The start of a new year is a good opportunity to look at our finances with fresh eyes, and set goals for improving our financial wellbeing during the year ahead. Being financially fit means taking control of monthly financial obligations and day to day spending. Ensuring we have enough saved up to cover any unexpected financial emergencies. And making financial plans that enable us to do the things we enjoy. Here are 5 tips to help you get financially fit in 2022.

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 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 is so important at this time of year.

Most families have special Christmas traditions that they take part in year after year. Things like decorating a Christmas tree, baking Christmas biscuits, grabbing a kiss under the mistletoe, or filling stockings for the kids. But have you ever wondered why we do some of the things we do at this time of year? Or what the meaning is behind our Christmas holiday traditions? Read on to find out the origin of some of our most popular Christmas traditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it’s time to think about getting your home winter-ready. Keeping your home healthy and warm during the colder months takes careful preparation, and Autumn is a great time to get stuck into those preparations to ensure your home is fit for purpose ahead of the challenging winter months. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare your home for winter.

Summertime sunshine quickly becomes unpleasant when your home feels like the inside of an oven! The fact is most older-style homes in New Zealand weren’t built with ventilation or cooling in mind. Which means they can feel stifling hot during the summer months. To help you stay cool without relying on an aircon, try some of these cooling tips inside your home this summer.