The holiday season should be a time to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy a slower pace. Yet this time of year can also come with a few surprises. A sudden illness, a travel mishap, or an urgent issue at home can quickly derail even the best planned break. When something goes wrong, knowing how to make […]
The festive season in New Zealand is not solely about BBQs, sunshine and DIY because, as ACC statistics remind us, a surprisingly high number of festive injuries also take place! According to ACC data gathered from the last few years, around 2,500 Kiwis are injured every December doing Christmas-related activities, costing more than $2 million […]
Here’s a smart way to make your NZ Super work harder If you’re over 65 and still working, you’ve probably started receiving your NZ Super payments. But have you considered what to do with it if you don’t actually need it for day-to-day living? One smart option could be to invest your NZ Super (or […]
Unsure whether to refix or refinance your mortgage? Learn the difference, when to act, and how timing can save thousands. Understanding Refixing vs Refinancing Many homeowners use refix and refinance interchangeably, but they mean very different things and the choice can make a big difference to your long-term costs. Refixing means locking in a new […]
With ANZ and TSB changing their policies to offer up to 10 years of interest-only repayments, many property investors are rethinking their loan strategy. Here’s how interest-only lending works and why it could strengthen your long-term investment plan. What is an interest-only loan? An interest-only loan means your repayments cover only the interest on your […]
Over the past year, interest rates in New Zealand have eased, creating a valuable opportunity for homeowners to get ahead. While the headlines often focus on what this means for first home buyers, the real potential lies with existing homeowners who can use lower rates to shorten their loan term and save tens or even […]
When we talk about ‘protecting the family’, most Kiwis immediately think about life insurance. It makes sense, a safety net in the form of a lump sum payout to help clear the mortgage, take care of debts and provide loved ones with some financial security in the event the unthinkable happens. But here’s the reality […]
It’s human nature to look at the bottom line. When it comes to insurance, many Kiwis flick their eyes straight to the monthly premiums and ask: “How much is this going to cost me?” But the true measure of insurance isn’t the number on your bank statement each month, it’s the value it delivers when […]
If you’ve ever glanced at your KiwiSaver balance and wondered how you’re tracking against other Kiwis, you’re not alone. While personal circumstances vary, there are benchmarks based on national data that can help you gauge where you stand—and decide whether it’s time to step things up. Here’s what recent figures reveal, what they mean for […]
