Power companies put their prices up on April 1. I read about it on RNZ, which also mentioned a Government comparison tool I hadn’t heard of before. That was enough to check it out even though I haven’t even been with my current power provider for a year.
Continue readingHow I organise my bank accounts
Keeping track of money is a lot easier when each dollar has a clear purpose. Over time, I’ve set up a few different accounts to handle everyday expenses, savings goals, fun spending and emergencies.
Continue readingWhy setting up KiwiSaver for your kids is a bad idea
Parents want to do the right thing for their child but opening a KiwiSaver might not be the smart move you think it is.
Let me start by saying that KiwiSaver is an amazing tool for building wealth. Since it comes directly out of your pay if you’re employed, it’s almost invisible. The money never actually hits your bank account. Add the fact that your employer also matches up to a certain percentage and it’s a no-brainer.
Continue readingThe process for buying our first home
“I’ll never be able to afford to buy a house in Auckland.”
That’s what I kept telling people five or six years ago whenever real estate came up. I had given up on the idea and made peace with renting for as long as I stayed in Auckland. Moving somewhere cheaper was an option but I preferred renting in a place I loved over owning a home in an area I didn’t want.
Continue readingAre you in the best KiwiSaver fund for you?
When I first joined KiwiSaver through my employer I didn’t put too much thought into it. I contributed up to the employer match which was 3% back then and called it a day. Like many, I was enrolled in a default fund without checking if it was aligned with my goals.
Continue reading8 ways to save on everyday expenses
It’s no secret that the cost of living in New Zealand keeps creeping up, but there are small and simple ways to cut costs that can help you get more for your money.
Let’s go over eight practical ways to save on everyday expenses that actually make a difference in your budget.
Continue readingHow to build an emergency fund
Earlier this year I had to fly overseas unexpectedly to see my best friend who was seriously ill. It was a stressful situation for many reasons, but thankfully money wasn’t one of them.
Thanks to my emergency fund, which I set up exactly for scenarios like this, the question of “Can I afford to go?” wasn’t even part of the equation. I knew I had to go no matter what and used my fund to make it happen.
Continue readingThe beginner’s guide to budgeting
Budgeting isn’t something I’ve always done. I tried budgeting apps as a student out of curiosity but wasn’t able to stick with it. It seemed like a lot of work only to make you feel guilty about the state of your finances.
Continue readingStarting my financial journey as a dad
I didn’t know much about investing or financial planning growing up. What I did learn came from simple lessons at home about saving and avoiding debt. This blog is my way of sharing how those lessons evolved into building a more intentional financial life.
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