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Credit Simple

Should you consolidate your debts? We weigh up the pros and cons

Debt in New Zealand has been slowly increasing over the past few decades, and household debt is higher than it’s ever been in 2018. If you have a lot of debt, you may be considering debt consolidation, which has its benefits – as long as you’re aware of the risks. Pros of consolidating your debt If you pursue debt consolidation, you’ll be able to combine all of your debts into one loan, giving you just one payment to make each…

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Top tips to avoid over spending at Christmas

As we approach the silly season and our bank accounts begin to bear the brunt of it, Kiwis should aim to be careful shoppers and only spend what they can afford. We commissioned research which reveals nearly one in three New Zealanders put their Christmas and holiday spending on their credit card and are potentially facing a New Year hangover, saying they won’t pay the full bill before the due date (29%). CreditSimple.co.nz spokesperson Hazel Phillips said the holiday season was…

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Have you ever felt too lazy to budget? (We may have the answer)

It’s a more common feeling than you might think. According to our recent survey, nearly one in 10 people say they don’t budget because they simply feel too lazy to. Beyond that, one-fifth started a budget but gave it up because they felt it was too difficult. That’s understandable – and it’s okay. But it doesn’t have to be the way things go. Use technology to help you budget When you’re on a budget, how do you track your spending?…

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5 hobbies you don’t have to spend a fortune on

Everyone wants to go fishing without spending money, right? But how do you manage that? You need fishing rods and tackle, a boat (or a lucky spot on the coast) and bait. If you’re new to the game, you’ll have to invest in the equipment, and that expense can really add up. Taking up a new hobby on a budget is possible, but it requires forethought. We all want to try new things (golfing, fishing, off-roading) but don’t have the…

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Why did my credit score change?

Due to the amount of information that is used to calculate your credit score, it’s easy to see how your score can fluctuate. Still, if you don’t believe much has altered in your financial habits and your credit score still has changed, it can be confusing. Here are a few common reasons why credit scores change: You applied for a new loan or credit card Any new applications you make for credit will directly affect your credit score. Keep in…

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How long is information held on my credit file?

Following the introduction of comprehensive credit reporting, both positive and negative listings are recorded by credit providers. However, it is the negative listings such as bankruptcies and overdue accounts that will be listed on your file for longer and impact your ability to access credit. Use the following as a guide for how long listings will appear on your file: Type of listing Length of time it’s listed (years) Description Payment history information 2 Monthly repayment history information on active…

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Scared of your finances? 5 ways to get control over your money without looking through your fingers

Money management can be a terrifying thing. Especially if you’ve got debt – seeing large sums go in and out of your bank account is enough to give anyone the willies, even if it’s ‘good’ debt (such as a home loan). But there are strategies you can use to cope, and to not only manage your money but actually overcome those ghosts of spending past. Here’s five we’ve rounded up. Know where your money is going. Knowledge is power, and…

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5 things to remember about your finances when travelling

How long can you really afford to travel for? It’s a tough question to ask yourself, because ideally you’d constantly be jet-setting around the world and having a great time, but it’s unlikely that you can afford that. Even taking a month off can be a struggle when your income stops but the bills don’t. That’s why it’s vital you remember exactly what you have to pay for even when you’re not in the country, or staying at your home.…

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How does my credit score affect mortgages and other loans?

The majority of purchases we make in our lifetime are affordable enough for us to either buy outright or save towards over time. This is rarely the case for high-value assets such as houses, cars and other expensive items. New Zealand’s residential property prices in April 2018 jumped 7.6 per cent over the past year to $678,856. Buying a vehicle is cheaper but still a considerable expense nonetheless. Even renting an apartment comes with significant upfront costs, such as agency…

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What you need to know: Four questions to ask before you get your first mortgage

So you’re in the market for your first mortgage. It’s a lot of money, right? You’re about to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars, and no doubt you’ll want to know you’re not paying more than you need. We’ve put together a checklist for you. Have you shopped around as well as you could? Don’t forget this: the interest you’ll pay on your mortgage over the next 10, 20 or 30 years is worth a lot of money to someone.…

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