Photo: Getty ImagesIncreasing rents and groceries are the two biggest causes of money stress in Canterbury and New Zealand, a survey has found. The survey, undertaken by global comparison site Finder, also found Kiwis were stressed about energy bills, petrol costs and mortgages. A total of 2219 New Zealanders were surveyed, with more than a quarter listing rent (27 per cent) and groceries (26 per cent) as their greatest money concerns. In Canterbury the price of rent rose by 2 per cent between March 2019 and March 2020, and nationally the price of rent increased by 3.7 per cent, the Consumer Price Index data showed. "For many Kiwis, their expenses are equal to or greater than their income, causing a significant amount of money stress," McHugh said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 29, 2020 02:15 UTC