DTI Ratios NZ: How Debt-to-Income Rules Affect Your Borrowing
If you're a Kiwi dreaming of buying your first home or expanding your property portfolio, you've likely heard about DTI ratios NZ. These debt-to-incom...
Read more
SM
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)
Travel Styles (1)
Environmental & Scientific Records (1)
Insurance (6)
AML Compliance (1)
Local Marketing (1)
Contracts (1)
Destinations (2)
Cultural & Social Curiosities (2)
Immigration Law (1)
Language & Names (1)
Student Debt (1)
Superannuation (1)
KiwiSaver & Super (1)
Superannuation & Pensions (1)
Deposits & Saving (1)
Pet Finance (2)
Mortgage Top-Ups: Using Your Home Equity for Other Purposes
Imagine transforming your Kiwi dream home with a sleek new kitchen or a sunlit extension—all funded without the hassle of a new loan application. That...
Read more
Split Mortgages NZ: Combining Fixed and Floating Rates
Imagine locking in peace of mind for most of your home loan while keeping the door open to savings if rates drop—that's the power of a split mortgage...
Read more
Mortgage Portability: Taking Your Loan to a New Property
Imagine you've finally found your dream home in a quieter suburb, but your current mortgage rate is locked in at a favourable deal you don't want to l...
Read more
Third Party Car Insurance NZ: Cheapest Way to Cover Others
Driving in New Zealand means facing the unexpected—from busy motorways to rural roads, accidents happen. If you're searching for the Third Party Car I...
Read more
Excess Options Explained: Choosing Your Insurance Excess
When a claim hits, the last thing you want is an unexpected bill from your own insurer. That's where insurance excess comes in – it's the amount you p...
Read more
Contents Insurance for Students: Protecting Your Stuff at Uni
Moving into your first flat or uni hall feels like freedom—until something goes wrong. A flatmate spills red wine on your laptop during a late-night s...
Read more
Motorcycle Insurance NZ: Complete Guide for Riders
Motorcycle insurance in New Zealand isn't legally required, but it's absolutely worth having—especially when basic third-party cover can cost as littl...
Read more
Boat and Watercraft Insurance NZ: What You Need to Know
Whether you're cruising the Hauraki Gulf, fishing off the Coromandel, or racing yachts in the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, your boat is more than a h...
Read more
Caravan and Motorhome Insurance NZ: Complete Guide
Whether you're hitting the open road in a sleek motorhome or towing a trusty caravan to your next Kiwi adventure, protecting your pride and joy is ess...
Read more
Beginner's Guide to Investing in New Zealand (2026)
Learn how to start investing in New Zealand with as little as $1. Compare platforms like Sharesies, InvestNow, Kernel and Hatch. Understand funds, sh...
Read more
KiwiSaver Funds Compared: Which Type is Right for You?
Ever wondered if your KiwiSaver fund is pulling its weight, or if there's a better match out there for your dreams—like that bach by the beach or a co...
Read more