Take Control of Your Money
Make owning a home your reality
Knowledge is power when it comes to your finances. Understanding where your money goes and making informed decisions about your spending is the first step towards building your first home deposit.
By taking control of your money today, you're setting yourself up for success not just in saving for a deposit, but in managing the ongoing costs of homeownership.
Why Financial Awareness Matters
Most people don't truly know where their money goes each month. Understanding your current spending patterns is the key to making impactful changes for your future home ownership goals.
Understand Your Position
Know exactly where you stand financially — your income, expenses, debts, and savings rate.
Set Clear Goals
Set specific, achievable savings goals with clear timeframes to keep you motivated.
Build Good Habits
Develop financial habits now that will serve you well as a homeowner managing a mortgage.
Avoid Lifestyle Creep
Learn to prioritise spending and resist the temptation to increase expenses as income grows.
Getting Started
Track Your Spending
Start by tracking every dollar for a month. Use your bank statements or a budgeting app to categorise your spending and see where your money actually goes.
Create a Budget
Based on your spending patterns, create a realistic budget that includes a savings target. Use tools like Sorted.org.nz or PocketSmith to help automate the process.
Track Your First Home Deposit
Create a dedicated savings account for your deposit and monitor its growth. Factor in your KiwiSaver balance and any other deposit contributions to see your total progress.
Review & Adjust
Review your budget monthly and adjust as needed. Celebrate wins and identify areas where you can improve. Consistency is more important than perfection.
Recommended Budgeting Tools
PocketSmith
New Zealand's own budgeting app with automatic bank feeds and financial forecasting
Sorted.org.nz
Free budgeting tools and financial literacy resources from CFFC
Family Budgeting Services
Free budgeting advice and support services across New Zealand
FHBC Member Tools
Mortgage calculators, KiwiSaver tools, and more for members
Need Help With Your Financial Plan?
Book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your savings strategy and get personalised advice.