"Capital notes are often issued by well-known banks, but are riskier than bank deposits. They may not be suitable for many investors. A household name and high headline rate of return alone are not good reasons to invest. You also need to understand the complex and potentially risky nature of these investments, and whether they are suitable for you. What are bank capital notes? Banks must hold a certain amount of ‘capital’ to make them less likely to become insolvent (go out of business). Banks issue capital notes to help them raise the capital they need. You may hear different investments being described as ’Tier 1 capital’ or ’Tier 2 capital’ – this describes how the bank can use your money to meet its capital requirements. The important thing for investors to remember is that different capital notes have different terms and conditions, so it’s always important to read the investment statement or product disclosure statement carefully. Common features of bank capital notes include: -The bank may stop interest payments, or reduce the amount of interest they pay to investors, even if they’re still in business. -The bank can convert the notes into shares in the bank (or their parent company). The value of those shares at the time they are converted may be a lot less than the amount you paid for the capital notes. -The notes may be cancelled so you lose some or all of your investment, even if the bank is still in business. Where these features are included, they will be described in the offer document (investment statement or product disclosure statement). These features are usually subject to complex tests and conditions even experienced investors can find hard to evaluate. Capital notes can also be issued by companies other than banks, and there are other financial products with similar features and risks to capital notes. These may be called ‘hybrid securities’, ‘subordinated notes’, ‘preference shares’ or ‘convertible preference shares’. The product’s investment statement or product disclosure statement will describe its features." Source: FMA Guide On Capital Bank Notes

The Ultimate Guide To Investing In Bonds. "Bonds are loans from investors to governments and companies for a fixed length of time, or term. Although typically they don’t have the high returns of other financial investments, they are seen as essential to any portfolio. They aren’t just limited to big institutional investors – everyday investors can use them to diversify their portfolios and spread risk." Source: https://www.fma.govt.nz/investors/resources/bonds-guide/

"What are binary options? Also called ‘all-or-nothing’, ‘fixed return options’ or ‘digital options’, binary options enable you to make (or lose) money by predicting the short term movements in the price of a share, commodity, currency or index. Usually, the timeframes are short and you don’t have long to make your call – in some cases less than a minute. For example, you might put money on your guess that a share will trade above its current price in the next hour. If you guess correctly you could ‘win’ a fixed amount of money. If you guess incorrectly you would lose the money you invested." Source: https://www.fma.govt.nz/investors/ways-to-invest/binary-options/

A managed fund is a type of financial vehicle made up of a pool of money collected from many investors to invest in securities like stocks, bonds, property, and other assets. Managed funds are operated by professional fund managers, who allocate the fund's assets and attempt to produce capital gains or income for the fund's investors. A managed fund's portfolio is structured and maintained to match the investment objectives stated in its prospectus. Managed funds give small or individual investors access to professionally managed portfolios of equities, bonds, and other securities. Each shareholder, therefore, participates proportionally in the gains or losses of the fund. Managed funds invest in a vast number of securities, and performance is usually tracked as the change in the total market cap of the fund—derived by the accumulative performance of the underlying investments.

"Cryptoassets are treated as a form of property for tax purposes. While there are different types of cryptoassets, the tax treatment depends on the characteristics and use of the cryptoassets. It does not depend on what they are called. In most cases, the amounts you get from selling, trading or exchanging cryptoassets are taxable (this includes when you exchange one type of cryptoasset for another). You may have to pay tax because you’re: 1. Acquiring cryptoassets for the purpose of disposal (for example to sell or exchange)   2. Trading in cryptoassets. 3. Using cryptoassets for a profit-making scheme." Source: https://www.ird.govt.nz/cryptoassets

Over half a million Kiwis are living in Australia with a potential taxation nightmare the moment they return home.  In this episode we explore buzz words like capital gains tax, non-resident withholding tax and financial arrangements. Answering the big questions: Are you better off transferring your Australian Super to KiwiSaver? Can a New Zealand resident buy property in Australia? What are the tax implications of owning property in Australia? So, many questions so little time. Who will win?

Simran the co-founder of one of the largest investing education podcasts in the world, Girls That Invest, shares her journey, insights and how she turned a frustrating experience into a podcast powerhouse. Book a Free appointment with Ryan     If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                               Find Ryan On Social Media       Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Quick Fire Finance Of The Day: "I want to start thinking about investing my money and/or saving for the future but I am a student and don’t have consistent income. I have about $10,000 in savings but since interest rates are so low at the moment I am looking at investing. Also any tips for future proofing your money while at uni?

