Migration & Money: Real First-Year Costs Explained (Using Brett as the Guinea Pig) Ep25

Most migrants underestimate how financially hard the first year in New Zealand can be. In this episode, we break down a REAL first-year budget using Brett's own numbers — so you know exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to avoid costly mistakes. This is Episode 1 of the Soft Landing × Migrant Financial Services financial series — your complete guide to understanding the real costs of immigrating to New Zealand. In this kickoff episode, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet to answer the question almost every mover asks: 👉 "How much money do I really need to survive my first year in New Zealand?" Together, they walk through Brett's actual numbers from his own immigration journey, breaking down: • What a real first-year NZ budget looks like • Rent, transport, food, setup, and hidden expenses • Why the first 12–24 months feel financially tight • Practical ways to plan, prepare, and manage the transition more confidently This series exists because migrants deserve honest, lived-experience guidance — not guesswork or generic advice. 📌 Want personalised help or partner support? Share your details here: https://forms.gle/DhzeGRL4cLF1egs68 New Zealand immigration budget NZ cost of living 2025 NZ immigrant finances Migrant Financial Services Moving to New Zealand costs New Zealand family budget NZ first-year expenses Soft Landing NZ Brett Corlett podcast If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz #SoftLandingNZ #NewZealandImmigration #NZCostOfLiving #MigrantFinancialServices #MoveToNZ #ImmigrationBudget #NZVisaJourney #NewZealandLife #ImmigrantStories #BrettCorlett #NZBudgeting #MovingToNewZealand