Financial stress can be the result of rising debt, a job loss, insufficient earnings, high living costs or even money troubles in your relationship. Whatever the circumstances, being worried about money takes a mental and physical toll, plus it can strain relations with your significant other, family, workmates and friends. …

Like a pack of sharks who smell blood, the scammers are already circling. A decade or so ago, during the Global Financial Crisis, investment fraud and other consumer scams were rampant. Today it’s the COVID-19 crisis, and it’s no surprise the scammers are back in force to prey on people’s …

The great depression of the 1930’s spurred a “waste not want not” attitude that defined consumer patterns for a generation. Decades later, the oil supply shock in the 70’s led to the first efforts of energy conservation and efficiency. In more recent times, over the period of just a few …

A reserve mortgage is a loan that can enable an ‘asset rich, cash poor’ older homeowner to access the value held in their property by taking out a loan secured against their home. There are usually no regular repayments on the loan. This means the homeowner will receive capital – …

Many millennials are having a tough time launching their adult lives. The usual blame for this is placed on burdensome student loans, job insecurity, high housing or rent costs, and – of course –surplus cash regularly devoted to smashed avocado on toast and the latest iPhone! As a result, perhaps it’s no …

A wise man once said: ‘the only constant in life is change’. Of course, a part of change is uncertainty. While you may not be able to prevent yourself from all forms of uncertainty, you can surely prepare well in advance for any kind of financial uncertainty that may occur …

Supermarkets are useful one-stop shops for a variety of goods. However, in case you weren’t already aware, the multi-billion-dollar NZ supermarket industry is dominated by two players, so we don’t have much choice when it comes to our weekly shop. The big two are: Woolworths New Zealand (owner of Countdown …

Whether you’re just starting out as an adult, or are already financially secure, you’ve probably heard your fair share of unwanted and unsolicited financial advice. In case you haven’t already learned it, the wealthier you get, the more interesting that advice can become! Some financial tips and advice can function …

A major change to New Zealand trust law was passed on 30 July 2019. The Trusts Act will have implications for all trusts in New Zealand, and once it comes into force will probably cause many to ask whether trusts are still worthwhile. Let’s take a brief look at what’s changing and …

Raising kids is expensive. It’s even more expensive when they grow up and won’t leave the family home Nowadays, having a grown-up child living at home is reasonably common. In fact, one third of millennials are living with their parents. The rising cost of living, especially relative to incomes, is …