There’s nothing Kiwis like better than spending summer outdoors; at the beach, the Bach, or by the BBQ. And summer’s a great time for getting things done around the home too, with the fine weather an added incentive to get out and tackle the garden and those DIY jobs you’ve put off all winter. But before you head out, here are some safety reminders and our top tips for a super safe summer in New Zealand.

Whether or not life insurance is something you decide to add to your financial plan will largely depend on your current financial and personal situation. And while it may be hard to imagine anything going wrong while we’re fit and healthy, it’s still important to think about what would happen if you were unable to earn a living. How would those who rely on you survive financially? In this article, we’ll look at 5 reasons why we believe life insurance is worth the cost.

Warmer temperatures and more sunshine hours signal the beginning of spring, and for many of us, time to spring clean. A thorough spring clean of your home has a number of health benefits. Aside from helping strengthen your immune system and avoid illnesses, cleaning and organising the space you spend most of your time in can actually boost your mood and help you focus better. Here are five ways you can benefit from spring cleaning along with tips on what tasks to prioritise.

Ongoing lockdown restrictions have meant many New Zealanders are facing serious financial hardship. Those families that are still struggling from previous lockdowns will be hardest hit, and many will be tempted to turn to easy access, high-interest debt in order to pay for day to day expenses. If you are struggling financially – unable to repay existing debt, maintain your mortgage repayments, or simply put food on the table – please reach out for help. Here are some options.

Homeowners who commit more than 30 per cent of their after-tax income to paying the mortgage are likely to be feeling a form of financial stress known as “mortgage stress”. And with around 40 percent of all lending done to borrowers with debts that are five or more times their before-tax income*, as well as the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 – including redundancy, reduced work hours, or illness – it’s not hard to see why mortgage stress is a growing concern in New Zealand.

Following the move to level 4 lockdown on 17 August 2021, Government has once again triggered support for businesses and workers. Along with Government’s Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Resurgence Support Payment, a number of other support measures are also being provided for businesses and workers. Read on to find a brief summary of the support you may be eligible for.

From 1 March 2021, loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions will be back in place, changing the way both investors and first home buyers are able to access bank lending. LVRs were removed in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak. But now, in an effort to cool the New Zealand property market which has performed far better than expected, The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has one again implemented LVR restrictions Here’s what this means for you.

COVID-19 hit many New Zealand families hard, with reduced hours and job losses that left homeowners struggling to repay the mortgage. While most banks offered an initial 3-month and then a further 6-month mortgage deferral in 2020, most deferrals end on 31 March 2021 and homeowners are expected to restart mortgage repayments. If you’re experiencing financial stress or difficulties, here are some ways you may be able to get help.

2020 has been a year like no other, defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, self-isolation, and a global financial recession. And while it may have been the most challenging year ever, there’s no reason 2021 has to be the same. With a little planning and some focus, it is possible to make 2021 your best financial year yet. Take a look at these 3 ways to help you get started.

COVID-19 has changed the way we do so many things, but not all of the changes have been bad. *Online searches show a greater number of shoppers seeking ways to cultivate a simpler, more meaningful festive season this year, with experiences, personalised items, and homemade gifts. If you’ve chosen to make this festive season a more meaningful one, here are 3 simple steps to help you get started.