Sorted Blog

Get through the back to school blues without turning red

Anna G — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:12:10 +1300

It doesn’t seem so long ago that you were setting up the Christmas tree and packing the kids off to the beach.Now the holidays have ended and the kids are returning to school.

Get debt down and saving back on track

Sorted Charlotte — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:44:54 +1300

Many of us are getting settled back into work after relaxing summer holidays away.

Monday media round-up 19/12/11

Peter — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:51:12 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Last minute shopping tips

Peter — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:50:06 +1300

If you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, don’t panic.

Monday media round-up 12/12/11

Peter — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:22:56 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Time for a financial tune-up?

Peter — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:38:12 +1300

Yesterday the Reserve Bank announced no change in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) this time around, and some commentators are predicting th

Monday media round-up 05/12/11

Peter — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:23:35 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Assets can be winners and losers

Peter — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:21:13 +1300

During the election campaign there was a lot of discussion about New Zealand’s assets.

Assets are also important to your personal financial wellbeing.

Monday media round-up 28/11/11

Peter — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:05:39 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Avoid a dumb debt hangover this summer

Peter — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:04:36 +1300

With less than a month till Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to pay for it.

Monday media round-up 21/11/11

Peter — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:50:34 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Watch out for new 'dumb debt' campaign

Peter — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:35:49 +1300

On Monday Sorted is launching a new campaign to help Kiwis stay out of ‘dumb debt’ these holidays.

Monday media round-up 14/11/11

Peter — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:51:31 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Taking your student loan on OE

Peter — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:09:47 +1300

Every year thousands of Kiwis head off on their 'big OE'. And there are lots of money issues to sort out before taking off.

Monday media round-up 07/11/11

Peter — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:22:01 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Rate your KiwiSaver provider

Peter — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:27:48 +1300

It’s voting time again for the annual People’s Choice KiwiSaver Award.

Monday media round-up 31/10/11

Peter — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:01:23 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Investing in the right advice

Peter — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:37:59 +1300

Over the past few years the news has been full of stories about Kiwis who have lost their life savings after investing in dodgy finance companies or receiving misleading financial advice.

Media round-up 25/10/11

Peter — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:46:19 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Kiwis losing appetite for credit?

Peter — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:23:07 +1300

Kiwis have no appetite for credit this Christmas, according to Dunn and Bradstreet’s latest read more

Monday media round-up 17/10/11

Peter — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:32:07 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Alternatives to Christmas debt

Peter — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:41:12 +1300

The days to Christmas are ticking down. If you don’t have a plan you could find yourself with a mountain of dumb debt come New Year.

Monday media round-up 10/10/11

Peter — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:31:01 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Help for Canterbury red zone residents

Peter — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:59:05 +1300

A financial decision guide for Canterbury red zone residents is available from today on the Sorted website.

Monday media round-up 03/10/11

Peter — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:31:47 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Sorted turns 10

Peter — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:14:06 +1300

Ten years ago today the Sorted website was officially launched.

Monday media round-up 26/09/11

Peter — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:24:05 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Rate your financial smarts

Peter — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:30:07 +1200

When it comes to financial smarts, how do you measure up?

Monday media round-up 19/09/11

Peter — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:11:48 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Protect yourself from interest rate rises

Peter — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:57:43 +1200

Yesterday the Reserve Bank announced there would be no change in the Official Cash Rate (OCR).

Monday media round-up 12/09/11

Peter — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:45:49 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

First five tips for a sorted RWC

Peter — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:59:51 +1200

Rugby World Cup is a great opportunity for Kiwis to celebrate and have a great time, but six weeks of partying could take a toll on your finances.

Monday media round-up 05/09/11

Peter — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:06:44 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Shares for beginners

Peter — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:04:30 +1200

You may have heard that shares in a certain online auction site could be on sale in the near future.

Monday media round-up 29/08/11

Peter — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:55:51 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Protecting what's important - you

Peter — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:44:37 +1200

Is your life insured? If not, how do you know if you should insure your life?

Monday media round-up 22/08/11

Peter — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:16:42 +1200

This week's round-up of recent personal finance stories:

Credit that's too good to be true?

