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.