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HOW TO SURVIVE WINTER
14-Jun-2019Yikes! The cold snap has definitely kicked in! We’ve had a good dose of wet and wild weather – and with many more weeks of winter weather on the horizon, the chance of more storms is pretty high. With this in mind you need to be prepared. Wild weather can cause power and hot water outages, so at this time of year it pays to be proactive. It’s a good idea to: Make sure you keep your phone (and any other electronics you need) well charged Keep some torch..
HOW TO SURVIVE WINTER
Yikes! The cold snap has definitely kicked in! We’ve had a good dose of wet and wild weather – and with many mor..
14-Jun-2019SEVEN COSTLY BORROWING BLUNDERS YOU NEED TO AVOID
14-Jun-2019Blunder #1 Not getting a written loan approval before making an unconditional offer. If you are unable to organise this you can avoid a costly headache by inserting a "subject to finance" clause. Blunder #2 Not having your solicitor check the sale and purchase agreement, or at the very least inserting a "subject to solicitors approval" clause in the agreement. A solicitor plays a key role in outlining the buyers obligations, so it's imperative that you have them spell out exact..
SEVEN COSTLY BORROWING BLUNDERS YOU NEED TO AVOID
Blunder #1 Not getting a written loan approval before making an unconditional offer. If you are unable to organise this you can ..
14-Jun-2019THE SMART APPROACH TO INCOME PROTECTION
14-Jun-2019Most of us know the importance of insuring our houses, contents, cars and even our health. But surprisingly, many of us don't place that same value on what is arguably our greatest asset - our ability to earn an income. That's where income protection cover comes in. If you are unable to work for an extended period of time income protection provides a steady stream of income. It's not the same as ACC. ACC covers you for accidents (such as broken legs or sporting injuries) but income protect..
THE SMART APPROACH TO INCOME PROTECTION
Most of us know the importance of insuring our houses, contents, cars and even our health. But surprisingly, many of us don't plac..
14-Jun-2019CLEAR UP ANY CONFUSION WITH THIS QUICK READ
09-Oct-2017When it comes to personal insurance there are various options and benefits available - and plenty of jargon to match. Spend two minutes reading this easy-to-digest summary of the options, and you'll have all the relevant information you need to make informed decisions. Medical / Hospital Cover This pays for specialists, tests and hospital / surgical costs. With Medical / Hospital Cover you enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you and your family can get prompt attention from your ch..
CLEAR UP ANY CONFUSION WITH THIS QUICK READ
When it comes to personal insurance there are various options and benefits available - and plenty of jargon to match. Spend tw..
09-Oct-2017THREE THINGS YOUNG FIRST HOME BUYERS NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR
16-Aug-2017These days if you're buying a home in your twenties chances are you'll be smugly feeling like you're winning in life (even if you've had to cut back on your smashed avo brunches). But beware, there are a few mistakes young home buyers need to watch out for. Lessons learned: where some young first home buyers went wrong Your emotions can put you wrong. Having spent most of her life living in an inner city townhouse, one young buyer romanticised the idea of country living, buying her ow..
THREE THINGS YOUNG FIRST HOME BUYERS NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR
These days if you're buying a home in your twenties chances are you'll be smugly feeling like you're winning in life (even if ..
16-Aug-2017HOW LONG TO FIX - WHAT WOULD A SAVVY BORROWER DO?
28-Jul-2017Shape your mortgage borrowing strategy with the latest insights In recent months movement among mortgage rates has been minimal, and the mortgage curve continues to echo a tick shape, with the sharp low point punctuating the 1-year rate mark. This makes it very clear that the 1-year terms are pretty preferable. Not only are these rates the cheapest, they are considerably cheaper than alternatives. The fact that they are so much cheaper has resulted in an increase in people opting to pay bre..
HOW LONG TO FIX - WHAT WOULD A SAVVY BORROWER DO?
Shape your mortgage borrowing strategy with the latest insights In recent months movement among mortgage rates has been minim..
