Credit scores may tell us more about Kiwis than just how good we are at paying bills – our research shows they also hint at voting preferences.

We overlaid New Zealand electorates with average credit scores and found those in National electorates are more likely to have a higher average credit score (652) than those in Labour electorates (621).

The six highest average scoring electorates are all National: Rodney, North Shore, Selwyn, East Coast Bays, Pakuranga and Waimakariri. The three lowest average scoring electorates are Labour: Manurewa, Mangere and Manukau East. The highest scoring Labour electorate is Port Hills (713), while the East Coast takes the title of lowest scoring National electorate (566).

The single highest scoring electorate is North Shore, with an average credit score of 735, while Mangere has the lowest average score at 487. The sole ACT electorate, Epsom, holds the seventh highest average credit score.

Credit Simple spokesperson Hazel Phillips says the research provides an insight into one aspect of voters’ financial lives and the issues that will likely be important to them as we approach the election.

“Credit scores are a key indicator of credit health,” she says. “New Zealanders with low scores are likely to have trouble accessing credit such as mortgages, loans and sometimes even power and phone contracts. They’re also more likely to pay high interest on any loans they can get.”

“Conversely, those with high credit scores will score low-interest deals and have more options when it comes to credit. Our research suggests these levels of credit freedom may play a role in the policies and parties New Zealand voters support,” she adds.

The post State of the nation: National voters outdo Labour supporters when it comes to credit scores appeared first on Credit Simple NZ.

Living life large while on holiday doesn’t mean blowing your budget. It’s possible to enjoy every minute of your well-deserved break and possibly come home with cash to spare.

Here are our tips to travelling well while spending less:

1. Package it up

There was a time when the phrase ‘package deal’ made us think of budget airlines, cramped hotel rooms and noisy, sunburnt tourists. Now, thanks to companies like Luxury Escapes, it’s easy to nab a great deal to an even greater location. To save money while you’re away, look for deals that include food, pampering, activities and transfers. A word of caution: if you don’t have an all- inclusive deal, research the hotel and make sure that the dining options suit your budget. There’s no point in paying a cheap rate for a room if you’re only going to spend the equivalent on food every day.

Save: $$$$$

2. Set a budget

It sounds obvious, but set a budget before you go on holiday. Factor in things like food, alcohol, activities, travel (including hotel transfers), souvenirs, gifts and duty-free. Give yourself something like a 10% buffer so that you don’t feel the pinch if you go over. If you stick to your budget, that extra 10% or so will feel like extra money in your wallet – and you can treat yourself to a post- holiday massage as a reward.

Save: $$$

3. Get a travel money card

No one wants to come home from holiday to unexpected bank fees. Before you travel overseas, check with your bank to find out what charges you may be up for. Or consider getting a travel card. They are usually accepted everywhere a credit or debit card is accepted and you load them up with cash before you go so you can only spend what is on the card. The perks are, you avoid substantial bank fees and you can set the budget you want to stick to.

Save: $

4. Dine out

What better way to experience a new destination than to taste local food? Skip expensive hotel restaurants and head out to some local restaurants. Ask around for recommendations – and don’t just ask fellow tourists. Chat to some locals for the down-low on where to go for great cheap eats.

Save: $$

5. Stay in

You don’t have to eat every meal out. Book an apartment or room with a kitchenette and cook your own meals. Even if you just make your own breakfast or lunch a few times, you will save.

Save: $$

6. Research, research, research

Before you travel, read up on all the things you want to see and do. If you have a plan, you’re less likely to waste money on activities that turn out to be, well, a waste of time. Leaving more time – and money – for you to sit back, have a mojito and think about the next holiday you’ll take with the savings you’ve just made.

Save: $$$

The post Six ways to save money while on holiday appeared first on Credit Simple NZ.