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Bridging the gap: Financial goals and real-life actions

Many New Zealanders are working hard to build better financial futures — setting goals, saving, and paying down debt. But according to new research released by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), there’s often a disconnect between our financial intentions and our everyday decisions.The FMA’s May 2025 report, Good Cents: Kiwis on Savings and Debt, reveals that while a growing number of people are taking steps to improve their financial wellbeing, “stated financial goals don't always ma...

Understanding policy exclusions and why they matter

Insurance is designed to provide financial protection when life takes an unexpected turn.But to make the most of your cover, it’s essential to understand not only what conditions your policy includes, but also what it excludes. These exclusions can be easily overlooked, until a claim is made and something isn’t covered.What are policy exclusions?Exclusions are specific conditions, activities, or circumstances that are not covered by your insurance policy. These can include:Standard exclusion...

Hobbies that are good for your wallet (and your wellbeing)

Life can get busy — and between work, family, and financial commitments, it’s easy to forget how important it is to have something you enjoy just for yourself. Hobbies give us a chance to recharge, try something new, and even connect with others. And the good news? They don’t have to be expensive.In fact, some hobbies can actually support your financial wellbeing — either by saving money, reducing stress-related spending, or even building handy skills for the future.Here are a few wallet...

How inflation affects your insurance and why it matters over time

When we think about inflation, we usually picture rising grocery bills, fuel prices, or interest rates. But there’s another area where inflation can quietly make a difference – your personal insurance.If you took out cover a few years ago, the amount you insured yourself for may not go as far today as it did back then. And that’s something worth being aware of, especially when your policy is designed to protect your income, repay a mortgage, or support your family’s future.Why does infla...

What happens to your insurance after a health scare?

Thanks to modern medicine, unexpected health events—like injuries or serious diagnoses—aren’t always as life-altering as they once were. But they can still be confronting, and often lead people to reassess their priorities.One of those priorities might be your insurance.Whether you’ve recently experienced a health scare or just want to be prepared, here are a few key things to consider.If you already had insurance in placeIf you had cover at the time of your health event, you may have be...

FSC life insurance spotlight: Key trends and insights

The Financial Services Council (FSC) has released its latest quarterly spotlight on the life insurance sector, providing a snapshot of industry performance as of December 31, 2024. The data shows steady growth, evolving consumer trends, and a recovery in claims acceptance following past disruptions.Steady growth and changing patternsSince 2015, total growth in the life insurance sector has remained consistent at 2-5% year on year. The impact of seasonality on new business has decreased since 202...

Mental wellbeing: Staying positive and energised in autumn

As the vibrant days of summer transition into the crisp, cooler months of autumn, many people notice a shift in their mood and energy levels. Shorter daylight hours and a drop in temperature can sometimes bring a sense of sluggishness or low motivation. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can maintain a positive mindset and stay energised throughout the coming season.Mindfulness for a clearer mindPractising mindfulness can help manage stress and improve overall mental wellbeing. Techniqu...

Four ways to check your insurance is up to date

Your insurance is like a safety net, that can provide financial protection for you and your loved ones when life’s unexpected events occur.However, your life doesn’t stand still - your needs, goals, and circumstances can change over time. That’s why it’s essential to regularly review and ensure your insurance is up to date, so that your financial safety net remains purpose-fit to your current situation.A regular review with an insurance adviser can help address any potential gaps in cove...

How to check if you might be underinsured

When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, having the right insurance for your specific needs is important. Being underinsured means your insurance may fall short during major life events, like an unexpected loss of income or the passing of a loved one. Identifying gaps in your insurance early can help ensure you’re adequately prepared.Here’s what to consider:Assess your financial commitmentsTake a close look at your financial responsibilities, both current and future. These c...

Trauma insurance FAQs answered

Have you ever wondered whether you might benefit from trauma insurance?It’s a type of cover that isn’t as widely held as some other forms of insurance – the Financial Services Council says about 18 percent of New Zealanders have it.But it can make a significant difference if you encounter a major health event. Here are some of the most common questions about trauma insurance, answered. What is trauma insurance, anyway?  Sometimes also referred to as critical illness cover, t...

Navigating personal insurance with an adviser

When it comes to protecting your financial future, personal insurance plays a vital role. Whether it's health, life, income protection, or trauma cover, the right cover can provide security and peace of mind.Sometimes, understanding which policies are right for you can be complex, which is where having an insurance adviser by your side can be invaluable. Their expertise and personalised approach can help you navigate the world of personal insurance with confidence. Here's why.Assessing your pers...

Protecting your financial and physical wellbeing

Have you thought about safeguarding your financial health against the impact of a serious illness, while also having faster access to the care you need to get back on track? Health insurance and trauma insurance are two key tools that can work together to protect you in different ways. Think of them as your guardians and allies during challenging times. Here’s how. Health insurance: Faster access to quality careHealth insurance can help reduce the waiting time for treatment and diagn...

