[Roper]

Hi there. I find myself see-sawing constantly when reading the various opinions on money and living in NZ. It seems like so many people are worse off financially and struggle to make end meet. Whilst I understand that the reasons for moving are imprtant - and usually relate to safety and desire for a better life - it seems many are left despondent due to the high cost of living in NZ.

I know everyone has different expectations but is it ok to manage on approx 60k per year? (Couple and 1 child at varsity)

[IanW99]

Hi there. I find myself see-sawing constantly when reading the various opinions on money and living in NZ. It seems like so many people are worse off financially and struggle to make end meet. Whilst I understand that the reasons for moving are imprtant - and usually relate to safety and desire for a better life - it seems many are left despondent due to the high cost of living in NZ.

I know everyone has different expectations but is it ok to manage on approx 60k per year? (Couple and 1 child at varsity)

There are many families in NZ that survive on less money than NZ$60K so yes it can be done.

When you get to NZ will you be renting a property or buying and if buying then will you need a mortgage? Do you normally live frugally e.g. look for the special offers, make things yourself, rarely eat out etc or how would you define yourself?

We would need to know a little more about your circumstances before we could begin to give you a better idea than that really, but this has been discussed on the forum many times before so maybe searching will give you the answers?

Ian

[Roper]

mmmmm.... thanks again Ian.

We are keen to apply using my qualification - the wife - I have a job offer in the short skill catagory. My hubby is 61 and although he works full-time here we doubt he will get anything permanent there. He does not have any formal qualification. We currently live comfotably. Not too much spare cash but we do ok. Dinner usually once a week. Most of our savings on kids education...... Eat well. Have a decent 3 bedroom home with pool and large yard. 2 cars... sorry make it 3 as son also has one.....

Truth is I am afraid we will struggle when I read the forum.
We should be able to buy a home with hubby's prov fund and sale of our house.

[IanW99]

mmmmm.... thanks again Ian.

We are keen to apply using my qualification - the wife - I have a job offer in the short skill catagory. My hubby is 61 and although he works full-time here we doubt he will get anything permanent there. He does not have any formal qualification. We currently live comfotably. Not too much spare cash but we do ok. Dinner usually once a week. Most of our savings on kids education...... Eat well. Have a decent 3 bedroom home with pool and large yard. 2 cars... sorry make it 3 as son also has one.....

Truth is I am afraid we will struggle when I read the forum.
We should be able to buy a home with hubby's prov fund and sale of our house.

If you have no loans, mortgages or rent to pay in NZ then NZ$60K is a good income.

You may want to post how much capital you expect to bring over and where you are planning on settling, others may be able to give you an idea if this is sensible?

Ian