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Mortgage & Insurance Advice — Made Clear, Simple, and Personal

Helping Kiwi families, first home buyers, and business owners secure the right loan and protection — without confusion, pressure, or guesswork.

Free Consultation
Personalised Advice
Ongoing Support
Happy family standing outside their new home
SM

"Rowena made everything so easy. No pressure, just honest advice."

Sarah & Michael, Auckland

500+

Families Helped

Trusted by NZ families since 2015
Relationship-driven advice
Ongoing support beyond approval

How It Works

Simple, stress-free guidance from first conversation to settlement and beyond.

1

Start with a Conversation

We listen first. Your goals, income, and concerns come before products.

2

We Structure the Right Solution

We compare lenders and insurers to suit your unique situation.

3

Ongoing Support

We review your loans and cover as life and interest rates change.

Rowena Telebrico-Sabdao - Licensed Financial Adviser

10+

Years Experience

About

Hi, I'm Rowena

I've been helping families and business owners navigate mortgages and insurance since 2015.

My approach is calm, transparent, and relationship-focused — helping clients make confident long-term decisions.

Services

Personalised advice across mortgages, insurance, and wealth planning.

Ready to Get Clarity?

Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or reviewing your protection, a conversation is the best first step.

Book Your Free Consultation
Protect What Matters Most

Comprehensive Insurance Solutions

Life is unpredictable. Protect your family, your income, and your future with our tailored insurance solutions designed to give you peace of mind.

Life Cover Insurance

Protect Your Family's Future

Life Cover ensures your loved ones are financially protected if the unexpected happens. It provides a lump sum payment to help cover mortgages, living expenses, education costs, and debts — giving your family security when they need it most.

Key Benefits:

  • Financial security for your family if you pass away
  • Cover mortgage repayments and outstanding debts
  • Maintain your family's lifestyle and living standards
  • Fund children's education and future expenses
  • Peace of mind knowing your family is protected
Learn More About Life Cover

Trauma Insurance

Support When Serious Illness Strikes

Trauma Insurance (Critical Illness Cover) provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart attack, stroke, or major organ transplant. With over 40 conditions typically covered, this gives you financial breathing room when you need it most—allowing you to focus on recovery, pay for treatment, or take time off work without the stress of bills piling up.

Key Benefits:

  • Lump sum for 40+ serious illnesses (cancer, heart attack, stroke, organ failure)
  • Pay for private medical care, specialist treatments, and medications
  • Replace lost income while you recover—no work, no stress
  • Fund home modifications, childcare, or rehabilitation costs
  • Pay off debts so your family isn't financially burdened
  • Early payment options for some insurers on diagnosis, not just treatment
Learn More About Trauma Insurance

Mortgage Protection

Safeguard Your Home & Family

Mortgage Protection Insurance is specifically designed to pay off your home loan if you pass away or become terminally ill. This specialized life insurance ensures your family won't lose their home or struggle with mortgage payments during the worst time of their lives. The cover amount decreases over time to match your reducing mortgage balance, making it a cost-effective way to protect your most valuable asset.

Key Benefits:

  • Pays off your entire mortgage if you pass away—home stays in the family
  • Protects your family from foreclosure and housing instability
  • Decreasing cover matches your reducing mortgage balance (lower premiums)
  • More affordable than standard life insurance for mortgage protection
  • Essential for first-home buyers and families with dependents
  • Some policies include terminal illness cover for early access to funds
Learn More About Mortgage Protection

Income Protection

Keep Your Income Flowing When You Can't Work

Income Protection Insurance is your financial safety net if illness or injury stops you from working. Unlike ACC (which only covers accidents), this covers sickness too—replacing up to 75% of your income with monthly payments that continue until you return to work or reach retirement age. Whether you're off work for 3 months or 3 years, your bills still get paid, your mortgage is covered, and your family maintains their lifestyle without draining savings or going into debt.

