Elevate your money game and master your finances with our friendly, informative blogs. We cover everything, from taking out loans and building your KiwiSaver to improving your credit score and figuring out what good scores could do for you. 

Your resources{dot}

Are you checking your credit score for the first time? Or going up for something big, like a business loan. We've got tips here on how to best track your score and how to make it improve, so lenders start seeking you out!

Tips for checking your credit score.

credit score chart large-01.svg

Tip 1: Know your credit scoring numbers.

<h2>Tip 2: Applying for a business loan? Do a credit report.</h2><ul><li>Check your score through Yonda for instant access.</li><li>Touch base with a credit reporter for a full paper report to take to the bank. We have three in New Zealand; Equifax, illion and Centrix.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Tip 3: Query what you find.&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>Credit reports can go astray, so check for errors.</li><li>If anything seems amiss, query what you find with your credit reporting agency. They have to fix it if it's wrong.</li></ul>

christin-hume-Hcfwew744z4-unsplash (1).png

Tip 4: Stay on track.

clay-banks-tgquMvhNLc4-unsplash.png

Tip 6: Don't make too many credit enquiries.

Need help managing your money? Yonda's here for you.

<h4><span class="text-tiny"><i><strong>Disclaimer.</strong></i></span></h4><p><span class="text-tiny"><i>Info and tools on the Yonda website are to be used as a guide only and do not constitute financial advice. Use Yonda as a starting point and then seek professional advice.</i></span></p>

Do credit scores make no sense at all? No sweat — because we're all about explaining this little number simply for Kiwis. Here we cover what scores are and how to check them, and general credit score info that's helpful to know. 

What are credit scores?

large_yonda9.jpg

medium_yonda9.jpg

small_yonda9.jpg

thumbnail_yonda9.jpg

xlarge_yonda9.jpg

xsmall_yonda9.jpg

yonda9.jpg

If you’ve ever taken out a loan, a credit card or made a hire purchase, you’ll have one of these. But what exactly is a credit score? In short, it’s a number that tells banks and lenders how much money you can secure when applying for loans or other credit amounts.

What's a credit score?

Managing your money can quickly feel overwhelming when you're busy living life, especially when emergencies suddenly break out. However, planning a budget and factoring in some wiggle room can save you a lot of hassle further down the road.

Personal finance tips.

yonda10.jpg

Tip 1: Plan a budget.

<h2>Tip 2: Apply the ‘<strong>50-20-30’ </strong>rule.</h2><ul><li>Spend 50% on necessities.</li><li>Put 20% towards your savings.</li><li>30% can go to whatever.</li><li>Or, if you like, try '60-20-10-10:<ul><li>60% on expenses.</li><li>20% for savings.</li><li>10% on long term goals.</li><li>And 10% on short-term fun!<br>&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul><h2>Tip 3: Write down your purchases.</h2><ul><li><span style="color:#0E101A;">Start by adding up your income&nbsp;— that's all the money you've got coming in.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="color:#0E101A;">Then, subtract all your expenses<strong>&nbsp;</strong>— that's everything you spend (we do mean everything).</span></li><li>Once you have an idea of what you currently spend, start taking note of your purchases as you make them.</li><li>You can note this down on your phone, on a notepad or by making a scrapbook out of your receipts! If you go for this option, make sure to add up the online payments.</li></ul>

patrick-mcgregor-5ZlKJV0HfYs-unsplash.png

Tip 4: Set long (and short) term goals.

toa-heftiba-QnUywvDdI1o-unsplash.png

Tip 5: Carefully consider personal loans.

Applying for KiwiSaver.png

Tip 6: If loans are for you, know your credit score.

Need a hand with your personal finance in NZ? Yonda’s here.

<h4><span class="text-tiny"><i><strong>Disclaimer.</strong></i></span></h4><p><span class="text-tiny"><i>Info and tools on the Yonda website are used as a guide only and do not constitute financial advice. Use Yonda as a starting point and then seek professional advice.</i></span></p>

Personal Finance Tips

Found out your credit score and didn't like what you saw? Or have you just been rejected from a loan or credit application? No worries — we've got tips on raising scores, what you should be looking out for and even why you should care (if you're still not convinced). Plus, extra tips on how to improve your score when house hunting.

