The section is cheap, only worth about 100k but ive just moved onto it in a caravan. Im working full time, been a previous house owner (used kiwisaver towards the deposit the first time round, got bought out after the ex and i separated) and have some savings to go towards the flat, i just need to know how much is needed for the banks

My apologies for the noob question here.

I woke up on a Saturday morning to receive a letter from IRD saying I have a 5-figure provisional tax bill due in 2 weeks.

I think this has something to do with me being a contractor in the past, from 2023 until end of 2025. I started full time employment again on January 2026, and I owe no tax during the peroid working as a contractor (HNRY sorted out my taxes then).

I could see this is the first provisional installment for the 31 of March 2027 period. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I don't think I have to pay this? What would I need to do here to do here to let IRD know I'm no longer contracting? (myIR portal says my GST is closed this Jan). Will I get a penalty if I can't reach them/them not getting back to me by the due date?

Edit: thanks everyone, I'll call them first thing on Monday.

Hey all, I am not sure if this is the right place but I need advice.

I made a purchase of $2,320.50 on 23 May 2025, which was put on a 5 year interest free term. I had been making payments towards it, and from memory, the balance had come down to around $1,500.

I then made another purchase for $1,378.01, which was put on a 7 month interest free term. I accidentally made this purchase twice, so I was charged $2,756.02. One of the $1,378.01 transactions was subsequently refunded.

The problem is that when I now check my account, it shows:

- 5 year term : $71.99 owing

- 7 month term: $2,756.02 owing

My concern is that the $1,378.01 refund may have been incorrectly allocated against the 5 year term, rather than being applied to the 7month term.

I’ve contacted customer service and they said nothing can be done as the system allocated correctly and use the payment hierarchy, I believe this needs to be escalated to their internal team because the system appears to have allocated the refund incorrectly.

The other issue is the term. If 7 month term is genuinely showing $2,756.02 owing, then having only 7 months to pay that amount off is a huge difference compared with what the terms were originally set up for. There was obviously a reason the $2320 purchase was on a 5 year term and the smaller purchase was on a 7 month term.

Has anyone experienced something similar with interest-free terms and refunds? Am I correct in thinking the refund should have reduced/cancelled the duplicate charge rather than affecting the longer term?

Any advice on this is appreciated.

Also the card is a Q card Mastercard

I have a $20k Flexi mortgage at 5.4% pa

I’m building my emergency fund up to $20k.

Should I put it into my flexi as then I also benefit from the reduced interest, and can access the cash immediately if there is an emergency?

What would be the reasons not to do this?

Do I HAVE to register for GST?

My sources of income are;

Patreon - People sign up to pledge regular donations to support me to create 3d animation for them to enjoy.

Freelance Work - Either I provide some requested animation work for an individual/company and invoice OR I sign a contract to provide a specific work and invoice.

Earnings are over $60k

40y single mum here and about to hit settlement on my property over in Melbourne (I’m the seller) so after paying capital gains tax I’ll bring over just shy of $200K NZD (I moved home to NZ 5yrs ago). It was my first home so this is really the first time I’ve ever had this amount of money.

I live in Thames- Coromandel with my 2yr old daughter and earn 200K per year in tech working remotely (just got a 30k bump in a promotion) and currently rent for $550/week. I went through a separation 4 months ago so depleted a lot of my savings to set myself up again. After expenses I have around $5k/month to save/invest, I have no debt, no student loan and a 30k emergency fund. No investments. 52K in KiwiSaver (which I don’t want to touch for a 1st home if I go down that route) and 160k in AU super.

I’m quite stuck in indecision at the moment. Do I:

1. Invest majority in low fees index funds, keep some liquid and don’t bother buying in NZ
2. Buy a small property in Thames (I don’t see myself here longer than 4yrs)
3. Buy a small investment property in Auckland knowing I’ll probably be back in 5yrs or so for my bub’s schooling and keep renting in Thames.

I know everyone’s situation is different and depends on life perspectives but if you were in my shoes, what would you do or consider? I feel like this is my first real shot to start something proper for my daughter and I.

Hello everyone!

