DUX Financial

13/04/2026

New office walk through. Still needs some work but we are open for business. The team did a great job sorting this.

30/03/2026

Stop Renting, Start Owning! 🗝️✨

Are you tired of inspections and rising rent? The dream of owning your first home is closer than you think, but we know the process can feel overwhelming...

We’re hosting a FREE First Home Buyer Webinar to help you cut through the noise. Whether you’re just starting to save or you’re ready to start house hunting, this session is for you!

What we’ll cover:
-> How much deposit do you really need?
-> Tips for getting your loan approved faster.
-> A step-by-step guide to the buying process.
-> Live Q&A to answer your burning questions.

Don't go it alone! Join our community of future homeowners and get the expert advice you need.

👉 Secure your free ticket here: 8235f2d7-6bf1-4dab-ae0e-e87ceaab5eb7@fff7b90c-f4bb-4381-aba0-c6e943ad5197" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8235f2d7-6bf1-4dab-ae0e-e87ceaab5eb7@fff7b90c-f4bb-4381-aba0-c6e943ad5197 or send us a message for a free chat!

Tag a friend who’s looking to buy their first home below! 👇

12/12/2025

While we typically help people with houses, occasionally we help people get a pie cart. Well done to Kane and Lenaire for their awesome cart and business LK pies. The pork belly pie was amazing.

Go check them out, on cuba st alicetown on Saturdays and they will be in local markets as well.

30/08/2025

🎟 Free Tickets to the Wellington Home & Garden Show!

I’ll be at the Home & Garden Show at Sky Stadium, 5-7 September – come and say hi!

Want to score free tickets?
Drop your best (or funniest) finance-related story in the comments below. It could be about saving, spending, budgeting gone wrong, or a money win you’re proud of.

I’ll pick a few winners from the comments to hook up with tickets.

See you at the show! Who’s got a good story to share?

28/05/2025

Great article from Helen M. Grant - Financial Adviser - part 3 in the keys to financial wellbeing.

Clear Goals And The Path To Collecting Them

Lots of things can affect the way you set your financial goals (including your money mindset)

What is really important to you? Home ownership? Investments? Helping family? Travel? Retirement? Goals are just day dreams with an action plan to make them happen. So we create the path to collect your dreams

read the rest at -

Financial Wellbeing means different things to each of us. It can be as simple as your ability to manage your money.  And isn’t necessarily dependant on the amount of money you have. For me it is more than just being able to pay your bills. For me it is a deeper sense of balance, a feelin

22/05/2025

www.duxfinancial.co.nz/blog/20250522budget

By now you may have heard about the budget today, and some of the changes to KiwiSaver.
I am not going to talk about the politics of it all, but more just the changes to KiwiSaver and what this might mean to you and some things to consider. I will try to keep this as short as possible but it may be a little long.
The changes are:
1. Government Contribution Reduced
a. Means testing introduced
2. Increased Contribution Rates
3. Expanded Eligibility for Younger Members

Follow the link for the full article.

By now you may have heard about the budget today, and some of the changes to KiwiSaver. I am not going to talk about the politics of it all, but more just the changes to KiwiSaver and what this might mean to you and some things to consider. I will try to keep this as short as possible but it may be

21/05/2025

You'll see this meme everywhere where someone's complaining about cutting out a daily work coffee to save money. The meme suggests that saving $20 a week gives you $80 a month or $960 a year. They've even got the maths wrong by assuming exactly four weeks in a month. After 10 years, you've supposedly saved $9,600, which isn't enough to buy a house, so you might as well enjoy your coffee.

This misses the entire point. It's not about the avocado toast or the coffee. It's about the behaviours that surround these habits. When someone originally suggested that giving up avocado toast might help you buy a house, the real message was that achieving major financial goals requires sacrifice and effort.

https://www.duxfinancial.co.nz/blog/20250522avocadotoast

14/05/2025

Annoyed by ads like this? I see them all the time and am not a fan of the FOMO strategy to try to get convinced that without buying rentals through these guys you will never be mortgage free.

So have a read of my article dispelling this and showing how you can pay back your mortgage by cutting back on Coffee (or some other expense)

www.duxfinancial.co.nz/blog/20250515payoffmortgage

07/05/2025

A great article by Terry about insurance disclosure and checking your medical records.

