Q&As: Are Bonus Bonds a good place for retirement savings?; How safe are Bonus Bonds?; Another KiwiSaver provider that allows regular withdrawals in retirement; Happy reader moving into new home — thanks partly to this column.
Insurance: Why it’s best to be “ripped off” by insurance; Key info on life and disability insurance (who needs it? how much?); Other types of insurance: Income protection; house and contents; car; travel; health (what they are, and how much?); Which company?; Cost cutting tips; What to do after a car crash; A comment on insurance fraud.
Q&As: Reader worries about borrowers on peer-to-peer lending site Harmoney; Another possible meaning for “freehold”; Should windfall go on buying a rental or mortgage repayment?; Insurance advisers respond to critical report.
How overconfidence can make you poorer (and other psychological aspects of investing): Applies to shares, property, fixed interest etc; Which gender?; Overconfidence leads to — 1. Too little diversification, 2.Frequent trading; What to do instead; Many women have their own problem — too little risk; Other ways emotions affect investing.
Q&As: A few phone calls can slash hundreds from insurance bills; We’re not all bad, says insurance adviser; “Freehold” doesn’t mean mortgage-free, and beware of leasehold property; Reasons for Auckland house price rise don’t rule out bubble; Meaningful Christmas gifts.
Too good to be true?: Warning signs of a scam — Who are victims?; Warning signs; False friends — features that make you think you’re OK; What to do if you’re suspicious; What to do if you’ve been ripped off.
Q&As: Couple should get on with enjoying their wealth; Report confirms reader’s concerns about insurance sales; Worry about house buying a sure sign of a bubble.
Are you in the best KiwiSaver fund for you?: 1st question: which type of fund is best; Then ask which provider; It’s easy to change funds AND providers. Some unusual KiwiSaver funds to consider.
Q&As: Why it’s better to sell a home before buying another one; Reader alarmed by what I said about interest on bonds; Do high dividends go with high risk?; Another KiwiSaver provider offers regular withdrawals in retirement.
Getting through Christmas without going broke. Also, the big spender and the big saver. For big savers, Christmas is no problem. But there’s a downside. More later… Turning to the big spenders: What really makes the kids happy?; Ways to cut back gift giving; Tips on shopping wisely; Meaningful Christmas gifts; Spending lots on food and booze. Back to the big savers — a challenge for them (Includes lots of suggestions from listeners).