, it’s natural to look at the things you can cut from your monthly budget – and think about your personal insurance policies. While it might be tempting to write these off as non-essential and […]
LEARN MOREMany of us are hanging out for the day that Covid-19 is nothing but a memory of a strange time when the world stocked up on toilet paper and flour and hunkered down at home. But while we’re keen to shake off the lockdown as soon as possible, some of the personal finance lessons learnt […]
LEARN MOREAs countries around the world take extraordinary steps to fight against COVID-19, including New Zealand, there’s no denying that we are in a period of uncertainty. So if at times you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, it’s important to keep in mind that this is only a natural reaction to unprecedented change – and there […]
LEARN MOREYou might have heard a bit of talk lately about mortgage holidays. As part of its response to COVID-19, the Government has been working with lenders to make it easier for borrowers to get a break from their home loan repayments. While ‘mortgage repayment holidays’ have always been an option for borrowers experiencing financial hardship, […]
LEARN MOREI thought I’d share part of my daily habits and routines that I’m finding even more important than usual while being at home. My philosophy is around finding balance, and taking care of my overall well-being. I fundamentally believe that our well-being is built on three areas that interconnect – Physical, Financial and Mental […]
LEARN MOREThese are most definitely difficult and unique times as the world grapples with the rapidly evolving impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). Our thoughts are with those affected across the world, and of course at home in New Zealand. Times such as these highlight the importance of supporting each other and caring for our community: from the […]
LEARN MOREThe Importance of Human Connection What has become clear to me over the past two week is that we need to really clearly distinguish between Self Isolation, Social Distancing and Human Connection. I have spoken to lots of people over the last couple of weeks, and it has been a great reminder about the […]
LEARN MOREIt’s a common New Zealand plan – start a business, continue to reinvest in it, generate profits later to pay yourself better, and then sell it for a capital sum which helps to fund later life (“Retirement”). There are a lot of Kiwi’s that have grown their financial wealth significantly this way. There are also […]
LEARN MOREWhen you’re just getting started in life, retirement seems an incredibly long time away.
LEARN MOREAt times, you may view your bank account as a mysterious thing that’s beyond your control. But there are actually some simple things that you can do to turn your personal finances around, no matter what state they’re currently in.
LEARN MORERecent events have turned much of what we thought of as ‘normal life’ on its head. And for many people, this has created an extra level of stress. Whether you’re working from home and worried about trying to home school your kids, or wondering about the future of your job or business, there are a […]
LEARN MORESo you think financial planning is only for people with lots of money to invest? Think again. Financial planning is for everyone and having the right financial plan will not only help you grow the money you do have, but will help you save in other areas, to provide more cash flow for your family.
LEARN MOREWith some recent changes to KiwiSaver, two new optional contribution rates have been introduced providing KiwiSaver members with greater flexibility. But is an increase in your contribution amount the right option for you?
LEARN MOREWith so many types of cover, different policies and a myriad of tiny details to work out, there’s no denying that Insurance is a complex affair.
LEARN MORESo, you’ve got your deposit together and you’re rearing to start house-hunting. But first, you may be thinking about getting a home loan – and there’s no better way to get a home loan than to start with pre-approval.
LEARN MOREAre you paying over the odds on your ACC levies? Every dollar counts when you’re self-employed, and having control over what you’re paying for various types of protection is crucial.
LEARN MORE‘Spend less than you earn’ may sound simple – on paper. But if you’re not a natural-born saver, what’s standing between you and reaching your savings goals? It may be your ‘money personality’, ‘attitude to risk’ or – put simply – your ‘emotions’. The good news? Once you identify what drives you to spend, […]
LEARN MOREWhen life throws a curve ball or two and you need to claim on your insurance, having the knowledge, expertise and guidance of your insurance adviser makes all the difference.
LEARN MORELife always moves fast and forward. It’s a string of choices and change, all of which could affect your protection needs.
LEARN MOREAre you in business for passion, profit or to leverage your skills? If you answered ‘All of the above’, you are well placed to succeed. But what happens when one motivator prevails over the other?
LEARN MOREAre you looking to get a foothold on the property ladder, but saving a deposit while renting seems to take longer than expected?
