When our parents got married, it was automatic. Finances were merged and women changed their name. In today’s world, many couples are opting to keep their name and their finances their own. For a variety of reasons, they both want to retain some…
When it comes to money, there is a lot of Keeping Up Appearances going on as well, especially during this economic downturn. A change in circumstances often causes this phenomenon. The loss of a job, business downturn or a relationship breakdown…
In a world dominated by ever-advancing technology, the financial landscape is experiencing a profound transformation. At the heart of this revolution lies Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is not only reshaping industries but the very fabric of our personal financial management…
In an increasingly digital world, the threat of scams looms large, and New Zealand is not immune to this problem. Being scammed can have devastating consequences, both financially and emotionally. While we often focus on the tactics employed by scammers,…
In March 2017 I published a blog called Could your relationship survive a 2 per cent mortgage increase? Back then the rates were around 4.59 per cent and an Auckland mortgage was heading towards $800,000. Who would have known then that rates…
The first rule of personal financial management is to spend less than you earn! It sounds really easy and makes sense, but did you know around 30 per cent of Kiwis are living in financial stress? So, if it is…
After the pandemic and the lockdowns we hoped life would get back to some sense of normality. Instead, we adjusted to the “new normal” and life carried on. Then Mother Nature had other thoughts and decided to throw extreme weather…
OK girls, this one is for us. What is it that gives us the urge to spend money and buy that handbag or candle when we are feeling a bit down? I also suggest you share this story with the…
In recent years, many people have taken advantage of historically low mortgage rates to purchase homes or refinance existing mortgages. However, as interest rates rise, those who have become accustomed to low monthly mortgage payments may find themselves struggling to…
Like many Kiwi families, when I was growing up, we would go camping every summer holidays. In the evenings we played games, and Monopoly was our favourite. Somehow Dad always seemed to win, but that didn’t stop the whole family…