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

As the effects of the climate crisis become increasingly evident, New Zealanders are beginning to understand how these worldwide environmental shifts are reshaping the landscape of property ownership, investment and development here in New Zealand. Read on to learn what impact climate change has on the NZ property market, as well as mitigation measures, financial considerations, and government initiatives addressing this pressing issue.

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Topics: Financial Health, Health and Wellbeing, Insurance advice, Climate Change

As the end of another financial year looms, many New Zealand small business owners begin preparing to submit their tax obligations to the Inland Revenue. With a list of requirements and several boxes to tick, tax time is often seen as stressful and confusing for small business owners. But with a little organization and the right help, it is possible to take the stress out of tax time. Follow these three steps to prepare ahead of tax time and ensure your business is compliant.

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Topics: Financial Health, Income Tax, Financial Advice

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

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

Mortgage interest rates are expected to keep rising while inflation remains at an historic high*, leaving many homeowners concerned about the impact that increased mortgage repayments will have on their budget. While some may be facing real financial pressure, for others it’s likely a case of riding out the tough times, plugging away at the mortgage, and looking at ways to reduce household spending. Here are some thoughts on what to do about rising mortgage interest rates.

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Topics: Budget, Financial Health, Financial Advice

Should you be putting money into KiwiSaver while paying off a large mortgage? This is not a straightforward answer, as it depends on a few factors. Here are some guidelines on how to make the decision. On the face of it, it would make sense that if your KiwiSaver offers a return above the current mortgage rate, say 8% for KiwiSaver and 6% interest on your mortgage, you will want to contribute more to your KiwiSaver than paying off your mortgage. Is it really that simple? No, not at all! 

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Topics: Kiwisaver, Financial Health, Financial Advice

New Year’s Resolutions aren’t the only thing on Kiwis’ minds at the start of a new year. Many New Zealanders start the year with significant debt and a big hole in the budget after overspending during the Christmas break. If you’ve been a little too festive during the festive season, it’s time to get your finances back on track. Follow these three steps to reign in your spending and start paying down your debt today.

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Topics: Budget, Financial Health, Financial Advice

While Christmas for many is a time of fun, food, and family, for others it can be a huge source of stress. Many New Zealanders feel the added financial and social burden at this time of year, with mounting debt adding to already overstretched budgets and gift giving pressure. If festive thoughts are getting you down, here are 3 tips to help reduce stress for a stress-less Christmas holiday.

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Topics: Christmas, Financial Health, Health and Wellbeing

First home buyers in New Zealand face more challenges than ever when it comes to buying a first home. House prices remain largely unaffordable for many, while higher interest rates and the high cost of living further impacts housing affordability, leaving many first home buyers with a much smaller budget. If you’re considering applying for a mortgage in 2023, here are some insights that could help you get home loan ready in the new year.

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Topics: Home Loan, Financial Health, First Home Buyer, mortgage adviser