Peter — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:37:20 +1200

Buying on credit can seem like the answer to having what you need or want right now.

Monday media round-up 15/08/11

Peter — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:18:09 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Investing - riding out the ups and downs

Peter — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:22:53 +1200

Right now the news is full of speculation about what’s going to happen to New Zealand’s economy.

Monday media round-up 08/08/11

Peter — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:49:34 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Plan now for a debt-free summer

Peter — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:56:58 +1200

When your heating is still on high and you don’t leave the house without a coat, summer may be the last thing your mind.

Monday media round-up 01/08/11

Peter — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:22:49 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Take an interest and take charge

Peter — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:33:56 +1200

This week Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard announced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) would remain unchanged at 2.5%.

Monday media round-up 25/07/11

Peter — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:11:15 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

The low-down on high inflation

Peter — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:56:39 +1200

This week came news that inflation is the highest it’s been in 21 years, which exp

Monday media round-up 18/07/11

Peter — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:05:33 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Making a plan for baby

Peter — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:30:19 +1200

This week the media has been abuzz with the arrival of Posh and Becks’ new baby, Harper Seven.

Monday media round-up 11/07/11

Peter — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:01:56 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Budgeting for big events

Peter — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:55:37 +1200

On Monday morning many of us were busy snapping up tickets to the Rugby World Cup, with the release of individual tickets to pool games and quarter finals.

Monday media round-up 04/07/11

Peter — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:23:28 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Financial cowboys outlawed from today

Peter — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:42:41 +1200

Today the new financial advisers regime, administered by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), comes into full force in an effort to restore faith in the finance industry.

Monday media round-up 27/06/11

Peter — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:17:24 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Finance sector urged to help fight dumb debt

Peter — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:35:01 +1200

This week Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan issued a public challenge to the finance sect

Monday media round-up 20/06/11

Peter — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:26:33 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Fessing up to dumb debt decisions

Peter — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:43:37 +1200

If you were a follower of her blog on stuff.co.nz, you’ll know that Greer McDonald is the Lady in the Red no more.

Monday media round-up 13/06/11

Peter — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:48:34 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Getting rid of dumb debt

Peter — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:33:30 +1200

You may have seen our “dumb debt” campaign around town or online this week. So what is it all about?

Media round-up 08/06/11

Peter — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:05:47 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Making your money grow

Peter — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:45:55 +1200

You may have heard talk about bonds following last month’s budget.

Monday media round-up 30/05/11

Peter — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:30:02 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Breaking up without going broke

Peter — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:47:05 +1200

News of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separating is just the latest in a string of celebrity bust-ups reported every year.

Monday media round-up 23/05/11

Peter — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:50:06 +1200

This week's selection of personal finance stories from the last few days - with a focus on Budget 2011 coverage:

Don’t panic over KiwiSaver changes

David Kneebone — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:04:28 +1200

At yesterday’s Budget it was announced that the KiwiSaver member tax credit rate would be halved from 1 July 2011.

All the details on Budget 2011

Peter — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:24:33 +1200

In Budget 2011 on Thursday 19 May, the government read more

Monday media round-up 16/05/11

Peter — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:47:22 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories.

Monday media round-up 09/05/11

Peter — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:25:59 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories.

Car finance tips

Peter — Fri, 06 May 2011 11:22:42 +1200

Pain at the petrol pump is driving some Kiwis to the car yards to trade in their gas-guzzlers for more modest veh

Monday media round-up 02/05/11

Peter — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:21:03 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories.

Teaching money sense to your kids

Peter — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:45:50 +1200

How old were you when you opened your first bank account, or learnt what it meant to save? Are there any money lessons you had to learn the hard way which you wished someone had told you?

Media round-up 26/04/11

Peter — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:43:59 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories.

Nest eggs for Easter?

Peter — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:32:58 +1200

For many of us, Easter is a time for spending with family, taking time out from work and, of course, indulging in Easter eggs.

Media round-up 19/04/11

Peter — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:46:26 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories.

How much are you worth?

Peter — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:29:41 +1200

You may have heard the term “net worth” and wondered what it means, or what yours might be.

Monday media round-up 11/04/11

Peter — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:30:50 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories.

