Guides & Insights
Browse through some of our guides, insights, and educational material and make better, smarter financial decisions.
Understanding the OCR and how it affects mortgages
The Official Cash Rate (OCR) influences New Zealand’s interest rates. Learn what it is, how it works and how it might affect your mortgage here.
4 Minutes
Banks vs. non-bank lenders—who offers better mortgages?
If you’re thinking about getting a mortgage, it pays to review your options. There’s benefits to both bank and non-bank lenders—learn about both here.
5 Minutes
Help for first home buyers—what’s available to you
Thinking about stepping onto the property ladder? First home buyers can access plenty of help, from Kiwisaver to government grants. Learn about your options
2 Minutes
Five ways to pay off your mortgage faster
Most people take 25–30 years to pay off a mortgage. We've got some simple tips to pay off your home loan faster, saving you thousands of dollars in interest.
4 Minutes
Simplifying the mortgage process for first home buyers
Getting your first mortgage can be daunting in more ways than one! We’ve broken down the home loan process, so you know exactly what to expect.
5 Minutes
To fix or to float? Know your interest rate options.
Exploring your home loan options in NZ? We've explained the differences between fixed, floating and mixed interest rates—and the pros and cons of each.
3 Minutes
Gambling and personal loans—when to roll the dice
Thinking about applying for a personal loan? We explore how gambling transactions can affect your chances of approval and when it's a safe bet to apply anyway.
2 Minutes
Six home improvements that will add the most value
Want to sell your home? We've got some tips to maximise its value. A small investment now can offer a big return later. Need a loan? We can help with that
4 Minutes
Five steps to spring clean your finances
Worried about bad credit? Want to become debt-free faster? Maybe you want to see your savings grow? Here are five steps to help get on top of your finances.
3 Minutes
Legend or lemon? What to look for when buying a car
In the market for a new car? It’s a big investment, especially if you’re getting a car loan. How do you know if you’re buying a good one? Follow our checklist here.
4 Minutes
Eight ways to bring your bills down.
If you want to get on top of your bills and save some cash, we've got some ideas that might help, from power-saving tips to debt consolidation loans.
4 Minutes
How to get your debt down for a personal loan – the checklist
If you're wondering how easy it is to get approved for a personal loan, allow us to take you through some of the criteria. Go into your application more informed.
3 Minutes
Knowing when to pull the plug on a loan application.
Thinking about a personal loan? Learn about lending criteria first. You may decide to wait until your finances improve or you may decide to apply online right away. But if you do decide to push ahead, our digital platform will assess the following credit criteria within a few seconds and provide a credit decision.
3 Minutes
How to improve your credit rating in two steps
Credit score looking a little low? We’ve got some tips to get you back on track. Learn about your loan options and try our free personal loan calculator.
2 Minutes
The possibilities of personal loans, even with bad credit.
Bad credit rating? You may still be able to get a personal loan. Find out if you're eligible and use our free personal loan calculator to see what we can offer.
5 Minutes
Explore your car loan options before stepping into the car yard.
Know your options when it comes to taking out a car loan.
2 Minutes
Can consolidation loans help people to become debt-free?
Find out how consolidation loans work in NZ and see if they're right for you. Use our debt consolidation loan calculator to work out what your repayments might be.
6 Minutes
Tips and traps to know before financing your next vehicle and car loans in New Zealand.
A loan is a commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before you make any decisions, have a read of these caveats that are commonly overlooked.
2 Minutes
Take a ride with us while we compare vehicle loans.
Whether you’re buying your first car, your trusty steed is on its last legs, or a shiny new toy has caught your eye, vehicle finance could help you to buy your next car – or motorcycle, or boat for that matter. Buckle up and we’ll explain what vehicle finance is, what the different types of loans are, and which traps you should be aware of.
7 Minutes Reading Time
Take an in-depth look at credit reporting.
If you have ever applied for finance, rented property, connected power, or signed up to a mobile plan, companies that provided these services likely checked your credit report. Let's take an in-depth look at what information is on your credit report, how we might use that information, and what it means for you.
6 Minutes Reading Time