Resources

Early retirement is a major lifestyle goal of many people. However, early retirement isn’t always all it’s made out to be, so it pays to be aware of potential issues and how to avoid them. Here are the top four pitfalls of an early retirement: Spending too much during the …

With advances in medicine resulting in people living generally longer, there is a greater need for robust procedures to be in place to protect us as we age. A common concern is what happens when we are no longer able to make our own decisions. Loss of capacity brought on …

New Zealanders love trusts. In fact, we have one of the highest numbers of trusts per capita in the world. But it’s a love affair that is soon to be tested with the arrival of a new Trusts Bill. The new Bill will more clearly set out the rules of …

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government programme offering grants for at least two thirds of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, but in some cases up to 92%. From July 2019 heating subsidies may also be available. Those eligible include community services and gold card combo holders, and residents …

The financial world is increasingly complex and as we age we will come across new situations that we may not be ready for, including: changes to how we access our money; where it’s held and how we can use it; changing technology; emerging financial concepts and yet to be identified …

People may know that they are entitled to have funds set aside for a pre-paid funeral. What many people may not be aware of are the different options that exist and the amount that each person is allowed to set aside for their funeral which will not be included in …

Imagine if what we know now about finances, we knew back in our teen years – how much better off would we all be? When most of us were in high school, we didn’t learn anything about money, budgeting, or investing. However, nowadays, by the time you leave your teenage …

New Zealand Superannuation (‘NZ Super’ or ‘pension’) is the government pension paid to Kiwis over the age of 65. Any eligible New Zealander receives NZ Super regardless of how much they earn through paid work, savings and investments, what other assets they own or what taxes they have paid. Who can get NZ …

Now is a good time to clean your heat pump filters before they start working hard! Simply pull the internal filters out and vacuum them. We recommend cleaning them every month. Should you use the door to door heat pump cleaning companies? Householders are being charged $135 to clean a …

With winter nearly upon us it is essential to check whether your insulation is up to standard. If you’ve had contractors or someone who has been in your roof/underfloor recently, it is best to make sure the insulation hasn’t been compromised or moved. CEA can do a free insulation scope …