Leaky Building History: How to Check Before You Buy
Imagine discovering your dream home is hiding a nightmare of rotting timber, mould, and repair bills running into hundreds of thousands. For Kiwis buy...
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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)
Banking & Finance (1)
Travel Insurance Comparison (1)
Leave (1)
Business Insurance (1)
Accounting Software (1)
Pet Health (1)
South Island (2)
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Insurance (6)
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Destinations (2)
Cultural & Social Curiosities (2)
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Student Debt (1)
Superannuation (1)
KiwiSaver & Super (1)
Superannuation & Pensions (1)
Deposits & Saving (1)
Pet Finance (2)
ACC Mental Injury Claims: When Trauma is Covered
Imagine witnessing a horrific car crash on your way home from work, only to find yourself paralysed by anxiety and flashbacks that derail your daily l...
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Special Needs Grants: One-Off Help from WINZ
Imagine you're a Kiwi family staring down an unexpected bill for urgent dental work or a fridge breakdown right when food's running low. That's where...
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New Zealand Employment Contracts 2026: What You Must Know Before Signing
Employment contracts in New Zealand have undergone significant changes following the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026, which came into effect o...
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New Zealand Tax for Migrants 2026: PAYE, IRD Numbers and Working for Families
Moving to New Zealand as a migrant brings excitement, but navigating the tax system can feel daunting—especially with PAYE deductions, securing an IRD...
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Flatmate Rights NZ: What You Need to Know
Sharing a flat in New Zealand is a rite of passage for many Kiwis, whether you're a student in Dunedin, a young professional in Auckland, or saving fo...
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Buying a Do-Up: Renovation Costs and Finance Options
Ever dreamed of snapping up a fixer-upper in Kiwi suburbs like Ponsonby or Karori, rolling up your sleeves, and turning it into your perfect family pa...
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Rent Increases NZ: Rules Landlords Must Follow
Navigating rent increases as a landlord in New Zealand can feel like walking a tightrope—get it right, and you maintain healthy cash flow; get it wron...
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Final Pay NZ: What You Should Receive When Leaving
Leaving a job in New Zealand? Your final pay isn't just your last wages—it's a package that includes everything you've earned, from unused holidays to...
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Business Loans in New Zealand 2026: Bank Finance and Government Schemes
In 2026, Kiwi businesses face ongoing challenges like high interest rates and economic uncertainty, making access to the right finance crucial for gro...
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Australian home‑loan deposits and saving strategies for New Zealanders 2026
Imagine ditching the Auckland housing squeeze for a sunny Sydney beach house or a bustling Brisbane flat—all while saving smarter from Kiwi shores. Fo...
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Accounting Software in New Zealand 2026: MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks vs FreeAgent
Choosing the right accounting software in New Zealand 2026 can transform how you handle GST returns, payroll, and IRD filings for your Kiwi business....
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