"How the Family Court divides relationship property General principles The judge will be guided by some general principles when they divide your relationship property: men and women have equal status each partner has made an equal contribution to the relationship so relationship property should usually be shared equally (50:50) it usually doesn’t matter if 1 person is more responsible than the other for the break-up of the relationship unpaid work, such as caring for children and running the home, is equal in value to paid work. Length of relationship Together more than 3 years If you’ve been married or in a civil union or de facto relationship for more than 3 years, relationship property will be divided equally, unless the court thinks that would be extremely unfair. Together less than 3 years If your marriage or civil union has lasted less than 3 years, the family home and contents will be shared based on what each of you has brought to the marriage or civil union if: they were owned by 1 of you before the marriage or civil union began they were received by 1 of you as a gift or under a will during the marriage or civil union 1 of you made a far greater contribution to the marriage or civil union. Most people who have lived together in a de facto relationship for less than 3 years will not be covered by the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, unless there’s a child involved or 1 person has made a significant contribution to the relationship. Dependent children The Family Court must make sure any dependent children are looked after when it divides relationship property. This means the court may: settle relationship property for the children’s benefit postpone selling or handing over relationship property if it would cause undue hardship for the person who has day-to-day care of the children ensure that both people have enough furniture to set up another home, especially if the children will be living there. Times when relationship property isn’t divided equally If the income and living standards of 1 person is likely to be much higher than the other person’s after the relationship ends, the court can give more to the other person. The court can do this by: ordering 1 person to pay maintenance to the other person (this means 1 of you will need to regularly give the other person money for a set amount of time) giving 1 person a one-off amount of money or more of the relationship property or some of the separate property." Source: https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/separation-divorce/divide-relationship-property/how-fc-divides-property/#top

"Please would you let us know your thoughts on Michael Burry’s view that ETFs and index funds are the next bubble. Have just invested a fair bit through InvestNow and Simplicity. Michael Burry of ‘The Big Short’ says he has found the next market bubble Here is the CNBC article." Source: https://maryholm.com/nz-herald-27-february-2021/ Book a Free appointment with Ryan     If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                               Find Ryan On Social Media        Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

"Property is divided into two categories, relationship property and separate property. What is “relationship property”? Property (Relationships) Act 1976, s 8 Relationship property is the property that must be divided between the parties when their relationship ends. Relationship property will usually include: family home and chattels (including the family car, household furniture and effects, and anything else owned by the family or used for family purposes). These are all usually considered relationship property regardless of who paid for them or when they were acquired family businesses and investments (the general rule is that any business used to produce family income and any savings or investments made out of family income are treated as relationship property) property owned jointly or in equal shares by the spouses or partners property acquired during the relationship property acquired in contemplation of the relationship and intended for common use or common benefit contributions to superannuation and insurance policies after the relationship began increases in the value of relationship property, or any income from it or any proceeds from selling it. Note: Taonga and heirlooms are excluded from the definition of “family chattels” and so will usually be separate property rather than relationship property, but this will need to be decided on a case-by-case basis. What is “separate property”? Property (Relationships) Act 1976, ss 9, 10 Separate property is the property of each spouse or partner that is not relationship property. The general rule is that separate property remains the property of the spouse or partner who owns it and does not have to be divided according to relationship property law. Separate property includes: property acquired by either spouse or partner while they are not living together as a couple property acquired out of separate property and any proceeds of sale of separate property increases in value of separate property, and income, interest or dividends earned from separate property that a spouse or partner acquires from a third person by gift, inheritance, or because the spouse or partner is a beneficiary under a trust settled by a third person (unless this property gets mixed with relationship property). Note: Gifts given by one spouse or partner to the other are not relationship property unless the gift is used for the benefit of both spouses or partners. Can separate property become relationship property? Property (Relationships) Act 1976, s 9A Separate property may become relationship property if it gets mixed with relationship property or used for family purposes. For example, separate property may become relationship property where it is used to acquire or improve relationship property. Also, where the value of one spouse’s or partner’s separate property is increased by: the direct or indirect actions of the other spouse or partner, or the use of relationship property, then the increase in the value of the separate property is considered to be relationship property." -Source:https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/not-rated/dividing-your-property-when-you-split-up-relationship-property/classifying-and-valuing-relationship-property/

"Usually a relationship will need to have lasted at least three years for the PRA’s equal-sharing regime to apply. However, sometimes shorter relationships (where there are children or a partner has made a substantial contribution) will also qualify if that would be just. A relationship that has not lasted for three years is classified as a “relationship of short duration” and different principles are applied in dividing the property. Where a couple has been in a de facto relationship and then married or entered a civil union, the total length (de facto and married/civil union) of the relationship is taken into account. The PRA can also apply if one or both partners have been declared bankrupt or one is mismanaging the relationship property, or if one or both partners need a declaration from the court concerning the status or ownership of any particular asset (eg, for tax purposes). If you do not want the PRA to apply to you and your relationship property, you will need to make a legal agreement contracting out of it (see “Contracting Out” below). If you entered into a property-sharing agreement before the PRA came into force on 1 February 2002, check that the agreement will still achieve what you want" Source: https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/common-legal-issues/dividing-up-relationship-property/

Ben Male Founder of Team Empathy: "People go into business to help other people ❤️Whether it's local services, fresh produce, tangible products or digital goods; we're all in the business of making other lives better. When we're online like on Google, we show up as a way of solving someone's problem or answering their question. In doing so we help out, add value, and an exchange usually happens so you as a business can carry out that support. Our vision at Team Empathy is to help you help others. As many people as possible, to contribute to a happier world 🌍We focus solely on sustainable SEO and radical growth consulting. Our mission is to keep marketing simple and effective: using the best and most straightforward techniques to get you out in front of your people 😊" Book a Free appointment with Ryan     If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                               Find Ryan On Social Media        Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

