--- title: Think about what you can control II description: Think about what you can control during covid-19 image: https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hubfs/Campaigns/Here%20to%20help%20/Mel-Cadman.jpeg --- [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/) ![](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hubfs/Campaigns/Here%20to%20help%20/Mel-Cadman.jpeg) #### Think about what you can control II - Mel Cadman - 16th of April 2020 - [budgeting](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/tag/budgeting) It was only a short month ago that I penned my first [Think About What You Can Control](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/think-about-what-you-can-control) blog – the alert system hadn’t quite been devised, in person social interactions were still possible, and we could indulge the simplest of pleasures (like buying a daily coffee).   On reflection it really is extraordinary to consider how much things have changed in such a short period of time.   The Economy – my commentary then versus now. | The Economy | Then (Mid-March 2020) | Now (Mid-April 2020) | | --- | --- | --- | | Globally | Markets are based on trade and confidence. Naturally we’ve seen a downturn in both which has resulted in [share-market declines](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51841648). | Economic concerns have deepened with the term [depression now in use by the IMF](https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2020/apr/14/stock-markets-china-trade-global-recession-imf-forecasts-covid-19-business-live). Although some markets continue to rally. | | **Nationally** | Forestry, manufacturing and tourism are struggling with the lack of demand and foot traffic. | It is no longer just a sector conversation, the [NZ economy is now expected to shrink in 2020](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/121019785/imf-expects-new-zealand-economy-to-shrink-72). | | **Locally** | Kiwi’s are starting to feel it particularly in places like Queenstown and Rotorua but also generally. | [Job losses](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/120977941/coronavirus-128000-job-losses-and-13-billion-hit-to-gdp-after-three-months-of-travel-restrictions-iata-says) have unfortunately become a reality for many. | Yes, it makes for grim reading. However, as [Treasury rightfully points out](https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/tr/treasury-report-t2020-973-economic-scenarios-13-april-2020), this is a ‘once in a century’ public health shock, the impacts of which remain uncertain and will vary depending on our alert level duration. So, what does that mean for you?   Right now we can do very little to change the above – and granted for many that has very significant consequences.  However, if I revert to the core message of my original blog, I would again encourage you to focus on what you can control and make a plan accordingly.   As our Rotorua business owner [Sally Copeland explains in our latest video Q&A](https://www.facebook.com/nzhlcompany/videos/2970142959736727/) taking back control of your finances and working out your current position, even if it’s a difficult thing to do right now, is the first step.  From here you can genuinely make a plan to trim, reset or seek assistance if that’s what is required.   Interestingly for some this lockdown period has bought them to realisations about the amount of money they don’t need to spend each week.  As Sally points out, surprisingly, yes that flat white will make a difference on your mortgage if you want it to.   NZHL has a network of nearly [80 New Zealand business owners](https://nzhl.co.nz/find-us/) who are helping people just like you to get in control and focus on financial freedom, faster.  Please check out our latest video Q&A series for further information and[financial guidance to get you through COVID-19](https://www.youtube.com/user/nzhomeloans).     ![Mel Cadman](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(10).png?width=300&name=image%20(10).png) - Mel Cadman *Author* **Share this article** - LinkedIn - Facebook - Twitter - Google - Reddit - Tumblr ##### Related Articles [![Either earn more or have a savings plan](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/wealthmanagement-656x350.jpg?width=300&name=wealthmanagement-656x350.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/either-earn-more-or-have-a-savings-plan) [**Either earn more or have a savings plan**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/either-earn-more-or-have-a-savings-plan) 8 November 2016 Around 7 years ago I was in a conversation with a colleague around what income you would... 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... [![Credit Card Tips](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/creditcards-487x350.jpg?width=300&name=creditcards-487x350.jpg)](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/credit-card-tips) [**Credit Card Tips**](https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/articles/credit-card-tips) 14 January 2016 In today’s increasingly online world, credit cards are becoming less of a luxury and more... [![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. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "caption" : { "@type" : "MediaObject", "contentUrl" : "https://blog.nzhl.co.nz/media-transcripts/28416912188/en.vtt", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "en Captions" }, "contentUrl" : "https://5029003.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hubfs/5029003/Campaigns/Here%20to%20help%20/Budgeting%20Tips%20(1).mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-09-17T02:47:23.357Z", "duration" : "PT7M10S", "height" : 720, "name" : "Budgeting Tips (1)", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://5029003.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hubfs/5029003/Campaigns/Here%20to%20help%20/Budgeting%20Tips%20(1).mp4/medium.jpg?t=1758077243357", "uploadDate" : "2020-04-16T03:18:26.883Z", "width" : 1280 } ```