28-Jul-2017YES, YOU CAN BE 'WITH CHILD' WITH MONEY
03-May-2017If you're pregnant (or planning to be) it's not just your health and well-being that needs to be front of mind, paying close attention to your finances is critical too. We're guessing that, unlike fellow expectant mum Beyonce, you don't have millions to support you through your pregnancy costs - and the many years of expenses that follow. So follow these simple steps to ensure your parental finances are on point. Prep for a pay cut The reality is, these days most parents work, so havi..
YES, YOU CAN BE 'WITH CHILD' WITH MONEY
If you're pregnant (or planning to be) it's not just your health and well-being that needs to be front of mind, paying close a..
03-May-2017HOLIDAY HOT SPOTS HEATING UP AGAIN
25-Apr-2017Following the global financial crisis the coastal property market took a hit as holiday homes became a luxury many could no longer afford. Now it seems the tables have turned and holiday hot spots are heating up again. Recent QV valuation figures show prices in Tauranga, a key holiday destination for Aucklanders, were up 20 per cent, while homes in the Western Bay of Plenty were selling for almost twice what they were 12 months earlier. In the South Island, prices in the Mackenzie District..
HOLIDAY HOT SPOTS HEATING UP AGAIN
Following the global financial crisis the coastal property market took a hit as holiday homes became a luxury many could no longer..
25-Apr-2017GOOD NEWS FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS
20-Apr-2017Spread the word! If you or any of your loved ones have been saving for a first home, now could be the perfect time to strike. Last month we saw homes become slightly more affordable for first home buyers in a handful of key locations - Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu/Whanganui and Taranaki. This improved affordability is thanks to a lower quartile selling price (that is the selling price of the cheapest 25 per cent of sales) more than offsetting the rise in mortgage interest rates. This..
GOOD NEWS FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS
Spread the word! If you or any of your loved ones have been saving for a first home, now could be the perfect time to strike. ..
20-Apr-2017PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE: WHERE'S HOT AND WHERE'S NOT
03-Apr-2017It's hard to get an accurate forecast on property market activity, but according to latest data from realestate.co.nz the signs of a market chill are showing in some key parts of the country; Auckland and Waikato. Things are looking pretty vibrant in other parts of the country. In both Auckland and Waikato the number of residential properties being listed for sale online has increased, yet average asking prices are decreasing. This indicates that buyers in Auckland and Waikato now have more ..
PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE: WHERE'S HOT AND WHERE'S NOT
It's hard to get an accurate forecast on property market activity, but according to latest data from realestate.co.nz the sign..
03-Apr-2017THE EXTENT OF DISABILITY INCOME PROTECTION
18-Feb-2017For many of us the term disability conjures up thoughts of wheelchairs and physical suffering. But that's just part of the picture - and disability income protection insurance reflects this. All quality disability income protection cover extends far beyond covering just your typical physical injuries. In fact, last year mental health claim payments made up 28.7% of the disability income protection claims across all age bands.* Clients are often surprised at what cover for mental health ..
THE EXTENT OF DISABILITY INCOME PROTECTION
For many of us the term disability conjures up thoughts of wheelchairs and physical suffering. But that's just part of the pi..
18-Feb-2017SEVEN STEPS THAT WILL SET YOU UP TO SELL
16-Jan-2017Spring has sprung and it's typically when we see the property market surge. If you're one of the many who will be doing a spring clean and making your home market ready make sure you tick off this checklist first. 1. Take clean and tidy to the next level. First impressions count, so make sure your home sparkles. Pay particular attention to the front entrance and garden, clean walls, rid cobwebs and fix up peeling paint. Make sure kitchens and bathrooms are extra clean. 2. Crea..
SEVEN STEPS THAT WILL SET YOU UP TO SELL
Spring has sprung and it's typically when we see the property market surge. If you're one of the many who will be doing a..
16-Jan-20176 STEPS TO A FRUGAL YET FUN FESTIVE SEASON
09-Nov-2016If you want a stress free, and debt free, festive season you need to take action now. With these simple tips you can easily tame your holiday spending and ensure you kick off the New Year with a bank balance that’s in good health. Kick start the planning process Getting organised early makes it easy to ensure your costs stay under control over Christmas. If you’re clear about what you’re committing to you can more effectively budget to meet your commitments – a..
6 STEPS TO A FRUGAL YET FUN FESTIVE SEASON
If you want a stress free, and debt free, festive season you need to take action now. With these simple tips you can easily ta..
