tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366625668547847559.post3056485534365850737..comments2023-04-10T21:49:02.382+12:00Comments on Retire at 40: Does your Bank have a Broken Business Model?Andrew Chiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188923018802410700noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366625668547847559.post-40876671862100622352008-12-01T21:49:00.000+13:002008-12-01T21:49:00.000+13:00Ha. Funnily enough, as a kiwi expat in the UK, we...Ha. Funnily enough, as a kiwi expat in the UK, we ended up with FirstDirect as no other bank would actually lend to us (when we bought our house in 2000, I didn't have permanent residence in the UK). Worked out very nicely for all concerned, and we even still have our FD accounts three years after moving home (no transaction fees, so why close them?). <BR/><BR/>We found a mortgage broker quite helpful - although Kiwibank committed to giving the lowest mortgage rate over a 6-year period (the mean time for ownership of a particular property, apparently), we ended up going with Westpac as they kicked in $750 for legal fees and the rates differential between them and kiwibank was minimal. So as in everything, it's worth shopping around.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540345442513477548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366625668547847559.post-75665042284873753172008-11-30T19:26:00.000+13:002008-11-30T19:26:00.000+13:00My wife and I have been with ANZ, Kiwibank and fin...My wife and I have been with ANZ, Kiwibank and finally BankDirect (online only bank, subsidiary of ASB)- couldn't be happier. They have consistently low interest rates on credit cards, the _best_ online banking experience I've seen so far, and you still get an "account manager" with just a transaction account.<BR/><BR/>Just found your blog by way of GetRichSlowly- enjoying the kiwi perspective! I'm a native of California but been over here (Wellington) for nearly two years. My wife has been here for the last twenty plus years.<BR/><BR/>Happy holidays!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366625668547847559.post-35946981950925538322008-11-17T14:20:00.000+13:002008-11-17T14:20:00.000+13:00@apieceofwood:Sounds like you're happy with your b...@apieceofwood:<BR/><BR/>Sounds like you're happy with your bank, which is always good. You're right, it is a hassle to change banks but it's not as hard as people think - they should try it before presuming :-)<BR/><BR/>@betty's only:<BR/>Sounds like you're having a good journey on your way to financial freedom. I hope the refinance goes well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366625668547847559.post-16399750687842750782008-11-17T13:13:00.000+13:002008-11-17T13:13:00.000+13:00The banks that I use are not virtual. I need to r...The banks that I use are not virtual. I need to refinance my mortgages to a 15 year instead of 30, but my credit scores needs to be much higher. When I do refinance it will be with a bank that offers a decent interest rate. <BR/><BR/>I am learning and building to achieve financial freedom. I may bumb my head from time to time, but overall I am doing great. <BR/><BR/>Betty's Only<BR/>www.financialsuccessismine.blogspot.combettysonlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05390756707421240782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366625668547847559.post-66387603550121898032008-11-17T02:32:00.000+13:002008-11-17T02:32:00.000+13:00I've been with my current (totally online) bank fo...I've been with my current (totally online) bank for about 8 years and although I nearly changed once or twice, i can't fault them or their services. I don't get charged for anything, customer service is always great and they are really flexible.<BR/><BR/>I agree it's a hassle to change banks, but the process is easier than it used to be, but it would have to be a super deal to make me change at the moment!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com