Why you may want to reconsider paying off the mortgage early

Why you may want to reconsider paying off the mortgage early

Recently, I wrote about a commonly used false argument to pay your mortgage off early.

Another of the most sighted reasons for paying off your mortgage early is that the feeling that it will bring knowing that you no longer have a mortgage to pay. For many people, it will reduce your annual expenses by 30% or more. That is a lot lower cost of living and let me tell you, it does […..]

Should I pay off the mortgage or invest? Consider this

Should I pay off the mortgage or invest? Consider this

One of the greatest money quandaries for those who own a house is whether extra funds should go towards the mortgage or invest.

I even wrote an article about this myself.

Whenever I bring up this topic, the payoff the mortgage camp are extremely staunch and it seems that the majority of New Zealander’s are in this camp, which has prompted several […..]

Should I buy a house now or wait?

Should I buy a house now or wait?

Kyle is in the market for a first home. He wants a 3-bedroom house, but it seems all the 3 bedroom homes in his suburb are out of his price range. Kyle went to the open home of a 70 square metre 2-bedroom house that ticks several of his boxes. However, it is much smaller than he would like for his 3-person family, which is likely […..]

How a 20 minute move has saved me over $300,000

How a 20 minute move has saved me over $300,000

The other week, I posted an article about focusing on the big three expenses of housing, transport and food. How progress can be made so much more quickly by cutting down on the big expenses, instead of the smaller expenses.

Well today I will go into detail of how I managed to cut on housing costs. Just one financial move that will save me hundreds of thousands of dollars […..]

Simplicity enters the home loan market, but at what cost?

Simplicity enters the home loan market, but at what cost?

I realise I’m touching a hornets’ nest with this one. Simplicity is the do good favourite son or daughter of many people. And for good reason. They have done great things for investors in New Zealand.

I recommend Simplicity funds to many of my clients due to their low cost and diversified funds.

However, I am not a fan of this latest offering […..]

Using your mortgage as an emergency fund

Using your mortgage as an emergency fund

I am a member of a few personal finance related online forums and I frequently see the question of “Where should I put my emergency savings?”

Without a doubt, the top answer always tends to be to keep it in the mortgage account, for those that have a mortgage.

Now the members of these communities mean well, but unlike financial advisers, they are no repercussions for bad advice, or advice given without explanation of the risks […..]

Rent prices are linked to income, not house prices

Rent prices are linked to income, not house prices

Previously I’ve written about the hidden costs of home ownership, that housing is not the dream, so called property gurus, and false housing stories. Anyone would think that I am against home ownership.

I am not against home ownership. I am for maths and facts.

So that brings me to today’s short post based on a common misperception of current and wannabe landlords […..]

Where are all the property gurus?

Where are all the property gurus?

When was the last time you read an article about hose prices in New Zealand? My guess is it hasn’t been too recent.

Up until last year there were articles daily. “Record house prices”. “I made $500,000 flipping property”.

Banks, property developers, property investors, and real estate companies were all actively promoting content on our computer screens. Where have they all gone now? It’s been extremely quiet […..]

How housing stories create fire

How housing stories create fire

Just over a month ago I published an article about the sale of my apartment. I have had a couple of clients and readers comment that I must have done well from the sale.

Well here I am to pour fire over popular opinion of housing. The housing market is so hot because of all these stories we tell ourselves. I made $100,000 in 10 years sounds pretty exciting doesn’t it? But it doesn’t tell the whole story […..]

The plight of millennials

The plight of millennials

The difference between millennial's and previous generations is not minor. The difference is the world is currently a much tougher place financially.

I can hear boomers spitting out the coffee as they read the opening sentence. “Honey, I can’t believe what I am reading. Look what this clown is saying about those entitled, selfie taking, avocado eating, Laté drinking, slackers. He is saying they are the same as you and I were at that age. Unbelievable […..]