"The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 deals with how the property of married couples, civil union partners and de facto couples is divided when a relationship ends. The Act covers a relationship ending because of a break-up, but it can also cover a relationship ending because of the death of a spouse or partner. The purpose of the Act is to recognise the equal contributions of both partners to their relationship and to provide for a just division of property when their relationship ends, taking into account the interests of their children. The general presumption of the Act is that a couple’s property will be divided equally between them. There are exceptions to this rule, however. In particular, there are different rules about how property is to be divided where a relationship has lasted less than three years." Source: https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-12-relationships-and-break-ups/dividing-your-property-when-you-split-up-relationship-property/

"There are different types of land ownership in New Zealand. The type of ownership has a direct impact on what you can and cannot do with the property. There are four main types of property ownership in New Zealand – freehold, leasehold, unit title and cross lease. Freehold, also known as fee simple, is the most common ownership type in New Zealand. Leasehold is when someone else owns the land. You purchase an exclusive right to possession of the land and the buildings on it for a specific period of time according to the terms of the lease. Unit title ownership is most common in a building development where there are multiple owners. In a cross lease, you own a share of the freehold title in common with the other cross leaseholders and a leasehold interest in the particular area and building that you occupy." Source: https://www.settled.govt.nz/buying-a-home/finding-a-property/understanding-types-of-ownership/

"'We are saving via a small basket of shares as a long-term investment, including a couple of managed funds and an index fund. I appreciate your advice(Mary Holme) that it’s the best way for an amateur to invest. However, given more and more amateurs investing in the share market via KiwiSaver, Sharesies or otherwise, is there a chance of these funds becoming over-valued because of popular appeal? Particularly in New Zealand where there’s only a fairly small range of products available. What is there to stop the well-meaning amateur from buying shares in a well-marketed fund for a high price that actually only holds minimal assets and has much less real value? Are we at risk of buying tulips?" Source: https://maryholm.com/nz-herald-27-february-2021/ Book a Free appointment with Ryan  If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter Find Ryan On Social Media Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

What you need to be mindful of when you're nearing the end of the sale

You've almost closed the deal, what should you look for?

Business Financial Adviser from Finsol Doug White: "I’ve been in the banking game for the last twenty years, and before joining Finsol, I was a Business Manager for Kiwibank for eight years. I hold both Level 5 Financial Advice with Investment and Residential Lending certificates. I really enjoy helping Kiwi businesses and their owners succeed and ride the journey with them. My niche is being honest and real with all interactions with clients and always giving a fit for purpose solution, and at times that’s not always lending related. I have been married to my Leina for the last 21 years and have a 16-year-old daughter that wants to get her driver’s license – man; they grow up so quickly." Book a Free appointment with Ryan     If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                               Find Ryan On Social Media        Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

You begrudgingly sold your life to the bank now what? The first step in managing your mortgage is knowing when to hold them and when to fold them.  Principally the driving factors for making a change to your mortgage are either interest rates or repayments. Ideally you want to assess this every one to two years or when one of four things happen: 1. The fixed rate loan term is about to end. 2. You’re sprung by a change in interest rates for your floating rate mortgage. 3. There’s a change in the horizon that could impact your finances in a significant way. 4. A big lump sum is on route. Personally, I feel people get over excited about their ability to predict the future of interest rates when instead they should be thinking about which structure best suits their specific situation. Here’s a few things you can do to sharpen up your mortgage matrimony: 1. Estimate The Consolidate-Incorporate all those pesky overpriced credit card and car loans into your mortgage to capitalise on the lower rates. Keeping in mind that if you don’t pay more now, you’ll pay more later so increase the repayments to match the increased debt. 2. Undo The Redo- Sometimes it makes sense to find a more appropriate lender or structure. You might want a floating fixed combination as it gives you the ability to pay off in lump sums as well as the reliability of fixed repayments. You also might find another lender is a better match for your situation. Whatever you decide, just be conscious their could be early repayment fees for a fixed rate loan, application fees to join the new lender and a legal/valuation bill to reassure the lender. Just like any business though they often bend over backwards to get your business. 3. Holiday Stowaway- Repayment holidays aka the sweep it under the rug approach are for the moments you’re really struggling. You can have a three-month break from your repayments just be mindful that the debt still compounds throughout so you’re living for today at the expense of tomorrow. 4. Forced Divorce- When the honeymoon ends what happens to your house? It’s often referred to as ‘negative equity’ where the amount you owe surpasses your home’s value.  At first the bank might attempt what’s called a mortgagee sale where they sell your home to recoup the debt and pay you the profits. If that doesn’t fit the bill they’ll come after anyone who guaranteed the loan. Also, if the terms and conditions allow it, the bank might just take money straight from your account. It’s the old saying: “Banks will give you an umbrella when the suns out, but want it back when it rains.” 5. Insure For Sure-Some of the most heart-breaking stories I hear is when a loved one passes away and your left a mortgage you can no longer afford. Which as much as I hate to admit it, insurance, when done right, can change lives. So, consider income, home, trauma and life insurance in your property plan.

