Why does it feel harder than ever to get ahead in New Zealand? For many Kiwis, the combination of rising costs, mortgages, and life pressures is creating a constant sense of financial strain.
The Midlife Squeeze
For many people in their 30s and 40s, life hits a particularly challenging phase – often described as the “midlife squeeze.” It’s a period where financial pressure and personal responsibility collide.
You’re working hard to grow your income and build a future, while juggling:
- Young children and the demands of family life
- Large mortgages and rising interest costs
- Supporting or worrying about ageing parents
- The constant feeling of not having enough time
This combination creates a sense that no matter how hard you push forward, progress feels slow. As discussed in the podcast, this isn’t an isolated experience – it’s something seen across a wide range of clients.
Rising Costs and Economic Pressure
A major reason it feels harder than ever to get ahead in New Zealand is the increasing cost of living.
There’s a growing sense that:
- The cost of everything has increased significantly
- Interest rates and debt costs have risen
- Opportunities feel more limited than before
This shift has been particularly noticeable in the post-COVID environment, where many people feel like the economic landscape has fundamentally changed. Even in industries like lending, reduced competition and tighter conditions are making things more difficult.
The result? More pressure on households, and less room to move financially.
The Mental Load of Trying to Get Ahead
Beyond the numbers, there’s a mental and emotional weight that comes with trying to get ahead.
It shows up as:
- Constantly thinking about what needs to be done next
- Struggling to switch off, even at night
- Feeling like you’re always behind
On top of that, comparison plays a role. Social media can create the illusion that others are moving ahead faster or living better lives – even if that isn’t the full reality.
This disconnect can make financial progress feel even harder than it actually is.
The Mortgage Reality
For many Kiwis, property is meant to be a step forward but it can also become a source of pressure.
Some common challenges include:
- Buying at peak periods and carrying high levels of debt
- Feeling “stuck” in a property due to market conditions
- Being told that owning a home means you’ve “made it,” when the reality feels very different
The expectation doesn’t always match the experience. Owning a home can still feel like a grind, especially when debt levels are high and flexibility is limited.
Progress Isn’t Always Linear
One of the most important ideas discussed is that progress happens in seasons.
Not every stage of life is about rapid financial growth.
There are periods where:
- Income may reduce (e.g. raising children)
- Expenses increase (e.g. childcare, mortgages)
- Time and focus are pulled in multiple directions
That doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward – it just means progress may look different.
Over time, wealth tends to build in a more exponential way. The challenge is staying consistent long enough to reach that point.
Redefining What “Getting Ahead” Means
A key shift is understanding what money is actually for.
At its core, money serves two purposes:
- To enjoy life now
- To enjoy life in the future
The real goal is sustainability – being able to balance both.
That means recognising:
- Some seasons are about pushing forward financially
- Others are about stepping back and prioritising life outside of money
- There is no fixed “arrival point” where everything suddenly feels easy
Key Takeaways
- Rising costs and interest rates are making financial progress harder
- The mental load of money is just as significant as the financial side
- Owning property doesn’t always mean financial freedom
- Progress happens in seasons not every stage is about rapid growth
- Wealth builds over time, but consistency is the hardest part
- Money is ultimately about enjoying life, both now and in the future
Next Steps
If this feels like you right now, it might be time to step back and build a plan that actually works for your stage of life – that’s exactly what we help clients do at Lighthouse Wealth.
If you’d like to watch more, check out this other episode below.
For a no obligation discussion to see how we can help you on the path to wealth, please contact us.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only, is provided free of charge and does not constitute professional advice. We try to keep the information up to date. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, in relation to this article – including (without limitation) warranties as to accuracy, completeness and fitness for any particular purpose. Please seek independent advice before acting on any information in this article.
