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Case Study: Emma and Liam, first-time home buyers in Tauranga

Emma and Liam had been saving for years and were ready to purchase their first home. They were unsure how much they could borrow, how to structure their mortgage, or whether they should consider a fixed or floating rate.The challenge:Like many first home buyers, they were navigating a competitive market and wanted guidance to ensure they made the right financial decisions without overextending themselves.How McMasters helped:James sat down with Emma and Liam to understand their goals and reviewe...

Making the most of your KiwiSaver: Tips for New Zealanders

KiwiSaver is more than just a retirement savings plan—it can also be a tool to help you achieve other financial goals, including buying your first home. At McMasters Financial, we help clients understand how to make KiwiSaver work harder for them.Using KiwiSaver for your first homeMany first home buyers can use their KiwiSaver funds to contribute to a deposit. Knowing how much you can withdraw, the timing of your withdrawal, and how it affects your long-term savings is crucial. Planning ahead ...

Understanding fixed vs floating mortgage rates: Which works best for you?

Choosing the right mortgage rate can feel overwhelming, but understanding the difference between fixed and floating rates is key to making a confident decision. At McMasters Financial, we help New Zealanders navigate these choices with clarity and personalised guidance.Fixed RatesA fixed rate means your interest stays the same for a set term, giving certainty over your repayments. This can be ideal if you prefer stability in your budgeting and want to protect against potential rate rises.Floatin...