Advice for lifelong singles
The Census by Statistics New Zealand in 2018 identified that 23% of households in New Zealand consisted of one-person. The proportion of one-person households declined between 2013 and 2018 despite an increase in the number of single households consisting of people aged 65 years and older. Statistics New Zealand noted the decline in the proportion
Six steps to prepare for the days ahead
Six steps to prepare for the days ahead The Global Financial Crisis in 2009 uncovered an even deeper problem that we all face—it’s a crisis of the heart. Anyone can see that our society is quickly shifting away from any semblance of a biblical worldview. Instead of seeking God for direction and help, it seems
Managing time with a home business
Managing time with a home business Working at home provides flexibility and freedom, but discipline is necessary to complete the work required. Proverbs 6:10-11 notes “A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you
Annual gambling losses pass $2.6 billion
Annual gambling losses pass $2.6 billion The Department of Internal Affairs latest gambling statistics show a 9% increase in gambling expenditure between 2019 and 2021. Gambling expenditure was nearly $2.7 billion in the year ended June 2021 (gambling expenditure is the amount lost by gamblers – the difference between the amount gambled and the amount
The good and bad of oil prices
The good and bad of oil price rises Oil prices have significantly increased recently, impacting household budgets and pushing the rate of inflation higher. However, is an increase in the price of oil always a bad thing? Prices rises are “good” when they accurately reflect need and scarcity. Prices rises are “bad” when they do
Help me get our spending under control
Help me get our spending under control If your spouse is spending too much money, there are some key steps you can take. Some of the obvious ways to reduce spending include eliminating the big expenses. This might be a car payment or rental/living costs in excess of 40% of your net spendable income. Look
Why understanding your money philosophy could save your marriage
Why understanding your money philosophy could save your marriage Ask married people about their financial problems, and you’ll likely hear a list of issues: “I’m not sure I’ll ever be debt-free” “I’m sick of living from one week to the next” “I will never have enough savings to buy a house” “If my husband (or
Should I buy an electric car?
Should I buy an electric car? The government is promoting the purchase of electric cars, providing cash rebates for purchase of new or second-hand imported cars. A rebate of up to $8,625 is available for new electric cars costing less than $80,000. Up to $3,450 is available for used electric cars which have been registered
Should we borrow for our daughter’s wedding?
Should we borrow for our daughter's wedding? Weddings can be very expensive, with costs amounting to more than $30,000 common in New Zealand. That can be a significant financial burden for parents and some are tempted to borrow against their house to pay for the big day. If that is what you are considering, there
Considering a reverse mortgage?
Considering a Reverse Mortgage? What is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage allows people aged 60 years and over to borrow against the value of their home. The amount of money you can borrow depends how old you are and whether you still have a mortgage on your house. The two providers of reverse mortgages