Tips from the top

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

Diana Crossan

Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan and a friend make small regular contributions to an 'intrepid journeys' fund, to meet their goal of having a great adventure every few years.

“We started when we wanted to go away but found it hard to afford. Putting away a little bit at a time has added up to some wonderful holidays.”

Diana says she finds goals are easier to achieve if they’re broken down into small steps. She says New Year is a good time to take charge of your money and your life.

“Many New Zealanders had no choice but to learn how to manage their money better in 2009. Now’s the time for them to pat themselves on the back for getting through it, and think about how they can build on what they’ve learnt for the future.”

Not surprisingly, Diana’s money personality is ‘money maestro’,
while the boss of ANZ National Jenny Fagg is a ‘sound controller’. 

Jenny Fagg

The Sorted money personality profiler tells us a ‘sound controller’ is a pillar of strength in having things sorted.

So how does Jenny sort her finances?

“I think it is really worthwhile to have a goal to aim for and a plan for getting there. My husband and I do, and we discuss our progress towards this at the end of each financial year (fortunately, my husband organises this)."

“The most useful thing I do towards achieving the goal is saving.
I acknowledged at an early age that I would have to work hard to save the money to be able to invest in property and shares, which
I still believe is the case.”

Jenny has some good advice for those finding it hard to get sorted:

“If you are struggling financially or think you are near the tipping point,
ask for help as soon as possible. Let your bank know early on, so it
can help you try and find a solution to get you through. Free and
independent budget advice is available from Family Budgeting
Services on 0508 BUDGET (0508 283 438), if you are wondering
how you are going to make ends meet.”