The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your financial health and set realistic goals for a financially successful year ahead. Whether you’re a first home buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or just looking to make the most of your financial situation, a proactive and informed approach is the key to achieving financial success. Read on as we share three essential steps to help you reach your financial goals in 2024.
Topics: Kiwisaver, Financial Health, Refinancing, Budgeting
40% of people aged 65 and over have virtually NO other income besides NZ Super and another 20% only have that, and a little more* This is from the 2022 Review of Retirement Income Policy. We are also a fast-aging population, with the number of people aged 65 or older living in New Zealand likely to hit 1 million by 2028. Currently there are about 93,000 people aged 85 or older, and in just two years there will be more than 100,000.**
Topics: Kiwisaver, Retirement, Savings, Financial Health
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!
Topics: Kiwisaver, Financial Health, Financial Advice
Many clients planning to utilise some of the investment in KiwiSaver to buy their first home have seen, over last few months, a drastic reduction in the KiwiSaver investment balances. This has created a lot of attention amongst first home buyers. The purpose of this communication is to quickly and briefly explain what is happening and what may be the best course of action in the current situation.
Topics: Kiwisaver, First Home Buyer, Low Deposit, Home Loan Application, Kiwisaver withdrawal
From 01 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory in all New Zealand rental properties, where suitable. In addition to this, landlords have just over two years to ensure rental properties meet the Government's healthy homes standards, the minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties. Here’s what you need to know about insulation requirements and healthy homes standards.
Topics: Property Management, Kiwisaver, Rental Market, Home Loan, nz mortgage, NZ Mortgage Adviser, NZ Property Manager
There are some changes being made to KiwiSaver in 2019 and 2020, most of which have already come into effect. The proposed changes to the structure of KiwiSaver could see a greater number of New Zealander’s saving for retirement and the risk of a retirement savings shortfall decreasing over time. These changes will allow more people to join the scheme and also allow members to better tailor their KiwiSaver account to fit their needs.
Topics: Kiwisaver, Home Loan, nz mortgage, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Loan Advice, Mortgage Advice, Kiwisaver withdrawal
Buying your first home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make so it’s understandable you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Before stepping onto the property ladder, it’s essential you do your homework and properly prepare for the journey ahead. To help you avoid any nasty surprises, we’re sharing the questions most first home buyers ask as well as our advice and recommendations.
Topics: Kiwisaver, First Home, First Home Buyer, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Loan Advice, HomeStart Grant, First time homeowner, Kiwisaver withdrawal
If you’ve been waiting to buy your dream home or invest in a rental property, this could be the push you need. House price growth in New Zealand has largely peaked, the ban on foreign buyers is likely to dampen demand, and an interest rate hike appears unlikely, at least in the foreseeable future. Property experts agree: now’s a good time to buy.
Topics: Buying, Kiwisaver, nz mortgage, HomeStart Grant, First time homeowner
The latest figures are out and they’re daunting to say the least! According to real estate statistics website One Roof, first home buyers in Auckland need to earn at least three times the median income in order to buy property. That’s a whopping $241,200 annually per household! So, how do you get a foot on that elusive property ladder? Here are a few options.
Topics: Kiwisaver, Mortgages, First Home Buyer, Information on buying and selling, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Welcome Home Loan, HomeStart Grant
Tracking your KiwiSaver’s performance is an important part of managing your investment. With a range of providers and funds to choose from, even the smallest difference in annual earnings can quickly add up to a significant amount. To get the most out of your fund, it’s important you review your KiwiSaver at least every year.
Topics: Kiwisaver, LVR, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, mortgage adviser