09-Nov-2016ARE YOU GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR MEDICAL INSURANCE?
09-Nov-2016With some great new insurance options hitting the market, now's the perfect time to check if you're getting the best from your current situation. This week we've worked with a number of clients to review their existing medical cover. As a result many have signed up to fresh policies and are enjoying increased cover and greater peace-of-mind and some are even saving money. One North Shore family is a great case in point. This Mum, Dad and young child jus..
ARE YOU GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR MEDICAL INSURANCE?
With some great new insurance options hitting the market, now's the perfect time to check if you're getting the b..
09-Nov-2016DON'T LET THE BANKS BEAT YOUR BALANCE DOWN
09-Nov-2016Contrary to popular belief, bank fees aren’t always something you have simply suck up and deal with. Here are some helpful reminders designed to help minimise bank fees and bolster your bank balance. Avoid charges for going into overdraft or exceeding your agreed limit by making sure you have a realistic overdraft facility. Check your balances regularly to make sure you stay well on top of how much money is in your account and don’t drift into deficit. Ch..
DON'T LET THE BANKS BEAT YOUR BALANCE DOWN
Contrary to popular belief, bank fees aren’t always something you have simply suck up and deal with. Here are some helpful ..
09-Nov-2016PAY LESS TO COVER YOUR HEALTH
09-Nov-2016When it comes to your health, penny pinching is never the best approach – but then again, you don’t want to pay through the nose either! Saving money on health insurance shouldn't come down to simply choosing the most cut-price option on the market. Here’s what you need to consider: Scope all the options There are a number of health insurers out there, and reports show that premiums can differ by hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year. You need to reme..
PAY LESS TO COVER YOUR HEALTH
When it comes to your health, penny pinching is never the best approach – but then again, you don’t want to pay th..
09-Nov-2016THE BRIGHT APPROACH TO BUDGETING
09-Nov-2016For many of us the term budget conjures up thoughts of hardship and frugality, but it shouldn't. “A budget need not go hand in hand with negativity, if well thought out and well managed, budgets can be extremely empowering and liberating,” says Ali Toumadi, Prosper Founder and Director, who believes everyone can benefit from a budget. Get a budget in place you’ll benefit from a real sense of control. It helps you enjoy managing your money and makes reaching financial g..
THE BRIGHT APPROACH TO BUDGETING
For many of us the term budget conjures up thoughts of hardship and frugality, but it shouldn't. “A budget need not go h..
09-Nov-2016Avoid Auction Nightmares
27-Jun-2016If you've recently scanned through the latest property listings you'll know auctions are hugely popular right now. They're a hit with sellers because they typically attract a wider range of potential buyers, foster more price-driving - competition and create a finite deadline and sense of urgency (which can induce pre-auction offers). But for potential buyers they can be an extremely stressful nightmare. Given the huge proportion of sellers currently opting for an auction, auctions are..
Avoid Auction Nightmares
If you've recently scanned through the latest property listings you'll know auctions are hugely popular right now. They're ..
27-Jun-2016How to ensure a large home loan doesn't weigh you down
09-Jun-2016Sure the bank will loan you it - but can you live with it? These days a large loan and home ownership go hand-in-hand. For some the burden of a large mortgage can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. With good advice and careful structuring, managing a mortgage can be extremely rewarding - both in the short and long term. Check out these four simple steps to stress-free borrowing: Be really realistic One of the first steps to getting a home loan is to establish a hou..
How to ensure a large home loan doesn't weigh you down
Sure the bank will loan you it - but can you live with it? These days a large loan and home ownership go hand-in-hand. For som..
09-Jun-2016Are you prepared to wait in pain?
26-May-2016Right now over 174,000 Kiwis are on the waiting list for elective surgery in our public health system. It's a disturbingly large number that is expected to swell further as our population ages and grows. The average waitlist period is 177 days (from initial GP visit to surgery) and there's no doubt that those on the waitlist are suffering - recent research shows that over 40 per cent report significant or severe discomfort! How elective surgery works in our public health system There a..
Are you prepared to wait in pain?
Right now over 174,000 Kiwis are on the waiting list for elective surgery in our public health system. It's a disturbingly lar..
