--- title: Advice to my younger self description: During Money Week 2018 we asked people 'what was the one piece of advice you'd love to go back and give your younger self about money'? image: https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hubfs/youngerself2.jpg --- [0800 030 646](tel:0800030646) - Search - [Contact Us](https://nzhl.co.nz/contact-us/) - [Find Us](https://nzhl.co.nz/find-us/) - [Client Login](https://nzhl.co.nz/login/) [![NZHL](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hubfs/Nzhl_January2019%20Theme/Images/logo-footer-nzhl.png)](https://nzhl.co.nz/) - [Home Loans](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans) - - [Change to NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/switch-to-nzhl/) - [Buying your first home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/first-home/) - [Buying your next home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/next-home/) - [Interest rates](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/interest-rates/) - [Home Loan calculators](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/tools-calculators/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - - [How much could I borrow?](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/tools-calculators/) - [Where's my nearest office?](https://nzhl.co.nz/find-us/) - [How much deposit do I need?](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/first-home/getting-a-deposit/) - [Insurance](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance) - - [Your Life](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-life/) - [Your Health](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-health/) - [Your Home and Car](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-home/) - [Your Income](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-income/) - [Request a quote](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/request-a-quote/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - - [NEW! Reducing Life Cover](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-life/) - [Request a quote](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/request-a-quote/) - [Make a claim](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/make-a-claim/) - [About NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl) - - [In the Community](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/in-the-community/) - [Head Office](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/head-office/) - [Media Centre](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/media-centre/) - [Work with us](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/work-with-us/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - - [Our sponsorships](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/in-the-community/) - [Job opportunities with NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/work-with-us/) - [Why change to NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/switch-to-nzhl/) - [Articles](https://nzhl.co.nz/articles) - - [Finances](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/finances/) - [Insurance](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/insurance/) - [Lifestyle](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/lifestyle/) - [Property](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/property/) - [NZHL News](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/nzhl-news/) - - [Buying your first home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/first-home/) - [Search](https://nzhl.co.nz/search) - [Home Loans](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans) - [Change to NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/switch-to-nzhl/) - [Buying your first home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/first-home/) - [Buying your next home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/next-home/) - [Interest rates](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/interest-rates/) - [Home Loan calculators](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/tools-calculators/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - [Insurance](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance) - [Your Life](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-life/) - [Your Health](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-health/) - [Your Home and Car](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-home/) - [Your Income](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-income/) - [Request a quote](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/request-a-quote/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - [About NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl) - [In the Community](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/in-the-community/) - [Head Office](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/head-office/) - [Media Centre](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/media-centre/) - [Work with us](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/work-with-us/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - [Articles](https://nzhl.co.nz/articles) - [Finances](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/finances/) - [Insurance](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/insurance/) - [Lifestyle](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/lifestyle/) - [Property](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/property/) - [NZHL News](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/nzhl-news/) ![youngerself2](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hubfs/youngerself2.jpg) #### Advice to my younger self - NZHL - 27th of September 2018 - [Advice](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/tag/advice) During [Money Week](https://moneyweek.org.nz/) 2018 we asked people 'what was the one piece of advice you'd love to go back and give your younger self about money'? We got some amazing responses, here are some of our favourites: To save and go travel instead of wasting money on food and dresses – ruzanforrest Pay off my student loan as quickly as possible, paying more than the bare minimum….takes years off! – 1daniellehadfield Make a plan and save money every week from your first pay. Stick to this plan and use this money as the deposit for your first home – Kay Those couches you really really want look amazing now but in a few years they will look old and haggered and you’ll still be paying the interest off and be wanting a new couch. So save up and don’t get sucked into a high interest credit card. Lots of love your future self ? – Leanne Pay your bills every pay day, put some away for a rainy day and don't buy on credit. Laybuy if you can or save up for what you want. Its amazing how much discount you can get when you pay cash for larger items – Lois Well when I look back, I wish I had done that normal thing, by going to the dentist when I left school, looked after my teeth, then I wouldn't have raided my savings everytime my teeth failed. Oh how much money I'd have in my savings that wouldn't have been spent on my teeth! – Maria ![](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Quote5.jpg?width=1200&height=630&name=Quote5.jpg) I should’ve joined Superannuation when I started working, gotten Life/Medical/Health insurance when I was out of high school and not spend my money on drinking, clubbing, dining out and all that unnecessary crap ?. I should’ve spent my money on travelling the world instead ?. – Mel Save for your retirement! We don't think about it when we are a teenager...it's so far away. Now I wish I'd put even $10 a week aside! Over the last 40 years I'd be rolling in it now! – Karen If you see a job you like, be brave and go for it. Don’t just settle for the easier (often less paying) option. There’s nothing to lose in trying. – Keri Investigate a bit more about the way you can manage and save your money, particularly with the way mortgages can be structured. The difference between my original term and my term now with NZHL is incredible! – Dylan Contemplate the differences twixt want and need my dear, Leave credit cards out in the cold Leave bills not in arrears On all the wants -please leave them be, And on the needs - spend thriftily. What’s left over put away, for Impulse buying doesn’t pay. – Jane Quality not quantity......so