Personalised Financial Tips

The most effective financial strategies are tailored to your unique circumstances. To maximize your money’s potential, continuously improving your understanding of personal finance is essential. Here, I share practical insights on saving, investing, experiences, deals, and planning to help you build a stronger financial foundation.

Smart Saving Strategies

Saving starts with intentional lifestyle choices. I tend to avoid splurging on materialistic items for myself, though I’ll admit I spend more than I should on my daughter. Your living setup significantly impacts your savings potential. For instance, a large home with multiple areas to heat could add $2,000 annually to your electricity bill—money that could be invested instead. Similarly, opting for a $1,000 premium phone when a more affordable option suffices eats into your investment capital. These examples highlight how lifestyle creep can erode savings. Someone earning the same income as you might invest $10,000 annually, while you struggle to save if these costs pile up.

I’ll be honest—I’m not the best saver. Disposable income plays a big role; if you have little left after expenses, saving feels daunting. However, by prioritizing investments and making mindful spending choices, even those with modest savings can achieve financial growth.

Investing in Yourself and Assets

The most rewarding investment I’ve made is in my own education. You don’t need a formal degree—public libraries and podcasts offer a wealth of free knowledge from top experts. My journey into property investment began with devouring books from New Zealand, Australia, and the US, alongside countless podcast episodes. No formal courses were needed. A humorous meme once claimed property investing is “so simple it’s for dumb people.” While it’s not entirely true, the core idea is straightforward: buy a property, hold it through a market cycle, and sell for a profit.

Beyond self-education, property has been a cornerstone of my investment strategy. It’s not about being a genius but about understanding value and timing.

Meaningful Experiences Over Extravagance

The best experiences don’t require five-star hotels or gourmet dining. Simple moments with loved ones in modest settings—like a cozy café or a picnic—create lasting memories. If travel is your goal, investing wisely to grow your income is key to exploring beyond your backyard. Prioritizing experiences over materialism fuels both happiness and financial discipline.

Finding the Best Deals

I’ve had success in property and some in stocks, but I don’t claim to be an expert. Beware of anyone who says they have all the answers—markets are unpredictable. When interest rates were low (2.3–2.99%), experts advised short-term fixed rates, only for rates to spike, costing homeowners dearly. Similarly, many dismissed Bitcoin, yet those who invested wisely reaped rewards. My dad’s advice rings true: the best mortgage rate is one you can afford while keeping your home. Your financial mindset is shaped by your experiences—someone who bought a home in the late 1980s, facing 21% interest rates, likely has a different risk tolerance than other generations.

The best deals are simple and long-term. Focus on investments that align with your goals and risk profile, and avoid chasing trends without understanding them.

Strategic Financial Planning

Effective planning involves thorough research and a touch of intuition. By tracking housing market trends, I identified undervalued regions like Balclutha and Ashburton—both near major cities and supported by strong agricultural economies. These choices paid off, as these areas appreciated even when others declined. Research mitigates risk, but no plan is foolproof. The key is to stack the odds in your favor by combining data-driven decisions with an instinct for value.

Ultimately, financial success comes from sticking to a well-researched plan. You can spend your extra income today or invest it for a more comfortable retirement tomorrow. Choose your hard, and let discipline and knowledge guide your path to financial freedom.