26-May-2016Do you have a Will?
18-May-2016Prince's passing provides a timely reminder Last week a United States judge made it official, despite Prince's estate being worth approximately $250 million, the singer did not have a will in place to declare the distribution of his assets. Prince is not alone. Many Kiwis are in the same boat - that is a boat with no will. Sure, most of us have nowhere near the wealth of Prince, but no matter whether we have just a few dollars, or $250 million to our name, we should all hav..
Do you have a Will?
Prince's passing provides a timely reminder Last week a United States judge made it official, despite Prince's estate being w..
18-May-2016Is low-cost, form-free personal insurance too good to be true?
15-Apr-2016“It’s been touted as a revolutionary shift set to transform New Zealand’s insurance industry. Two of the country’s biggest insurers have recently launched easy, automatic acceptance no advice insurance options. Understandably the insurers behind the new developments are fizzing, but is this new development really a good thing? According to the providers, the introduction of automatic acceptance limited insurance options has been designed to make personal insuran..
Is low-cost, form-free personal insurance too good to be true?
“It’s been touted as a revolutionary shift set to transform New Zealand’s insurance industry. Two of the country..
15-Apr-2016Ali Toumadj: What has the RBNZ done?
15-Mar-2016For many it came as quite a surprise that the OCR was dropped by another 0.25% on Thursday morning last week. The Reserve Bank had projected a further 0.5% cut at the beginning of the year and now, based on factors such as the slowing global economy and pressures on dairy prices it was a appropriate to drop 0.25% last week. They also indicated that they expected the 0.25% to be passed on by the retail banks to consumers. It’s interesting to note that this hasn't eve..
Ali Toumadj: What has the RBNZ done?
For many it came as quite a surprise that the OCR was dropped by another 0.25% on Thursday morning last week. The Re..
15-Mar-2016Investment?
07-May-2015THINKING ABOUT AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY? With so much action in the property market, more and more Kiwis are exploring investing in residential property. While this can be a fantastic investment, success relies on sound purchasing, mortgage management, taxation planning and good property management. Here are some of the key considerations: Location is key! (and it’s a good idea to buy nearby so you can keep an eye on the property). Avoid properties that need a lot..
Investment?
THINKING ABOUT AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY? With so much action in the property market, more and more Kiwis are exploring..
07-May-2015ATTENTION FIRST HOME BUYERS
15-Apr-2015KIWISAVER CHANGES HAVE KICKED IN! First home buyers are increasingly leveraging KiwiSaver to make their home ownership dreams come true. And now some exciting new changes are making it easier than ever. The main changes are: A KiwiSaver HomeStart Grant will replace the First Home Deposit Subsidy. This means that those eligible get double the level of the grant if buying or building a new house, and it will increase the price limits for all grant applicants. Larger KiwiSaver first ..
ATTENTION FIRST HOME BUYERS
KIWISAVER CHANGES HAVE KICKED IN! First home buyers are increasingly leveraging KiwiSaver to make their home ownershi..
15-Apr-2015ONE IN FOUR KIWIS IS FACED WITH DISABILITY
15-Mar-2015ARE YOU PREPARED? When it comes to disability we all think, it’s not going to happen to me. The scary thing is disability affects one in four of us. In 2013, 24% of the New Zealand population was identified as disabled(1). Stroke is the major cause of adult disability in New Zealand(2). As anyone who’s been faced with disability will tell you, it’s traumatic on numerous levels. So the last thing you need to be worried about is money. This is where Disability Inc..
ONE IN FOUR KIWIS IS FACED WITH DISABILITY
ARE YOU PREPARED? When it comes to disability we all think, it’s not going to happen to me. The scary thing is di..
15-Mar-2015Reserve Bank
15-Feb-2015OCR STAYS SOLID In case you missed it, last week the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced that the OCR would again remain at 3.5 per cent. This indicates a shift away from the tightening of interest rates. Governor Graeme Wheeler stated that the OCR is expected to stay on hold for some time, however within just 24 hours of the announcement markets were pricing an 80 per cent chance of the OCR being cut by the end of the year. The bank hasn't cut the OCR since it was reduced to a record l..
