Blog, all posts
2026
- NZ Wills Month
With Wills Month here, I wanted to share a quick reminder about something that is easy to put off, but incredibly important.
- 5 Mistakes to avoid when reviewing your fixed rate
For many Kiwi homeowners, refixing a mortgage can feel like a routine admin task.
- Australian property investors - watch out
Earlier this week, the Australian Federal Government announced sweeping changes to Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax — two tax conversations New Zealand investors…
- First Home Buyer - how to navigate buying at auction
Buying your first home is a huge milestone — and buying at auction can feel like stepping into a completely different world.
- Kiwisaver Government contributions - don't miss out!
Did you know you can get up to $260.72 from the Government – every year? One of the best features of KiwiSaver is that you’re not the only one contributing to your…
- The advantage of using an adviser to apply for funding when you run your own business
If you run your own business, getting a mortgage can feel harder than it should.
- Financial Literacy for Children
This is brilliant and I only just found out from my 10 year old’s teacher because he logged in and didn’t complete the module?
- Navigating rising costs
Navigating Rising Costs and Uncertainty in New Zealand: Practical Steps to Stay in Control
- Kiwisaver Changes in more detail
KiwiSaver Is Changing Next Month – Here’s What You Need to Know
- Key KiwiSaver changes for 2026
Key KiwiSaver changes for 2026 include a reduced government contribution (max $260.72 from July 1, 2025) and higher default employee/employer rates, moving to 3.5% from…
2025
- How much deposit do I need?
The commonly quoted answer is 20% of the purchase price, but the reality is more flexible.
- How to select an investment property
Here’s a practical checklist you can use when evaluating an investment property:
- DIY Wealth Building: The First Home Buyer’s Secret Weapon
Buying your first home isn’t just about a roof over your head—it’s about building your future wealth. More first home buyers are getting ahead by choosing “do-up”…
- New post
Four words that almost destroyed our client's dream home purchase—and their financial future.
- Fueling Growth in The Economy
How to Fuel the economy and create growth – what is the RBNZ doing to assist?
- Is your Kiwisaver balance keeping you awake at night due to volatility?
A friend of mine from Craigs Investment Partners recently shared this with me in response to the market upheavals of recent times:
2024
- Preparing to Apply for a Home Loan
Purchasing a home is a monumental milestone, often accompanied by one of life’s biggest financial commitments: a home loan. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage…
- New rules for landlords
New legislation heading to Parliament this month will bring significant changes for landlords and tenants:
- Don't just let your loan rollover
5 big reasons why you need to stop, think and talk to your adviser.
- Some banks will lend you more - don't miss out
When it comes to home loans, not all banks view your position the same.
- Navigating high interest rates: Strategies for managing your mortgage
Many homeowners are grappling with the burden of high interest rates on their mortgages and while it may seem daunting, there are proactive steps you can take to manage…
- Kiwisaver Contribution - impact of lifting contribution rates
Increasing KiwiSaver Default Contribution Could Boost Retirement Savings by $100k
- Debt to Income Ratios introduced
In a significant move aimed at stabilizing the housing market and managing financial risks, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced the introduction of…
- Removal of First Home Buyers Grant
Impact of the Removal of First Home Buyer Grants in New Zealand
- Bright Line Test Changes
Brightline Test Reduction: What It Means for Property Investors
- LVR Changes - what does that mean for a property investor?
New Zealand Adjusts LVR Requirements: Implications for Property Investors
- Help for First Home Buyers
Boost for First Home Buyers: Increased Support for Low Deposit Purchases
- Banks are taking longer to respond to applications for finance
Navigating Bank Turnaround Times in New Zealand Property Market
2023
- Worried about your mortgage being up for renewal? What are your options?
A recent banking survey by Horizon indicated there is a lot of pressure already on home owners with more to come.
- Mortgage Rates Still Climbing in NZ
Mortgage rates may edge up further in the months ahead but economists and mortgage brokers spoken to by OneRoof don’t expect big hikes from now on.
- Set yourself up for success when buying your First Home
Focus on the facts. Tens of thousands enter the property market each year in New Zealand and you can too.
- Mortgage Pressure - You're Not Alone
If you reckon you were financially better off 18 months ago, chances are you're right. Household wealth has fallen by 9 percent since the end of 2021.
- Is your bank no longer wanting your business?
In a shock announcement for HSBC mortgage holders, HSBC has announced that it will be exiting the New Zealand market.
