Check Your Financial Readiness Score in Minutes for Mortgages, Insurance and KiwiSaver.

Financial Advice Blog New Zealand

Financial Insights & Advice: Practical mortgage, insurance, KiwiSaver, budgeting and personal finance tips to help New Zealanders make confident money decisions.

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KiwiSaver

Personal Finance

Managing Debt Smarter: Strategies for Financial Freedom

Debt does not have to control your future. Learn practical strategies New Zealanders can use to manage debt smarter, reduce financial pressure and move towards financial freedom.

July 31, 2026

How Much Insurance Do You Need? Finding the Right Balance

How much cover is enough? Learn how to calculate your insurance needs in NZ and why regular reviews are essential for financial security.

July 28, 2026

How KiwiSaver Helps Buy Your First Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning to use KiwiSaver for your first home? Discover the withdrawal rules, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for the First Home Grant.

July 28, 2026

Maximising Your KiwiSaver Returns: Small Changes, Big Results

Want a bigger nest egg? Discover three simple ways to maximise your KiwiSaver returns, from government contributions to tax efficiency.

July 28, 2026

Mortgage Pre-Approval Explained: Your Golden Ticket

Don't go house hunting without it! Mortgage pre-approval can give New Zealand buyers the confidence to search, offer and negotiate with clarity. Learn what lenders check, what documents you need and why pre-approval is your golden ticket, but not your final approval.

August 3, 2026

Budgeting Tips for NZ Families: Take Control of Your Cash

Take control of your family's finances! Discover practical budgeting tips for NZ households and how to make your money work harder for you.

July 28, 2026

Choosing the Right KiwiSaver Fund: Don’t Leave It to Chance

Are you in the right KiwiSaver fund? Choosing the right KiwiSaver fund should not be left to chance. Learn how to review your fund type, risk level, fees, contribution rate and first-home or retirement goals with guidance from Advisenow.

August 3, 2026

Financial Goals That Actually Work: From Dreams to Reality

Stop wishing and start doing! Learn how to set SMART financial goals that will help you achieve the lifestyle you want in New Zealand.

July 28, 2026

Trauma Insurance Guide: Financial Support When You Need It Most

Trauma insurance can provide a lump-sum payment if you suffer a covered serious illness or injury. Learn how trauma cover works in New Zealand and how it can support your income, mortgage and family when life changes unexpectedly.

August 2, 2026

Common Home Loan Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid the traps! Discover the most common home loan mistakes Kiwis make and how to ensure your property journey is a success.

July 28, 2026

Income Protection Explained: Safeguarding Your Paycheck

Your income is your biggest asset. Learn how income protection insurance works in NZ and why relying on ACC alone is a risky strategy.

July 28, 2026

Insurance Myths Debunked: The Truth About Protection

Think insurance is too expensive or won't pay out? We debunk the most common insurance myths in NZ to help you protect your future.

July 28, 2026

Licensed Financial Adviser supporting Kiwis across New Zealand to secure the right home loan and protect their future with tailored insurance solutions.

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Company

Zigi Financial Services Limited (Owners of Advisenow) | FSP Registration No. FSP1007853 | Financial Advice Provider licensed under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. We are members of the Kiwi Advisers Network (KAN). Our advisers are registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR). This website contains general information only and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Lending criteria, terms, conditions, and fees apply. Interest rates are subject to change. All figures are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). Credit subject to assessment.

Personal Budget Planner

Bring your income, bills, everyday spending and savings goals into one clear plan. Enter each amount in the frequency you actually pay it, and we will convert everything into a consistent budget view.

Your figures stay in your browser

Build your budget

Use after-tax income and the amount that normally leaves your account.

Results view

Current emergency savings

Cash you could access for an unexpected expense or income interruption.

Emergency-fund target A guide only. Your ideal buffer depends on job security, dependants and other support.

Your budget snapshot

Updates automatically as you change the figures.

Available after planned spendingBalanced

per month

Total income$0per month

Total outgoings$0per month

Planned savings rate0%goals ÷ income

Annual cash-flow$0estimated surplus or shortfall

0budget score

Start entering your figures

A positive buffer and consistent savings plan can help absorb irregular costs and reduce financial stress.

Where your income is going50/30/20 is a guide, not a rule

Needs

Wants

Goals

Emergency-fund guide6 months

Suggested target$0

Current gap$0

Target funded0%

Time using surplus—

Your budget is an estimate. Remember to allow for irregular costs such as vehicle repairs, school expenses, medical costs and annual subscriptions.

Turn your budget into a financial plan

Ready to make your money work harder?

An Advisenow financial adviser can help you review your mortgage, insurance and KiwiSaver alongside your cash flow, so your day-to-day budget supports the future you are building.

Call or text: 028 8520 0500 pamela@advisenow.co.nz

Book a free financial check-in

This budget planner provides estimates and general information only. It does not constitute personalised financial advice, tax advice, lending advice or a guarantee of any financial outcome. Figures are based solely on the information entered and may not include every expense, fee, tax, interest charge or change in circumstances. The 50/30/20 split and emergency-fund figures are general guides, not recommendations. Consider your full circumstances and seek personalised advice from a licensed financial adviser before making financial decisions. Zigi Financial Services Limited trading as Advisenow, FSP1007853.

Mortgage Borrowing Power Calculator

Get an indicative estimate of how much you may be able to borrow, your possible property budget and the repayments that could follow.

Instant estimate NZ-focused inputs No data stored

Step 1

Tell us about your monthly position

Use after-tax income from your payslip or regular business drawings. Results update automatically.

Household take-home income per month

After tax, KiwiSaver and student-loan deductions.

Other regular income per month

For example, boarder, rental or regular allowance income.

Available deposit or equity

Living expenses per month

Include food, utilities, transport, childcare and regular household costs.

Existing debt repayments per month

Personal loans, car finance, buy-now-pay-later and other commitments.

Total credit-card limits

The full limits, not only current balances.

Monthly safety buffer to keep

A personal margin you do not want committed to mortgage repayments.

Assessment assumptions

Assessment rate

Loan term

years

Indicative repayment rate

Step 2

Your indicative estimate

This is a starting point. Individual lenders apply different income, expense and servicing rules.

Estimated borrowing power $0

Indicative only, not a loan offer or pre-approval.

Available repayment capacity 0%

Estimated property budget $0

Indicative monthly repayment $0

Amount available for a new mortgage $0

Indicative lender range $0–$0

Monthly affordability snapshot

Recognised income

Expenses and commitments

Available for mortgage

Calculation uses your take-home income, recognises 80% of other income, applies an indicative monthly commitment equal to 3% of total credit-card limits, and deducts your nominated safety buffer. Lenders may treat every item differently.

Turn your estimate into a lender-ready plan

A calculator cannot assess every lender’s policy, your employment type, deposit source or full financial story. Let Advisenow compare the options and help you prepare for pre-approval.

Call or text 028 8520 0500 pamela@advisenow.co.nz

Check my real borrowing power Personalised guidance from a licensed financial adviser

This calculator provides an indicative estimate for general information only. It is not personalised financial advice, a loan offer, pre-approval or a guarantee that any lender will approve an application. Actual borrowing capacity depends on lender policy, verified income, household composition, expenses, debts, credit history, deposit, property type, interest-rate testing and other factors. Other income is shaded to 80% and credit-card limits are assessed at 3% per month solely for this calculator. Results may differ materially from lender calculations. Consider personalised advice before making financial decisions. Zigi Financial Services Limited trading as Advisenow, FSP1007853.