Business North October 2021

104 | Building financial stability is crucial Karen Phelps Tapere Hewett BUSINESS Hewett Mortgages B usiness owner and property investor Tapere Hewett knows first-hand the challenges people face when building financial stability. Her company Hewett Mortgages is founded on over 20 years of property experience as Tapere and her husband Shane have success- fully created a property investment portfolio to secure their financial future from humble beginnings. “Hewett Mortgages is a place for Kiwis to turn to for honest, independent, and financial advice. We see our service as a transforma- tional journey through home ownership,” explains Tapere. “We are a one-stop shop seeking to simplify our clients’ process be- cause we understand the stressful nature. We educate and guide clients through pre-qualifi- cation, goal setting, sourcing finance, general home purchasing advice, and working along- side trusted experts to ensure our clients feel supported and confident to make decisions.” While many mortgage advisors come from a banking background, Tapere’s path is different. As well as boasting impressive cre- dentials as a mortgage and financial advisor, Tapere holds an MBA and held several leader- ship roles in financials, credit, and compliance. A wealth of knowledge in the New Zealand property market, council requirements and re- source consents stems from working at Auck- land Council managing treasury and financial transactions, infrastructure and environmen- tal services and resource consents. Previously a frontline constable for the New Zealand Police, Tapere believes this has instilled strong morals to do the right thing with a clear focus on helping people. Passionate about seeing people thrive through financial wellbeing, Tapere is enthu- siastic about assisting Kiwis to create financial security through property. “People should view property as a secure haven as well as a place to call home. When utilised correctly, property can also be a vehicle to financial independence,” she says. Tapere has assisted many first homebuyers who believed home ownership was impossi- ble. “Some clients are the first of their generation to own property. I am changing lives for the better, showing clients how home ownership can be achieved.” Tapere is a member of the Pacific Business Trust, which has helped her access opportu- nities and realise her own business goals as a proud Kiwi-owned business. Hewett Mortgages works with people from all over New Zealand. Because it is independ- ent of any bank or financial institution, Hewett Mortgages provides access to over 20 lenders. “People should view property as a secure haven as well as a place to call home. When utilised correctly, property can also be a vehicle to financial independence.” Tips for first homebuyers: • Join Kiwisaver and increase contributions where possible. These funds can contribute towards your first homebuyer’s deposit. • Have a long-term savings account and put aside a set amount each pay. • Avoid running up any debt (credit cards, per- sonal loans etc). Focus your efforts on good debt and investments that could potentially grow in value such as a home or other assets. • Keep working towards increasing your income. This will help you meet the bank’s affordability criteria. • Speak to a mortgage expert who is passion- ate about your success. Tips for existing homeowners • Drive down your mortgage debt as much as you can. • If you are a couple working full time, live off one income, use the other income to pay down debt, and create contingency savings. Strong, practical advice • Business and Commercial Law • Property Law • Family Law and Relationship Property • Trusts and Asset Planning Boyle Mathieson is a legal practice based in Henderson, West Auckland and serves its community and clients with outstanding but affordable legal advice. 09 837 6004 www.bmlaw.co.nz | office@bmlaw.co.nz • Elder Law/Retirement Planning • Immigration • Wills and Estates • Litigation • Notary Public Change happens. Dreams change. Events occur. What you want to do at 30 could be different to what you’re hoping to achieve at 60. Financial adviser Jaime James specialises in helping clients protect their most important and valuable asset – themselves. “I help clients sidestep rookie mistakes that can happen when they do not seek specialist advice or guidance on insurance,” she says. And Jaime knows better than most what a difference the right advice can make. She was in her 20s when, fuelled by a Global Financial Crisis, her mortgage rate hit 10%, she was made redundant, and without an income she could not meet her in ated mortgage repayments. The worst part was she couldn’t sell her home because the property market had bottomed-out. Without expert advice and guidance in lending and insurance Jaime says she made common mistakes. It’s now become her life mission to empower clients through sharing her knowledge and helping them manage their risk. Common problems Jaime comes across is that people are worried about the increasing cost of insurance premiums, they’re uncertain if their existing insurance ts their current needs or if they have suf cient cover. Financial mapping answers these questions and more. “Clients are often telling me this is particularly helpful during these changing times. I provide a visual snapshot of their current nancial position and model different scenarios exploring ways that could help reduce debt, increase cash ow and align insurance to support their plans and budget,” explains Jaime. She says that since 2020 many people have their own story experiencing changes with home, work, and family. “We assist our clients through this journey when their health and nancial circumstances change. Clients come to us sharing their ups, which are typically life events like having a baby, getting married, buying a home and starting a business. We support our clients during the inevitable downs, such as illness, injury, and death. These challenges normally have a physical, emotional and nancial impact on clients and their loved ones, so planning for them makes sense. Clients say we make a meaningful difference, especially as we facilitate our clients’ claims so they can focus on recovery.” The results can be extreme. As an example Jaime recently had a 41-year-old female client diagnosed with cancer. “We facilitated her insurance claim, which is paying for medical treatment costs (such as non-Pharmac funded drugs), covering her mortgage repayments and main living costs like power and food. This means she can take time off work to rest and recover. That’s the sort of difference the right advice and assistance makes.” w w w. j a i m e j a m e s . c o m Financial Adviser, specialising in helping clients protect their most valuable asset – themselves. Phone: 021 527 069 Email: jaime@jaimejames.com Of ce: Level 26, HSBC Tower, 188 Quay Street, Auckland, 1010