Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the tool?
Access is free but secured to ensure only real people use our system. Here is the simple 3-step process:
Step 1: Enter your Name and Email on the homepage.
Step 2: Check your inbox for a unique Access Code (it usually arrives within seconds).
Step 3: Enter that code on the verification page to instantly unlock the full Deep Research tool.
Why do you need my email address?
We use your email primarily for security. Our “Research” requires significant computing power to analyze yield curves and bank reports. To keep this tool free and fast for everyone, we must prevent automated bots from abusing the system and slowing it down. Your email acts as a “human verification” key. We respect your privacy and will never sell your data.
How do I get the best results from the Strategy Analyzer?
To get a recommendation that fits your life (not just a generic math equation), follow these 4 steps when using the tool:
Step 1: Enter Your Real Numbers. Type in your exact mortgage size. This ensures the savings or “cost” shown are real dollar amounts that actually impact your wallet.
Step 2: Define Your Timeline. Ask yourself: “How long am I definitely keeping this house?”
Selling soon? Select 2 Years.
In for the long haul? Select 3 or 5 Years to see the long-term cost differences.
Step 3: Choose Your “Personality”. This is the most important part. Be honest about how you handle stress:
Select ‘Lowest Cost’: If you have spare cash and can handle interest rates going up next year, as long as you save money in the long run.
Select ‘Stability’: If you have a strict budget (like a new family) and need to know exactly what your payments will be, even if it costs a bit more for that peace of mind.
Select ‘Balanced’: If you want the “sweet spot”—a competitive rate that doesn’t expire too quickly.
Step 4: Check the “Verdict”. Our tool calculates the financial difference between your options. It might tell you that “Stability” costs an extra $2,000/year compared to the cheapest rate—this allows you to decide if that is a fair price to pay for sleeping well at night.
Why shouldn't I just pick the lowest interest rate available today?
Picking the lowest rate today can sometimes cost you more tomorrow. For example, a “1-Year Fixed” rate might be the cheapest right now, but if experts predict rates will spike by 2% next year, you might be better off locking in a slightly higher “3-Year Fixed” rate now to protect yourself. Our AI analyzes these trends (Yield Curves) to help you see around the corner.
Where does your data come from?
We don’t guess. Our Research aggregates data from hard numbers and expert insights:
Official RBNZ Data: We track Official Cash Rate (OCR) announcements and Monetary Policy Statements.
Bank & Analyst Forecasts: We analyze detailed economic predictions from major banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank) and independent financial analysts.
Global Sentiment Analysis: We monitor geopolitical events and market sentiment to identify risks (like wars or oil price shocks) that standard mathematical models often miss.
Market Yield Curves: We use wholesale interest rate data to calculate the exact “Break-Even” points for fixing vs. floating.
What is the "Sweet Spot"?
The “Sweet Spot” is the mortgage term that offers the best balance of low interest rates and low risk. It is the duration where you aren’t paying a huge premium for stability, but you also aren’t exposed to immediate rate hikes.
Is this official financial advice?
No. FloatOrFix provides information and strategic analysis based on mathematical models and market data. We are a technology tool, not a Financial Advice Provider (FAP). Every mortgage is unique. While our tool gives you a powerful head start and deep data analysis, you should always consult with a qualified mortgage broker or financial adviser before signing loan documents.
Why is the tool free?
We believe homeowners deserve access to the same data the banks use, without a price tag. This site is 100% free and is supported by users like yourself. If our analysis helps you save money on your mortgage and you want to keep the servers running, you can Buy Us a Coffee here