Health insurance premiums have been increasing this year, a trend that’s made headlines and prompted questions from policyholders. While the numbers can sound confronting, the underlying reasons tell a more balanced story. Higher costs don’t just reflect inflation; they also show more people using their cover, accessing treatment sooner, and relying on private healthcare to […]
Category Archives: Learn
LVR rules are loosening: What does this mean for borrowers?
The Reserve Bank has recently announced changes to New Zealand’s loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions: the rules that limit how much low-deposit lending banks can do. These adjustments are intended to give lenders a little more flexibility, particularly for first-home buyers and others who’ve been working hard to save. But they don’t mean the lending floodgates […]
Turning pre-approval into property-buying power
When you’re in the market for a home, having a pre-approval can be a great advantage. It means you know how much you can borrow and gives you a sense of what properties to look at. While some people see pre-approval as just a box to tick, used strategically it can be a genuine advantage […]
Time horizon: matching your money to your goals
When it comes to investing, it’s not just what you invest in that matters, it’s also how long you plan to invest for. That length of time is called your investment time horizon, and it plays a big role in shaping the right approach. What it means Your time horizon is simply the period between […]
Mortgage repayments: weekly, fortnightly or monthly?
When setting up your mortgage, one of the key decisions is how often to make your repayments. The right choice can affect how quickly you pay off your loan, how much interest you could save, and how well your mortgage fits into your household budget. Here’s what to consider. Weekly repayments If you’re paid weekly, […]
Health insurance for kids: what to consider
In New Zealand, we’re fortunate to have a generally strong public health system. Emergency care is free and of a high standard. If your child needs urgent treatment, they’ll be looked after. Children under 14 are also entitled to free GP visits, free prescriptions, and funded routine vaccinations. But when it comes to non-urgent care […]
Should you consider refinancing your fixed mortgage early?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]