RIVAL Wealth expands into Auckland
Masterton-based financial planning company RIVAL Wealth recently acquired an Auckland business to meet the needs of a growing employee benefits sector.
“We have been expanding into the corporate area for the last couple of years. The exciting thing is that many corporates are getting into financial wellness. HR departments are recognizing how important it is to help people with their financial education and learn about financial products. When employees feel they have their finances under control, it removes the stress, and they will be more productive,” says RIVAL Wealth award-winning financial planner Tim Fairbrother.
Tim and Carissa Fairbrother set up RIVAL Wealth in 2008. Since then the friendly Masterton hub has been offering financial planning advice to a growing number of clients – both individuals and businesses around the country. Around 40% of RIVAL Wealth’s clients are Wairarapa-based, the remainder split mainly between Auckland and Wellington.
RIVAL Wealth has earned a solid reputation as a trusted source of impartial, personalised financial advice. All of RIVAL Wealth’s practising advisers are members of Financial Advice New Zealand and/or Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand.
A continued focus on the Wairarapa has included a sister company, RIVAL Accounting, offering advice to businesses and farms.
As with many Wairarapa-based companies, post-lockdown business have been flourishing. “People come to see us in difficult times because they are looking for advice; but when things are going well they want to know how to do better,” says Carissa.
“Wairarapa has a very resilient, diverse economy. In June this year it had the highest growth rate of any New Zealand region over the last year,” adds Tim.
However, when it comes to spending, both urge caution over the coming festive and holiday season. “Economists have warned of a downturn over April and May next year. We are telling people to reduce debt and not be tempted to overspend. If you are buying presents, buy things people need – and buy local to support our community,” says Carissa.
