FAQs
Answers to what we get asked.
Mortgages
First home buyers — Your first home, without the guesswork
It depends on the lender, the property and your situation, and the answer changes more often than most people expect. Rather than quote you a number that might not apply, we'll look at your position and tell you exactly where you stand.
Often, yes. There are conditions around how long you've been contributing and what the money can be used for. We'll check your eligibility and walk you through the withdrawal process.
Usually ID, proof of income, bank statements and a picture of your regular spending. We'll send you a checklist so nothing's a surprise.
From first conversation to approval is usually a matter of weeks, not months, provided the paperwork lands promptly. We'll give you a realistic timeline for your situation.
Free to you — we're paid by the lender once your loan settles.
Refinancing — We'll tell you when it's worth moving
Ideally a couple of months before your fixed term ends. That's enough runway to compare properly and move if it's worth it.
Sometimes. It depends on the gap between what you're paying and what's available, any break costs, and what a new lender is offering to win your business. We'll do the maths and show you.
An application involves a credit check. We'll only put one in when we think it's worth doing.
Then you can move whenever it makes sense. Worth a conversation sooner rather than later.
Free to you — we're paid by the lender once your loan settles.
New builds — Staged lending, handled
The money is released in stages as the build progresses, rather than all at once at settlement. That changes how the lending is structured and what you pay interest on along the way.
Different again. There's usually a long gap between signing and settling, and lenders treat that gap in different ways. We'll walk you through it.
Common. We plan for it up front so it's an inconvenience rather than a crisis.
Yes, usually a fixed-price contract and a payment schedule. We'll tell you exactly what your lender needs.
Investment property — Structures built for the long game
More than an owner-occupied home, and it varies by lender and property type. We'll tell you where you stand rather than quote a number that might not apply to you.
Often that's the mechanism. Whether it's the right one depends on your position and your plans. Worth a conversation.
Yes. Restructuring an existing portfolio is often where the biggest gains are.
For ownership structure and tax, yes. We work alongside them.
Self-employed — Your income doesn't fit a template
Most lenders want to see a track record, and how long varies. Some are more flexible than others. We'll tell you who fits your situation.
Usually financial statements, tax returns and bank statements. We'll give you a precise list.
It's not automatically a problem. Context matters and some lenders will hear it. We'll help you explain it.
Very common. It's about presenting it properly.
Commercial and development — Bigger projects, properly scoped
Commercial property, development, and larger or more specialised lending. If it's outside our lane we'll tell you and point you somewhere useful.
It depends on the project, the lender and the exit. We'll assess yours specifically.
Yes. For a lot of these projects that's where the answer is.
Earlier than you think. Structure is easiest to get right before anything's signed.
Insurance
Life insurance — Looking after the people you'd leave behind
It depends on your debts, your dependants and how long they'd need support. There's no standard answer, which is why we work it out with you rather than quoting a figure.
Less than most people assume, and it depends heavily on your age and health. We'll get you real numbers before you commit to anything.
Sometimes. It depends on the amount of cover and your history. We'll tell you what to expect up front.
Worth checking what it actually covers and whether it moves with you. Often it doesn't.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Income protection — If you couldn't work tomorrow, what stops
ACC covers accidents. It doesn't cover illness. A lot of what stops people working is illness.
That's your wait period and it's a choice. Longer waits cost less. We'll help you pick one you could actually manage financially.
Anything from a couple of years to retirement, depending on the policy. It's a real trade-off and we'll walk you through it.
Then this matters more, not less. There's no sick leave behind you.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Mortgage protection — Keep the roof on while you get back on your feet
Income protection covers a share of your whole income. Mortgage protection targets the repayments specifically. Some people need one, some need both.
Tell us and we'll adjust it. This is the one people most often forget to update.
Not necessarily. Bank-arranged cover varies a lot. Worth a comparison.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Trauma and critical illness — A lump sum, so you can focus on recovery
It varies by provider and it's the most important thing to compare. We'll show you the differences in plain language.
Health insurance pays for treatment. Trauma pays you a lump sum you can spend on anything. They do different jobs.
Yes, and lots of people do.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Health insurance — Treatment when you need it, not when there's room
Generally they're treated differently and it depends on the provider and the condition. We'll be straight with you about what will and won't be covered.
That's usually the best time to get it, because cover is priced and assessed on where you are now.
It varies a lot. We'll walk you through what each policy actually includes.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Group schemes — Look after your team without breaking the budget
Fewer than most people assume. Talk to us and we'll tell you if it stacks up for your team.
It shouldn't be. We handle onboarding, changes and renewals directly.
That's a design decision. We'll build the scheme around what your team actually values.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Key person cover — Protect the business from losing the person it runs on
Anyone whose absence would materially hurt revenue or operations. Often a technician or a salesperson rather than a director.
It depends on the impact, not the salary. We'll model it with you.
It depends on how it's structured. That's a conversation with your accountant and we'll be in it.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
Shareholders insurance — A clean plan for a messy situation
Business owners and self-employed — No sick leave, no safety net
Usually over a period rather than a single year, and how it's calculated varies. We'll use a basis that reflects reality.
Very common and entirely workable. It just needs the right policy and the right wording.
Depends what it's for. Often both, for different things. We'll map it out.
No — the insurer pays us a commission if you take out cover.
KiwiSaver
Fund reviews — The right fund for your timeframe
Most people don't, and that's fine. We'll find out with you.
Past returns don't tell you much about fit. Timeframe and risk tolerance do.
Usually not, but it varies by provider. We'll check.
No — our advice is free to you.
First home withdrawal — Your deposit might be closer than you think
Generally most of it, with conditions. We'll check your specific position rather than quote a rule that might not apply.
It's not instant, which is why timing matters. We'll build it into the plan.
It's intended for a first home you'll live in. We'll talk you through your situation.
No — our advice is free to you.
Contributions — Small changes, compounded for decades
It depends on your income, your goals and what else you're doing with your money. We'll work it through with you.
Contributions work differently and there's a bit more to think about. Worth a conversation.
There are provisions for that. We'll explain how it works and what it costs you long term.
No — our advice is free to you.
Retirement — Check you're on track for the retirement you actually want
Earlier than most people do. The decisions get harder and the options narrower the closer you get.
Eventually, probably. When is the actual question and it's personal.
You can access it, but you don't have to take it all at once. How you draw it down matters.
No — our advice is free to you.
No cost, no pressure, no obligation.
Still have a question?
If it's not answered above, ask us directly. We'll come back with something useful.