When you hear the phrase: ‘you should talk to a lawyer’ the hair on the back of your neck stands up. Don’t lose hope. They’re an essential tool to leverage when purchasing or selling a property. Here’s a framework for the initial stage: 1. If you’re the seller: · Ask a lawyer what the best-selling methods are, the agent options, a good price range and if to needs due diligence.  Agent options might include a multiple listings approach where all the agents have a crack or a sole agent agreement where you give exclusive rights.  If you give the exclusive rights to a real estate agent, be mindful that sometimes even when you cancel, it still defaults to a general agreement that you need to cancel too if you’re over that agency. · A few selling methods you might use are: o Negotiation-Chill & Grill. Exclude the price wait for offers to come to you and negotiate. o Tender-Now or Never. Set a deadline and pick the buyer you like best. o Auction-Deal or no deal. Once the reserve price is reached the property goes to the highest bidder. o Advertised price-Fire & Forget. Market the price without an end date. o Deadline sale-Inline or out of time. Advertisement with an end date. · If the property isn’t your main home then the tax implications become very important so consult an accountant or a qualified lawyer as well as use the IRD’s property tax decision tool as a gage. · If you’re selling a Unit title, like an apartment for example, ask a lawyer if you need to make any statutory disclosures to the buyer. Also, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you complete a pre-contract disclosure statement before marketing the property as you need to do this before signing the sale and purchase agreement anyways. Here’s an example of what you should include. 2.   If you’re the buyer: · It’s basically the same but in reverse. Check if you’re entitled to any statuary disclosures if it’s a unit title and ask for some guidance on price. · If you’re not a permanent New Zealand resident, citizen or from Australia/Singapore, then make sure to get consent from the Overseas Investment Office before you sign the agreement. · The real art is choosing the right property so if you want a more in depth summary then check out Settled or the Law Society’s property check list

"I am almost 57 years old, a single woman. I own a home in central Wellington worth $1.3 million, with a $45,000 mortgage. No other savings or debts (as I put all my savings towards my mortgage), but $120,000 in KiwiSaver. I have a permanent job paying $105,000 per annum. I intend to work as long as I can! Do you recommend that I purchase an investment property, or invest in stocks and bonds? If you recommend an investment property, what’s the maximum I should spend?" Source: https://maryholm.com/nz-herald-30-january-2021/  Book a Free appointment with Ryan     If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                               Find Ryan On Social Media        Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Ok you've decided you want a house, now what?

It sounds silly but sometimes just asking the right questions can make the world of difference to your mortgage. Here’s a few to get you started: “What fees do you charge? For all loans, ask about application fees and other charges such as a low equity fee. For fixed-interest loans, ask what fees apply if you increase repayments, make lump sum repayments, or repay the whole loan early. What will be the total cost of this loan, including fees and interest, for the sum I am borrowing and the term I have chosen? The lender will have to make an assumption about interest rates to do this calculation. But it will show how much you’ll pay back in total. (Note that the lender is required to disclose the fees and interest separately.) Also, ask for the total regular payment in a year if the interest rate were to be 1% higher than now. That will give you some idea of the risk if rates rise. What changes can I make after the mortgage is set up? For all loans, ask whether it's possible to increase regular payments from time to time, pay in lump sums, and pay off the mortgage in full before the end of its term. Ask if there is a required period of notice before reducing or paying off the loan with a one-off payment. Fixed-interest loans normally convert to a floating rate at the end of the term - ask about taking another fixed term instead at no charge. If I buy a new house, can I transfer the existing mortgage? If the answer is yes, it's likely to save money in fees. If I have a problem that I can’t sort out with you, where can I go for help? Approach the lender with a complaint or problem in the first instance. If that doesn't result in a satisfactory resolution there are independent bodies available which can investigate and help settle disputes such as the Banking Ombudsman and the Financial Services Federation, which represents some non-bank lenders.” Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/questions-to-ask-a-lender/ Book a Free appointment with Ryan  If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter Find Ryan On Social Media  Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Dr Emma Woodward founder of The Child Psychology Service: "As well as being a child psychologist, I’m a mum to four boys. This means that I’m really in touch with the realities of having kids, the problems they face and how the school system in New Zealand works (and no, my kids aren’t always perfectly behaved!). I’ve been working with children, their families and schools for over 20 years. In fact, apart from a brief spell as a baker in a supermarket in the mid 90’s, it’s been my whole career. When I set up The Child Psychology Service in 2014 it meant I was free to focus on what I truly believe and help strengthen families by providing support focused on building well-being and resilience.  I’ve been lucky enough to meet wonderful, experienced and like-minded practitioners along the way and I now feel fortunate to be able to say that I call these practitioners, friends and colleagues." Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

With house prices skyrocketing beyond the income of the average New Zealand household the idea of building up the resources to purchase a new home can feel pretty daunting. For those of you with a five-to-ten-year timeframe one of the best vehicles for getting around this is a combination of both managed funds and KiwiSaver.  An important consideration with this approach is ensuring you have the right investment mix for your risk tolerance and time horizon, information of which you can found here. Also, Kariang Ora provide government support for those not quite where they want to be with their deposit: 1. First Home Grant- Up to $5000 each for an existing home and $10,000 for a new home. 2. First Home Loan Scheme- Instead of the 20% deposit usually needed they offer a 5% alternative. When you pull together the cash you need, the process can then be broken down into five steps. 1. Finance– Budget, save, and consolidate. Conservative simplicity is the key to staying out of deep waters. 2. Find– When making this decision it’s important to understand your first home isn’t going to be your last. Starting humbly with a focus on location, proximity to public transport, shops, and schools as well picking a home comfortably in your price range will do more for your financial future than the feel-good factor of having the best house on the block. 3. Fix– Get a pre-purchase inspection in the form of a full builder’s report and a new LIM. LIM more commonly known as Land Information Memorandum will outlay the issues with the land and the report will provide insights about the building. 4. Fence-It’s always better to build a fence at the top of the hill than clean the mess up at the bottom. Before signing a mortgage, sale agreements and transferring ownership it’s important to have a lawyer give it the once over. 5. Fund- The common ongoing costs are rates, maintenance, insurance (home, contents and mortgage) and body corporate fees for those apartment friendly folks not wanting to deal with maintenance. If you decide to dip your toes in the apartment world once again make sure the lawyer gives the paperwork the stamp of approval and they it includes a fund for major maintenance just in case.

