Real-life read: Eliza

What’s the best money advice you’ve ever been given? 

Not to make large purchases on an impulse and instead take at least a week to decide if you really need what you’re considering. If after a week you still think you need it and feel confident that it fits your budget, great, go back for it! This strategy helps me stay away from making decisions that leave me with financial hangxiety. 

Are you a spender or a saver? 

I think that by nature, I am a spender, but over time as I’ve started achieving more financial goals, I’ve found joy in saving as well. I like to put a predetermined amount of money into my savings, mortgage and bills accounts as soon as I get paid, so I know how much I can spend while still meeting my longer-term goals.  

What’s been your proudest money moment? 

Although my most recent milestone of purchasing my first home was a massively exciting moment, I think there was something really special about buying my first car. It was the first large purchase I’d ever saved up for and made all on my own, and the feeling of pride and freedom that came with it was massive.  

What makes you feel sorted when it comes to your money? 

I feel much more sorted by staying away from debt that I don’t need and will ultimately not be a long-term investment. My mortgage and student loan don’t bother me, but the idea of using small personal loans or buy now, pay later platforms to support my lifestyle makes me feel really anxious. Living within my means brings me a lot of peace, even if it’s not always as fun.  

What money beliefs have you inherited from your whānau? 

I’ve been lucky to see my older siblings traverse the world of becoming financially independent before me, and I think I’ve inherited through them my balanced perspective of making sure I’m responsible with my money while also enjoying life along the way. I learned a lot from them about the importance of prioritisation, deciding what’s important to you and being willing to make sacrifices in other areas.  

If your bank account could talk, what would it say to you right now? 

“It must almost be pay day, right…?!” Or it might congratulate me on the reduced number of coffees purchased per week. I've learned to love the office instant and it’s probably saved me thousands! 

When you think about your retirement, what do you see? 

I see travel to amazing countries, spending time with family and living in a comfortable home somewhere peaceful. I hope to feel financially secure enough to enjoy myself and make the most of the freedom that comes with that stage of life, and not worry about paying off a mortgage or having to work much longer than I’d like to. 

If you’d like to join the conversation and share your own experiences with money, we’d love to hear from you. Fill in this form, and we’ll get back to you. Ngā mihi!