Are you dreaming of a mortgage-free future, but not sure where to start or what you should do to get there? Being mortgage-free may seem like a distant dream, but paying off your mortgage early is not only achievable, it’s also a smart financial move that could save you thousands of dollars in interest. Read on as we explore five practical strategies to help you accelerate your mortgage repayment journey and achieve your mortgage-free dreams.

Do you ever feel like you're paying more than you should for everyday expenses? You're not alone. Many Kiwis are unknowingly shelling out extra cash in the form of “lazy tax”, a sneaky surcharge that’s the result of sticking with the same service provider without exploring better deals. But there is help! With proactive effort, it’s possible to break free from the lazy tax trap and keep more money in your pocket. Here are 3 tips that may help.

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool for various industries, including the financial sector. While AI brings immense benefits, it also poses new challenges, particularly when it comes to financial scams. Find out more about the potential risks associated with AI-driven financial scams in New Zealand and get valuable tips on how to protect your personal and financial information.

Over the last quarter of 2023, the New Zealand residential property market has shown encouraging signs of a housing upturn, bringing optimism to homeowners and potential buyers alike. As the market dynamics evolve, several key indicators point towards a positive shift, including a higher number of new listings, increased sales numbers, and a rise in property values. Read on as we explore 5 key indicators that point to a housing upturn and shed light on these promising trends.

With the Reserve Bank of New Zealand holding the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5 per cent in October 2023, borrowers are having to get used to higher interest rates and mortgage repayments, as a drop in interest rates this year seems unlikely. For those deciding whether to refix or refinance the mortgage, or for those grappling with a higher cost of living, here are 3 strategies to help reduce the impact of higher interest rates on mortgage repayments.

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.

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.

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.

As Kiwis struggle with the rising cost of living, higher interest rates and recent weather events that caused significant damage to homes in certain regions, many more homeowners and first home buyers are turning to mortgage advisers for financial advice. With fixed rate mortgages at a record high, and close to half of those due to expire in 2023, there’s never been a better time to talk to a mortgage adviser about refixing or refinancing options to fit the budget.