Property (Relationships) Act 1976, s 1N "The law relating to the division of relationship property is guided by these general principles: · men and women have equal status, and their equality should be maintained and enhanced · all forms of contribution to the relationship are treated as equal. This means non-financial contributions, such as caring for children, are valued equally with financial contributions, such as working for a wage · a just division of relationship property needs to take into account any economic advantages or disadvantages to a spouse or partner as a result of the relationship or as a result of the ending of the relationship · relationship property issues should be resolved as inexpensively, simply and quickly as is consistent with justice." Where to go for help Community Law Centres for free legal advice Citizens Advice Bureau for information, advice and support Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Lawrence Lotze, host of 'The Wolf of Queen Street' Podcast has always had a passion for helping to connect people through similar life experiences and challenges and found that creating a podcast was the best way to do this. Over the last two years, he has focused on building and promoting a brand that enables him to do what he loves. Through the support and guidance of his new found network, he has managed to create a successful platform which enables him to reach out to views across all nations. During this success, life decided to bring him back to earth with a thump. He was given a harsh reality check that we are all only human. This came in the form of a brain tumour which he was diagnosed with in April 2019. Lawrence has always seen himself as a healthy guy, so to find himself in this life-altering situation was something he struggled to deal with. In June 2019, he underwent brain surgery to remove a golf ball size tumour and although he has recovered physically, he was not prepared for the emotion and financial impact this would have on himself and his family. In the beginning of 2020, he has found himself financial impacted due to time off work and the need to rediscover what life is like requiring a lifetime of medication and changes to his personality. He reached rock bottom and now he is working on building himself back up with the support of my family and friends and of those who have inspired him via his podcast. “I think that I can best sum up my current journey with the following quote from James Patterson – “Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls…..1. Work, 2. Family, 3. Health, 4. Friends. 5. Integrity. Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls……are made of glass”. Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Funeral costs You’ll need to think about the kind of send-off you want for your partner, but also about what you can afford. Talk to a funeral director about the options available. Even a basic funeral can be expensive but check if the costs are covered by your partner’s life insurance policy or other savings. If the death of your partner was the result of an injury, ACC can help towards the costs of burial, cremation and related ceremonies. There’s helpful information on the ACC website about their funeral grants. And if your partner was a beneficiary, Work and Income may help with funeral costs and ongoing living expenses. Find out more on the Work and Income website. Wills and estates A will formally spells out how your partner’s assets (their ‘estate’) should be dealt with after their death. It may also include instructions for their funeral. An estate could include things such as property, car, bank accounts, investments, KiwiSaver – anything owned in their name. You will need to find a copy of your partner’s will or the solicitor or trustee company (e.g. Public Trust) they made their will through. Until the will is settled (this is called ‘probate’) you may not be able to access your partner’s assets. If your partner dies without having made a will, the law decides who among the family gets their assets. They may be divided differently to the way your partner would have wished. For example, with married couples there is a set formula where the surviving partner will get the first amount in the estate, then the balance is divided between the partner and any children. Guide to wills Under the Property Relationships Act, if you have been in a relationship for three years or more, you’re entitled to half your partner’s ‘relationship property’ if they die, unless you have made a separate agreement. Guide to planning in a relationship Bank accounts If there was a joint bank account, you may need to talk with the bank about changing the account details after your partner's death. Or you may need to discuss with your partner’s bank about gaining access to their personal accounts. If you receive a life insurance payout, the bank will be able to advise on appropriate savings or term deposit options to store the money in the short term. KiwiSaver and superannuation If your partner had been paying into a KiwiSaver or other superannuation scheme, the money will be paid into their estate and will be dealt with along with their other assets. For some workplace superannuation schemes, a benefit (similar to a life insurance payment) may also be paid on death. In some schemes it is the scheme trustee's responsibility to determine who the benefit is paid to – so it's helpful if your partner’s preferences are made clear in their will. Tax matters If finalising your partner’s tax affairs you’ll need to talk to Inland Revenue. Their website has information about tax issues after a bereavement. Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/losing-a-partner/ 

"The idea with a family trust is to protect the ownership of our assets. Here’s how trusts work: we transfer the legal ownership of our assets to the trustees while continuing to use and enjoy them as long as the trust deed permits. For example, if our family home is in a trust, we no longer personally own the house – but we can still live in it if that’s what the trust deed states and the trustees agree. Benefits of a family trust Family trusts are designed to protect our assets and benefit members of our family beyond our lifetime. When our assets are in a family trust we no longer have legal ownership of them – the assets are owned by the trustees, for the benefit of our family members. People usually set up a family trust to get some benefit from no longer personally owning an asset. A family trust may be useful to: Protect selected assets against claims and creditors – for example, to protect a family home from the potential failure of a business venture. Set aside money for special reasons, such as a child or grandchild’s education. Ensure our children, not their partners, keep their inheritances. Manage the risk of unwanted claims on our estate when we die – such as from a former partner." Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/family-trusts/

John Maybury host of the 'Find My Voice' podcast, invites me on to discuss the power of brand, marketing and how to produce 70 pieces of content a week.

