We know that planning for the unexpected isn’t easy, especially at a time in your life when you are healthy and well. But despite the best intentions around leading a healthy lifestyle, a major medical event could sneak up on you when you least expect it. According to the Heart Foundation NZ, 175,000 Kiwis live with heart disease, and based on Cancer Control Agency data 25,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with cancer each year. While you are in your prime, the best time to plan for a major medical event is now. Trauma insurance (also known as critical illness cover) can be a way to safeguard your finan ..read more

 Win up to $2,000 towards the getaway of your dreams.   At AdviceFirst, we’re passionate about helping Kiwis realise a better financial future and live their Kiwi dreams – whether they’re financial, personal, or somewhere in between.    That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our latest campaign, where we’re giving one lucky client the opportunity to win up to $2,000 towards the getaway of their dreams.     Share the financial love to enter   Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape for two, a memorable adventure for the whole family, or a luxurious solo retreat, thi ..read more

If you were given just one car for your entire lifetime, would you do everything you could to keep it well-maintained, running smoothly, and protected? New data released by the Financial Services Council (FSC) reveals that while 98% of homeowners have insured their home, and 95% of car owners have insured their car, only 20% of New Zealanders have insured their income against sickness or disability. If insurance policies are designed to protect New Zealanders and reduce the impact of financial loss – then why are so many of us living without any protection, and putting greater importance on ou ..read more

Navigating the world of insurance isn’t always simple but searching for an appropriate policy that’s fit for purpose doesn’t need to be complicated. With the help of our advisers, you can be assured that what you’re getting works for your situation. If you’ve been wondering what it’s like to work with a Financial Adviser, we had a chat with our National Insurance Lead, Willie Moala, where he dives into his day-to-day responsibilities, dispelling common myths and what you can do to ensure you’re fully equipped for when the unexpected happens.   What do you do day-to-day as a national insur ..read more

If you have assets held in a trust, you may be affected by the upcoming change in how they’re taxed. To ensure you’re up to date with everything trust and tax related, we’ve compiled a few key points on what you need to know and how you can be prepared for the change.   For context From April 1st, 2024, the income tax rate for Trusts will increase from 33% to 39%. Why, you might ask? Back in 2021, it is believed that many big earners moved their assets to trusts after the income tax rate was increased from 33% to 39% for any earnings over $180,000. What the government is looking to achiev ..read more

Investing in the share market has its ups and downs, but overall it can be a promising ride towards financial success. It requires mindful risk management, but not to the detriment of your financial goals. 2023 taught us the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. At the start of the year, we saw commentary on supply chain disruption leading to high inflation, further geopolitical tensions, catastrophic weather events, and talk on whether we’ll enter a recession. However, for investors, the reality of 2023 unfolded quite differently than anticipated and, despite t ..read more

Mention the words ‘life insurance’, and many people grow a little weary. Discussing, planning or simply thinking about your passing is not easy – but it’s essential. Avoidance won’t change the inevitable, or provide a solution, and putting a plan in place can make all the difference in your loved ones’ financial situation during a time of grief. Having this discussion as early as possible can save you and your loved ones from sleepless nights of worry, by safeguarding their financial future in the event of your passing.   How life insurance works Life insurance offers financial protection ..read more

When you work with AdviceFirst for your insurance needs, you receive more than just advice. You receive support from a team of experts who can walk with you along your policy lifetime.   We want to introduce you to one of our expert Case Managers, Chantelle Neely. Our case managers work tirelessly behind the scenes, servicing your policy, communicating with your insurance provider, or helping you when making a claim.   Get to know Chantelle below: Tell us about how you came to work at AdviceFirst? I feel privileged to be at a stage of my life where I get to try new things and gain ne ..read more

Paying off your mortgage is one of the most exciting yet challenging financial goals you might achieve. And what if we told you there was another approach to paying it off rather than succumbing to the bank’s typical 30-year period? We asked the team at enable.me to share everything they know about paying off your mortgage faster than you thought possible and why doing so can be one of the most rewarding financial decisions you will make. In their eBook, Master your mortgage, maximise your opportunities, they outlined what you should consider in order to get mortgage-free faster and why a ..read more

With a lot happening in the world right now, it can be a challenging time for investors. You might be wondering whether it’s the right time to leave your investments where they are or if it is time to move them into a lower-risk option, such as a term deposit. While the risks can’t be ignored, it is essential to understand the reasons for making a change before you act. So, we thought we’d tackle some common concerns when it comes to investing and, in the process, remind you of some essentials when it comes to investing.   Investing is a long-term game When investments fall in price, it’s ..read more