Investing doesn't have to be complicated. Managed funds let you pool your money with other investors while professional fund managers handle the research, decision-making, and market monitoring. Your investment gets spread across different asset types – shares, bonds, and property – giving you instant diversification without the hefty price tag of building a portfolio yourself.

The real appeal is the accessibility. You can start with a small amount, set up automatic contributions, and let compound growth do the work. It's investing on autopilot while you focus on other things.

With New Zealand's strong regulatory framework ensuring transparency and regular reporting, managed funds offer a practical way to start building wealth without becoming a market expert.

When considering protection against worst-case scenarios, Life and Trauma insurance offer essential but different types of coverage. Life insurance protects your loved ones financially if you pass away, helping them manage funeral costs and outstanding debts during a difficult time. Trauma insurance, often called 'life insurance for the living,' provides support if you experience a serious health event like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Unlike Life insurance, you can claim Trauma insurance while alive, and unlike income protection, you can claim it even if you're able to continue working after recovery. Together, these complementary covers provide sequential protection - Trauma insurance supports you through serious illness and recovery, while Life insurance ensures your family's financial security if the worst happens.

When you're young and healthy, insurance might be the last thing on your mind. But here's the reality: getting health insurance early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

The biggest advantage? Locking in lower premiums while you're in good health. Your rates are based on your current age and health status, so if you're fit now, you'll qualify for the lowest premiums available—rates that can stay with you for life. Wait too long, and a future health condition could mean higher costs or coverage exclusions.

Private health insurance also gives you faster access to specialists and elective surgeries, helping you bypass public waitlists and get back to work or study sooner. And it's more affordable than most young people think, especially when tailored to your budget.

Don't wait until you need it to realise you should have acted sooner. The best time to secure health cover is when you're young, healthy, and least likely to think you need it.

Self-insurance is one of the most misunderstood financial strategies. It's not just for the wealthy or going without protection—it's deliberately setting aside funds to cover risks instead of paying insurance premiums.

The appeal is clear: control over your money and potential savings on premiums. But it comes with significant risks, especially for catastrophic events like house fires or major medical emergencies before you've built substantial reserves.

Self-insurance works best for predictable expenses when you have strong financial stability—think minor health costs or older vehicle repairs. It's risky for catastrophic events where losses could be financially devastating.

The smart approach? Partial self-insurance—taking higher excesses to lower premiums while maintaining coverage for major risks. This balances cost savings with essential protection.

Regular reviews ensure you’re not underinsured and that your assets or lifestyle changes are adequately protected. They also help you avoid overpaying by eliminating outdated coverage, potentially lowering premiums. Since insurance companies frequently update their products and pricing, a review might also reveal a more cost-effective policy.

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, safeguarding your home has never been more important. While these events may leave us feeling vulnerable, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your home and adapt to changing conditions. Here’s how.

As we dive into summer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy long days, road trips, beach outings, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. While having your insurance in place gives you peace of mind, taking some precautions can help reduce the risks of injury, illness, and accidents, so you can focus on making great memories. Here are some essential tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe this summer.

Underinsurance is a term often used in the media and it justifiably deserves the headline attention. But, what does it mean and how do you know if it applies to you?