Talking about money with your partner, family, or friends can feel extremely awkward and uncomfortable, but let’s face it... money makes the world go 'round. It’s something we all have to manage, no matter how much we’d rather avoid the topic. It can be worthwhile getting loved one’s advice, as they may know a lot more than you on a particular money-related topic!

Asking for a raise right now might sound a little crazy. With government job cuts, unemployment on the rise, and economic uncertainty looming, the timing seems less than ideal. But here’s the truth: life isn’t getting any cheaper, and your hard work deserves to be recognized. While the thought of negotiating a salary increase in the middle of a cost of living crisis might feel intimidating, it’s not impossible. In fact, it could be the smartest move you make this year. In this article you’ll learn 08 ways on how to ask for a raise in the current market, and how to do it right.

Two weeks ago, the Reserve Bank lowered the OCR by 0.25%, bringing it down from 5.5% to 5.25% – phew! Although this change doesn’t seem like a lot, many of us were breathing a sigh of relief, taking this drop as a sign that inflation is (thankfully) more under control

Official cash rate, dovish, rate cuts, inflation. Cut to the chase please – what does this mean for me and my family? The Reserve Bank recently reviewed New Zealand’s official cash rate and decided to hold it steady at 5.5% with hints towards small rate cuts being expected as soon as the end of this year meaning we’ll start to see interest rates (thankfully) decreasing.

There are two main options when it comes to work within New Zealand; to work as an employee, or to work as a contractor. Each path offers a unique set of benefits and challenges that you may not have considered before. If you’re thinking of making a career change, are just entering into the workforce, or are thinking of buying a house and are wondering what sort of implications your work status may have on your lending ability, then keep reading.

The finance and property world can be a daunting one when you’re first starting out – it seems like you’re never able to just dip your toes in – you instead have to dive headfirst and immerse yourself in more lingo and jargon than you thought was humanly possible. Even the words you thought you knew the meaning of are beginning to sound strange when used in a new context, bottom line, it’s all a bit overwhelming!