How to Travel the World on a NZ Salary
Ever dreamed of sipping cocktails on a Thai beach or exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, all while earning a solid Kiwi wage? With New Zealan...
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Sarah Mitchell
Senior Finance Writer
333
Articles
Sarah covers personal finance, tax, and KiwiSaver topics for Lifetimes NZ. She focuses on making money management straightforward and practical for everyday Kiwis.
Expertise & Credentials
I write to help New Zealanders make confident financial decisions with clear, accurate information.
Areas of Expertise
Personal Finance
Tax
KiwiSaver
Budgeting
Insurance
Articles by Sarah Mitchell
333 articles published
Categories:
Money & Finance (192)
KiwiSaver & Retirement (11)
KiwiSaver Basics and Fund Selection (2)
Best Savings Accounts NZ 2025 (1)
How to Budget in NZ (1)
First-Home Buyer's Mortgage Guide (2)
Best Car Insurance NZ 2025 (1)
Family & Benefits (1)
Immigration & Moving (1)
Taxes Explained (7)
Trip Planning (1)
KiwiSaver Withdrawal for First Home (1)
Banking & Savings (7)
AEWV (1)
Term Deposits vs Bonds (1)
Managing Debt & Credit (1)
Home and Contents Insurance Guide (1)
Minimum Wage (1)
Legal Matters (8)
Pet Insurance (2)
Wildlife Wonders & Records (2)
Budget 2025 KiwiSaver Changes (1)
Personal Finance & Budgeting (14)
Cost of Living by City (3)
How Much Can I Borrow (1)
Life Insurance for Families (1)
Tax (1)
Business Setup (1)
Property Investment (1)
Salary Data (1)
NZ Superannuation & Retirement (1)
Business Loans (1)
Practical FAQs (2)
KiwiSaver vs Other Retirement Options (2)
Emergency Fund Setup Guide (1)
Tax Planning for Freelancers (1)
Investing 101 (12)
Fixed vs Floating Rates Explained (1)
Cost of Living (1)
Income Protection Insurance (1)
Visa Compliance (1)
Mortgages & Home Loans (8)
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Travel Insurance Comparison (1)
Leave (1)
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South Island (2)
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Student Debt (1)
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KiwiSaver & Super (1)
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Pet Finance (2)
KiwiSaver 2026: Which Fund is Actually Winning the Performance Race?
If you're tracking your KiwiSaver fund performance in 2026, you might be surprised to learn that the winners aren't always the biggest banks – and the...
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Tax Refund Secrets: How to Claim Every Dollar from the IRD This Year
Ever felt like the IRD owes you money but you're not sure how to get it back? You're not alone—many Kiwis leave hundreds of dollars on the table each...
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Best Accountant for NZ Property Investors
Owning rental properties in New Zealand can build serious wealth, but navigating the tax rules often feels like a minefield. The right accountant does...
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Life Insurance NZ: Are You Overpaying for Cover You Don't Need?
Ever signed up for life insurance without a second thought, only to watch your premiums climb year after year? You're not alone—many Kiwis are paying...
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Mortgage Refixing Guide: How to Negotiate the Best Rate with Your Bank
Imagine slashing hundreds of dollars off your weekly mortgage payments just by knowing when and how to refix. With interest rates easing in 2026, thou...
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Inheritance & Wills: A Practical Guide to Protecting Your NZ Estate
Imagine this: you've spent decades building a life in Aotearoa—your family home in Auckland, a KiwiSaver nest egg, maybe a bach on the Coromandel. But...
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Emergency Funds 101: How Much Cash Should a Kiwi Family Have?
Picture this: a sudden storm hits your neighbourhood in Auckland, just like the severe weather event in January 2026, leaving your home flooded and po...
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Ethical Investing in NZ: Top 5 Sustainable Funds for Kiwis
Ever wondered if you can grow your KiwiSaver or investments while doing good for the planet and people? Ethical investing in New Zealand is booming, w...
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The Hidden Costs of Credit Cards: How to Escape the NZ Debt Trap
Ever swiped your credit card for a quick coffee or online shop, only to watch the balance creep up month after month? You're not alone—many Kiwis are...
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PIR Rates Explained: Are You Paying Too Much Tax on Your KiwiSaver?
Ever checked your KiwiSaver statement and wondered why the tax on your returns seems off? You're not alone—many Kiwis are paying too much (or too litt...
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Kiwi Birds Are More Closely Related to Elephants Than Other Birds
Introduction to Kiwi Birds The kiwi bird is an iconic symbol of New Zealand, and for good reason. These small, flightless birds have captured the hea...
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