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Rachel Currie

Personal finance - where to start?

Starting your personal finance journey can be a bit daunting, but don't let that stop you from taking control of your money and securing your financial future! With the right resources and a bit of education, you can master the basics of personal finance and set yourself up for financial success.


To start, it's important to learn the fundamentals of personal finance. This includes budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. There are countless resources available to help you get a grasp on these topics, such as books, online courses, and websites. Many of these resources are avaliable free online or via a library. Taking the time to educate yourself on these subjects will pay off in the long run and give you the foundation you need to make informed decisions about your money.


Once you have a good understanding of the basics, it's time to get organized. Create a budget and track your spending to get a clear picture of where your money is going and what you can do to make the most of it. Keeping accurate records of your income and expenses will help you make smart decisions about managing your money.


Saving is an essential part of personal finance, and building an emergency fund should be a top priority. An emergency fund can help you handle unexpected expenses and reduce stress. A good goal to aim for is to have three to six months' worth of living expenses saved up in an emergency fund.


Investing is another important aspect of personal finance that can help you grow your wealth over time. There are a variety of options available, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate, but it's important to understand the risks and benefits of each before making a decision. Consider working with a financial advisor or doing additional research to determine the best investment strategy for you.


Managing debt is also a key part of personal finance. High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, should be addressed as soon as possible. You can pay off the debt as quickly as you can, consolidate it, or work with a financial advisor or budget adviser to create a repayment plan. The important thing is to take action and reduce your debt to increase your financial stability.


There are plenty of New Zealand based resources available to help you on your personal finance journey. The Sorted website is a fantastic resource for free and independent information on personal finance. They offer everything from budgeting tools to articles on investing and debt management.


Moneyhub.co.nz is a great financial comparison website that helps users make informed decisions about their money. It provides information on a wide range of financial products and services, including bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, and more.


In addition to these resources, it's important to find a financial advisor or institution in New Zealand that you trust. From banks to independent advisors, there are plenty of options to choose from. Make sure you find someone who has your best interests at heart and can help you make informed decisions about your money.


Personal finance is an important aspect of life that can have a significant impact on your financial well-being. By learning the basics, getting organized, saving, investing, and managing debt, you can take control of your money and secure your financial future.


The information contained on this site is the opinion of the individual author(s) based on their personal opinions, observation, research, and years of experience. The information offered by this website is general education only and is not meant to be taken as individualised financial advice, legal advice, tax advice, or any other kind of advice.

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