When it comes to managing your mortgage, there are some home loan features that have a significant impact. From reducing interest charges to accessing extra repayments, offset accounts and redraw facilities are two home loan features that can save you money and provide greater flexibility. Understanding how each of these works – as well as their benefits and drawbacks – can help you make an informed decision about which home loan features are right for you.

A strong immune system is essential for maintaining good health and preventing illnesses. Between cold and flu season, and regular increases in COVID-19 cases, it’s not always easy to keep our immune system healthy and strong. But, by taking some proactive steps to support our immune system and making certain lifestyle changes, we can significantly boost our body's ability to fight off infections and stay healthy. Check out these 5 effective ways to bolster your immune system and protect your health.

If you’re considering moving home, either to upsize or downsize, or you’re considering buying a second home, the current New Zealand housing market may present some opportunities. With house prices stabilising, changes to LVR (Loan to Value Ratio) for investors, steady unemployment rates, and an absence of foreign buyers in the market, now may be the right time for you to move home. Find out more and get our tips on preparing to sell your existing home to buy a new one.

Mortgage refinancing is a strategic financial decision that can have a significant impact on a homeowner’s overall financial health. An understanding of when and how – as well as how often – to refinance the mortgage can lead to substantial savings and improved financial flexibility. Read on to find out why homeowners choose to refinance the mortgage and how often, how the refinancing process works, along with the pros and cons of mortgage refinancing in New Zealand.

If you’ve owned a home in New Zealand for some time, you may have already paid down a significant portion of your mortgage. At the same time, your property’s value has likely increased and so too has your equity. Equity is a valuable asset that opens up possibilities for homeowners, including the option to use equity to buy a second home as an investment property or holiday home. Read on to find out how to leverage your equity to grow a property portfolio, along with the key factors to consider when choosing a second home.

40% of people aged 65 and over have virtually NO other income besides NZ Super and another 20% only have that, and a little more* This is from the 2022 Review of Retirement Income Policy. We are also a fast-aging population, with the number of people aged 65 or older living in New Zealand likely to hit 1 million by 2028. Currently there are about 93,000 people aged 85 or older, and in just two years there will be more than 100,000.**

Money issues are a common source of tension and stress amongst couples. Shared expenses, different income levels, diverse spending habits, and conflicting ideas about bill payments and savings can present a number of challenges. With open communication and careful planning, it is possible to build a strong financial foundation to support both your financial goals. Read on to find our tips for managing money as a couple.

Across the country, Kiwis are grappling with a higher cost of living that has left many feeling the squeeze on the household budget. The rising cost of housing, utilities, groceries, and other essential expenses have made it increasingly challenging to make ends meet. There are some steps you can take to regain control of your finances. From budgeting and maximising savings to reducing energy usage and making smarter buying decisions, here are 5 essential tips to beat the cost-of-living crisis.

Finding the perfect home in New Zealand can be an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. In the current property market, home buyers face obstacles such as limited housing supply and soaring house prices and run a real risk of losing momentum or giving up. Whether you’re looking to buy a first home or a new home, here are some of the most common challenges home buyers in New Zealand face along with valuable tips to help you overcome them.

In New Zealand's competitive housing market, pooling resources with family or friends could make home ownership a reality for some first home buyers. To ensure a smooth and successful home buying journey though, it's important to make well-informed decisions and establish clear guidelines. Get valuable tips for co-ownership in New Zealand: from choosing the right person to buy with, drafting a property sharing agreement, to deciding how the loan will be repaid and determining an exit strategy.