Take a break, don't break the bank

Peter — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:38:30 +1200

Autumn is here, and with winter just around the corner, you may be thinking about a mid-year break.

Monday media round-up 04/04/11

Peter — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:25:30 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

NZ Super rates increased from 1 April

Peter — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:59:38 +1300

Each year the government reviews the level of payments for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) taking into account increases in the cost of living and wages.

Monday media round-up 28/03/11

Peter — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:20:25 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories.

Reset and don't forget

Peter — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:17:37 +1300

The end of the financial year is upon us - a good opportunity to look at how your finances are shaping up so far in 2011.

Monday media round-up 22/03/11

Peter — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:31:51 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

The economy - why you should care

Peter — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:44:12 +1300

Changes in the economy can affect you in different ways – from the price you pay for petrol, to the interest rate you earn on your savings.

Monday media round-up 14/03/11

Peter — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:21:46 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Are you sorted for an emergency?

Peter — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:20:34 +1300

In light of the recent earthquake in Christchurch, it’s a good time to think about how equipped you are for the unexpected.

Monday media round-up 07/03/11

Peter — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:44:40 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 28/02/11

Peter — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:30:55 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Cash for Christchurch

Peter — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:46:47 +1300

If you are living in the Christchurch area and need access to cash or financial help, or you want to give money to help the region's recovery, here's where to go:

Monday media round-up 21/02/11

Peter — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:53:25 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 14/02/11

Peter — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:48:59 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 07/02/11

Peter — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:09:35 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Tips for first-time flatters

Peter — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:41:25 +1300

Leaving home for the first time is an exciting milestone.

Monday media round-up 31/01/11

Peter — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:50:33 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Budgeting for back-to-school costs

Peter — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:57:20 +1300

Back to school is an exciting time for kids - it’s when they make new friends and take on fresh challenges.

Media round-up 25/01/11

Peter — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:11:37 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Questions to ask your mortgage lender

Peter — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:23:25 +1300

A mortgage is likely to be your biggest financial commitment.

Monday media round-up 17/01/11

Peter — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:31:06 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Paying back holiday debt

Peter — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:58:10 +1300

In the red after paying for Christmas festivities on credit?

Monday media round-up 10/01/11

Peter — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:52:42 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Setting goals for 2011

Peter — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:46:20 +1300

It’s the season for making New Year resolutions and a great time to think about what you want out of the coming year.

Monday media round-up 20/12/10

David Kneebone — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:46:04 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Reviewing 2010

Peter — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:47:56 +1300

With 2010 coming to a close it’s time to reflect on the year’s achievements and contemplate what you want to get out of 2011.

Monday media round-up 13/12/10

Peter — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:52:13 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Christmas shopping tips

Peter — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:39 +1300

If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping, don’t panic. Last minute shopping can lead to impulse purchases, making your Christmas costs higher than they need to be.

Monday media round-up 06/12/10

Peter — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:19:04 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Keep your credit record clean

Peter — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:40:18 +1300

Avoiding payments today can have a big impact on your financial future so consider how your credit record would be affected before you decide not to pay that bill on time.

Monday media round-up 29/11/10

Peter — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:50:26 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Planning for the unexpected

Peter — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:25:02 +1300

Sometimes unwelcome things happen in life that can’t be predicted, like developing a health problem or being involved in an accident.

Monday media round-up 22/11/10

Peter — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:59:09 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Planning for Christmas

Peter — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:25:16 +1300

Christmas is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, but it can also be a time of money worries.

Take stock of your finances

Peter — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:30:53 +1300

It’s a good idea to regularly take stock of your financial arrangements to make sure they still work for you.

Monday media round-up 08/11/10

Peter — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:39:29 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

KiwiSaver - how does your provider rate?

Peter — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:14:09 +1300

Clear and regular communication from your financial provider will help ensure you make the best choices for your own circumstances and stay in control of your finances, as well as avoiding any unpl

Monday media round-up 01/11/10

Peter — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:21:14 +1300

This week's round-up of recent personal finance stories:

Balancing risk and reward

Peter — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:58:25 +1300

When deciding on the right type of investment there are a few things you need to think about and risk is top of the list.

