FAQs

Questions, answered plainly.

Straight answers on how money works in New Zealand — grouped into financial health, investing and insurances. It’s general information, not personal advice. Pick a topic to dig in.

Financial health

Everyday money — budgeting, debt, buying a home, and planning ahead.

Budgeting

Making a budget that sticks, emergency funds, sinking funds and free help.

Debt & getting out of debt

Paying off debt, consolidation, credit files and where to get free help.

Buying your first home

Saving a deposit, using KiwiSaver, and the first-home process.

Mortgages & home loans

How home loans work — deposits, pre-approval, rates and paying down.

Financial freedom

Retirement numbers, NZ Super, passive income and catching up late.

Estate planning & wills

Wills, power of attorney, and making things easier for your family.

Investing

Growing your money — the basics, KiwiSaver, property and retirement.

Investing

How investing works in NZ, from getting started to fees, tax and risk.

KiwiSaver

Contributions, first-home withdrawals, choosing a fund, and what happens when you die.

Property investment

Rental property in NZ — yield, leverage, tax and the real risks.

Retirement planning & NZ Super

How much you need, NZ Super, and making savings last.

Insurances

Protecting your income and the people who depend on you.

Life insurance

How much you need, what it costs, pre-existing conditions and disclosure.

Health insurance

Faster treatment without the public waitlist — how cover works.

Trauma insurance

What critical illness cover pays, what it doesn’t, and how much you need.

Income protection

The cover most Kiwis are missing — and the ACC gap that catches people out.

TPD (total & permanent disability)

The lump sum if illness or injury means you can never work again.

Mortgage repayment protection

Protecting your home loan if illness or injury stops you working.

Disclaimer — general information only, not personal financial advice.

The answers on this page explain how things work in general. They do not take into account your personal situation, goals or financial circumstances, so they are not a recommendation and must not be relied on as personal financial advice. Before acting on anything here, get advice tailored to you.

Sow Financial Limited (FSP1008822) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider, licensed by the Financial Markets Authority to provide financial advice on life, health and disability insurance. For advice about your own situation, talk to us or read our public disclosure statement, available free of charge.

This information was correct at the time of writing and may have changed since. Rules, rates and product terms move — please check current details before making any decision.