"How to make a will Don't have a will yet, or need to update a previous will? You can get one drafted by someone with experience, such as a lawyer or trustee company. A will must also be signed and witnessed. If the proper procedures are not followed, a will may not be valid. Wills don’t have to be pricey. Some lawyers will even write one for free, so there’s no harm asking around. Online platforms such as Public Trust and LawHawk also offer low-cost options for wills and enduring powers of attorney. You can also find planning help at Te Hokinga a Wairua. Top 5 tips for wills 1. When you get married, the will you wrote before marriage is no longer valid. 2. If you die without a will, all your assets do not automatically go to your partner. 3. If you die without a will, the government will use a formula to divide up your assets. 4. The last will you signed – even if it’s out of date – will be the one used if you die. 5. Wills are not just about what you leave to people – they can also identify the person you want to look after our children. " Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/wills/

"An enduring power of attorney (EPA) is a legal document giving someone the power to act for us if we lose the ability to make decisions for ourselves. The two types of enduring powers of attorney There are two types of EPAs: one for money and property, the other for personal care and welfare. It is recommended to have both. These rights can be given to the same person or to different people, but even if given to the same person, each power needs to be granted specifically and separately. There is the opportunity to be clear about where the rights can be applied. Why everyone needs an enduring power of attorney Everyone 18 or older – whether young or old – should establish an EPA for both their property and their welfare. And, as it needs to be done when people are still mentally capable, it makes sense to do it as soon as possible. People tend to think only the elderly are likely to need someone to manage their affairs but anyone can become mentally incapable at any age. An accident or illness may be the prompt for needing an EPA. Our money and property Anyone can appoint one 'attorney' (or more than one) for their money and property. An EPA for property can be activated straight away and, once that’s done, our attorney(s) can act for us on our instructions. There may come a time when a qualified health practitioner assesses that we aren’t able to make these decisions ourselves – from that point on our attorney will have the power to act for us.  As an alternative to it being activated straight away, we can choose for the EPA to only come into effect if this happens. Without an enduring power of attorney, no one else can deal with our property or financial affairs on our behalf without a court order. Our family and even our partner or spouse may need to go to court to get this power. Not having an EPA can cause our loved ones a lot of stress and cost them a lot of money too. Things our attorney can do for us include managing bank accounts, paying bills, or buying and selling property on our behalf. Our personal care and welfare We can only appoint one attorney for our personal care and welfare. This enduring power of attorney is only activated once we are assessed as not being able to care for ourselves. This type of attorney can make decisions about things like medical treatment. Choosing an attorney An attorney should be someone we trust. We can appoint different people to be attorneys for the two different areas – but we need to make sure they are people who can work well together! For personal care and welfare the attorney can be a family member, friend or anyone who has our best interests at heart. It can only be one person and it cannot be a trustee company. For a property EPA the attorney can be one or more people, or a professional trustee company.  If more than one person is appointed, we can require that they act together, so that they both have to sign any documents on our behalf, or we can allow each of them to act independently, but always in consultation with the other person. For both personal care and welfare and for property, a successor attorney can be appointed, who will become our attorney if the first person can’t act as our attorney, for example if they have died or are incapacitated. Our attorney has to consult us as much as they can when they are making decisions for us. Creating an enduring power of attorney Independent legal advice is required before creating an enduring power of attorney, as is having the documents witnessed by a lawyer, qualified legal executive or representative of a trustee corporation. Even married couples need separate legal advisers." Source

Pam has been involved in the financial services industry since 1974, having spent 22 years in banking leaving a Branch Management position to pursue a career as Financial Adviser in 1996. Her main focus is in the area of Group Health Plans and Risk Protection – Life, Trauma, Disability and Income type covers for both personal and business clients. Touch base with her on +64 27 458 7668 Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

"Revolving credit loans work like a giant overdraft. Your pay goes straight into the account and bills are paid out of the account when they’re due. By keeping the loan as low as possible at any time, you pay less interest because lenders calculate interest daily. You can make lump-sum repayments and redraw money up to your limit. Some revolving credit mortgages gradually reduce the credit limit to help you pay off the mortgage. Application fees on revolving credit home loans can be up to $500. There can be a fee for the day-to-day banking. transactions you do through the account. Advantages: If you're well organised, you can pay off your mortgage faster. This also suits people with uneven income as there are no fixed repayments. Putting surplus funds into this account rather than a separate savings account will give bigger interest savings and also avoids the tax on the savings account interest. Disadvantages: It needs discipline! It can be tempting to always spend up to the credit limit and stay in debt longer." Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/mortgage-types/

