Our latest news
See the latest news from Heartland Bank, as well as helpful updates, research and insights to empower you with the knowledge you need to make more informed decisions around your finances.
Heartland Reverse Mortgages recognised for commitment to customers
Heartland Reverse Mortgages has been awarded Consumer Trusted accreditation for the fourth year in a row after meeting the strict Consumer Trusted Code of Conduct.
Here’s one way to fund a more comfortable retirement
Many assume that by the time you hit retirement, you will have enough savings to fund the lifestyle you have always desired. However, with the rise in living costs and an aging population, this is unfortunately not the case for many Kiwis.
According to a recent survey, 96% of customers were either very or extremely satisfied with their Heartland Reverse Mortgage
The overall response for those who took out a Heartland Reverse Mortgage was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of customers responding they were either very satisfied or extremely satisfied.
Mortgage deferral scheme not the only solution for older Kiwis
The Reserve Bank’s announcement of the extension of the mortgage deferral scheme from 27 September 2020 to 31 March 2021 may result in relief to some borrowers. However, for others, the relief may only be temporary.
New challenges for retirees in post COVID New Zealand
Many New Zealanders are retiring without the funds they need to support the lifestyle they want to live. In the post COVID-19 environment, this trend is expected to continue.
Key findings from retirement income policy review
The 2019 Review of Retirement Income Policies laid to rest ideas circulating around raising the age of eligibility for NZ Super, while also producing 19 recommendations for government to help better prepare people for retirement.
How low can you go?
With the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) recently dropping the Official Cash Rate to 0.25%, following a 0.50% reduction last year, news coverage has largely overlooked the adverse effects on deposits.
Lower interest rates hurting retirees
When the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) surprised the market on 7 August 2019 with a 0.50% reduction in the Official Cash Rate, the majority of coverage focused on how many dollars per week better off a family with a mortgage would be. However, many Kiwis, typically retirees, rely on the interest from deposits at banks as a source to complement their income.
What does retirement look like in the future?
The Retirement Commission’s triennial Review of Retirement Income Policies is currently in progress and is open for public submissions until 31 October.
Building value at its strongest in recent years
Building values remain healthy and building activity had its strongest quarter in three years, spelling good news for homeowners exploring the option of releasing the value in their homes through a reverse mortgage.
Mortgage-free no more?
With recent statistics pointing to a softening in the New Zealand market, and news that the number of mortgage-free households continues to decline, Kiwis are beginning to question their spending.
The cost of living well
Listed as one of the top 12 countries in the world to grow old in by the Global AgeWatch Index for three years in a row, one might think that Kiwi seniors are living the retirement dream – travelling overseas, learning new skills and pursuing often neglected hobbies – but is this true for most … Continue reading “The cost of living well”
How to spot a phoney
Phones remain a popular and lucrative weapon of choice for scammers, with the average victim in New Zealand losing $5,000. However, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Bronwyn Groot, Head of Fraud Education at the Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC), has extensive knowledge of the subject after spending more than … Continue reading “How to spot a phoney”
Fraud Awareness Week
Scammers, fake charities, fraudsters, cheats. They’re constantly thinking up new ways to trick you out of your money. The internet with online banking, shopping, and social media has given criminals new opportunities and led to increasingly sophisticated scams. Sadly, each year thousands of Kiwis get caught. Some people have lost hundreds of dollars, others their … Continue reading “Fraud Awareness Week”
Putting people first
Heartland Bank supports NZ financial regulators’ initiative to ensure banks are focussing on good customer outcomes. A Royal Commission, which is leading a wide-reaching investigation into misconduct in the Australian financial services industry, has prompted NZ-regulators – the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) – to take a look closer … Continue reading “Putting people first”
The hidden costs of retirement
Retirement can be expensive. It’s hard enough to calculate how much money you’ll need to live, let alone how to plan for hidden costs. Here a few common unexpected expenses and how you can plan for them. Medical insurance Everybody knows that medical insurance premiums rise steadily with age, but they jump suddenly from 65 … Continue reading “The hidden costs of retirement”
Age of alchemy
An extended working life might be born out of necessity, but as well as keeping seniors engaged and providing greater financial freedom, delaying the age of retirement will provide a considerable boost to the economy over the next few decades. The Business of Ageing – Realising the economic potential of older people in New Zealand: … Continue reading “Age of alchemy”
Your personal care and welfare
Having a personal care EPA gives you the peace of mind that, should something happen that means you’re no longer able to look after yourself, you’ll have someone you love and trust stepping in to fill the breach.
Do you have a will?
Your family’s happiness is likely just as important to you after your life as during it. Ensuring you have a detailed, official will in place can offer peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
Future-proofing your home for retirement
Home is where the heart is, and retiring in their home is a common dream for many Kiwis. If you’re one of them, these renovation tips could help you future-proof your home.
Volunteering in retirement benefits all involved
With fewer Kiwis taking the time to volunteer, over-65s are becoming increasingly important to their communities
Expect the unexpected
Losing the ability to make your own decisions is an unnerving prospect, but being prepared for a worst-case scenario can provide some peace of mind – which is why we recommend seniors consider creating an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA).
Is a Reverse Mortgage an option for your retirement?
Join us for afternoon tea and get the facts about how a Reverse Mortgage can help you in your retirement.
The grandparent connection
It’s no secret that grandparents play a vital role in their grandkids’ lives – highly regarded anthropologist Margaret Mead proposed that connections between the generations are “essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.”
How will you fund your retirement?
There are many ways to fund your retirement. Our expert, Lisa Hatfield discusses reverse mortgages, a retirement tool that is often overlooked.
Train your brain!
Incorporating these simple steps into your life could help you in the fight against dementia and memory loss.
Retirees rely on state pension as savings run out
Most retirees will use up their savings in just 10 years and rely solely on the state pension after that, new research suggests.
Preparing ageing parents for retirement
Simple tips to help you, your siblings and your parents to be prepared.
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