“How you go about managing your KiwiSaver account today will determine how you go about managing your life in retirement.” As with most things in life, luck favors the prepared. It is inevitable you will get to a point in life when you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the fruits of many Read more →
While some regions are more affordable than others, there’s no denying that you’re going to have to dig deep in your pockets no matter where you buy a house in New Zealand. The costs involved with chasing the Kiwi dream can be a little daunting, but for most the pros far outweigh the cons. So, what are the Read more →
Fast-talking auctioneers, grim-faced bidders and an open-ended price point can make auctions a terrifying experience for the uninitiated. Nevertheless, they are becoming an increasingly popular method of sale in Aotearoa, with the number of dwellings sold by auction increasing by 45 per cent in the 12 months leading up to January 2017, according to figures Read more →
In a world where Tinder and Snapchat filters and Pokemon GO (is anyone still playing that?) can be accessed on your phone with a casual flick of the finger, who really has time to be messing around with personal finance apps? You. Yes, you. Whether you’re working on paying off your credit card debt or saving up Read more →
Buying a home is, for most of us, the biggest financial investment we will make in our lives. So it’s no surprise that we can’t just walk into the bank and sign the dotted lines. For aspiring first home buyers, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting your Read more →
Saving up for a deposit on a house is no walk in the park. Luckily, the New Zealand government offers a few different schemes designed to make things a little easier for property newbies, with the HomeStart grant being one of the most valuable. What does the HomeStart grant provide? The HomeStart Grant is a Read more →
KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s savings initiative that combines your voluntary contributions with contributions from your employer and the government. It’s main purpose is to help you save for retirement, but in some cases it can also be used to help you fund the purchase of your first home. Side note: If you’re not already a Read more →
If you are currently working (part-time or full-time), it’s likely that you are a member of the KiwiSaver scheme. This means that a portion of your income is automatically transferred to your KiwiSaver savings account, including contributions from your employer and the government. For most people, this money can only be withdrawn once they qualify for NZ Read more →
As you might already know, you need a minimum deposit of 20 percent to secure a home loan in New Zealand. However, there are some key exceptions. The Welcome Home Loan is one of them. What’s the Welcome Home Loan all about? The Welcome Home Loan is a mortgage product for individuals or couples with Read more →
Squashed in alongside month-old receipts and business cards whose owners you no longer remember, there’s a pretty good chance you have at least one debit card and one credit card in your wallet. While these cards are similar in function and damn near identical in appearance, most Kiwis are more inclined to use their debit Read more →