Improve your credit score

large_Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

medium_Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

small_Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

thumbnail_Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

xlarge_Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

xsmall_Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

Debit or credit card_ That is the question.jpg

There are many different credit card options out there — but how do you know which card (or cards) to use?

Debit or credit card?

large_How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

medium_How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

small_How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

thumbnail_How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

xlarge_How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

xsmall_How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

How to set reminders for your bills!.jpg

Do you often forget to check your bills? That’s understandable — bills have a habit of coming in when we least expect. So, how do you keep on track of them?

How to set reminders for your bills.

large_Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

medium_Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

small_Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

thumbnail_Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

xlarge_Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

xsmall_Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are so important..jpg

It's crucial to keep a good hold on any money leaving your account. So, in this blog, we’ll cover all the ways to track your money — financial planning, budgets and calendars.

Why financial planning, budgets and calendars are important.

large_How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

medium_How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

small_How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

thumbnail_How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

xlarge_How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

xsmall_How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.jpg

Did you miss a payment and now have to tell your credit provider? While it can seem daunting, the steps towards getting your missed payment sorted are straightforward. 

How to talk to your lender or provider about a missed payment.

large_I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

medium_I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

small_I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

thumbnail_I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

xlarge_I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

xsmall_I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

I missed a repayment, ahhh, what should I do_.jpg

Missing a repayment can be concerning, particularly if you’re trying to grow your credit score so you can get better access to loans. But the good news is, if you catch a missed payment early, it’s easy to correct.

I missed a repayment — what should I do?

large_Help, I'm struggling with debt_ Can I claim hardship_.jpg

medium_Help, I'm struggling with debt_ Can I claim hardship_.jpg

small_Help, I'm struggling with debt_ Can I claim hardship_.jpg

thumbnail_Help, I'm struggling with debt_ Can I claim hardship_.jpg

xsmall_Help, I'm struggling with debt_ Can I claim hardship_.jpg

Help, I'm struggling with debt_ Can I claim hardship_.jpg

While it’s always wise to pay your bills, they can sometimes pile up, making it hard to manage. Taking out loans to pay other loans may also prove difficult, as lenders or credit providers will likely prevent you from getting other loans if you have a history of not repaying what you owe.

Help, I'm struggling with debt — can I claim hardship?

large_About us 1 (1).jpg

medium_About us 1 (1).jpg

small_About us 1 (1).jpg

thumbnail_About us 1 (1).jpg

xsmall_About us 1 (1).jpg

About us 1 (1).jpg

Are you thinking of going into business or getting a degree? Well, you're probably going to need to start thinking about loans. Here, we've got tips on applying for loans and mortgages, financing your car, starting school and even how much you should borrow. Plus, extra tips on how to stay safe online and ward off pesky cyber-attacks!

Getting a loan

yonda_website icons_tips.svg

Loan tips

medium_resources.png

small_resources.png

thumbnail_resources.png

xsmall_resources.png

resources.png

KiwiSaver is a great way to get started on that retirement fund or first home loan — it forces you to put a little aside each week until that little becomes quite a lot! Here, we've got tips on how to apply, track, switch out and even spend your KiwiSaver. Plus, extra tips on how the KiwiSaver scheme helps mortgage borrowers.

Your resources.

Getting a loan

Managing KiwiSaver

Improve your credit score

What are credit scores?

Explore

Mortgage finance tips.

Car finance tips.

Credit score check.

Credit scoring tips.

KiwiSaver tips.

Personal finance tips.

Cyber Security tips.

Personal loan tips.

Download Yonda today, it's free.

Quick Links

Info centre

Support

Your resources.

Getting a loan

Managing KiwiSaver

Improve your credit score

What are credit scores?

Explore

Mortgage finance tips.

Car finance tips.

Credit score check.

Credit scoring tips.

KiwiSaver tips.

Personal finance tips.

Cyber Security tips.

Personal loan tips.

Download Yonda today, it's free.

Quick Links

Info centre

Support

Follow us: