If you’re a homeowner in New Zealand, you probably dream of being mortgage-free well before retirement. But with rising interest rates, increasing loan terms, and financial pressures, more and more Kiwis are still paying off their mortgage in their 60s and 70s—a situation that can severely limit your lifestyle and financial security in retirement.

Feeling a little dizzy trying to keep up with the news on OCR drops, mortgage rates, and the dreaded "R" word—recession? You’re not alone! So many homeowners have been Googling their hearts out, searching for answers to burning questions about what all these changes mean for their wallets, homes, and futures.

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.