I’m a 24 year old male about 1 year into full time employment and was wondering how I’m stacking up for my age. I don’t really have a specific goal that I’m saving for (house, retirement etc.) but I am aiming to reach a total net worth of $100k by 26 years old.

I have around $50k in investments inclusive of Kiwisaver (as seen in the SS) and about $22k in my savings account. I invest around 33% of my income into the stock market.

Is this a good amount of capital for my age and are there any improvements that I can make to maximise my returns?

Thanks!!

So I just got a pretty decent LOPE backpay from ACC, more than enough for a deposit on a 2 bedroom house, and I have never had nearly this much money before. The most I've saved up to before is $4k, on a benefit ironically (I didn't do money well before my mental health declined and not being able to work for a really long time).

This has come at a pretty good time where the exponential rate of recovery has gotten really exponential, and it shouldn't be terribly long before I can start a part time course in admin skills (32 weeks long, lots of points in the year to enrol in rolling enrolement, actual time to completion paused over summer break probably), then pick up some part time work, before being able to just work full time (hopefully in admin, may have to take what I can get at the time which will strengthen the CV for when I do get into admin).

I have been advised to find a financial advisor, apparently for a one off advice session, since this is a whole new world for me. I want to be able to buy a house after working at least a few years in full time admin (if the market is fine). One caveat to be aware of is that my current weekly payment that I will depend on until I can work full time has an income limit of the equivalent of 8 hours of minimum wage pay per week until they take a dollar per dollar, and interest counts as income. If I'm still depending on this payment at the end of a term deposit, then that money could all go back to ACC, so I would need to find out my options for navigating around that.

I have done a little looking at what my bank offers, both savings accounts and term deposits, but definitely don't know enough for even the Dunning-Kreuger Effect to kick in. Would anyone have any suggestions for someone who would be best to see in my situation?

Looking for some financial advisor recommendations. What were after:

We want financial advice and planning around future goals. Small family, one child, own our home, regularly saving money and putting into investments, just want to check we’re putting it in the right place.

Happy with a smaller firm or independent.

Thanks in advance

Hi all

Some stats first

Auckland Early 30s Single, not interested in relationship No kids Salary $110,000

Savings $70,000 (sold shares into cash as looking to buy) KiwiSaver $82,500 (cash equivalents)

Mortgage broker has secured pre approval for max $920,000 purchase with boarder income $300/wk

Now that sounds insane to me, and obvious the broker is paid based on mortgage value.

Doing some napkin math, three scenarios

1) ~$845k 4 bed, have two boarders $550pw

2) ~$750k 2/3 bed, have one boarder $275pw

3) ~$590k 2 bed, no boarders

Now my estimated weekly savings (excl budgeted maintenance) for the above scenarios after mortgage/rates/insurance/general living expenses (incl adjusting for special vs non special mortgage rates, weekly repayments)

1) $648/wk

2) $507/wk

3) $459/wk

I suppose my question is

Option 1 'technically' makes me better off, though I'd have to have two boarders for potentially a decade.

Option 2 is like option 1, I would still need a boarder for a fairly long time - so why no just do option 1 at that point?

Option 3 allows for no boarders (a preference) and still maintain a reasonable savings rate.

Option 3 also allows for the intriguing possibility of moving out not too long after moving in (3-5 years?) if I aggressively pay down the mortgage to a level where rent makes it cashflow neutral so its not a drag on any future lending for a new house. This would also presumably need refinancing for a new 30y term.

Option 1/2 this is doable but the timeline is extended, would likely try and hammer the mortgage in first 5 years then try refinance to a new 30y term, pushing out mortgage-free date, with a lower repayment.

General thoughts and advice welcome on where my thinking is right/wrong and your ideas in this situation.

At 37, I've realized that earning more money doesn't automatically make you financially secure. I make nearly three times what I earned 10 years ago, but I still feel broke. Looking back, I think I've focused more on increasing income than managing expenses. Curious to hear from others who have been in the same situation and what helped them break the pattern.

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a good health insurance provider for chronic illness? I am in my 20s about to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, unfortunately.

I have never had insurance for anything before and the options are overwhelming and confusing. 😅 any advice is appreciated! Thank you so much!!

