Insurance is designed to provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected when things go wrong. But even with comprehensive and up-to-date insurance cover, there are some things you could inadvertently be doing that break the terms of your insurance policy. From leaving a key under the doormat to not taking reasonable care, here are five common mistakes that could invalidate your insurance, leave you without cover, and potentially out of pocket.

Inflation is tracking downwards and is expected to return to the RBNZ’s target range of between 1 and 3 per cent in the second half of the year. The Official Cash Rate (OCR) remains unchanged at 5.50 per cent however, and for homeowners who recently moved off much lower fixed rate terms, higher mortgage repayments and the ongoing high cost of living are straining already tight budgets. Despite these challenges however, paying down the mortgage should be a priority. Here are some helpful tips for doing just that.

If you own or are considering investing in residential property in New Zealand, you may be wondering how recent changes to the Government's bright-line test, effective 1 July 2024, could impact you. The bright-line test determines whether tax is payable on any profit made from the sale of a residential property within a specified period. Recent changes could impact your investment strategies, particularly regarding the sale and purchase of investment properties. Read on to find out more.

With the recent changes to interest deductibility and the bright-line test, property investment in New Zealand has become an attractive opportunity once again. If you’re an existing homeowner considering buying a rental property or a holiday home, leveraging the equity in your existing home can be an excellent way to jumpstart your property portfolio. Here are five important considerations to help you use your equity to buy an investment property.

It’s that time of year again, where we crank up the heater, fill up the hot water bottles, and pull out our warmest blankets. As the cold winter weather sets in, keeping our homes warm and dry is a priority. A warm home is not only more comfortable, but also more energy efficient. Even though we’re already in the midst of winter, here are three steps you can take to improve your home and your comfort this winter.

Earlier this year, the National government announced a significant policy change that would reverse the previous government’s interest deductibility rules by April 2025. This change is likely to have a substantial impact on property investors in New Zealand, providing a more favourable tax environment and potentially making property investment more attractive. Here’s a closer look at the updated rules, how they work, and what you need to know to make the most of these changes.

From July 1, 2024, Debt-to-Income (DTI) restrictions will come into effect, setting limits on the amount of high-DTI lending banks can do. At the same time, Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions will loosen slightly, allowing banks to do more low-deposit lending. Find out what these changes mean for you as we make sense of Debt-to-Income (DTI) restrictions and Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR).

Government recently announced the removal of the First Home Grant which provided eligible first home buyers with up to $5,000 towards an existing home or $10,000 for a new home. Removal of the First Home Grant could be a setback for some first home buyers, but there are still other options to help enter the property market in New Zealand. Here are some alternative strategies, including shared equity ownership, low deposit home loans, KiwiSaver Withdrawal, and parental assistance.

Winter can be tough on mental health. The lack of sunlight and warmth makes it hard to stay upbeat. Shorter days and colder temperatures can lead to a dip in mood and energy levels, leaving many people battling feelings of gloom and lethargy. If you find it difficult to maintain a positive outlook during winter, here are five effective tips to help boost your mood and support your mental well-being. 

New Zealand’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) is being held at 5.5% following the RBNZ’s May 2024 update, with the next Monetary Policy Review and OCR announcement due in July. While some finance experts believe inflation will fall back into the Reserve Bank’s target band over the coming year, many predict that significant rate cuts will not occur until next year when the central bank may begin lowering interest rates. For homeowners preparing to lock in a new interest rate, here are 5 essential things to know.