A one-off event. A long-term opportunity.

This isn’t regular income. It’s a capital event.

That means it presents a rare chance to make strategic decisions that can shape your financial position for years to come - whether that’s reducing pressure, creating flexibility, or building future income streams.

1. Strengthen your position, but don’t stop there

For many farmers, the first instinct is to pay down debt and in many cases, that’s a smart move.

Reducing lending can:

• Improve cashflow

• Lower interest costs

• Provide greater financial security

But it’s worth taking a step back before allocating everything in one direction.

A common trap is using the entire payout to reduce debt, without considering how to also create future income or flexibility.

2. Think about future income, not just today’s balance sheet

While reducing debt can strengthen your current position, it doesn’t always create income for the future.

This is where a more balanced approach can be powerful.

For example:

• Allocating a portion toward investments alongside debt reduction

• Building an investment portfolio that generates returns over time

• Creating income streams that aren’t reliant on a future farm sale

For those nearing retirement, this can be particularly important.

Establishing an investment fund now can provide:

• Access to capital when needed

• Flexibility in retirement

• An additional income source beyond the farm

3. Get the right strategy and support around you

Making the most of a payout like this isn’t about picking one option, it’s about having a plan that aligns with your goals.

At The HTL Group, our advisers work alongside you to:

• Understand your current position and future plans

• Design an investment strategy tailored to your needs

• Partner you with reputable fund managers

• Ensure your approach is structured, intentional, and aligned long-term

Having the right guidance can make a significant difference, not just in returns, but in confidence and clarity.

4. Review your lending and unlock opportunity

A payout like this can also be a powerful tool when it comes to your lending structure.

With the right advice, you may be able to:

• Restructure existing lending

• Reduce interest costs

• Improve cashflow

• Position yourself for future opportunities

Our mortgage team can also support farmers looking to explore:

• Investment property opportunities

• Lending structures that create flexibility

• Strategies that align with both short and long-term goals

5. Be intentional, not reactive

It’s easy for a payout to be gradually absorbed - through expenses, reinvestment, or simply sitting in the wrong place.

Taking the time to step back and plan can help ensure:

• Your money is working efficiently

• Your decisions align with your long-term goals

• You’re making the most of a one-off opportunity

Turning your payout into long-term advantage

At The HTL Group, we work with farmers and business owners to help turn moments like this into meaningful progress.

By bringing together expertise across:

• Wealth and investment planning

• Mortgage and lending strategy

• Insurance services

We help ensure your decisions today support where you want to be tomorrow.

Make your payout count

This is a one-off event, but the decisions you make now can shape your financial future for years to come.

If you’d like to talk through your options, the team at The HTL Group is here to help.

Image below shows our wonderful Wealth team (from left), Allison Stenning, Lindsay Thomson and Allie Black.

Why January is a good time to review

A new year naturally brings change: new goals, new priorities, and sometimes new financial commitments. Reviewing your investments early allows you to check that your strategy still aligns with where you’re heading, rather than reacting later under pressure.

One thing everyone should review

One of the most important things to review is whether your investments still match your current situation. If your income, family circumstances, business interests, or timeframes have changed or are about to, your investment strategy may need to change too.

The biggest Investment mistake we see

A common mistake is relying on investment advice from family members or friends. While well-intentioned, their circumstances, risk tolerance, and goals are rarely the same as yours. What worked for someone else may not be appropriate for you.

A sign your strategy might no longer be right

If your financial situation has changed (or you know it’s about to) it’s time to speak with an adviser. Major life events, business changes, or shifts in income are strong signals that your strategy should be reviewed to ensure it still applies.

What we wish more people understood about long-term Investing

Long-term investing works best when decisions are made calmly and with support. Trying to navigate uncertainty alone, or reacting to market noise, often leads to unnecessary stress and poor outcomes. There is help available and using it can make all the difference.

Thinking about reviewing your investment strategy this year?
A short conversation with an adviser can provide clarity and confidence as you head into 2026.

Investing can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options (shares, bonds, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), KiwiSaver), it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s right for you. In reality, there’s no one size fits all answer. The best strategy depends on your personal goals, your timeframe, and how much risk you’re comfortable with.

Let’s meet! Our team at The HTL Group can help you build a strategy that fits your goals, timeframe and comfort level. 

Contact us today to organise a personal meeting with an HTL adviser.

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With some smart planning and the right support, you can step into your new home with confidence.

We sat down with HTL Mortgage Adviser Serina Nicholson to hear her best advice for first-home buyers. 

Here are eight steps to help you get mortgage-ready:

1. Start with your budget

Before you scroll through listings, take time to understand what you can afford. A clear budget helps you narrow your search and prevents disappointment later on.

2. Get pre-approval early

“Not getting a pre-approval is the biggest mistake I see,” says Serina. With a pre-approval in hand, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend, and you’ll be ready to act fast when the right property comes along.

3. Understand your deposit options

The good news? You don’t always need 20% saved.

- Some buyers may qualify for a First Home Loan with as little as 5%.

- For others, the deposit requirement could be 10 - 20%, depending on the lender.

Talking to an adviser will give you clarity on which options suit your situation.

4. Make KiwiSaver work for you

If you’ve been in KiwiSaver for three or more years, you may be able to withdraw your funds to help with your deposit. “KiwiSaver is how most Kiwis purchase their first home,” Serina explains.

5. Explore grants and incentives

6. Be prepared for upfront costs