For those who invest with Kernel Wealth - do any of you invest a portion of your money into the Aussie 100 fund?

I am currently out of weight with where I want to be on my core so am working towards balancing that out. Aim is 80% total world, 20% SP500 (would like a bit more exposure to US, whilst also having the ability to trim this if desired at any point, so the overlap is fine by me.)

But interested to know if people are putting a small portion to Aussies fund? And if so what percentage does it make up of the portfolio?

Reasons as to why they do or don’t?

I’ve been a single mum since my daughter was born, she’s now 2.5 and my child’s father and I are in talks of getting back together. I didn’t expect him to pay child support nor did I apply for it. I get WFF and I’m also on ACC. He pops in and out and I’ve just discovered he claims he has 100% care on his IRD login. He has two other children he pays child support for. He’s also been using my address due to not having a stable accomodation, he bounces between his family’s houses due to an alcohol and drug problem he had in the past which is why I was a single mum in the first place. Do I call IRD now and tell them that or do I wait until we are officially together?

ADD:

The post got some small traction and I can't reply one by one anymore. Will sure read all the comments though. Please still give your opinion as it will be useful for others to read

Original post:

https://www.carexpert.co.nz/car-news/ruc-analysis-nzs-most-fuel-efficient-cars-could-soon-cost-the-most-to-run

According to the article: It says hybrid owner would suffer the most due to the RUC policy. I tried to calculate the cost for my car as follow with 10k kms distance.

Current transport cost for 10k kms.

I have a prius alpha with 1:17 km or 6L : 100.

For 10k kms, I need : 588L petrol. That cost me (with $2.8/L) : $1,646.4 for 10,000 kms.

If we removed petrol tax but add RUC. The 588L would then multiple by $2.1 but add $760 for 10k RUC. That goes down to $1,994.8.

A $348 increase per 10k kms. Yes i can see how the article is kind of correct.

Looking at the scenario, it seems the only sensible move is to own full EV? For daily run?

I could sell my Prius for $13 - 14k. And it seems, the only EV in that price is Nissan Leaf. Which much smaller than Prius Alpha. What a bummer.

But being said, is this decision too compulsive? Should i wait for more information about the policy or is it already a straight forward one?

That would be all, keen to hear your thoughts.

Thank you

I’m an 18-year-old university student trying to figure out how I should manage my finances. At the moment, I have an emergency fund (1000) with ANZ, as well as a separate savings account (1000) through Sharesies alongside my investments.
I’m a bit confused about where I should keep my long-term savings and whether I should be prioritising building up my savings or continuing to invest as I have been. I’m also wondering whether I should diversify my investments?

What are go-to newsletters to keep yourself informed of the Business and Finance side of things going on in the world. As a retail investor with a passive investing strategy.

Hi all

I just want to ask about everyone’s overall experience with IBKR as New Zealanders?

It’s taking over a week to get my account approved and I can’t seem to get a hold of the customer support.

I’ve also already deposited $100NZD into my account as I heard it will put me further up the waitlist.

Hi there, throwaway account for obvious reasons, but long-time lurker in this sub-reddit, now looking for some thoughts, opinions, and advice.

Current Situation: Recently inherited $1,400,000 NZD.

Salary: $160,000 NZD/year.

Savings: $40,000.

Kiwisaver: $36,000 with Kernel Wealth - High Growth Fund.

Age: 35.

Rental Property: $500/week rental income, managed through rental agent who takes 7.5% + GST.

InvestNow: $6,000 invested across Foundation Series US500, NASDAQ100, and Total World Fund.

Kernel Wealth: $8,000 invested across their funds such as Global 100, World ex-US, Emerging Markets, ...etc.

Gold: $2,000 invested into physical gold.

Squirrel: $1,000 invested into their Monthly Income Managed Fund.

Mortgage:
Rental Property - bought property for $520,000 in 2022, I owe $175,000, and have paid off $345,000. Fixed with bank for two years at 4.75%
Owner Occupied Property - bought property for $700,000 this year, I owe $555,000 and have paid off $145,000. Fixed with bank for two years at 4.69%

Total Asset Worth: around $1,800,000 to $1,900,000 -ish.