Reserve Bank
OCR STAYS SOLID In case you missed it, last week the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced that the OCR would again remain a..
15-Feb-2015Need a New Year Resolution?
15-Jan-2015PROSPERITY e-news JANUARY We’re looking forward to partnering with you to make 2015 your most prosperous year yet! With this short newsletter you can quickly pick up some tips & advice and then get back to enjoying the sun. Need a New Year resolution? Choose one that will actually stick! New year’s resolutions are pointless. We all set them, yet less than 10 per cent of us will see them through till the end of the year – and most of us don’t last..
Need a New Year Resolution?
PROSPERITY e-news JANUARY We’re looking forward to partnering with you to make 2015 your most prosperous year yet! W..
15-Jan-2015Interest Rate Trends
15-Dec-2014PROSPERITY e-news DECEMBER As we descend into Christmas madness take a moment to check out our last newsletter for the year – and prepare for a financially savvy start to 2015. The latest interest rate trends Current interest rates are higher than they were earlier in the year, but in recent months they have eased. Longer-term fixed mortgage interest rates are lower than a month ago – both high and low equity borrowers have seen falls of around 0.3% to 0.5% for..
Interest Rate Trends
PROSPERITY e-news DECEMBER As we descend into Christmas madness take a moment to check out our last newsletter for t..
15-Dec-2014OCR Remains Steady
15-Nov-2014PROSPERITY e-news NOVEMBER With Christmas fast approaching now’s the time that any money worries we might have become front of mind. If you want to rid these worries completely check out our advice below and you’ll be well on track. You’ll also find some helpful tips for anyone looking to purchase a new abode. Don’t forget, if you want to know any more about what the team at Prosper can do for you, check out our new look website, (http://www.prosper.org.nz/)www.p..
OCR Remains Steady
PROSPERITY e-news NOVEMBER With Christmas fast approaching now’s the time that any money worries we might have becom..
15-Nov-2014What does the election result mean for you?
16-Oct-2014PROSPERITY e-news OCTOBER Health and housing… when it came to pre-election hype they were two hot topics – so now that the election’s done and dusted what needs to happen next? Check out this Prosperity e-update for our update on health and housing, along with details around how to avoid becoming a property orphan and an intro to our new look website, www.prosper.org.nz (http://www.prosper.org.nz/) So what does the election result mean for you? We all kno..
What does the election result mean for you?
PROSPERITY e-news OCTOBER Health and housing… when it came to pre-election hype they were two hot topics – so..
16-Oct-2014How long will you be paying your mortgage
17-Sep-2014If you’re not convinced that life insurance is necessary check out this Prosperity e-Update and have a think about what that might mean for your family. You’ll also find loads of great savings tips and an interesting insight about what a few extra years of a mortgage could will cost you. Check it out. Who depends on you? If you’re at all like any of us in the Prosper offices you know the deal … Go to work, pay the bills, plan for the future and do whatev..
How long will you be paying your mortgage
If you’re not convinced that life insurance is necessary check out this Prosperity e-Update and have a think about what ..
17-Sep-2014How affordable is your region?
08-Jul-2014Southland, Taranaki, Manawatu/Wanganui, Nelson and Otago... if you’re after home affordability these are the best places to be based. The latest findings of the Home Affordability Report, a quarterly survey released by Massey University, show that these regions are the only regions where house affordability has improved. The affordability is based on the average wage and the average house prices. National affordability deteriorated by 7.6 per cent over the 12 months endi..
How affordable is your region?
Southland, Taranaki, Manawatu/Wanganui, Nelson and Otago... if you’re after home affordability these are the best places..
08-Jul-2014Are you really ready to commit?
02-Jul-2014It’s called a fixed loan for a reason. Because it’s fixed. Once you lock yourself in with a fixed home loan it can be tricky (read ‘expensive’) to change the situation. This means that if floating rates fall or if your financial circumstances change and you need to alter your loan arrangements it could leave you seriously out-of-pocket. Banks term it an ‘early repayment adjustment’, essentially it’s just a hefty break fee that banks use to..
Are you really ready to commit?
It’s called a fixed loan for a reason. Because it’s fixed. Once you lock yourself in with a fixed home loan i..
02-Jul-2014