Reducing or straight line mortgages repay the same amount of principal with each repayment, but a reducing amount of interest each time. These are quite rare in New Zealand. Payments start high, but reduce (in a straight line) over time. Fees are similar to table loans. Advantages: We pay less interest overall than with a table loan because early payments include a higher repayment of principal. These may suit borrowers who expect their income to drop, for example, if one partner plans to give up work in a few years’ time. Disadvantages: If we can manage higher payments, it would be better to take a table loan with payments high for the whole term, so we pay less interest" Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/mortgage-types/ Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Darcy Ungaro, host of the NZ Everyday Investor and Director of Ungaro & Co: "Unorthodox, slightly contrarian, a bit eccentric- be prepared to hear what you need to hear if you’ve chosen to catch up with me. Why listen to the status quo when the world’s changing all around us? Disruption, generosity, and innovation. 3 things financial advisers should have front and centre. Disruption’s great but, but when it affects your bottom line that’s when it gets real. Anyone who works in advice-based industries know that it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of simply providing ‘tips and tricks’ and aiming for the commission or invoice. Generosity applied is genuinely listening to others and providing guidance for them. That’s not selling, that’s not proving how smart I am – that’s being generous. I’m keen to ‘break’ the model of how financial advice is delivered – our industry is so far disconnected to the people who could benefit the most it’s ridiculous. Technology aims to become more human, and humans aim to become more digital – It’s odd. Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was a truly ‘customer-centered’ financial advice model that provided the trust that only a person can deliver with the consistency that only tech can deliver?" Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

"An offset mortgage setup can reduce the amount of interest you pay on your mortgage. Typically, interest is payable on the full amount of a loan. But by linking your loan to any savings or everyday accounts you already have, you pay interest on that much less. For example, someone with a $400,000 mortgage and $20,000 in savings would only pay interest on $380,000. Subtract the savings from the total loan amount, and you only pay interest on what’s left. The more cash you keep across your accounts from day to day, the more you’ll save, because interest is calculated daily. Linking as many accounts as possible – whether from a partner, parents, or other family members – means even less interest to pay. Advantage: You pay less in interest and pay off your mortgage faster. Typically there is no fixed term. Disadvantage: The linked savings accounts do not earn any interest when they offset a loan. That said, interest on debt is typically higher than the interest you would earn on savings, which makes the offset worthwhile." Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/mortgage-types/

"Table loan This is the most common type of home loan. You can choose a term up to 30 years with most lenders. Most of the early repayments pay off the interest, while most of the later payments pay off the principal (the initial amount you borrowed). You can take a table loan with a fixed rate of interest or a floating rate. Application fees for table loans range from nothing to over $1,000. Most lenders charge around $200 to $400. This is often negotiable. Advantages: Table loans provide the discipline of regular payments and a set date when they will be paid off. They offer the certainty of knowing what your payments will be, unless you have a floating rate, in which case repayment amounts can change. Disadvantages: Fixed regular payments might be difficult for people with irregular income." Source: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/mortgage-types/

Jack Windler From Mortgage Supply Co:  "A commitment to a mortgage is a long term proposition that can deliver so much to people as they look to create a home for themselves and their family. There is nothing more rewarding for me than going on that property journey with them." Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

How can you show interest without seeming too interested? If only investing in property was as easy as the questions posed in Women’s Weekly. In this segment, I’m not trying to teach you the art of flirting, but, instead, unravelling the mechanisms behind the infamous interest only loan. The concept's pretty simple, you borrow money but only pay the interest. Where the complexity comes in, is when the term falls due, usually five years, you’re forced to come up with the money. This really hit people hard during the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 because coupled with a lending meltdown and a house price decline, people couldn’t come up with the money needed to service the debt. How you would usually combat the approaching deadline is one of four ways: 1. Extend the term of the mortgage. 2. Refinance it with a competitor. 3. Automatically default to a principal and interest loan. 4. Cough up the money. The appeal of this loan is you pay less now in the hope you can capitalise later. Think of the average rental property investor with the usual costs of maintenance, rates, insurance, mortgage repayments and property management etc. Just imagine if you could pay less and make more? The risk with this approach is naturally if the you can’t service the debt with your rental income both now and when it converts to principal as well as interest, then you’re hoping like fuck house prices go up so you can at least leave with the shirt on your back. This is one of those high-risk high reward moments where you really want to consider the best- and worst-case scenarios. Simply point, can I pay it if needed and do you look like someone they’d want to keep paying it? Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

As the great Shakespeare would say: to fix or not to fix that is the question. The challenge for any new homeowners or investors is deciding whether they should get a fixed or floating mortgage. What is the difference you ask? A fixed rate home loan is where the interest rate is set in stone for a period of time, usually six months to five years. The advantage of this approach is threefold: 1. Knowing what to expect with the repayments leading to peace of mind and strategic budgeting. 2. The lender is drowning in competition, so you manage a great deal. 3. You protect yourself against rising interest rates. The disadvantages come in the form of restrictions: 1. You can’t up the ante easily and can incur a cost from increasing the payments. 2. You might have locked in a high number before the interest rates dropped and now you’re stuck with it. 3. You sell your home or want a break but get invoiced a hefty break fee. Floating rates are the mover and shakers of the world. As the interest rates of the wider market increase or decrease then so does your interest rate. Usually this is movement is linked to the official cash rate(OCR) set by the Reserve Bank. The advantage comes in the form of flexibility and unity. 1. The flexibility to contribute more without penalty. 2. A streamline way of combining your more expensive debt with your floating loan The disadvantage is the price and the unknown: 1. Floating rates in the past have been higher than fixed rates. 2. If the rates were to increase, then so does your repayments. RIP. Don’t worry not all is lost you’re not doomed to a half full, or half empty scenario. You can choose to have both. If you were to mix the flexibility of the floating and the reliability of the fixed then you have a recipe for success. Where the importance of what direction you take isn’t leveraging of your ability to predict the future but instead understanding the style of loan that suits your situation best. Leave the fortune telling to the economists and the decisions your future financial wellbeing to you.  Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

