For many years – a mortgage “broker” has been the person you use as a go between you the client – and the bank.

Essentially a mortgage adviser does exactly the same thing – so for you the clients – the term is interchangeable.

Don’t cancel it – choose an excess. This change can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Many people consider cancelling their medical insurance due to rising costs, unaware of their options. This concerns me because once you cancel your policy, it can be difficult to get it back.

I often talk to people who think that because they have not started planning in the 20s, its too late now in their 30s, 40s, 50s or even 60s.

While the best time to start planning for your future is when you start work, the next best time is today, or tomorrow.

Experiencing redundancy can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can navigate through this period of uncertainty. Below is a basic guide to help manage your finances.

In tough economic times why is it that personal insurance is the first expense that most people think is fair game to reduce the cost of or cancel completely.

I don’t disagree that insurance products are a purchase that is often made begrudgingly. What is there to show for them other than a folder full of terms and conditions and jargon most don’t understand.

They say life begins at 40 and the best is yet to come. But what they really mean is that life is full of surprises, and starting over might be one of them. Many of us have faced tough times recently, and it's perfectly normal to feel like you're starting anew. Remember, you're not alone!

Imagine going house hunting, finding the house you love – only to miss out on purchasing it – cos someone else gets their finance approved faster.

A pre-approval can fix that.

 What is the biggest risk of loss to your KiwiSaver, that does not get talked about?

Everyone seems to be obsessed with Mortgage rates, they are the main topic I see around. My social media ads are bombarded with Mortgage advisers telling me now is a good time to refinance for better rates or free money and I’ve been hearing about the “trend down”, or the “expectations” of rate drops etc.

What is the standard mortgage term?

Don’t panic sell your investments, if you think you have to cash out soon, get advice. This shall pass, you need to Hold Fast.

Don’t worry about your KiwiSaver or investment dropping due to Coronavirus fears, it’s cyclical and will go back up eventually. If you have time – read the following for more info on markets.

In short yes. But here’s the thing, where or how to invest is less important than why to invest.

ost people (and its January so Christmas will have made this work) are living barely within their means, are trying to keep up with what they think everyone has

The Christmas holidays are a crazy time of year, where for two weeks or so all the normal rules go out the window and we eat too much, spends too much, and lose all our renovations.

I often get asked by first home buyers if building is a better option for them than trying to buy an existing house, based on a belief they will save some money, or that it’s easier. There can be advantages, but it’s not always easier or better.

It’s the Kiwi Obsession, what rate are you getting, is someone else cheaper, etc ad nauseam. And because rates have trended down till now (which will end at some point) people are more and more obsessed with how low they can go.

As you are getting closer to retirement, you need to make good decisions on your money, as the impact will hit you faster than if you are in your 20s. here are 3 mistakes that people nearing rearing retirement make.

Most mortgages in NZ are done with Mainstream banks, they have the capacity, and the structures to make it easy to sort. But there are also non bank mortgage lenders, who fit into 3 categories, prime, 2nd tier and specialist.