Key Benefits:

  • Monthly payments replace up to 75% of your income—bills keep getting paid
  • Covers illness AND injury (ACC only covers accidents, not sickness)
  • Payments continue until you return to work or reach retirement age
  • Cover mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries, and living expenses
  • Protect your savings, investments, and KiwiSaver from being drained
  • Choose your waiting period (14, 30, 60, or 90 days) to control costs
  • Essential for self-employed, sole traders, and families with dependents
Learn More About Income Protection

TPD Insurance

Financial Security If You Can Never Work Again

Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance provides a lump sum payment if you become permanently disabled and can never work again due to illness or injury. Whether it's a serious accident, chronic illness, or disabling condition, TPD covers you when you lose the ability to earn an income for life. This crucial safety net ensures you can maintain your lifestyle, pay off debts, and afford necessary care and modifications without depleting your family's savings.

Key Benefits:

  • Lump sum payment if you're permanently unable to work in any occupation
  • Pay off mortgage, debts, and outstanding financial obligations
  • Fund home and vehicle modifications for accessibility needs
  • Cover ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and therapy costs
  • Replace lost income for life—maintain family's standard of living
  • Pay for in-home care, support services, and specialized equipment
  • Protect your family from financial hardship during difficult times
  • Covers both accident and illness-related permanent disability
Learn More About TPD Insurance

Health Insurance

Skip the Waitlists, Get Treatment Fast

Health Insurance gives you faster access to specialists, elective surgeries, and private hospital care—without the long public waitlists that can stretch for months or years. Get diagnosed sooner, treated faster, and back to your life quicker. With coverage for everything from specialist consultations to major surgeries, diagnostic tests, and even alternative therapies like physio and acupuncture, you're in control of your healthcare journey.

Get a Health Insurance Quote

Key Benefits:

  • Fast access to specialists—no waiting months for appointments
  • Cover for elective surgeries (hip/knee replacements, cataracts, etc.)
  • Private hospital accommodation—your own room, better care
  • Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, blood work) covered and expedited
  • Choose your own specialists and schedule treatment when it suits you
  • Cover for alternative therapies (physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic)
  • Cancer treatment support—access to latest therapies and oncologists
  • Get back to work and life faster with quicker diagnosis and treatment

Not Sure Which Insurance You Need?

Our insurance experts will assess your situation and recommend the right protection package for you and your family. Get a free, no-obligation consultation today.

First-Time Home Buyers

Your Dream Home Is Within Reach

Buying your first home in New Zealand? We specialise in helping first-home buyers — including migrants, newcomers, and those with non-standard income — get approved for home loans that traditional banks often decline.

Happy mixed race family moving into a new home together. Middle eastern parents and children carrying boxes with smiles in new apartment. Happy smiling daughters helping mother and father with cardboard boxes in new house on moving day.

Why Choose Us for Your First Home?

We understand that first-home buyers face unique challenges — especially if you're new to New Zealand, have irregular income, or don't fit the typical bank profile. We work with lenders who understand your situation and design loan structures that work for you.

First Home Buyer Support

Guidance through every step — from pre-approval to settlement

Access KiwiSaver Funds

We help you use your KiwiSaver funds for your first home deposit

Low Deposit Options

Get into your home with as little as 5-10% deposit in some cases

Migrant & Newcomer Friendly

We understand visa types, overseas income, and employment gaps

Your First Home Journey

1

Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved so you know your budget and can bid with confidence

2

House Hunting

Search for your perfect home knowing you have loan approval ready

3

Full Approval

Once you find your home, we finalize your loan approval quickly

4

Move In!

Settlement day arrives and you get the keys to your new home

Common Questions: Can I use my KiwiSaver? | How much deposit do I need? | What if I'm on a work visa? | Can I buy with a partner?

Get Answers to Your Questions
Refinancing Solutions

Save Thousands by Refinancing Your Home Loan

Reduce your mortgage payments, shorten your loan term, or access equity in your home. Refinancing could save you thousands in interest and help you achieve financial freedom faster.

Why Refinance Your Mortgage?

Interest rates change, your financial situation improves, and better loan options become available. Refinancing allows you to take advantage of these opportunities — potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

Lower Interest Rates

Secure a better rate and reduce your monthly payments significantly

Shorten Your Loan Term

Pay off your mortgage years earlier without sacrificing your lifestyle

Access Home Equity

Use your equity for renovations, investments, or debt consolidation

Consolidate Debts

Roll high-interest debts into your mortgage at a lower rate

Better Loan Structure

Switch from variable to fixed rates or get better loan features

Happy Hispanic Real Estate Agent Shows House to Young Latinx Couple on Laptop at Office Desk for Mortgage Consultation.