Sun Safety 101: Protect Your Family This Summer

As summer approaches, sunny days bring opportunities for family adventures outdoors. However, the intense New Zealand sun requires special attention to protect your family from harmful UV radiation. With a few practical steps, you can enjoy the summer sun safely and confidently.Why sun safety matters New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, with melanoma being a leading concern. According to Melanoma New Zealand, Melanoma accounts for nearly 80% of all skin cancer d...

The importance of income protection insurance

Why should you consider income protection? Well, let’s start with this: New Zealand’s standard paid sick leave is ten days per year, after you have been employed by your employer for six months, accumulating to a maximum of 20 days in two years.So, how would you cope financially if illness or injury prevented you from working for much longer? Do you have savings? How long would they last, and what would happen to the planned holiday or new car you had earmarked those funds for?Income pr...

Financial literacy gap may be holding Kiwis back, research suggests

Boosting their financial literacy could pay dividends for many New Zealanders, new data shows.Research from insurer Partners Life has highlighted the impact that poor financial literacy may be having on many Kiwis.It found that the majority of respondents to its survey, at 62 percent, felt that worrying about money was affecting their relationships with friends and family.Just over 40 percent were struggling to pay their monthly bills and almost a quarter were relying on credit cards or loans to...

Is your health insurance right for you?

New Zealand has a comprehensive and robust public healthcare system designed to provide quality medical care. However, despite the wide availability of this service, there are many benefits of having private health insurance in place. In this article, we look at the benefits of having health insurance, and provide tips to ensure your policy supports your personal needs.The benefits of having health insuranceOne of the main benefits of a private healthcare policy is the faster access to some medi...

What is an insurance review, and why is it important?

If it’s time to review your insurance, some key questions to consider are: how secure do you feel? Do you have all your insurance needs covered? A comprehensive insurance strategy is crucial to achieving financial peace of mind, especially when thinking about your long-term financial goals. But how do you know if you have the coverage you need? Regular insurance reviews can help ensure you do, and identify possible adjustments if you don’t – think of it like a financial security WOF.The ba...

How we can help you manage your insurance spending

With rising cost of living, you may be taking a closer look at your spending – including your insurance premiums.Especially when the budget gets tighter, the key thing is to balance keeping an appropriate level of cover with managing the cost.  And here’s how we could help in this space.  Understanding your changing needsAs insurance advisers, one of our key services is reviewing your existing policies. When you book an insurance review with us, we take the time to talk to you and ...

Essential insurance for your personal and financial wellbeing

Are you considering ways to protect your personal and financial health?Health insurance, trauma cover, and income protection are three important tools that can provide financial assistance or faster access to specialist care and diagnosis if you face serious health issues. Depending on your unique needs, you might consider one or all these options in combination.Here’s what you need to know about each. The connection between health and financial stability  Your personal and financial...

Winter wellness: Embracing health and happiness

As winter sets in, from June to August, the colder weather and shorter days can pose unique challenges. However, focusing on wellness practices can help you thrive and enjoy the season fully.Here are some tips specifically for maintaining health and well-being during winter.Seasonal diet  Winter is an ideal time to enjoy hearty, nutritious meals. Seasonal produce such as kiwifruit, mandarins, and root veggies like kumara are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that can help boost your i...

How much income protection cover do you need?

Income protection cover can be the safety net that keeps your household afloat financially, even if an unexpected health event means you can’t work and earn as you normally do.But how do you work out how much cover you might need?Here are five things to think about.Your regular expenses  Checking your current expenses may be a good starting point to work out what level of income protection cover might be appropriate.If you were not able to work, what are the bills that would keep coming?T...

Health and trauma insurance: What’s the difference?

You’re likely familiar with health insurance, and you might have come across trauma insurance as well. But are you aware of the differences between the two?Both are designed to provide support during times of illness, but they operate in different ways. Depending on your circumstances, having both could be advantageous. So, let’s delve into what sets them apart.Health insuranceIn New Zealand we have a free public health system, but there can be long wait times when needing diagnosis or treat...

Do you need mortgage protection insurance?

What would happen if, due to unforeseen circumstances, you found yourself unable to meet your mortgage repayments? Enter the realm of mortgage protection insurance—a cover designed specifically to offer that peace of mind. Here’s what it is, how it operates, and when it can come in handy.How does it work?At its core, mortgage protection insurance is designed to cover your mortgage repayments if you're unable to do so due to interruptions to your income because of situations like illness...

Harnessing habit power: How to transform your life

As humans, we are creatures of habits and routines – some of us more than others. But we tend to underestimate the power of habits in shaping our lives. So, what if you could harness this power and use it to build healthy habits? Let’s dive into the science of habit formation and how anyone, according to research, can create positive change in their life.How habits are formedSimply put, habits form when new behaviours become automatic. But have you ever wondered why certain behaviours b...

Understanding insurance claims

Insurance is the kind of thing you take out probably hoping that you’ll never need to use it.But life happens, and every day people around the country need to make a claim on their insurance policies.Here’s what you can expect when it comes to making a personal insurance claim.Event happens  The first step will be something happening that triggers a claim.Often, this may be obvious – you need to go into hospital for surgery and want to claim on your health insurance, perhaps. But some...