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.

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.

Many of us are feeling the financial crunch after an especially tough year. And with the festive season fast approaching, the added pressure of extra expenses like gifts and entertainment is an obvious concern. So that you don’t have to start the new year struggling to repay the cost of this festive season, take a look at these creative and meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas without straining your budget.

Lockdown in New Zealand sparked a flurry of people enquiring about writing their Will*. But it’s not just in a pandemic when an important legal Will needs serious consideration. While most people prefer not to think too much about what will happen when they pass, without a Will, your assets may be distributed according to the law of New Zealand (the Administration Act 1969), which may not be in line with your wishes. Take a look at these 5 things to consider when writing a Will.

COVID-19 has impacted not only the way we work, go to school or socialize; for many, it’s had a significant financial impact too. Job loss or reduced hours has meant more people have to rely on credit or even miss repayments on financial commitments due to financial strain. While your health and wellbeing are understandably top of mind right now, it’s just as important you keep your credit score in the best possible shape. Here’s why.

Over the last month, some of New Zealand’s biggest companies have been hit by cyber-attacks. Among those targeted were the New Zealand Stock Exchange, MetService, Westpac and several large media companies. The recent spate of cyber-attacks has been attributed to a growing shift in companies working remotely because of COVID-19, and is a timely reminder of the importance of cyber-safety for anyone accessing online services.