Is It Time to Refinance?

Been paying your mortgage for years but feel it hasn't reduced? We can assess if you can shorten your loan term by 5+ years without sacrificing your lifestyle. You won't believe what's possible until you see the numbers. Contact us for a free review.

Business Financing

Fuel Your Business Growth with Smart Financing

Whether you're starting a new venture, expanding operations, or managing cash flow — we provide flexible business loan solutions designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs in New Zealand.

Business Loans That Work For You

We understand that business income can be irregular, seasonal, or hard to document. Unlike traditional banks that focus only on tax returns, we look at your entire business picture — including cash flow, contracts, and growth potential.

Start-Up Business Loans

Launch your business with funding for equipment, inventory, and operations

Business Expansion Loans

Grow your existing business — new locations, staff, or product lines

Working Capital Loans

Manage cash flow gaps, seasonal demands, or unexpected expenses

Equipment & Vehicle Finance

Purchase essential equipment, machinery, or commercial vehicles

Commercial Property Loans

Buy your own business premises or investment property

Accounting, office and business people with meeting, feedback and manager for laptop, discussion and graphs. Training, teamwork and talk with tablet, growth strategy or project report for finance

Fast Approval

Get decisions within 24-48 hours, not weeks

Flexible Terms

Loan structures that match your business cycle

Expert Advisors

Work with specialists who understand business

Competitive Rates

Access rates that make business sense

Industries We Support

Hospitality & Food Service | Retail & E-commerce | Construction & Trades | Professional Services | Healthcare & Medical | Technology & IT | Manufacturing | Transport & Logistics | Beauty & Wellness | Agriculture & more

Debt Solutions

Simplify Your Debts Into One Easy Payment

Juggling multiple debts with different rates and due dates? Debt consolidation combines all your debts into a single loan with one monthly payment — often at a lower interest rate, saving you money and reducing stress.

Break Free From Debt Stress

Multiple credit cards, personal loans, store cards, and other debts can quickly become overwhelming. Debt consolidation simplifies your finances by rolling everything into one manageable loan — usually at a lower rate than credit cards.

Common Debt Problems We Solve:

  • Multiple high-interest credit cards (18-25% rates)
  • Store cards and finance agreements
  • Personal loans with different due dates
  • Overlapping payments causing cash flow issues
  • Struggling to track multiple payment deadlines

Lower Interest Rates

Reduce rates from 18-25% to as low as 8-12%

One Simple Payment

One date, one amount, one lender — easy to manage

Save Money Monthly

Free up hundreds per month in cash flow

Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Regain control of your finances and peace of mind

Personal Loan Assessment and Loans concept. Financial loan agreement, Personal or business loans through online services between lenders and borrowers. Person using laptop laptop with loan icon.

Example Savings

Before (Multiple Debts): $1,200/month
After (Consolidated): $750/month
You Save: $450/month

How Debt Consolidation Works

1

List Your Debts

Tell us about all your current debts and balances

2

We Calculate Savings

See exactly how much you'll save each month

3

Get Approved

Quick approval for your consolidation loan

4

Debts Paid Off

We pay your creditors, you make one easy payment

Calculate My Savings

Free debt review • No obligation • Confidential consultation

Take Control of Your Financial Future

Debt consolidation isn't about borrowing more — it's about borrowing smarter. Let us help you break free from the debt cycle and start building a better financial future.

Retirement Planning

KiwiSaver Advice & Optimization

Your KiwiSaver is one of your most valuable assets. Are you getting the most out of it? We help you optimize your KiwiSaver strategy, access funds for your first home, and ensure you're on track for a comfortable retirement.

Loan and lending cash for asset purchase concept. Digital interface featuring loan and financial icons, lending, interest rates, asset purchases, and financial management for individuals or businesses

Maximize Your KiwiSaver Benefits

KiwiSaver isn't just about retirement — it can help you buy your first home, and with the right strategy, grow significantly faster. We provide expert advice to ensure you're in the right fund, contributing the right amount, and maximizing government contributions.

