Hey guys, welcome to 2026!
I hope you've enjoyed a great holiday break with your loved ones, or if yours is still coming up, that it's a good one.
There's no denying 2025 was a year, and I think we all needed that downtime. I managed to get some lovely family time, a bit of peace and quiet, and a family wedding with some great catch-ups. As January rolls on, things tend to pick up pace pretty quickly. Last month, I mentioned a few key themes that I believe will continue to matter this year:
• Interest rates dominated conversations last year and will likely stay important throughout 2026. The Reserve Bank has indicated the OCR is unlikely to drop any further, and the banks responded with longer-term rates increasing last month. If you have a home loan, you'll want to factor this into your financial planning.
• Medical insurance is becoming increasingly necessary but also more difficult to manage with ongoing premium increases.
What this really comes down to is having a proper financial plan. Now's a good time to think about your direction, the lifestyle you want, and what will help you achieve it. Think about what this means for your work, everyday cash flow, investment options, and how everything works together for your future. While you can plan your finances any time of year, the first few months of the year often work well because we've had time to reflect on the past year and consider what's ahead. I'd encourage you to use this opportunity rather than putting it off.
Enjoy the rest of January, and I look forward to catching up with you soon.
Kieran Sutherland
Financial and Business Adviser
p. 03 377 3693