Rupert Gough 5/15/25 Rupert Gough 5/15/25

The Magic of Compound Interest When Paying Down Your Mortgage

Paying off your mortgage might feel like a long, slow journey—but thanks to the magic of compound interest, every extra dollar you put towards your loan can have a surprisingly powerful effect. By understanding how interest is calculated and why timing matters, you can make compound interest work in your favour and pay your mortgage off faster.

Rupert Gough 4/17/25 Rupert Gough 4/17/25

Small Steps: Review Your Direct Debits

Tired of money quietly disappearing from your account each month? One small step that can make a big difference is reviewing your automatic payments and direct debits. This quick financial tidy-up could help you cancel forgotten subscriptions and free up extra cash.

Anne Miel 4/15/25 Anne Miel 4/15/25

When Should You Get Your Business Accounts Done for a Mortgage Application?

Self-employed and applying for a mortgage? Your financial accounts are key to proving your income. This guide explains when banks need your latest accounts and why getting them sorted early can make all the difference.

Anne Miel 4/4/25 Anne Miel 4/4/25

The Income Hurdle: Why Most Kiwi Investors Only Own One Investment Property

Most Kiwi investors stop at one rental property—but it’s not due to lack of interest. The real hurdle is income. In this article, we break down why the majority of investors struggle to grow their portfolio and what you can do to overcome the income barrier.

Anne Miel 4/1/25 Anne Miel 4/1/25

Is It Worth Getting a Flatmate to Help Pay My Mortgage?

Thinking about getting a flatmate to help with the mortgage? That spare room could be the smartest financial decision you make. Here's how shared living can shave years off your home loan, boost your equity, and ease financial pressure—without sacrificing your sanity.

Anne Miel 4/1/25 Anne Miel 4/1/25

How to Calculate Yield on an Investment Property (And Why It Matters)

Want to know if your investment property is going to pay off? Learn how to calculate gross and net rental yield, and how this affects your mortgage approval.

Anne Miel 3/30/25 Anne Miel 3/30/25

Mortgage Deposit: Can I Take Out a Loan to Increase It?

Banks love to see savings discipline—but what if you’re just short of the deposit you need? Can you borrow the difference to hit your 10% or 20% mortgage deposit goal? We unpack whether loans, credit cards, or finance company top-ups are a smart (or even allowed) way to bridge the gap.

Rupert Gough 3/29/25 Rupert Gough 3/29/25

What Your Mortgage Application and Tinder Profile Have in Common (But Shouldn’t)

Your mortgage application isn’t the place for filters and flair—learn how to prep your finances so the bank says “yes,” and keep the Tinder content where it belongs.

Anne Miel 3/28/25 Anne Miel 3/28/25

How much does a Credit Card affect your lending?

Your credit card limit—not your balance—can reduce how much a bank will lend you for a mortgage. Here’s how to fix it and borrow more.

Anne Miel 3/27/25 Anne Miel 3/27/25

How Banks Decide If You Can Afford an Investment Property

Thinking of buying an investment property? Learn how banks assess whether you can afford it—including interest rate stress testing, rental income scaling, and credit limit assumptions—and what you can do to improve your approval odds.

Anne Miel 3/27/25 Anne Miel 3/27/25

How Does A Student Loan Affect A Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Got a student loan? Here’s how it really affects your mortgage application—and when paying it off could help you borrow more.

Anne Miel 3/26/25 Anne Miel 3/26/25

How to Improve Your Credit Report in NZ: Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

Your credit report can make or break your mortgage application. Here are five practical steps you can take today to strengthen it—no financial overhaul required.

Anne Miel 3/25/25 Anne Miel 3/25/25

The Bank Said No Because of My Income

An income decline doesn’t mean the end of the road. Learn how banks calculate affordability—and what you can do to overcome the income hurdle when investing in property.

Rupert Gough 3/19/25 Rupert Gough 3/19/25

Can Flatmate Income Help You Get a Mortgage in NZ?

Having flatmates can be a smart way to reduce your mortgage faster—but when it comes to applying for the loan, banks have strict limits on how much flatmate income they’ll count. In this article, we explore how lenders view flatmates, how much income they’ll accept, and how to make that extra cash work for you once you’re in your new home.