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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...

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...

Insurance continues to support New Zealanders

New Zealanders were paid more than $300 million in insurance claims in the September quarter of last year, a small drop on the quarter before.But claims have risen significantly from the December quarter of 2022, when less than $275m was paid. The Financial Services Council releases data quarterly showing the level of insurance in the New Zealand market, and the amount being paid in claims. In September 2023, it said there were 4.1 million life insurance covers in place, for an estimat...

Cognitive health: How to keep your mind sharp

Our brain is a powerful organ, responsible for every thought, feeling, and action we make. That’s why it’s important to keep it in tip-top shape. Here are some scientifically-backed strategies for enhancing cognitive help – including boosting your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Eat brain-boosting foodsAccording to Harvard Medical School, a balanced diet not only benefits your physical health, but your mental health as well. Certain foods are rich in nutrients that...

Year-end insurance check-up: Are you prepared for a secure future?

With a new year upon us, you might be thinking about your needs and goals. Now can be an ideal time to take stock, look ahead, and check that your future is protected.To guide you through your year-end insurance check-up, here are some key questions to consider. And if you’d like to discuss your circumstances in more detail, remember: we’re always here to help.Have things changed in your life?Life never stands still, so make sure you kick off your insurance check-up with a bit of a life inve...

Tips for a stress-free insurance claims process

Navigating through the insurance claims process can be overwhelming. But with the right knowledge and a proactive approach, you can have a less stressful experience. Here are some helpful tips, with a friendly reminder that as your insurance advisers, we're here to guide you at every step.Understand your policyIt all starts with a thorough understanding of your insurance policy. Make sure you get familiar with what is covered under your policy and what isn't. It’s a good idea to read thro...

How to build a comprehensive insurance plan

When it comes to your financial health, a solid insurance plan is just as essential as a balanced diet is for your physical wellbeing. Whether you're new to personal insurance or are looking to plug any gaps in your existing coverage, you're in the right place. We've compiled some key considerations to help you build a comprehensive insurance plan.And remember, while this is a great starting point, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to insurance. So, don't hesitate to reach out to us if you'd...

Home maintenance tips for spring

As spring unfolds, it's time to bid goodbye to winter's cold grasp and start preparing your home for the warmer months. Regular spring maintenance can keep your home in top-notch condition and help ward off potential costly repairs. Here are some handy tips to tackle home maintenance tasks this spring.Clean out your guttersWinter's chilly embrace often leaves behind an unwanted legacy in your gutters. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate, creating potential blockages that can lead...

Choosing the right insurance adviser for your needs

When it comes to protecting your financial future, there’s a lot to think about and many different options to compare. That’s where having a trusted insurance adviser by your side can make all the difference. But finding the right adviser is not a one-size-fits-all process. You need to ensure they align with your specific needs. So, here are some key factors to consider. Ask about their qualifications and experienceThe financial advice profession is regulated in New Zealand, and al...

Avoiding common insurance mistakes

Insurance can be a bit of a puzzle, with loads of details to wrap your head around. In this handy guide, we’ll show you to confidently avoid common insurance mistakes – with our help if you need us.Full disclosure is keyWhen it comes to figuring out what your policy will cover, and your insurance costs, insurers need to know all about you. And to do that, they use forms that cover your medical history, lifestyle habits, and more.With so much to think about, it’s not uncommon for people to ...

How insurance can keep your goals alive

Many people think of insurance in terms of protecting the things they already have.But insurance isn’t just for where you are now: it can also help you get where you want to be. Here are some examples of how it can keep your financial life on track.Home ownershipOwning a home of their own is top of many people’s financial plans, but getting there can often involve quite a lengthy period of saving.If anything were to happen to your income during that time of saving hard, it could push yo...

The role of insurance in Kiwis’ life

As New Zealand continues to navigate through unpredictable times, financial protection has become increasingly crucial. And in a country where the population numbers slightly over five million, insurance plays a significant role. The latest quarterly snapshot from the Financial Services Council (FSC) paints an intriguing picture of the country's life insurance sector, a vital piece in the larger financial security puzzle for millions of Kiwis.A healthy life insurance sectorWith 4.1 mil...

Eight habits of healthy people

Time to boost your happiness? Experts say there are some behaviours that do seem to be linked to overall happiness. Here are a few to think about.MovementYou don’t have to be a marathon runner or lift weights in the gym every morning. But regular physical exercise can boost the endorphins in your brain, research shows. As the Mental Wealth Project notes, for some people this can be as effective as medication for mild depression. Try and get up and move around for at least half an hour every da...

Some helpful add-ons to enhance your cover

Considering a more robust insurance plan or curious about your options? There are several add-ons available to enhance your existing coverage. In this article, we'll unveil five valuable extras that could bring more security and peace of mind. Don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to explore these benefits further.Life insurance: accelerated trauma benefitHave you considered taking out a Trauma policy and ‘accelerating’ it against your life insurance?  With trauma insurance, you ca...

10 essential steps to stay cybersafe

In today's interconnected world, cyber threats are evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated. What’s more, they’re targeting businesses of all sizes and people from all walks of life, and often, these threats are difficult to spot until it's too late. To counter this, CertNZ has a great infographic, with their top practical tips for cyber security. These include:1. Embrace data backupThink of data backup as your digital insurance policy. Should a cyber attack render your devices ...

Key reasons to increase your life insurance cover

Key reasons to increase your life insurance coverIs your life insurance cover still fitting your needs? Life's full of surprises, and you need to be prepared. In this article, we explore key reasons to consider increasing your life insurance cover. Ready to protect your loved ones' financial future?Tying the knotGot married? Your financial responsibilities may grow when you tie the knot. This can include joint loans, credit card balances, and mortgages. Ensuring that you have an adequate level o...

Your income protection insurance 101

You might have heard people talk about income protection insurance, and wondered exactly what it is, and whether it is something you need in your financial toolkit.So, here are a few things to consider when you are deciding whether income protection is right for you.What is income protection for?Income protection is designed to step in when you are off work and unable to earn your normal income. Unlike ACC, which only covers accidents, income protection can also help if you are off work due to i...

Money and happiness: It’s complicated

Does having more money make people happier? You might think it’s a trick question – anyone who’s struggled with money or worried about their financial lives knows that a windfall can make a big difference.But it turns out that, in the bigger picture, the relationship between money and happiness is a complicated one.Money does cause stressIt’s clear that when you have money worries, it is not good for your overall happiness and wellbeing. Research by the Financial Services Council fo...

Key questions to ask your insurance adviser

An insurance adviser can be an invaluable asset to help you navigate the wide array of personal risk products available to financially protect you, and those you love.We can help you make sure you get the right cover in place to financially secure what matters to you, and – perhaps even more importantly – make sure the cover stays relevant over time.If you are thinking about meeting an adviser for the first time, or it’s time for a check-up, here are a few key questions you may want to ask...