The hidden costs of going cheap. •   Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media         Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

 With skyrocketing house prices is it even possible to get the deposit for your first home? Here are a few vehicles you might want to consider: 1. First Home Grant 2. First Home Loan 3. KiwiBuild Book a Free appointment with Ryan   If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                             Find Ryan On Social Media                              Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

"Your answer — late last year — to the couple who were considering the impact of both having KiwiSavers with ANZ is a little misleading. I would agree that they don’t need to consider “diversifying” across banks. However, the fact that the Reserve Bank has recently taken “further steps to strengthen (banks’) finances”, as you said, isn’t relevant here. All KiwiSaver assets are held in separate custodial accounts (audited) where the assets are ring-fenced away from the custodial business. If ANZ, the bank, or even ANZ Investments, the manager, failed, they would have no recourse over those assets, and the supervisor would have the right to reappoint a different manager. The reason I say this is there is a large percentage of the public who still believe that their assets can be “lost” by the manager. We should be educating them otherwise." Source: February 8, 2020, NZ Herald Q&A Column. Book a Free appointment with Ryan     If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                               Find Ryan On Social Media                               Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

Andrew Malcolm the Managing Director of Mortgage HQ: "When Blandon and I started in business together, we shared the same frustrations but found we were each approaching things differently. I was helping advisers with their marketing and strategy but finding that clients were not properly looked after along the way. Blandon was helping clients with insurance but found his true passion in property investing and ownership when he worked with families successfully building and creating equity through smart mortgage use. Each of us had branched out on our own and through chance encounter met at the right time to start working together. Since late 2015 we have been helping people save money on their mortgages and make smarter property investment decisions using case studies and learning from our clients and exhaustive research (which we love doing). I have had a poor experience with the bank and other brokers when I was looking at my own mortgage options many years ago… to me, it seemed so simple to just help clients figure out what they do not already know and streamline the process for them. I became frustrated with the lack of quality information available for kiwis in regards to mortgages and property. Initially, we focused on building powerful online mortgage and property tools to put power in the hands of everyday Kiwis. We quickly discovered that in addition to being able to help themselves people needed better experts to guide them through the process. We wanted to build a team of advisers that put clients first and refused to play the industry game of commission-only salespeople because those conditions can cloud your judgement. A structure of clients first and team second was forged. Our team is paid salaries. No one is pressured to force clients into higher commission products or lenders. We do not even refer a Kiwisaver provider for an extra clip of the ticket like many brokers do (we recommend the not-for-profit and low fee provider Simplicity). Blandon’s passion and knowledge are industry-leading and admirable which means we’re often inundated with enquiries. When hiring advisers for our team, it is stressed to them the importance of a client-helping culture and long term relationships. Our clients tell us that they appreciate us keeping in touch with them. Typically we make contact every 6-12 months to ensure customers are still receiving excellent service from their banks; their mortgages are still working for their current situation, to discuss investment strategy and to have a conversation. It is with great pride that mortgagehq now has over 150 five star ratings on Facebook (a small fraction of our clients) from people `who are so stoked with what we could achieve for them, and how we dealt with them as humans rather than as a task. I cannot promise perfection but I assure you that we know what we are doing and we will always put your needs above our own. If we don’t know… we will help you find someone who does. All team members use personal mobiles for communicating with clients – you can text, call, leave a VM and know they will get the message and be in touch. Please feel free to contact me on my personal mobile 021 424 027 or email me directly [email protected] Check out our 50+ videos on YouTube here"  Book A Free Appointment With Ryan                 

Why did the government really start KiwiSaver? Book a Free appointment with Ryan If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                           Find Ryan On Social Media                           Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge

"Jordan is a trainer who focuses on building the fundamentals of your fitness first. Solid conditioning is the key to success and longevity.  Becoming "Strong Fit and Stable" enables you to do the things you love with immense confidence both at work and at play, Jordan is dedicated to injury prevention and longevity. He will balance your body, attacking your fitness goals, and go the extra mile to support you and your needs throughout the journey. When Jordan's vibrant energy can't be found at the gym, you will likely find him rock climbing, dancing or playing his trusty harmonica." - https://www.lesmills.co.nz/PT/Meet-Our-Trainers/Jordan-Greville Book a Free appointment with Ryan If you're wanting your question answered on the podcast email me at [email protected], send a voice message below or capitalise on our free online tools and advice:  Get A Free Book and Subscription To Ryan's Weekly Newsletter                           Find Ryan On Social Media                           Have Your Podcast and Audiobook Edited by NZ Audio Editors. Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge