Articles

Taking control of your finances

Financial independence can mean different things to different people. For some it may mean not relying on anyone else for money. For others it may mean being able to save, or not being in debt.

Glossary: debt
Debt is what you owe - it comes in many forms, including mortgages, personal loans, credit card balances, hire purchase agreements, loans from family.

KiwiSaver questions one year on

If you’ve been contributing to KiwiSaver since it started in July last year, you may be asking yourself questions like ‘Can I still afford it?’ or ‘Should I change schemes?&

Do your homework on reverse mortgages

If you’re over 60 and own a house or other property, a reverse mortgage can seem an attractive option to help fund your retirement or pay for a major expense.

Sort out how to make the most of your tax cut

The first of the tax changes announced in this year’s Budget kick in from 1 October. But now is the time to think about how to make the most of that extra cash in your pocket.

Retirement saving - now is good

With the recent introduction of new NZ Super rates and compulsory employer contributions to KiwiSaver, now is a good time to start thinking seriously about retirement saving.
 

Getting the right investment advice

There are no guarantees of good financial advice. But new rules mean anyone who gives investment advice to clients will now have to provide more information up-front.
 

Glossary: investment
A way to use your money to make it grow.

Get your KiwiSaver decision Sorted

One of the things on the ‘to do’ list of many New Zealand workers this year will be deciding whether or not to join KiwiSaver.

Finish 2008 better off than when you started

The New Year is a time that many of us take stock and set new goals - it's also a great time to think about your financial situation for the coming year.

This Xmas, make shopping with the plastic less drastic

If you’re planning to put your Christmas spending ‘on the plastic’ you’re not alone.
 

Sorting out your finance options

Hire purchase is a popular way to pay for those big ticket items like a new lounge suite or the latest LCD TV.