Money habits start early and evolve through life. Tim Fairbrother’s regular series on Stuff explores what financial advice looks like at every age, from 9 to 79. Each decade brings new challenges and opportunities. By understanding what matters most at each stage, you can make smarter decisions and build financial confidence for life.

We’ve created this hub so you can follow each article and learn practical tips for every generation. Check back weekly for new links as the series grows.

Latest articles:

• 9-year-old: teaching your nine-year-old to be good with money
  Learn how to set up pocket money systems, teach saving and spending, and introduce financial apps for kids. Read more: Teaching your nine-year-old to be good with money – Stuff
• 19-year-old: how to ensure your 19-year-old doesn’t derail financially
  Advice for teens stepping into independence: managing student loans, budgeting, and starting KiwiSaver early. Read more: How to ensure your 19-year-old doesn’t derail financially – Stuff
• 29-year-old: financial priorities in your late twenties
  At 29, life can get more serious, with mortgages, family plans, and financial goals. Learn how to budget, protect your income, and build a strong future without sacrificing fun. Read more: The insurance policy you should prioritise as early as possible | Stuff
• 39-year-old: financial see-saw, when life feels full  and financially demanding
  At 39, life is full and financially demanding, with debt, growing kids, and career pressures. Learn how to build wealth, protect your family, and stay in control without losing sight of what matters most. Read more: The toughest decade. Why your 40s are so hard, financially | Stuff
• 49-year-old: the turning point, when retirement planning gets real
  The countdown to retirement begins. The time to crush debt, boost KiwiSaver, and make smart investment moves so your next decade sets you up for financial freedom and the retirement you deserve. The ‘turning point’ age when you’ll only have 180 pay cheques until retirement | Stuff
• 59 and fabulous: Your pre-retirement power play, when it’s time to start turning your retirement plans into action. The critical financial steps you need to take as you near retirement | Stuff

Coming soon:

Tim explores a common challenge at age 69: you’ve done the hard yards, now it’s about having the confidence to live the life you planned while staying aligned with your partner on spending versus preserving your investments.

This information is of a general nature and is not intended as personalised financial advice. RIVAL Wealth is a Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licenced by the Financial Markets Authority to provide financial advice. Our disclosure document is located at rivalwealth.co.nz or a written copy is available on request