First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵
🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓
Send us your tricky puzzles!
Builders
Summer is here — perfect time to build outdoors
Thinking about a new deck, fence, or landscaping work?
Now’s the time to get it done while we’re enjoying the best of Kapiti’s summer weather.
We’re a small, reliable building team offering high-quality workmanship at affordable hourly rates and sharp material prices. I’m a qualified builder and a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), we take pride in delivering solid, long-lasting results for our clients.
Granny Flats & Small Homes — New Rules commencing in January,
New legislation means you can now build up to 70sqm without a building consent, provided the work is carried out by an LBP.
We’ve got exciting projects starting next year that take full advantage of this change — and we’d love to help you explore what’s possible on your site.
Our Services
• Decks & fences
• Landscaping & digger services
• Bathroom & kitchen renovations
• Renovations & alterations
• New builds & small homes
• Window & door installation
• General building & maintenance
• Full council consent management (if required)
Let’s talk
Whether it’s a small upgrade or a full build, we’d love to help bring your project to life.
www.jmurphybuilding.co.nz...
Joe – 021 0811 2603
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