Choosing between a fixed and a variable rate for your mortgage can significantly impact your financial planning. Let’s explore this through the case study of two of my clients, let’s call them, Sarah and James, a couple from Christchurch, who recently faced this decision.

This week, I explore the critical differences between mortgage refinancing and restructuring through the lens of my client, let’s call him Mark, a homeowner in Wellington looking to reduce his monthly expenses.

Mark initially considered refinancing to secure a lower interest rate offered by a competing bank. However, after a detailed consultation, we identified that a mortgage restructure with his current lender—altering the terms to extend the loan duration—would be more beneficial without the costs associated with switching banks.

Financial planning offers more than just peace of mind—it’s your strategy for securing a stable future, accessible to everyone in New Zealand. A financial planner not only helps build a robust savings plan but also advises on investment strategies tailored to navigate life’s financial challenges. This ensures your financial future is well-handled and gives you the confidence that you're on the right path.

Mistakes in financial decisions can be costly, affecting long-term financial health. A financial planner aids in steering clear of common pitfalls such as inadequate insurance coverage or poorly diversified investments, particularly vital for those with limited time to manage their finances.

Incorporating mortgages into broarder or so called holistic financial planning is crucial for long-term financial health. Take the case of a young couple I assisted, Nathan and Sophie, in integrating their mortgage into a comprehensive financial strategy.

Nathan and Sophie were first-time homebuyers with a strong desire to purchase a property in a competitive market. I helped them understand that a mortgage was not just a debt but a key element in their overall financial plan. I conducted a thorough review of their finances, identifying ways to optimize their mortgage payments while balancing other priorities such as retirement savings and emergency funds..

Navigating financial turbulence requires flexibility, a lesson reinforced recently while advising a young couple. Initially, our goal was straightforward: save for a deposit on a house. However, an unexpected job loss meant a rapid reassessment of their financial strategy.

We quickly shifted their savings toward an emergency fund to enhance their financial security and manage immediate expenses. We also revised their budget to reduce expenses, maximizing the available income while they searched for new employment opportunities.

Mindful and Spiritual Value of Finance

Life well-lived includes financial and spiritual richness. Financial success in life depends on many factors: high income, high savings rate, high return on investments etc. Spiritual well-being is rooted in the peace of mind.

I can help my clients to plan for both.

All elements of successful financial planning depend on the assumption that my clients will not suffer catastrophic financial losses due to circumstances outside of their control - accident, illness, disability, death etc. It’s worth acknowledging that misfortune, suffering and impermanence – is part of life and living.

I don’t watch TV. Ever. I stoped when I was 20. I noticed that I couldn’t clearly recall what I watched the night before but the time was gone. I don’t own a TV and have never paid for cable. Waist of time and money.

I don’t follow news. All sensations that are meant to reach me - will - inevitably. Someone once said to me: ‘Michael Jackson died… 6 months ago… ‘ Well I traveled through Morocco the news didn’t reach me so close to the desert being current on so called events is overrated - hardly ever is there a good news. Need to know basis for me. Most of the time I don’t need to know.

No regrets.

Regrets over holiday spending are common. Especially when the excitement of the season wears off. Overspending leads financial strain and stress. Reflecting on regrets can offer valuable insights for managing finances more effectively in the future. Here's a closer look at some common regrets over holiday spending and what can be learned from them. And also how to cope with regrets in here and now:

Since 2018, I've dedicated my time as a volunteer with the Citizen Advice Bureau, serving as a Financial Mentor. Recently, I received an incredible early Christmas present—an awarded scholarship that has allowed me to enhance my skill set with another qualification: Consumer Credit (Level 5).

Different from what was initially announced last week, The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announced that it would be raising the official cash rate (OCR) to 4.25%. This marks the highest OCR level since 2008 and is sure to have an impact on the New Zealand economy.

The OCR is the overnight interest rate at which banks lend and borrow money from each other. This rate directly impacts lending rates for borrowers, such as individuals applying for mortgages, personal loans, and car loans.

One of the primary functions of the RBNZ is to maintain inflation within a target range of 1% to 3%. In recent months, inflation in New Zealand has been much higher than this target range, causing the RBNZ to step in and adjust interest rates.

The OCR increase is designed to cool down the economy and reduce inflation. As lending rates rise, borrowers may become more cautious about their spending habits, thereby reducing demand for goods and services. This, in turn, can help to stabilize prices and bring inflation back within the target range.

Understanding the Effects of the OCR Increase

Today's Official Cash Rate (OCR) announcement by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has sent ripples through the economy, sparking discussions about its potential impact on lending, borrowing, and overall financial well-being. While the implications may seem complex, understanding the essence of the OCR and its interplay with your personal finances, as well as its broader cultural impact, can empower you to make informed decisions and safeguard your financial future.

The OCR and Its Cultural Context

The OCR is not merely an economic tool; it also carries cultural significance. In New Zealand, where homeownership is deeply embedded in the national identity, fluctuations in interest rates can have a profound impact on people's aspirations and sense of security. Rising interest rates can make the dream of owning a home seem more distant, while falling interest rates may offer a glimmer of hope for those struggling with mortgage repayments.