KiwiSaver Health Check

Review your current fund, fees, and performance — ensure you're in the right fund for your goals

First Home Withdrawal

Access your KiwiSaver (minus $1,000) for your first home deposit

Contribution Optimization

Maximize your member tax credits and employer contributions

Growth Strategy Advice

Choose the right fund type (conservative, balanced, growth, aggressive) based on your age and goals

Maximize Government Contributions

Get the full $521.43 annual member tax credit by contributing at least $1,042.86/year

Retirement Planning

Project your retirement balance and ensure you're on track for the lifestyle you want

Why KiwiSaver Matters

50%

Government + employer contributions

$521

Free govt. money per year (if you contribute)

3-5x

Potential growth difference between funds

Common KiwiSaver Questions

Can I use my KiwiSaver for my first home?

Yes! If you've been contributing for at least 3 years, you can withdraw most of your KiwiSaver (minus $1,000) for your first home purchase.

How much should I contribute?

The minimum is 3% of your income, but contributing at least $1,042.86/year gets you the maximum government contribution of $521.43. Many people contribute 4-10% depending on their goals.

Which fund type should I choose?

It depends on your age and when you'll need the money. Younger people (10+ years to retirement) usually benefit from growth or aggressive funds. Those close to retirement prefer conservative funds. We can help you decide.

Can I switch KiwiSaver providers?

Absolutely! You can switch providers at any time. We'll help you compare fees, performance, and fund options to find the best fit for your situation.

Wealth Building

Managed Funds & Investment Solutions

Build long-term wealth outside of KiwiSaver with professionally managed investment funds. Whether you're saving for a goal, building passive income, or growing your wealth — we help you find the right investment strategy.

Why Invest in Managed Funds?

Managed funds pool your money with other investors and are professionally managed by expert fund managers. This gives you access to diversified portfolios of shares, bonds, and property — without needing to pick individual investments yourself.

Professional Management

Expert fund managers make investment decisions on your behalf

Instant Diversification

Spread risk across hundreds of companies and asset classes

Low Entry Point

Start investing from as little as $1,000-$5,000

Flexible Access

Access your money when you need it (unlike KiwiSaver)

Better Returns Than Savings

Historically higher returns than bank savings accounts

Businesswoman talking to colleague with hand on shoulder in supportive gesture at corporate workspace

Types of Managed Funds

Conservative Funds

Lower risk, stable returns. Mostly bonds and cash.

Best for: Short-term goals (1-3 years)

Balanced Funds

Medium risk, balanced growth. Mix of shares and bonds.

Best for: Medium-term goals (3-7 years)

Growth Funds

Higher risk, higher potential returns. Mostly shares.

Best for: Long-term goals (7+ years)

Our Investment Advisory Services

Investment Strategy Planning

Define your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon

Fund Selection & Comparison

Compare performance, fees, and risk across providers

Portfolio Diversification

Build a balanced portfolio across multiple asset classes

Regular Portfolio Reviews

Monitor performance and adjust as your goals change

Tax-Efficient Investing

Structure investments to minimize tax impact

Retirement Income Planning

Build income streams beyond KiwiSaver and NZ Super

Book Investment Consultation

Free initial consultation • No obligation • Personalized advice

What Are You Investing For?

Retirement income | Children's education | Property deposit | Wedding | Travel | Financial independence | Passive income | Wealth building | Emergency fund

Whatever your goal, we'll help you build the right investment strategy.

Trusted by Hundreds

See What Our Clients Are Saying

Real stories from real families who achieved their financial dreams with Life Protector Limited

Google Reviews

5.0 out of 5
Read All Reviews
JM

John & Maria T.

"Rowena helped us get approved for our first home when two banks had already declined us. As migrants with irregular income, we thought homeownership was impossible. She found a solution and saved us years of waiting!"

Posted on Google • 2 weeks ago

SK

Sarah K.

"The refinancing strategy Rowena designed saved us over $35,000 in interest and we'll pay off our mortgage 8 years earlier — without changing our monthly budget at all. Incredible service!"

Posted on Google • 1 month ago

Join Our Growing Community

1,000+

Facebook Followers

750+

Instagram Community

Get free financial tips, loan advice, and success stories delivered daily!

