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.

Winter may be a quieter season for listings and sales, but with fewer homes on the markets and less competition, it’s good news for sellers with more chance of their property standing out from the rest. Don’t let shorter days and colder weather put a damper on your home selling plans. Improve your chances of a successful sale this winter, with 3 strategies to showcase your home at its best even during the coldest months of the year.

Early signs of first home buyers heading back to the housing market are evident in recent figures* from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which show a 6.6 per cent increase in the number of mortgages approved for first home buyers in April 2023. This is the second month in a row that first home buyer approvals have risen, with further increases likely following the RBNZ’s easing of LVRs and the continued lower-priced market. We’ve got some tips to help first home buyers prepare to buy property in 2023.

For aspiring homeowners, the path to home ownership is often a challenging one. Soaring property prices and stringent lending criteria have placed home ownership in New Zealand out of the reach of many. But the lending landscape in New Zealand is undergoing significant change, bringing fresh possibilities and new opportunities for those looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder. Here’s an outline of what the changes to LVR and CCCFA could mean for first home buyers and existing borrowers.

New Zealand’s housing market has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years, with the most recent drop in property prices linked to interest rate rises and cost of living pressures. But the tide may be turning, and there’s growing evidence to support a property rebound sooner than anticipated. Buyers choosing to wait for property prices to go lower should consider the impact that decision could have on borrowing power once property prices go up.

Managing an investment property can be a full-time job and one that many investors don’t have time for. One way to streamline property management is to work with an experienced property manager who will ensure your tenants are happy, all rental payments are collected, and that your property remains in tip-top condition. Read on to find out more about the vital role property managers play in maximizing the potential of your investment property.