Welcome! I’m Sophia, the author of Mindful with Money (@mindfulwithmoneynz). I’m passionate about all things personal finance, currently work in the NZ financial industry, and hold the NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Life, Disability & Health Insurance; General Insurance; Residential Property Lending) and NZ Certificate in Money Management. This blog is my money diary, and I hope it gives you plenty of helpful tips and inspiration on your own personal finance journey!

Tax Sophia Golfinopoulos Tax Sophia Golfinopoulos

The truth about taxes

It’s a common myth that we pay a third of our income in taxes. But not only does New Zealand have some of the lowest income tax rates in the OECD, we definitely don’t pay a third of our income in taxes!

So how much do we actually pay? Today, I’ll illustrate how income tax works and let you know how to check it out for yourself.

Read More
Tax Sophia Golfinopoulos Tax Sophia Golfinopoulos

I have no money and it’s all my fault: a guide to taxes

Confused about taxes? Here’s my guide to how income taxes work in New Zealand, why you get tax refunds and bills (and why it’s fair), and what to do if you can’t afford to pay it all at once. I’ll also cover the Independent Earner’s Tax Credit for those eligible for a free $520 per year, provisional tax, secondary tax, and more.

Read More

Follow me on @mindfulwithmoneynz

 
How we're saving money as a young family 👶 - Not upgrading our home yet or going on big holidays until both children are 5+ - Weekends with one no-spend day, one affordable café day - Borrowing most books, swapping toys - Meal planning ea
Mindful with Money 3rd edition is HERE! Grab your copy from the link in my bio - PDF or physical copy ❤️ Mindful with Money is a memoir about my personal finance journey - from being a broke 21 year old living paycheck to paycheck, drowning in cons
Sharing a recent money win - and options to help if you also have little ones in ECE! 👶
Tax refund or tax bill? Here's how to read your income tax assessment, which IRD is sending out to you between now and July! 💸 Remember: if you or a loved one has ever received support from the government - via public healthcare, student loans/allo
In NZ money news this week: government announcements, the average KiwiSaver balance, first home buyers' deposits, and more 💸 #newzealand #nz #moneynews
I've shared how I'm investing for my children's financial future - here's the why ✨️ Fun fact: all 3 of my children's investments are run by certified ethical B corps 🤍 Let me know if it's helped with ideas for investing for your own children!
Some of the changes happening tomorrow! How will these changes affect you? If so, for better or for worse? Would love to hear your thoughts 💸
Around 143,000 families will receive an extra $50 per week to help with rising fuel prices, the NZ government announced today. These families will already be eligible for the In-Work Tax Credit under the Working for Families Tax Credits scheme - in
Our EPAs sorted! ✔️ This has been on our financial to-do list forever, so it's a relief to have it done. Thankfully, our life insurance provider subsidised $1000 of the cost of this as part of their legal advice benefit! Do you have an EPA, or do y
Financial green flags in our relationship, and part of how I knew he was The One ❤️ What financial green flags do you look for in a partner?
Are you financially 'average'? From NZ's average household income to average savings, I decided to delve into some stats today - a fascinating look at how we're doing as a country! 💸
In NZ money news this week: the cost of living, longer prescriptions, changes to Best Start, KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals, and property asking prices 💸