Media round-up 26/10/10

Peter — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:46 +1300

A selection of personal finance stories from over the long weekend...

Talking about money

Peter — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:10:46 +1300

Money may be the last thing you want to think about when you’re in a relationship, especially when it’s in the early stages. But it’s important to talk about money, not only

Monday media round-up 18/10/10

Peter — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:22:25 +1300

This week's pick of personal finance stories from the last few days:

The benefits of regular saving

Peter — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:08:53 +1300

Saving regularly is an important step towards achieving the things you want in life – whether that’s a comfortable nest egg for your retirement, owning your own home or saving for a tre

Monday media round-up 11/10/10

Peter — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:49:47 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 27/09/10

Peter — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:20:39 +1300

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Tax changes from 1 October

Peter — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:41:56 +1200

Tax changes from 1 October will affect what you earn and what you spend, making it a good time to review your finances.

NZ Super rates from 1 October

Peter — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:41:01 +1200

NZ Super payments are increasing from 1 October because of cuts to personal tax rates, plus a special increase to compensate for the rise in GST from 12.5% to 15%

Monday media round-up 20/09/10

Peter — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:52:46 +1200

This week's selection of personal finance stories from the last few days:

Help buying your first home

Peter — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:20:57 +1200

Lower interest rates and falling house prices mean buying a home is more affordab

Monday media round-up 13/09/10

Peter — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:50:24 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Thinking about getting a credit card?

Peter — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:42:25 +1200

Credit cards can seem like a good option when the bank offers you one for the first time. But there are a few things you might want to think about before making your decision.

Monday media round-up 06/09/10

Peter — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:57:09 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories.

How to get mortgage-free faster

Peter — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:34:57 +1200

Paying off a mortgage can seem like a daunting task. But the quicker you pay it off, the less it will end up costing you.

Monday media round-up 30/08/10

Peter — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:59:05 +1200

This week's pick of personal finance stories from the last few days.

Reverse mortgages explained

Peter — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:07:16 +1200

A major bank announced this week that they were introducing a “reverse mortgage” product. So what exactly is this and who is it for?

Monday media round-up 23/08/10

Peter — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:17:41 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Take control of your credit card debt

Peter — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:32:05 +1200

Credit cards can be a useful payment option if you use them wisely. If not, they can quickly cost you more and more. A few simple tips can help you stay in control of credit card debt.

Monday media round-up 16/08/10

Peter — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:15:42 +1200

This week's pick of personal finance stories from the last few days.

KiwiSaver - think before you switch

Peter — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:37:25 +1200

If you’ve belonged to KiwiSaver or a while now, it may have crossed your mind to switch to another scheme, or change funds within your current scheme.

Monday media round-up 09/08/10

Peter — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:39:04 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories.

3 years of KiwiSaver - what's it worth?

Peter — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:04:08 +1200

It’s been three years since KiwiSaver was introduced.

Monday media round-up 02/08/10

Peter — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:01:07 +1200

This week's pick of personal finance stories:

The OCR - how does it affect you?

Peter — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:12:52 +1200

You may have heard about the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in the news, but why is it important and how does it affect you?

Monday media round-up 26/07/10

Peter — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:10:45 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories.

Good debt, bad debt

Peter — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:53:11 +1200

According to this story a number of New Zealanders are planning to put some of their ho

Monday media round-up 19/07/10

Peter — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:51:58 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories.

Keep your eyes on the prize

Peter — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:43:17 +1200

Most of us have good intentions when it comes to spending money wisely. But this can be easier said than done.

Heading for a budget blow-out?

Peter — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:32:11 +1200

If you answer yes to three or more of these questions, chances are your finances are getting out of control and you need to get sorted ASAP.

Talking about the hard stuff

Peter — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:37:34 +1200

For many older people it’s difficult to talk about financial issues like appointing an enduring power of attorney, writing a will or using some of the money tied up in the family home.

Monday media round-up 05/07/10

Peter — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:44:36 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 28/06/10

Peter — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:15:04 +1200

This week's round-up of recent personal finance stories.

Reducing money worries at work

David Kneebone — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:14:45 +1200

We know that people’s money problems spill over into work.