Featured in client success stories • Recognized for excellence in financial advisory • Proud member of the New Zealand lending community

Award-Winning Service
Fully Certified & Registered
100% Secure & Confidential
Real Results

Success Stories: Real Families, Real Savings

See how we've helped Kiwi families achieve homeownership, save thousands, and accelerate their mortgage payoff

FIRST HOME

From "Bank Declined" to Dream Home Owner

Client Profile:

Filipino migrants, 3 years in NZ, irregular contract income

Challenge:

Declined by 2 banks due to visa type & income structure

Solution:

Found migrant-friendly lender, structured income proof creatively

$485,000

Home Loan Approved

"Rowena made our dream possible when everyone else said no. We're now proud homeowners!" - Miguel & Ana

REFINANCE

Saved $67K & Paid Off 10 Years Earlier

Client Profile:

Young family, $620K mortgage, high interest rate

Challenge:

Paying too much interest, wanted to pay off mortgage faster

Solution:

Refinanced to lower rate, restructured with offset account

$67,340

Total Interest Saved

+ 10 years reduced from loan term

"Same monthly payment, but now we'll be mortgage-free 10 years earlier. Life-changing!" - David & Lisa

BUSINESS

Self-Employed? No Problem!

Client Profile:

Self-employed tradie, 2 years in business

Challenge:

Banks wanted 3+ years tax returns, income varied seasonally

Solution:

Used bank statements & invoices to prove income capacity

$380,000

Home Loan Approved

"Being self-employed doesn't mean you can't own a home. Rowena proved that!" - James P.

More Client Wins

Priya & Raj S.

"As Indian migrants on work visas, we thought buying a house was years away. Rowena got us approved in 3 weeks and helped us access our KiwiSaver funds for our deposit!"

First Home Buyers • Auckland

Mark & Jenny T.

"We consolidated $45K in credit card and personal loan debt into our mortgage. Monthly payments dropped from $1,800 to $600. We can finally breathe again and start saving!"

Debt Consolidation • Wellington

Emma W.

"Single mum, part-time income, previous credit issues. I never thought I could buy. Rowena found a way and now my kids have a stable home. Forever grateful!"

Single Parent • Christchurch

Tom & Sarah K.

"Rowena's refinance strategy saved us $890 per month without changing our lifestyle at all. That's an extra $10,680 per year staying in our pockets!"

Refinance Clients • Hamilton

Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?

Join hundreds of families who've achieved their financial dreams with Life Protector Limited

Start Your Success Story Today
Free Tools

Mortgage & Borrowing Calculators

Find out how much you can borrow and estimate your mortgage repayments with our easy-to-use calculators

Calculate Your Borrowing Capacity

Enter your financial details below to estimate how much you could borrow for a home loan.

1 Your Income

$
$
$

2 Your Expenses & Commitments

$
$
$

3 Property & Deposit

$

Estimated Borrowing Capacity

$275,000

Based on 6% serviceability test rate

Total Purchase Price

$375,000

Loan + Deposit

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)

73%

Standard lending criteria

Est. Monthly Repayment

$1,833

At current market rates (~7%)

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Within acceptable range

35%

Maximize Your Borrowing Power

We can help you structure your finances to potentially increase your borrowing capacity. Book a free consultation to explore your options.

Important Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only and is not a guarantee of lending. Actual borrowing capacity depends on many factors including your credit history, employment status, income verification, existing commitments, property type, location, and individual lender policies. All applications are subject to lender approval and lending criteria.

Calculator Assumptions:

  • Serviceability tested at 6% interest rate as per lending standards
  • Interest rates shown are indicative only and subject to change
  • Assumes standard lending criteria and credit score requirements
  • Credit card limits calculated at 3% minimum monthly repayment for serviceability
  • Living expenses based on minimum household expenditure measure (HEM)
  • Does not include mortgage insurance (if LVR > 80%), legal fees, or other purchase costs
  • Investment property calculations may differ due to rental income assessment

Regulatory Notice: This calculator is for illustrative purposes only. Life Protector Limited is a registered financial adviser and provides personalized financial advice. We strongly recommend speaking with one of our advisers for an accurate assessment of your borrowing capacity. Lending criteria, terms, and conditions apply. Actual interest rates will be confirmed upon application acceptance and are subject to lender approval.

Get Professional Advice: Every financial situation is unique. Our expert advisers can provide a detailed assessment, compare multiple lenders, and help you secure the best possible terms. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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