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…
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!
Did you know that 90% of our clients who come to us, come to us with a mortgage structure that is completely wrong for them? They're always paying too much interest and the structure of their mortgage is not based on their financial goals, or any particular strategy. It’s not their fault either, it’s probably what someone at the bank told them to do, or maybe it was a well-meaning friend or family member. But the bottom line is that you need a strategy for your mortgage, and this advice is the same when it comes to refixing it.
Some people are great at budgeting, it’s second nature to them, the minute they get paid, they put aside money for their expenses, savings, entertainment etc. And ensure they have a bit of wiggle room to make it to their next pay day. Others spend their pay check like it’s feast or famine. They tend to blow most of it within the first week and then live like a pauper until their next pay day rolls around again.
