Debt-to-Income (DTI) Restrictions: What it Means for Kiwi Home Buyers

Mar 18, 2024 3:24:18 PM

Kiwis considering buying a home or investing in property in New Zealand will be closely monitoring the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) proposal to introduce debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions. If introduced, DTIs would limit the amount of debt households can take on and cap mortgage lending against a borrower’s income. With the high cost of New Zealand housing, DTIs could effectively slow down the property market and make it harder for average earners to secure a mortgage.


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Topics: Debt to Income Ratio, Budgeting, Mortgage Advice

Set Yourself Up For a Financially Successful Year

Jan 18, 2024 4:45:44 PM

The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your financial health and set realistic goals for a financially successful year ahead. Whether you’re a first home buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or just looking to make the most of your financial situation, a proactive and informed approach is the key to achieving financial success. Read on as we share three essential steps to help you reach your financial goals in 2024.


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Topics: Kiwisaver, Financial Health, Refinancing, Budgeting

Building a Strong Financial Foundation Together

Jul 18, 2023 6:30:00 AM

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.


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Topics: Financial Health, First Home Buyer, saving tips, Budgeting

5 Essential Tips to Beat the Cost-of-Living Crisis in New Zealand

Jul 17, 2023 4:30:00 PM

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.


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Topics: Financial Health, saving tips, Budgeting

Buying a Home With a Low Deposit

Feb 17, 2023 3:25:00 PM

An important decision for many first home buyers is choosing between buying a home with a low deposit or waiting a few years to save up a bigger deposit. While low deposit lending means you could be charged extra fees or incur higher interest rates, waiting to save up a bigger deposit could mean you miss out on your preferred property or that property prices increase to a level that you can no longer afford. If you have to choose between low deposit lending or saving a bigger deposit, here are some things to consider.


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Topics: Financial Health, First Home Buyer, Budgeting

Facing an Economic Storm

Feb 13, 2023 3:18:31 PM

Inflation may have peaked at just over 7 per cent in the last quarter of 2022, according to Stats NZ, but ongoing high prices, rising interest rates, and a looming economic recession have many New Zealanders wondering just how they’ll get by, with households budgets being stretched even further than ever before. In a bid to help you navigate these tougher financial times, here are some tips on what to do when facing an economic storm.


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Topics: Financial Health, Budgeting, Financial Advice

Budgeting For a First Home

Oct 18, 2022 9:12:53 AM

Buying a first home is a huge investment, so it’s important to get the planning right. Many first home buyers underestimate the true cost of home ownership, and fail to budget for the extra costs they’ll incur when buying a first home. Setting a realistic budget is one way to get around this. To help you plan a budget for a first home, here are 3 important costs to keep in mind.


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Topics: First Home Buyer, Budgeting, Financial Advice

Budgeting for Christmas Spending

Nov 29, 2021 10:25:29 AM

Starting the new year with Christmas debt is not something most of us look forward to. But unfortunately, it’s often the reality. To really enjoy the gift-giving season, without feeling guilt-ridden because of overspending, try setting up a Christmas budget that outlines how much you have to spend and who you’re going to spend it on, and then shop without going over budget. Here are some tips for budgeting for Christmas spending.


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Topics: Financial Health, Budgeting, Health and Wellbeing

Planning for Christmas Expenses

Nov 18, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re already feeling the pinch of festive spending to come, there’s no better time to get planning. Holiday gift-giving and entertaining can be a real drain on the wallet and your mental health so it’s vital you plan ahead with a solid budget that’s realistic and attainable. We’ve put together a list of ideas to help you celebrate Christmas while staying within your limit.


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Topics: Debt Consolidation, NZ Finance, Budgeting, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Loan Advice

Planning your financial future

Dec 17, 2018 2:27:47 PM

One in three kiwis admits to letting their money take care of itself and hasn’t planned ahead for their financial future, according to BNZ’s financial futures research undertaken during 2017. Are you one of those who may have lost sight of your long-term goals, simply living life for today? Here are some steps you can take to increase your savings and build a solid foundation for future financial success.


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Topics: Christmas Debt, Budgeting, Health and Wellbeing, Mortgage Debt