Blossom Financial - Monique Riley, Mortgage Advisor

08/07/2026

📈 OCR Update: The Official Cash Rate just increased 0.25% to 2.50%

What does this mean for mortgage interest rates?

Some key reasons behind the decision include:

• Inflation is above where the RBNZ wants it over the longer term.
• Imported costs and domestic price pressures continue to influence inflation.
• While the economy is beginning to recover, household spending remains cautious and businesses are still taking a measured approach.

👉 So what happens next?

Current expectations suggest the OCR could peak somewhere between 2.75% and 3.25%, depending on how inflation and the economy perform over the coming months.

👉 What does this mean for your mortgage?

✅ Floating and variable rates are likely to edge higher.
✅ Fixed rates may not increase by the full OCR increase, lenders often price in expected changes ahead of time.
✅ The bigger question is.. what happens from September onwards, as future inflation data will influence where rates go next.

👉 Do you have a fixed rate coming due in the next 6 months?

Should you break your fixed rate now and secure current rates if rates potentially go up, or wait it out?

It may make sense to review your options before refixing. Though waiting may still be the better decision, it depends on factors such as:

• any break costs
• your current interest rate
• how long you have remaining on your fixed term
• your loan structure
• what rates are available today
• whether you’re eligible for a cashback and would it offset any potential costs incurred

I encourage clients not to focus solely on the headline interest rate.

A well-structured mortgage can often save thousands over time and provide more flexibility as rates continue to change.

If your mortgage is coming up for refix, or you're wondering whether it's worth reviewing your options before then, I'd be happy to have a chat.

Monique Riley – Mortgage Advisor
Blossom Financial
📞 021 716 957

Tailored mortgage refinancing. Explore options including rates and cashback for better financial health!

04/03/2026

I don’t usually ask for let alone share client feedback, it can perhaps seem a little boastful!?

But after spending many years in corporate roles and making the decision to return to working directly with clients, this review from my client was both humbling and something I was very proud of.

It was a great reminder that what I love to do genuinely helps people and why I chose to do it.

As always, please feel free to reach out to chat.

Monique

021 716 957
[email protected]

25/02/2026

Rate vs Structure

Most people ask: “What’s the best rate?”

Very few ask: “Is my mortgage structured properly?”

Over 20–30 years, how your loan is structured can make a bigger difference to the total interest you pay than a small change in interest rate.

For example:

• Is your lending split in a way that manages future rate changes?
• Would an offset or revolving facility reduce your interest over time?
• Could restructuring save money even if there’s a break fee?

Rates matter yes, but structure determines how much interest you actually pay long term.

If you haven’t reviewed your lending structure in the last 12–24 months, it may be worth doing.

I offer a complimentary Mortgage Reviews for those who want clarity on whether their mortgage is working for them, or costing more than it should.

Message me if you’d like to chat.

Monique

Send a message to learn more

09/09/2025

💡 Refinance Case Study – How I Helped Clients Save $520 per Month + $6,000 net from Cashback.

Recently, I worked with clients who owned two properties – their home and an investment. Like many, they’d felt the squeeze of higher interest rates the last few years. They were keeping their heads above water, but at the end of each month there was nothing left over and no savings buffer if something unexpected came up.

They asked me to take a fresh look at their mortgage. Their goals were simple:

✅ Obtain a small top-up for peace of mind (a financial buffer)
✅ Review their fixed rates and structure
✅ Plan loan term with retirement in mind (since they’re now in their early 50s)

Here’s what we did:

• I arranged a top-up approval at their current bank, and also secured a competitive offer from another bank who was providing cashback (to help cover refinance costs – and let’s be honest, sweeten the hassle of switching banks!).

• After factoring in legal costs and break fees, they came out ahead with $6,000 net surplus from the cashback.

• By negotiating rates, including a further 0.03% discount off the advertised rate, their monthly mortgage payment dropped $520 – that’s $6,240 less on their mortgage interest expense in a year.

👉 The result: breathing room each month, plus a cash buffer in the bank.

Want to review your options? A 10-minute chat could save you thousands. Give me a call, I'd love to help!

📞 Monique – 021 716 957
📧 [email protected]

27/08/2025

Helping Kiwis With Their Biggest Debt – The Mortgage 🏡

For most of us, our mortgage is the largest financial commitment we’ll ever take on. My goal is to share practical, easy-to-understand tips that help you save money and feel more confident with your home loan.

🇳🇿 The Great Refix

By September this year, more than 53% of all NZ mortgages will be refixed. With interest rates lowering, this is a huge opportunity to:
✔ Lower your repayments,
✔ Save thousands in interest, or
✔ Restructure to pay your loan off faster.

Here’s how to get ahead:

1. Act Early
Don’t wait for your bank. Sometimes breaking your current fixed rate, which yes might mean paying a small fee, could mean big savings.
👉 Example: On a $500,000 loan, dropping from 6.5% to 4.9% saves around $8,000 per year. Even with a $1,000 break fee, you’re still ahead!

2. Split Your Mortgage to Spread Risk
Rather than fixing everything on one term, consider splitting into short, medium, and long-term portions. This helps manage cashflow, reduce interest rate risk, and gives you flexibility.

3. Negotiate with Confidence
Banks don’t always offer their sharpest rates upfront. As a mortgage advisor, I see daily updates on who’s offering what and can negotiate on your behalf, sometimes even securing cashback to cover refinancing costs should there be a better option elsewhere.

✨ Want to review your options? A 10-minute chat could save you thousands. Give me a call, I'd love to help!

📞 Monique – 021 716 957
📧 [email protected]

Call now to connect with business.

10/07/2025

I believe great mortgage advice is about more than just interest rates — it’s about helping you make confident, informed decisions that move you closer to your financial and property goals.

I’m Monique Riley, the advisor behind Blossom Financial. With over 16 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, I specialise in helping clients secure lending solutions that suit their needs — whether you're buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, investing, or need support in a complex or non-standard lending situation.

My background spans mortgage brokering, lending and credit assessment, non-bank and specialist finance, and team leadership. I’ve also co-owned a residential building company, studied architecture, and earned my New Zealand real estate sales certificate — giving me a unique, well-rounded view of all things finance and property!

I offer tailored mortgage advice and support for:

* First-home buyers

* Self-employed clients and business owners

* Property investors and developers

* Clients who don’t meet traditional bank lending criteria

* Homeowners selling and buying — whether upgrading, downsizing, or relocating.

My approach is grounded in clarity, care, and professionalism. I’m here to simplify the lending process, provide honest guidance, and help you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

With access to a wide range of lenders — including non-bank and specialist providers — I’m well placed to support even the most complex borrowing needs.

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take the next step, I’d love to help you make your property goals a reality!