If you’re on a fixed-term mortgage, you may have noticed lower rates starting to pop up in the market, and be wondering whether it’s worth breaking your current loan to refinance. It’s a fair question, especially when mortgage repayments often make up a big chunk of the household budget. So, is it worth exploring? Here’s […]
Author Archives: Kieran
Are your financial habits still serving you in 2025?
With household costs like food, rent, and power still running high, it’s easy for small financial shifts to slip under the radar. You might not notice them at first: a slightly higher food shopping bill, a new streaming subscription, or petrol that never quite stretches as far. But over time, these changes can reshape your […]
August 2025 update
Hey everyone, Hope you’ve had a great month. I’ve got some exciting news to share that we’ve been working on for a while – we’ve launched the CIC Financial app! You can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Simply use the code “CIC” to access the app. Beyond links to our […]
July 2025 update
Hi guys, Hope you have had a great few weeks. I just wanted to chat briefly about medical insurance, and specifically premiums. We have seen these under massive pressure for the last 18 months, with increases in the 20% range. I almost choked on my coffee last week when an email from a provider had […]
What’s your retirement number and how do you turn it into a plan?
You’ve probably seen headlines about needing a fortune to retire comfortably. While it’s useful to have a target in mind, the real question is: how will you turn your savings into a reliable income that lasts? It’s about more than just a number There’s no single amount that works for everyone. Your retirement plan needs […]
Understanding revolving credit: Is it worth exploring?
When it comes to home loans, many people might be familiar with standard principal and interest repayments. But there are other ways to structure your borrowing, and one option you may have heard of is a revolving credit facility. Revolving credit isn’t right for everyone, but in some situations it can offer flexibility and potential […]
June 2025 update
Hey guys, Kieran here. Winter has well and truly arrived. We’ve got freezing temperatures and snow-capped mountains all around us down here in the South. May was a bit rough in our house – we all caught viruses one after another. Any parents watching will know exactly how hard it is to keep normal routines […]
Should you pay off your mortgage faster or invest the extra money?
If you’re in a solid financial position and have some extra money left over each month, you might be wondering: should I use it to pay down my mortgage faster, or invest it? It’s a great question, and the short answer is: it depends on your goals, financial situation, and how comfortable you are with […]
Why loan structure matters more than you think
When exploring mortgage options, it’s easy to focus on interest rates. A lower rate can mean lower repayments, but just as important is how your loan is structured. The structure of your mortgage can affect how much interest you pay over time, how easily it fits into your budget, and how flexible it is if […]
What does retirement look like for you?
When we hear the word “retirement,” many of us picture the same thing: finishing work at 65, claiming NZ Super, and enjoying a well-earned rest. But retirement today can look very different depending on your goals, lifestyle, and financial plans. That’s why planning for retirement isn’t just about reaching a number in your bank account […]