- Managing your mortgage: A Guide to Mortgage Refinancing
Buying a home is a significant investment that comes with various expenses, including mortgage payments. While paying off a mortgage over a long period can be daunting…
- What impact does insurance have on buying a home?
Although a property may look great on the surface, there can be a number of reasons where it is usually uninsurable and this means that you cannot get finance from a…
- Changes to LVR restrictions
Since November 2021 many creditworthy borrowers have been blocked from obtaining finance by the LVR limits that were put in place due to the pandemic to reduce the risk…
- Move to your own home not any home, when relocating to New Zealand
Whether you’re a new resident to New Zealand or an ex-pat returning to our shores, a big part of your relocation is establishing a new home. For many, renting may seem…
- Once in a generation opportunity to buy (He said it not me!)
I recently had the chance to listen to economist Tony Alexander speak at the Financial Services Council Conference. Although many in the Media see the current market…
2021
- My Money December Newsletter
And it is certainly time for a break. I would like to say a huge thanks to all our clients, our preferred partners and support people for helping us thrive this year.
- The process for obtaining a mortgage
This flowchart explains the process and the way I can help. It has become considerably more involved than it ever was before. The left side shows the steps and the right…
- My Money October Newsletter
This week the Reserve Bank has lifted the Official Cash Rate(OCR)to 0.50 per cent. This was expected, and as they were poised to do back in August before the Level 4…
- Teaching Your Child About Money
When is a good time to start teaching children about money? The answer is as early as you can.
- Stephen Robertson In The News
A short clip from the news this week with our own Stephen Robertson.
- Why Use a Mortgage Adviser?
As Mortgage Advisers, we take care of all aspects of the application process and our application form is accepted by all of the lenders. We stay up to date with which…
- Deposit saving ideas
First, set a goal and a date. Without a date, you will never get there. Set up a separate bank account for it. Call it ‘House Deposit Savings’ so it removes the…
- How to save the home deposit and not keep renting
Your rent can often be about the same as you would pay in mortgage repayments, so why not own the home!
2020
- Reserve Bank removes LVR restrictions for 12 months
In keeping up to date with developments across the finance industry, the Reserve Bank has announced they have decided to remove mortgage loan-to-value ratio (LVR)…
2019
- My Money December Update
New Zealanders can expect to pay approximately $5 more a fortnight on a $100,000 mortgage as commercial banks are ordered to increase the capital they have in their…
- True Mortgage Story Of The Week
Michael and Sue approached their bank to upgrade their home in a rural area which had a house, flat and small cafe.
- Latest market update from Stephen Roberston
Don't think rates will fall further? they can, and they will. ANZ predicts another 3 rate cuts by May next year.Coolest Rates: 3.54% for 1 year, 3.45% for 2 years, cash…
- Government’s announcement of changes to home ownership products
The Housing Minister this week announced a number of changes to the Homestart Grant and the Welcome Home Loan to come into effect on the 1st of October.
- BAYLEYS AFTER FIVE ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Through my long-standing association with Bayleys we are pleased to be in a position to offer a limited number of spaces to this informative event at a pivotal time in…
- Recent Case Studies
I get all sort of people coming to me, some with very interesting stories. Here are three:
- The importance of having a good insurance adviser
Recently I was reminded of why it is so important to have a good insurance adviser instead of being a number in queue at the bank or direct supplier. My youngest son was…
- Currently Renting?
Have you ever thought your rent payment would be better spent paying your own mortgage?
- What to look for in a business broker?
There are a lot of people out there who are thinking of starting one business or the other. One problem they are encountering now is how to get financing for their…
- Foreign buyers ban – does it affect you or someone you know?
As you may have heard last week, the Government’s Overseas Investment Amendment Bill (overseas buyer ban) passed its final reading. The legislation though is not yet…
- Pros and cons of debt consolidation
Taking out a debt consolidation loan can be a good option for anyone that finds themselves in a position where they find it difficult to meet their payments on their…
- 4 good reasons to work with a Mortgage Broker
Why would you work with a Mortgage Broker when you are considering to buy property?
- Building a new house in NZ
In New Zealand you will find that the legal process for buying land and building a house is well organized and is regulated extremely well to make it an equally fair…
More than just a loan. Advice for what comes next.
A mortgage is one part of a bigger picture. I look at the whole of it, and once the home is yours I am still the person you call.
- Access to a wide range of lenders
- Clear, practical advice
- Support from start to finish
09 377 4433 0275 408 900 stephen@mymoney.net.nz
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