We all know about friendship red flags —like that mate who will never message back but is always online, or someone who only ever talks about themselves (IYKYK). But what about financial red flags? And, more importantly, are YOUR moni moves giving off red flags (cue the alarm bells), beige flags (a.k.a. kinda weird but not catastrophic), or green flags (gold-star level)?
These are the moni moves that scream financial chaos and will have your bank account side-eyeing you like, “Auē? Again?”.
Payday feels like winning the lottery… until three days later when you’re scavenging for coins in the couch cushions.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Budgeting sites (like Sorted NZ) can help you plan your purchases and hopefully make your money last the whole month if you’re sensible.
If you refuse to check your balance because you “don’t want to know,” that’s a financial red flag e hoa mā.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Knowledge is power! Check your accounts weekly and track where your money is going. (Even though it’s not always fun, this is still important).
If every time you shop, you see “4 easy payments of…” and immediately hit “add to cart”, you might be setting yourself up for trouble.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Ask yourself, Would I buy this if I had to pay the full amount right now? If the answer is “no,” walk away.
If your version of an “emergency” is “I saw a really nice hoodie,” it’s time to re-evaluate.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Build a real emergency fund—so you’ve got pūtea saved for when unexpected stuff actually happens (like bills and serious stuff).
Hāuratea flags are those weird, slightly concerning money habits that won’t ruin your life but might have your future self rolling their eyes.
Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Apple Music, a gym membership you haven’t touched since January… are you even using all this?
Kupu āwhina (Top tip) Cancel what you don’t use and pocket the extra pūtea!
Spoiler alert: There’s never anything left if you’re living the high life.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip) Flip the script—save first, then spend what’s left.
Buying yourself something now and then is fine. But if every purchase is justified with “I deserve this,” your wallet is going to get hōhā.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Try the 48-hour rule—if you still want it after two days, it might actually be worth buying.
These are the habits that make future you shed a single, happy tear. If you’re doing these, you’re winning in the finance game.
Your savings account gets topped up without you even thinking about it? Big aura points.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Set up an auto-transfer to your savings account as soon as you get paid.
If someone asks, “How much do you spend on food per month?” and you can actually answer (without guessing wildly), you’re a legend.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Tracking apps or a simple spreadsheet can help keep you on top of things.
Whether it’s through Whai Rawa, savings account, shares, or other investments, you’re thinking ahead. Amohia ake tō anamata! Take charge of your future!
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): If you’re not saving or investing yet – it is in reach – start small! Even $5 a week can grow over time.
Sales are great, but if you’re buying things just because they’re cheap, you’re not actually saving money.
Kupu āwhina (Top tip): Smart shopping = only buying what you need, regardless of the price tag.
If you spotted some whero flags, kei te pai —you can fix them. Hāuratea flags? Just tweak a few habits. If you’re rocking kākāriki flags, kei whea mai!
No matter where you’re at, the goal is progress, not perfection. Keep making smart moni moves, and your future self will thank you.
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