New Zealand student loans can feel confusing, especially when it comes to how they’re paid off. Whether you’ve just graduated or have been working for a while it’s important to understand how repayments work so you can plan ahead and avoid any surprises.

Emergency funds and savings accounts help you set money aside but they serve very different purposes. Knowing the difference between them (and when to use each) can help you feel more prepared, confident and in control of your finances.

When setting up a mortgage many borrowers assume they need to choose one fixed term or floating rate but splitting your mortgage into chunks with different terms or structures can offer more flexibility, protection and control. It’s a strategy more Kiwis are using to make home loans work better for their needs.

When choosing life and health insurance you may come across the term ‘accelerated cover’. While it might sound technical it simply means that one insurance benefit is paid out early whilst reducing another benefit that’s still in place. It’s an important concept to understand when you're setting up trauma or critical illness cover alongside life insurance.

ACC and Income Protection both offer financial support if you’re unable to work due to an injury or illness, but they cover very different situations. Understanding the difference between them can help you make sure you’re fully protected if life throws something unexpected your way.

In New Zealand the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides financial support for people who suffer injuries. Income protection insurance offers broader coverage, including support for illnesses. Understanding how these two systems interact is crucial for ensuring comprehensive income security.

Income Protection Insurance helps replace part of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It provides regular payments while you recover. This means you can keep up with essential living costs without draining your savings.

Critical Illness Cover is a type of insurance that pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart attack or stroke. It’s designed to support you financially while you focus on treatment and recovery. It helps to cover costs like living expenses, mortgage payments or medical bills during a difficult time.

Life insurance is one of those things many people hear about but don’t always understand. Put simply, it’s a financial safety net that helps protect the people you love if the unexpected happens. If you pass away your life insurance provides a lump sum payment to your chosen beneficiaries. This will help them manage the costs that come next from everyday expenses to big financial commitments.