Monday media round-up 21/06/10

Peter — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:23:08 +1200

This week's pick of personal finance stories from the last few days:

Monday media round-up 14/06/10

Peter — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:24:57 +1200

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories, with a focus on the aftermath of the OCR increase on Thursday 10 June.

Home owners: get ready for financial changes ahead

stephanie smith — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:36:24 +1200

Mortgage rates are likely to rise after today's Official Cash Rate increase to 2.75% and some are predicting further rate rises from the Reserve Bank later in the year year.

Saving money on your student loan

Peter — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:39:42 +1200

If you're living in New Zealand, there hasn’t been much of a reason to pay off more than the minimum repayment amount on your student loan - until recently.

Going overseas with a student loan

Peter — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:34:36 +1200

If you leave New Zealand for 6 months or more, you will generally have to pay interest on your student loan (currently 6.6%).

Monday media round-up 31/05/10

Peter — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:56:38 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 24/05/10

Peter — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:05:09 +1200

This week's post-Budget bumper crop of recent personal finance stories:

All the details on Budget 2010

Peter — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:25:02 +1200

In Budget 2010 on 20 May, the government announced a range of money changes due to take effect from 1 October this year. These include:

Monday media round-up 17/05/10

Peter — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:24:28 +1200

This week's round-up of personal finance stories from the last few days:

Monday media round-up 10/05/10

Peter — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:13:52 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 03/05/10

Peter — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:57:54 +1200

This week's selection of personal finance stories:

What's your money personality?

Peter — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:28:44 +1200

How well do you know yourself and what triggers your spending habits?

Media round-up 27/04/10

Peter — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:28:55 +1200

This week's round-up of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 19/04/10

Peter — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:25:58 +1200

This week's pick of recent personal finance stories.

Monday media round-up 12/04/10

Peter — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:42:32 +1200

A selection of personal finance stories from the last few days:

Media round-up 06/04/10

Peter — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:15:13 +1200

Here's this week's pick of personal finance stories from over the (long) weekend:

Monday media round-up 29/03/10

Peter — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:18:22 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories:

Monday media round-up 22/03/10

Peter — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:08:01 +1300

This week's pick of personal finance stories, plus links to related Sorted content:

Investment tax changes from 1 April

Peter — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:25:27 +1300

The government is introducing new tax rates from 1 April 2010 for people who earn bank account interest or invest in a PIE (Portfolio Investment Entity).

Student loan changes from 1 April

Peter — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:17:46 +1300

Changes to the student loans scheme this year mainly affect overseas borrowers, who will now pay less, or in some cases no, interest on their loans.

NZ Super rates from 1 April

Peter — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:16:20 +1300

Each year the government reviews the level of payments for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) taking into account increases in the cost of living and wages.

Help with retirement planning and KiwiSaver

Peter — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:47:55 +1300

If you're feeling unprepared for retirement, or need help making KiwiSaver decisions, try these Sorted calculators:

Monday media round-up 15/03/10

Peter — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:20:14 +1300

This week's pick of personal finance stories from the last few days.

Goodbye My Plan, Hello My Sorted!

Peter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:52:17 +1300

If you’re a Sorted My Plan user, you’ll have noticed a few changes when you logged in today.

Monday media round-up 08/03/10

Peter — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:10:05 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from the last few days, plus links to related Sorted content.

Good news for My Plan users

Peter — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:51:53 +1300

If you’re a Sorted My Plan user, there’s some good news on the way for you.

Monday media round-up 01/03/10

Peter — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:34:50 +1300

This week's selection of recent personal finance stories, with links to online versions.

What's new at Sorted

Peter — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:49:13 +1300

It’s been a busy start to the year at Sorted, so here’s a quick catch-up on what we’ve been working on and what’s coming up.

Monday media round-up 22/02/10

Peter — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:11:22 +1300

A selection of personal finance stories from the last few days.

Give as you earn

Peter — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:22:50 +1300

At Sorted when we talk about managing your money we usually mention things like budgeting, saving, investing… but one thing we haven’t talked much about is giving.