In our contemporary world, the importance of sound financial planning cannot be overstated. It serves as the cornerstone for securing a stable future, accomplishing life goals, and navigating unexpected financial challenges. Nevertheless, there is a common misconception that seeking guidance from a financial adviser should come without a price tag. I often get phone calls from clients aking for financial advice, how long to refix, which strategy to choose related to insurance or how to properly fill in a sales and purchase agreement. The common mindset is that this is “just a phone call and therefore should be free”

Let's address a prevalent misunderstanding: the belief that if something comes at no cost to you, it's automatically free. When it comes to financial guidance, this assumption couldn't be further from reality. While it might seem convenient to receive advice without a direct fee, it's vital to recognize that behind every piece of valuable advice lies years of education, experience, and ongoing commitment to staying abreast of a continuously evolving financial landscape.

Are you maximizing the potential of your KiwiSaver, or unknowingly robbing your future self of substantial savings? As a financial adviser in New Zealand, I urge you to consider the crucial aspect of choosing the right KiwiSaver provider and fund. Why does it make sense to change providers and funds? Let's delve into this and uncover the significant difference it can make in securing your financial future.

In today's investment landscape, the best industry practice emphasizes lean investment companies. Even growth funds offered by banks often carry a conservative component within them. However, here's where the game-changing aspect lies: a comparative case study highlighting the substantial difference a well-chosen fund can make.

In today's complex financial landscape, understanding inflation's impact on your financial well-being is pivotal for securing your future. Inflation, the gradual increase in prices for goods and services, can silently erode the purchasing power of your money over time. As prices rise, the value of your savings diminishes, potentially jeopardizing your long-term financial security. In New Zealand, where economic fluctuations can significantly influence daily life, comprehending the nuances of inflation becomes even more critical.

Financial therapy is not solely about numbers and investment strategies; it delves deeper into the psychological and behavioral aspects of money management. Your mindset and behaviors concerning money play a pivotal role in shielding your assets from inflation. Understanding this link is crucial to fortifying your financial well-being.

In a digital age where DIY (Do-It-Yourself) solutions are readily available, many individuals in New Zealand are drawn to managing their finances independently. However, when it comes to financial planning, the risks associated with a DIY approach can often outweigh the perceived benefits. As a financial adviser in New Zealand, I aim to unravel the dangers of DIY financial planning and highlight the invaluable advantages of seeking professional guidance.

Understanding Financial Complexities

Financial planning extends beyond mere budgeting and investments. It involves intricate aspects like taxation, insurance, retirement, and estate planning, each demanding specialized knowledge and expertise.

Over the years I have experienced the difficulties people have with spending habits, money stress and the impact this has on families. As a volunteer and budget coach this gets more and more highlighted. I have decided to use my background in psychology and my experience as a financial adviser and I am introducing a new approach — financial therapy. This progressive discipline combines financial advice with emotional support, offering a holistic approach to managing your money. In this blog I will shed light on the significance of financial therapy, why you should consider it, and the crucial reasons not to delay seeking this valuable service.

Financial planning is an essential part of achieving your financial goals, whether it's saving for retirement, a down payment on a house, or your child's education. But financial planning is not just about saving money; it's also about making sure you're able to enjoy life while you're still young and healthy and be able to live a rich life, being able to have those experiences you would like to have.

Many people make the mistake of saving for retirement at the expense of living a fulfilling life. This can lead to regret when they finally retire and are no longer able to do the things they've always dreamed of doing. When you are 80 you will not be able to have a roundtrip through Europe anymore or climb the Mount Everest.

Saving for retirement is important, but it's also important to enjoy the present moment. You don't have to delay all of your dreams until you retire.

There are many ways to balance saving for retirement with enjoying life. Here are a few tips:

In the world of financial planning, a paradigm shift is taking place—one that challenges the traditional notion of saving every penny for the future. The idea of "dying with zero" revolves around the realization that hoarding wealth without enjoying life's experiences can be counterproductive. As a financial adviser, I'm here to guide you through a new approach to financial planning, emphasizing the importance of balancing responsible wealth management with living a fulfilling life.

Rethinking the Purpose of Saving

The concept of "dying with zero" prompts us to reconsider the purpose of saving. It encourages a mindset shift from solely accumulating wealth to utilizing it for enriching life experiences and supporting loved ones during crucial moments.

My employer is offering me health insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance, I will take that and don’t have to insurance myself anymore, correct? This is a question I hear from a lot of my clients. While this is a great benefit to have, there are limitations and pitfalls you have to take into account. In this blog I will touch the limitations and pitfalls of being insured only though your employer.

Ensuring the security of your insurance coverage is paramount in safeguarding your financial future. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect is the financial strength rating of your insurance company. As a seasoned financial adviser, I advocate for the importance of understanding and regularly evaluating your insurer's financial strength rating.