The greatest wealth transfer in history – from baby boomers to younger generations has begun. The bank of mum and dad continues to play a major role in the NZ housing market and will do for years ahead. So, can you afford to gift to your family yet and still have a comfortable retirement? It’s a complex question that requires evaluation of your financial situation, goals, and priorities. While the desire to provide financial support to family members is understandable, it’s crucial to strike a balance between generosity and prudence, ensuring that your own financial well-being remains secure ..read more

It’s embarrassing to talk about money When I started as a financial adviser I avoided talking to friends because I thought they’d be uncomfortable giving me the personal information I needed to advise them. Experience soon changed my attitude. Over the years many friends became clients because of financial problems elsewhere but by which time their issues had escalated. Small problems that could have been sorted had become bigger, more expensive problems. Friends got close to retirement before realising their pensions were inadequate. Friends had health problems without insurance cover. Frien ..read more

You are about to encounter a whole flock of chicken analogies, for the sake of your investment nest-egg.   When it comes to investments, it can be tricky to figure out which strategy offers the best incubator for your assets. Investment properties in New Zealand – a popular choice Investment properties have long since been a popular option for that “next stage” of investing in New Zealand.  They’re a tangible, bricks-and-mortar investment, seen by many Kiwis as a logical stepping-stone after they’ve made inroads into their mortgage. Plenty of “Mum and Dad” investors have made healthy ..read more

We know New Zealand has an under-insurance issue, especially when it comes to considering health insurance. For many people, it’s essential. For others, it’s not a priority, rather a discretionary spend, because by and large we have a great public health system and a well-funded ACC system paid for by our taxes. So why pay twice? Health insurance gives you choices However, it’s a fact of life that if you need elective surgery you may be forced to wait for some time on the waiting list at your local hospital, and that’s when health insurance comes into its own by delivering its main benefit: al ..read more

As International Women’s Day comes around, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the role of female financial advisers providing financial advice specifically tailored for women. Women’s unique financial situations Women face unique financial challenges throughout their lives, such as the gender pay gap, longer life expectancies, and career interruptions due to family responsibilities. Advisors who understand these challenges can better help women navigate their financial journeys, offering targeted strategies and solutions. Women are also often the Chief Finance Officer in their household and ..read more

Our Mortgage Team has put together some information on where mortgage rates are heading in the near future. As the last few years have shown us, there’s never any certainty! How long should I fix my mortgage for if rates are predicted to come down soon? Over the past two years, interest rates in New Zealand have more than doubled. This has been partly from low interest rates, high government spending and a tight labour market. As a result, these factors have driven up inflation. What is inflation? Inflation measures the rise of average prices of goods and services in an economy. In June 2022 ..read more

As you approach retirement, it’s a significant milestone that can stir up a mix of emotions. Last week a client described facing their looming retirement like jumping of the edge of a cliff – frightening. This transition often brings thoughts about mortality, concerns about losing purpose, and worries about the unknown future. In this blog post, let’s delve into the less-talked-about aspects of adapting to retirement. Why does retirement seem daunting? No matter what kind of retirement you’re envisioning, it comes with its own set of fears. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of them. Financi ..read more

Christmas is a time when thoughts turn towards giving, especially to our nearest and dearest. While time together at the beach and sharing meals are cherished traditions, we also think about how we can help them meaningfully. Let’s start with younger members of the family – whether that’s our children or grandchildren: set up an investment fund that you can regularly contribute to. Whether you want them to use it for their education or to buy a house in future, small contributions can make a real difference over time. The idea is straightforward: on each Christmas and birthday, contribute a se ..read more

I didn’t have the confidence to invest independently. I needed someone with the knowledge and experience to advise and explain. Castle Trust has taken the worry out of investing. I like having someone local that I can call on any time and know that I’ll get help or questions answered straight away ..read more

There are actually people that worry about money because they have quite a bit.  I was one of those. I needed to change that, but it was only when I met Glyn that I now know that there is a very pleasant way of dealing with finances, with budgeting and not worry about spending money.  Personally, I now have a knowledgeable person encouraging me to enjoy spending a bit more than I was used to, knowing there is plenty and I am not going to run out ..read more