https://www.duxfinancial.co.nz/blog/20250506disclosure
To know or not to know

An applicant’s medical history makes up an important part of any insurance application.
As time has progressed the human body has become subject to an ever-increasing number of new medical conditions. To better understand rare or unusual conditions the insurance underwriters have two key places to gain information when assessing an application. There is the actuary data that has been accumulated over a number of decades and the applicant’s medical notes.
This brings me to two points that I want to alert you to.
Disclosure and Medical notes.
Disclosure is such an important part on any insurance contract whether that be a domestic insurance (house, car, contents) or personal insurance application.
What does the term ‘Disclosure’ actually mean?
Disclosure places an obligation and duty of care on both of the client and the adviser /intermediary to ensure that any information relevant to an application is not only accurate and truthful, but also information is disclosed even if not specifically asked for.
Disclosure provides the insurer a fair and reasonable understanding of the risk(s) that they may be taking on.
What are the implications for failing to disclose?
The failure to disclose information or disclosing incorrect information may result in the cancellation of the policy or the declinature of a payment for a claim.
There is always some ambiguity around disclosure as there are situations where applicants genuinely cannot remember or can’t recall the exact details.
Central government is aware of the challenges around disclosure and currently changes to the legislation are in progress.
Medical notes
Why have I raised this. As I mentioned earlier an applicant’s medical notes are what insurance underwriters use to know more about a client’s medical history.
I have a warning for you. Know what has been recorded on your medical notes.
I have had a personal situation where inaccurate information was recorded on my medical notes. If I was applying for some insurance, the inaccuracy may have impacted the insurer’s decision.
You also need to be very aware how you answer questions your doctor may have asked you or general comments you make. This is particularly important if there is any discussion on any thoughts or feelings relating to mental health.
The typical question is “have you had any situations where you have felt anxious or depressed”.
OMG, we sold a house late last year, I was very anxious as to whether we would get any tenders. I hit the worst golf score in my life a few weeks back. I was short term depressed about my game.
You make a comment like that and to cover themselves GP’s will make a comment on your medical notes.
That comment may influence any possible future insurance underwriting resulting in a mental health exclusion on your cover.
I know of a situation recently where an applicant’s questionnaire response was contradictory to what was recorded on the medical notes. Was this inaccurate recording by the GP or practice staff. This of course now creates suspicion of non-disclosure.
Here is my message to you all!
You are entitled by law to know what is written on your medical notes. If you are seeking insurance cover or you need to increase insurance cover, I implore you all to take the time to check and ensure your medical notes reflect the true context of your health and / or any discussion you may have had with your GP or a Specialist.

16/04/2025

www.duxfinancial.co.nz/blog/20250417np

Great Article from Niraj.

Retirement Planning in NZ: Navigating Costs, Income, and Lifestyle Choices
Retirement planning in New Zealand requires more than just relying on NZ Superannuation. With inflation, rising living costs and varying lifestyle preferences, retirees need to consider their financial resources and future goals. Here’s a breakdown of retirement expenses, financial strategies, and how to prepare for this stage of life.
The Real Costs of Retirement in New Zealand
New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) provides a steady base income for those over 65, but it's generally insufficient on its own. Covering basic needs—rent, utilities, groceries, and healthcare—requires around $36,000 to $51,000 annually for a couple. A “Choices” lifestyle, which includes occasional travel, dining out, and some recreational spending, may require between $60,000 and $87,000 a year. For retirees aiming for a more affluent lifestyle with frequent travel or private healthcare, expenses could reach $100,000 or more per year. These estimates indicate that retirees need to save and invest to supplement NZ Super and maintain their desired lifestyle.
Working into Older Age: A Reality for Some Retirees
As living costs rise, many retirees are working into their 80s and 90s. Inflation in essential areas—housing, food, and healthcare—has outpaced adjustments to NZ Super, leading some seniors to seek part-time or casual work to make ends meet. Those without significant savings or property assets may feel this financial strain more acutely. Health expenses, for instance, tend to increase with age, and while public healthcare is widely available, private insurance or out-of-pocket payments are often needed for faster access to certain treatments.
This trend reflects a broader need for careful financial planning to ensure stability in retirement.

Supplementing Retirement Income: KiwiSaver, Investments, and Property
To create additional income streams, many New Zealanders are turning to options like KiwiSaver, property investments, and managed funds. Here’s how these resources can contribute:
• KiwiSaver: This government-supported retirement savings plan provides an accessible foundation. Employees contribute 3% to 10% of their salary, and employers contribute at least 3%, making it a relatively low-maintenance investment. With KiwiSaver funds accessible at age 65, this savings pool can add to NZ Super and other income sources.
• Property Investment: Property investment remains popular, with many retirees generating rental income or selling property assets to fund retirement. For those comfortable managing tenants and property maintenance, rental properties offer a relatively reliable income source.
• Managed Funds and Portfolio Investment Entities (PIEs): These funds offer a diversified approach to investment, helping retirees build wealth without taking on the level of risk associated with individual shares. PIEs are particularly tax-efficient, making them an attractive option for those in higher tax brackets.
Lifestyle Considerations and Financial Planning
The type of retirement lifestyle you aim for will dictate your financial preparation. A modest lifestyle covering basic needs may be possible with a combination of NZ Super and small personal savings. However, retirees looking to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle or pursue a “Choices” lifestyle—such as having flexibility for travel and entertainment—will need a larger asset base.
If you would like to understand how much you might need to accumulate by the time you retire, then feel free to get in touch.

Planning Ahead for a Stable Retirement
Starting retirement planning early and setting realistic savings goals can make a significant difference. Here are some steps to take:
1. Assess Income Needs: Determine your anticipated lifestyle and calculate your annual expenses accordingly.
2. Maximize Contributions: Contribute as much as possible to KiwiSaver, take advantage of employer contributions, and explore other investments.
3. Create Additional Revenue Streams: Consider property investments, managed funds, or part-time work to bolster income.
4. Review Regularly: Financial needs and life circumstances change, so it’s wise to review your savings and investments periodically and make adjustments if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Retirement in New Zealand can be a rewarding stage of life with the right financial planning and income strategies. For many, the combination of NZ Super, personal savings, and investments creates a foundation for a secure retirement. Being proactive about financial planning—whether through KiwiSaver, property investments, or other income sources—ensures that retirees can enjoy their golden years without financial stress.
Get in touch with your DUX Adviser today & take a deep dive into your accumulation phase (i.e., saving from now until you retire) and the decumulation phase (when you retire and start spending your savings).