Monday media round-up 15/02/10

David Kneebone — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:43:37 +1300

Martin Hawes: Two sides of risk and return

PM clarifies tax changes

Peter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:35:57 +1300

In his Statement to Parliament today, Prime Minister John Key clarified the Government's plans for tax reform. Here are the main points:

Monday media round-up 08/02/10

Peter — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:30 +1300

This week's pick of personal finance stories from the last few days, with links to online versions.

8 little-known facts about KiwiSaver

Peter — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:51:26 +1300

After two-and-a-half years and over 1.2 million members, there are still some aspects of KiwiSaver that don’t get that much attention.

Did you know:

Monday media round-up 01/02/10

Peter — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:08:13 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from the weekend media, with links to online versions.

Mortgages - interesting times ahead

Peter — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:59:20 +1300

Not that long ago you didn’t really think about your mortgage until your fixed term came up for review, then you just fixed it again for another 2-3 years.

Media round-up 26/01/10

Peter — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:20:56 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories:

Tax report at a glance

Peter — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:46:59 +1300

Today the Tax Working Group released its report on the tax system and options for reform.

Monday media round-up 18/01/10

Peter — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:46:59 +1300

A selection of personal finance stories from the last few days.

Monday media round-up 11/01/10

Peter — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:40:13 +1300

Welcome to the first media round-up for 2010 - a selection of personal finance stories from the last few days, with links to online versions.

Motivators' decision-making tips

Peter — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:29:36 +1300

It’s the day-to-day decisions that can make or break your ability to reach your goals, and motivational New Zealanders Michael Jones and Nigel Latta know it well.

Tips from the top

Peter — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:48:30 +1300

Saving is a habit that pays off for Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan and ANZ National chief executive Jenny Fagg.

Media stars' money tips

Peter — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:54:52 +1300

If you’re a TV or radio star, you’re rolling in it and don’t need to worry about money – right?

Sports champs set winning goals

Peter — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:42:49 +1300

For our sporting champions, setting goals is a part of life as they constantly strive to improve their performance.

Getting in tune for 2010

Peter — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:53:39 +1300

OK, we haven’t quite said goodbye to 2009, but as you can see from our home page we’re into the New Year spirit already.

Monday media round-up 21/12/09

Peter — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:00:20 +1300

This week's round-up of personal finance stories from the last few days (and the last for 2009), with links to online versions.

Meet the new Money tracker

Peter — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:50:00 +1300

Since the Cashflow calculator launched in December 2007, we’ve been aware that it hasn’t been the easiest of our tools to use.

Monday media round-up 14/12/09

Peter — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:08:57 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from over the weekend:

Christmas credit card tips

Peter — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:08:29 +1300

Credit cards are a convenient way to pay, but they can require a bit of discipline at this time of year.

Monday media round-up 07/12/09

Peter — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:51:33 +1300

Here's this week's selection of personal finance stories from the last couple of days, with links to online versions:

5 tips for Christmas shopping

Peter — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:56:48 +1300

No-one wants to be a Grinch or a Scrooge at Christmas. But that doesn’t mean you have to start the New Year with a debt hangover.

Novelist's legacy lesson

Peter — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:31:06 +1300

Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium” novels will be on the reading lists of many K

Monday media round-up 30/11/09

Peter — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:25:15 +1300

This week's pick of personal finance stories from over the weekend, with links to online versions:

8 tips for buying on hire purchase

Peter — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:43:26 +1300

With the Christmas sales period in full swing, there are lots of attractive finance deals out there.

40 months interest free! No repayments till May!

Monday media round-up 23/11/09

Peter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:41:04 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from over the weekend, with links to online versions.

5 tips for sorted saving

Peter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:19:08 +1300

Saving is one of those things that sounds simple in theory, but in reality can be hard to put into practice. Here are five tips to help you get started:

New improved investing tools

Peter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:09:48 +1300

As part of our new “Investigate before you invest” campaign we’ve upgraded our two investing tools – the Risk recommender and Investment recommender.

Monday media round-up 16/11/09

Peter — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:41:38 +1300

This week's round-up of personal finance stories from over the weekend, with links to online versions.

8 rules for sorted investing

Peter — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:13:16 +1300

Before you leap into any investment decision, there are some important rules you should follow:

KiwiSaver – who communicates the best?