LEARN MOREWhen it comes to your financial life, you’re doing okay. You’re earning a decent income, putting a bit of money aside in a savings account … but you’re never quite getting ahead. Sound familiar? If you think it’s time to have your money work a bit harder for you, to supercharge you on your path […]
LEARN MOREHow far can your rainy-day fund go for you? Building your emergency savings is always a good idea, but when it comes to protecting your financial future, it may not be enough on its own. Here are some things to consider. What is self-insurance? Self-insuring means setting aside funds to pay for future losses, rather […]
LEARN MOREIf you asked most parents what they want for their children’s lives? -being happy, healthy and successful would be top of most lists. But while financial literacy is a key factor that underpins those things, many children do not get as much education when it comes to how they manage their money as they receive […]
LEARN MOREEver felt you start cringing when friends bring up money around the dinner table? Do you tend to keep money worries to yourself, rather than discuss them with your loved ones (let alone seek professional advice)? You’re not the only one. Research, locally and internationally, has found that large numbers of people find it hard […]
LEARN MOREThe new NZ Super rates are in: are they enough to pay for the retirement you’re envisioning? If your time to retire is peeking around the corner, you might like some extra help to set up a sound retirement plan for your dream lifestyle. On the other hand, if you’re younger, your ‘golden years’ may […]
LEARN MOREWhen you’re living closely with someone and your lives become increasingly intertwined, it makes sense that your money meshes together, too. But “all in” isn’t something that works for everyone. Here are some key ways you could manage your money as a couple, depending on your circumstances. Joint account If you’re coming into a relationship […]
LEARN MOREAs part of KiwiSaver’s septennial review, the New Zealand Government has recently announced some major changes to the scheme for ‘default providers’, coming into effect on 1 December 2021. Are you invested in a default scheme? Not sure if you are, or which is your provider? Here are some key things to know about the […]
LEARN MOREWhile buying your first investment property may be an exciting decision, it comes with its own set of questions. One of the main questions first-time property investors have is: house or apartment? If you have decided to jump onto the property investment ladder, there are a few things to consider before going forward. So, here […]
LEARN MOREIn the famous words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus – “Change is the only constant in life.” And planning for your future, and financial future, may be a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’. When things change, and when the journey of your life moves onto the next stage, it helps to have something look […]
LEARN MOREThe New Zealand Government has released a handy online tool to help Kiwis assess when they might be able to get vaccinated. The tool, available on the Unite Against Covid-19 website, has a series of questions for you to answer, which would estimate when you may get the vaccine. The questionnaire uses a grouping system […]
LEARN MOREIn an effort to ease the housing market pressures around the country, the Government has announced a series of long-term changes to help Kiwis buy their first home. A key part of this announcement is the raising of property price caps in some areas and income caps to access First Home Grants and First Home […]
LEARN MOREThink you know all you need to know about KiwiSaver? Or is a KiwiSaver myth keeping you from maximising your retirement savings?
LEARN MORERBNZ is bringing back LVRs, or loan-to-value ratios, after a suspension period due to the pandemic. In short, Reserve Bank-enforced LVRs restrict the amount that banks can loan to low-deposit borrowers. Starting 1 March 2021, banks can have only 20 per cent of all new lending go to owner-occupiers with less than a 20 per […]
LEARN MOREAs the new year rolls around, you may be making lots of resolutions. If top of your list is getting a better handle on your finances, or to start getting ahead at a faster pace, it’s a great opportunity to assess your money habits, and think about adopting some new ones for 2021. Here are […]
LEARN MOREIt’s often said that money is one of the leading causes of disagreement in relationships. That’s probably not surprising, given the difference our attitude to money can make to our lives. So, how can you make sure that you and your partner are on the same page? Here are five questions to help you understand […]
LEARN MOREWhen you’re starting out on a financial journey, it’s natural to want to aim for the things that give you a payoff quickly. You might want to invest in shares that could quickly shoot up in value, or funnel all of your available money into buying an investment property so you can call yourself a […]
LEARN MORESome banks – including ASB, ANZ and Westpac – are expecting rates to drop further in the coming months, given the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has left the door open to a lower or even negative official cash rate (OCR) next year. Currently, the OCR sits at 0.25 per cent. So, what will it […]
LEARN MOREYour insurance policies have been issued, so that’s that dealt with, right? Well… maybe. If you’ve gone through the process of putting insurance cover in place, you might think that’s something that’s off your to-do list for the foreseeable future. But even when you have great cover, things may change in your life, and your […]
LEARN MOREWhen KiwiSaver rolled into the New Zealand psyche more than a decade ago, it transformed the way many New Zealanders thought about the prospect of their post-work lives, helping people create a nest egg for their future. But is KiwiSaver enough to achieve the retirement lifestyle you’re envisioning? What other options are available alongside it? […]
LEARN MOREDepending on your stage of life, you might think you’re tracking along just fine. You have a few investments, you’re in KiwiSaver, you might be paying down your mortgage or on the way to saving a deposit for a first home. So, why would you need any extra help? The reality is that working with […]
LEARN MORESorted in Schools is the new programme launched by government-funded agency Sorted to help Kiwi secondary students learn more about money management, saving, debt, insurance, investing, KiwiSaver, retirement and goal setting. And they’re also free for parents to use. Developed by the Commission for Financial Capability and designed to be taught by teachers in class, […]
LEARN MOREIf your income has dropped, you may be concerned about the affordability of your mortgage repayments over the coming months. While this thought can be a stressful one, there are options available to help you get through. Talk to us and your lender The first thing to do is get in touch with us and […]
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