save and spend once...also helps the environment with less waste.....and take care of your assets.......things can last a very long time if they are well looked after. – Chanel ![](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Quote13.jpg?width=1200&height=630&name=Quote13.jpg) It doesn't matter how much money you make, it's how much you save and invest that is key. Also, never buy anything on credit if you can't pay it off at the end of the month! Simple - Hannah Stop spending so much on coffee at cafes when you can make a good one at home and take it with you! Will literally save you at least $80 a week ? – Amy Live within your means. Every pay packet save 10% and give away 10% to charity or others in need. Such good habits to develop early on in life and I wish I had! – Rebecca Don't buy things you don't need just to impress people...they don't pay your bills and if they only like you for your money their really not worth their weight in gold - Jen Join kiwisaver as soon as you get your first job and don't get a credit card until you understand how to effectively use it. – Vanessa That time in your early 20's when you were trying to decide between buying land or buying a new car - buy the land!!! – Donna See all of the advice on our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/nzhlcompany/photos/a.10150311098688874/10156667572523874/?type=3&theater) *The information contained in this article is of a general nature and should not be taken as advice. It reflects the opinions of the writer(s) only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of NZHL (New Zealand Home Loans).* - NZHL *Author* **Share this article** - LinkedIn - Facebook - Twitter - Google - Reddit - Tumblr ##### Related Articles [![How to Smash Your Future Financial Goals](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_441619516%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=shutterstock_441619516%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/smash-your-future-financial-goals) [**How to Smash Your Future Financial Goals**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/smash-your-future-financial-goals) 6 May 2019 Most people have a moment in their life when all of their financial burdens snowball into... [![3 Foolproof Ways To Add Value To Your Home (New Zealand)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/increase%20home%20value.jpg?width=300&name=increase%20home%20value.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/3-foolproof-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home-new-zealand) [**3 Foolproof Ways To Add Value To Your Home (New Zealand)**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/3-foolproof-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home-new-zealand) 15 February 2019 If you're thinking about adding value to your home, and the first thing that comes to... [![A Few Great Reads](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/books1250.jpg?width=300&name=books1250.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/a-few-great-reads) [**A Few Great Reads**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/a-few-great-reads) 31 July 2018 Blogs are awesome, this I know, because I write my own BUT for me learning how to be... [![How to save money on petrol](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/fuelgauge1250.jpg?width=300&name=fuelgauge1250.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/how-to-save-money-on-petrol) [**How to save money on petrol**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/how-to-save-money-on-petrol) 13 June 2018 Petrol, the cost of it is highly unlikely to go down anytime soon and for many of us it's... Get in Touch With Us ##### Popular Posts [![Should you break your loan?](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1233077740.jpg?width=300&name=shutterstock_1233077740.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/should-you-break-your-loan) [**Should you break your loan?**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/should-you-break-your-loan) 11 June 2015 In my recent article I spoke about the[impact of the OCR if you are floating](http://www.nzhl.co.nz/are-you-benefiting-from-the-ocr-drop/). Today I’ll... [![5 reasons lenders decline mortgage applications](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/applicationdeclined-525x350.jpg?width=300&name=applicationdeclined-525x350.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/5-reasons-lenders-decline-mortgage-applications) [**5 reasons lenders decline mortgage applications**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/5-reasons-lenders-decline-mortgage-applications) 24 March 2016 There is nothing worse than dreaming of your own home, putting time and effort into... [**Negotiating Tips Every Home Buyer Should Know**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/negotiating-tips-every-home-buyer-should-know) 29 July 2015 The old saying is that in real estate, everything is negotiable. But is it really? [![Buying cars: the worst finance habit?](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/carpurchase-548x350-1.jpg?width=300&name=carpurchase-548x350-1.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/buying-cars-the-worst-finance-habit) [**Buying cars: the worst finance habit?**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/buying-cars-the-worst-finance-habit) 15 November 2016 If I had to describe my worst financial habit, along with a number of my friends, it... [0800 030 646](tel:0800030646) - Search - [Contact Us](https://nzhl.co.nz/contact-us/) - [Find Us](https://nzhl.co.nz/find-us/) - [Client Login](https://nzhl.co.nz/login/) - [Home Loans](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans) - [Change to NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/switch-to-nzhl/) - [Buying your first home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/first-home/) - [Buying your next home](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/next-home/) - [Interest rates](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/interest-rates/) - [Home Loan calculators](https://nzhl.co.nz/home-loans/tools-calculators/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - [Insurance](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance) - [Your Life](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-life/) - [Your Health](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-health/) - [Your Home and Car](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-home/) - [Your Income](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/your-income/) - [Request a quote](https://nzhl.co.nz/insurance/request-a-quote/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - [Why NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/) - [In the Community](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/in-the-community/) - [Head Office](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/head-office/) - [Media Centre](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/media-centre/) - [Work with us](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/work-with-us/) - [FAQ](https://nzhl.co.nz/about-nzhl/faq/) - [Articles](https://nzhl.co.nz/articles) - [Finances](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/finances/) - [Insurance](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/insurance/) - [Lifestyle](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/lifestyle/) - [Property](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/property/) - [NZHL News](https://nzhl.co.nz/topic/nzhl-news/) - ##### Be social & follow us - - - - **Head Office** NZHL PO Box 161 903 Victoria Street Hamilton 3204 **Freephone** [0800 332 837](tel:0800332837) **Email** [info@nzhl.co.nz](mailto:info@nzhl.co.nz) ![NZHL](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hubfs/Nzhl_January2019%20Theme/Images/logo-footer-nzhl.png) **Disclaimer** *The information contained on this website is general in nature and is not intended as advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances and before making any investment, insurance or financial planning decision; you should consult a professional adviser. Copies of our disclosure statements are available on request, free of charge.* **[Our Privacy Policy](https://nzhl.co.nz/privacy-policy/)** © 2019 [NZHL](https://nzhl.co.nz). All rights reserved.