Peter — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:16:37 +1300

Workplace Savings NZ is holding an online poll to find out which KiwiSaver provider communicates the best.

Monday media round-up 09/11/09

Peter — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:25:32 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from over the weekend, with links to online versions.

6 sorted recession lessons

Peter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:18:54 +1300

Six things we've learnt from the recession that we shouldn't forget:

Monday media round-up 02/11/09

Peter — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:40:49 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from over the weekend, with links to online versions.

Changing KiwiSaver schemes

Peter — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:47:22 +1300

Earlier this year, after a couple of years of procrastination, I finally decided to join KiwiSaver. The reduction of the minimum contribution to 2% clinched the deal for me.

Media round-up 27/10/09

Peter — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:23:56 +1300

A selection of personal finance stories from over the (long) weekend, with links to online versions:

8 tips for sorted students

Peter — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:25:34 +1300

As the secondary school year draws to a close, many senior students around the country (and their parents!) will be preparing for the big move to tertiary study in 2010.

Insurance - what do you know?

Peter — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:45:17 +1300

We recently asked New Zealanders if they feel they know enough about insurance to make good decisions about buying or cancelling policies.

Monday media round-up - 19/10/09

Peter — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:12:17 +1300

This week's collection of personal finance stories from the weekend media, with links to online version.

5 tips for saving money at work

Peter — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:36:42 +1300

You spend more of your waking hours at work than at home Monday to Friday, so it’s a good place to make some in-roads with your budgeting, and get closer to your goals.

Raewyn Fox: Budgeting for insurance

Peter — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:19:59 +1300

Getting the right insurance is an important part of managing your money. How important? Raewyn Fox, CEO of NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services, gives her perspective:

Monday media round-up - 12/10/09

Peter — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:12:44 +1300

This week's selection of personal finance stories from the weekend media, with links to online versions.

Higher mortgage rates - are you prepared?

Peter — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:10:40 +1300

If you’re on a floating mortgage at the moment you’ll be loving the rates currently on offer – which range from 5.69% to

Monday media round-up - 05/10/09

Peter — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:33:28 +1300

The latest selection of weekend personal finance stories, with links to online versions:

Everyday money tips

Peter — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:42:14 +1300

This week I asked around the office for everyone’s favourite money tips. Here are six of the best (in no particular order).

Sorted turns 8

Peter — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:11:48 +1300

Yes, it was 8 years ago today that sorted.org.nz was officially launched into the world with the catch-cry “When you want to get sorted on money matters use your mouse!”

Monday media round-up - 28/09/09

Peter — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:56:15 +1300

A selection of personal finance stories from over the weekend, with links to online versions.

8 tips for teaching kids about money

Peter — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:18:55 +1200

The school holidays can be a demanding time for the household finances.

The pros and cons of KiwiSaver

Peter — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:06:48 +1200

You may have read a news story recently about people selling KiwiSaver door-to-door.

Monday media round-up - 21/09/09

Peter — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:41:19 +1200

The latest pick of the weekend’s personal finance stories, with links to their online versions:

Coffee – save it or savour it?

Peter — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:11:22 +1200

The cost of a daily cup of coffee is often used as an example of money that could be better used for saving.

My Goals worksheet gets a makeover

Peter — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:20:44 +1200

Setting goals is a crucial first step in getting sorted.

Monday media round-up - 14/09/09

Peter — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:01:26 +1200

Here's this week's selection of the weekend's personal finance stories, with links to their online versions:

The Beatles on personal finance

Peter — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:44:11 +1200

It’s been a great week for the surviving Beatles’ retirement funds, with the release of their Rock Band game and remastered CD catalogue.

Financial advice - have your say

Peter — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:04:26 +1200

This week is Financial Awareness Week, organised by the Institute of Financial Advisers.

Monday media round-up

Peter — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:16:34 +1200

The weekend media is often a treasure trove of personal finance stories.

Sharing news and views

Peter — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:03:53 +1200

Welcome to the new Sorted blog. This is a place for us to share news about what’s happening on sorted.org.nz, and keep you up to date with other ways to help you manage your money.