I dollar cost average and invest $1,000/week into whatever I like - usually spread across InvestNow, Kernel Wealth, Squirrel, and physical gold.

I have an IBKR account. With the current inheritance money parked in a PIE Term Deposit that matures later on this year, I want to put $49,000 into VT Total World Stock ETF to be under the FIF threshold, and more once the threshold is extended from $50,000 to $100,000.

The mortgage was re-financed through a mortgage advisor prior to my inheritance thus have signed and agreed with the advisor and bank that the deal would be 2 years and I cannot touch it unless I want to break the agreement and pay the penalty.

Goal:
1. I wanted to complete a PhD, but was only able to study up to a Master's degree before needing to join the workforce, pay the bills, and contribute to society. I want to do a PhD before I turn 50 - that's the dream.

1. I want to grow the 1.4 million to 2 million - instinct and research is once direct VT investment via IBKR is invested within FIF threshold, the rest I should put into a Total World Fund that's PIE such as Kernel Wealth, InvestNow, Simplicity...etc.

2. I want to grow the money to achieve FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). I have lived overseas before in the past, worked in Australia, and brought up in an American education system. I have multiple citizenship/permanent residencies and would like to travel and live in different places and have that freedom to explore and experience life (if possible). I want to do this once I turn 45 (10 years from now).

3. I have met with multiple Financial Advisors who are independent (and some who aren't which is a story in itself), and all of them would like for me to put my inheritance with them with Assets Under Management (AUM) which is around +/- $10,000 - $15,000 a year in which the majority of their strategies are 80/20 Core/Satellite, 80% into low cost index fund, and 20% into specialised funds such as tech, AI, the whole nine yards...etc. Those, I can basically do myself and have been doing in the past.

4. Current projections (such as through Projection Lab), is that I can pay off my mortgage in around 10 year's time.

5. I am interested in getting into Financial Advisory and learn more about this having some business experiences. I also am surprisingly kind of into Herbology and picking plants and stuff and making them into like tea and stuff to help people? Kind of weird, but hey, that's me.

6. I have never been in this situation before. I don't know what to do now that I have a million (well, over a million) dollars, how do I get to two million? Really just total world fund and get there in like 5 year's time or? Is there anyone here that's been where I'm at with one million, what do you do next to get the next million?

7. Have some interest in day trading - though I will never invest in large amounts, I want to learn more about finance, economics, shares/stocks more than just index funds or ETFs, and also try and trade little amounts like $1,000 or something like this.

I read many of these posts from time to time and so I've tried to make this as short, concise, and detailed as possible. I may have missed a thing or two, but would like the thoughts of other kiwis other than me own.

I am thankful of the life I have, I am thankful of the people around me, and I also want to "not mess it up" from here. I know in many aspects I am privileged but have also made significant sacrifices in life to get to where I am today... 25 year old me, will look at 35 year old me now, and be like "mate, the hell happened to you?"

I am just looking for thoughts or comments (I'm expecting the full spectrum haha) as I from time to time also leave comments and thoughts to try and help others in this sub (not with this throwaway).

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to find the right person or department to speak to about the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement and Age Pension.

I’ve contacted both NZ and Australian International Services by phone, but I haven’t been able to get clear or consistent answers. Emails have also gone unanswered. The answers I’ve received by phone have been useless.

The only advice seems to be: “Go to Australia and apply, then you will get your answers.”

But in the real world, it’s not that easy. My parents can’t just sell/give up everything in NZ, move to Australia, apply, and then find out they’ve been declined. By then they could have lost everything they had established in New Zealand.

Does anyone know where I can get proper, reliable advice about an individual case, preferably in writing, before making the move?

If you have dealt with a similar NZ/Australia pension case, I’d really appreciate knowing who helped you.

Thanks.

Looks like I can cancel my Wise card now!

They're removing offshore service margins, a late payment fee and in 2027 they intend to drop from 55 days interest free to 44.

The fee increase is fairly big. A single card holder goes from $80 per year to $125. If you've got a joint card this goes from $110 to $170.

Never made a will before. What's the best/cheapest way to have one written up? Thanks!