What Should You do if You Can’t Repay Your Mortgage?

Dec 6, 2022 9:57:53 AM

Like much of the world, New Zealanders are facing a sharp rise in the cost of living, with already overstretched household budgets being pushed even further by mortgage interest rate rises. Those homeowners who entered the property market at the peak of the property boom with record low interest rates, may already be feeling the pinch as interest rates continue to rise. Here’s what to do if you are unable to repay your mortgage.


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Topics: Financial Health, mortgage adviser, Refinancing

What is Negative Equity and How Could it Impact You?

Dec 6, 2022 9:52:59 AM

Falling house prices in some parts of New Zealand combined with rising interest rates could see some homeowners in a position of negative equity. As the higher cost of living stretches household budgets further, just how concerned should you be about negative equity? For the answer to this question and others, read on to find out what negative equity is and how it could impact some homeowners in New Zealand.


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Topics: Financial Health, Refinancing, Negative Equity

Split Your Home Loan to Spread Your Risk

Nov 11, 2022 3:17:13 PM

Homeowners in New Zealand are being warned to prepare for more interest rate shocks, as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand lifts the OCR to get the high cost of living under control, and lenders follow with interest rate hikes. For borrowers who are concerned about the prospect of higher mortgage repayments, splitting their home loan could help spread their risk. Here are some guidelines on what to consider when deciding how best to split your mortgage.


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Topics: Home Loan, Financial Health, mortgage adviser

Why Insurance Matters

Nov 11, 2022 3:10:53 PM

The festive season is a busy time of year and there’s a lot to think about. Gatherings with family and friends. Holiday traditions. Christmas shopping and gift-giving. With so much else going on, it’s important you take some time to check that you have the right financial protection to keep you and your family – and your possessions – safe over the festive season. Here are 3 reasons why insurance matters at this time of year.


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Topics: Insurance, Financial Health, Health and Wellbeing

Economic Stress Affects NZ’s Housing Sector

Oct 26, 2022 12:55:11 PM

Economic stress has a major impact on New Zealand’s housing sector, as rising interest rates and higher mortgage repayments stretch already tight household budgets. With the latest inflation figures showing price rises are not easing, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand could lift the OCR again this year to further dampen inflation. So, what should you do if you’re experiencing mortgage stress or are unable to cope with higher mortgage repayments?


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Topics: Financial Health, mortgage stress, Financial Hardship

Keeping You and Your Family Safe Online

Sep 28, 2022 2:40:56 PM

The threat of cyber-attacks continues to be a major concern in New Zealand, as cyber-criminals find ever-more sophisticated ways to target internet users and gain access to personal data and financial information. In the first quarter of 2022 alone, CERT NZ responded to 2001 cyber incidents resulting in $3.9 million in direct financial loss! To help keep you and your family safe online, here are some of the steps you could follow.


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Topics: Mortgage Advisers, Financial Health, First Home Buyer, Financial Advice

The Pros and Cons of Being a Guarantor

Sep 28, 2022 2:37:38 PM

With the cost of New Zealand property at an all-time high, many prospective first home buyers struggle to save a big enough deposit to enter the property market. One way around this issue is to have a family member be guarantor, using their own home as security for the borrower’s loan or for their deposit. But before agreeing to be a guarantor, it’s important to understand what the pros and cons are.


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Topics: Mortgage Advisers, Financial Health, First Home Buyer, Financial Advice

What to Expect From Your Mortgage Adviser

Sep 19, 2022 3:08:11 PM

It can be unnerving approaching your lender for a home loan, particularly if you’re a first home buyer unsure about the home buying process. Many first home buyers (and existing homeowners and investors too) find it easier and less stressful to work with a mortgage adviser. If you haven’t worked with a mortgage adviser before, here’s an outline of what you can expect, starting with the initial meeting right through to refinancing and refixing.


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Topics: Mortgage Advisers, Financial Health, First Home Buyer, Financial Advice

How to Talk to Your Kids About Money

Sep 19, 2022 3:01:54 PM

Finance conversations are a good way to teach children financial habits that could stay with them for life. Not only does financial literacy teach children about the importance of saving and how to save, but it could also help them avoid tough lessons later on when it comes to overspending or having too much debt. Help set your children up with healthy finance habits. Here are three easy ways to talk to your kids about money.


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Topics: Savings, Financial Health, Financial Advice

The Impact of Climate Change

Aug 24, 2022 3:46:52 PM

For many Kiwis, property remains the biggest investment they’ll ever make. Increasingly, that investment is being threatened by the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and climate-related disasters. As the impact of climate change is evident, awareness of climate-related hazards is set to play a much bigger role when it comes to deciding where to buy property and the type of property to invest in.


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Topics: Insurance, Financial Health, Insurance advice