Sad stories and help for financially struggling people
– Retirement Commission (Te Ara Ahunga Ora) — conference highlights.
– Stories of financial hardship
– How financial mentors help — but they’re losing funding
– How banks are helping
– Some good news
Q&As:
– Will younger people get NZ Super?
– Raising NZ Super age would be gradual
– Do all over 65s apply for Super?
– Generous pensioners …
– … But one Scrooge!
– When KiwiSaver and other funds are not what they seem
Are you making the most of bank deposit insurance?
– What is covered and what not?
– How to make the most of it
– Use a higher-risk deposit taker to get more interest?
Q&As:
– Avoid having both investments and debt…
– …and therefore skip the mortgage
– One way to solve NZ Super problem?
– “Vehement disagreement” over means testing NZ Super
– NZ on world stage over Super
– Overseas pensions confiscated?
ACT’s good KiwiSaver idea — and the 2 KiwiSaver changes I most want
– ACT idea: $500 to every Year 11 student. Learn about investing. Reward at end.
– My change 1: Govt pays 3.5% KiwiSaver contributions for beneficiaries.
– My change 2: Sidecar KiwiSaver accounts to use in emergencies.
Q&As:
– NZ Super only for those who paid tax through their lives?
– A laugh and a controversy over 122-year-old in last column
– Help for non-homeowning couple, 57, who feel trapped and confused
– Easy mortgage calculations — monthly vs weekly payments
Laddering — best way to invest bank term deposits. Can also ladder mortgages.
– Advantages: Often better interest rate. Frequent access. You won’t get it wrong with all your money!
– How to set up laddering.
– Ladder your mortgage.
– Also — bargain with your bank.
Q&As:
– Lesson from a 120-year-old!
– Where to invest term deposit money
– When is it best to move money overseas?
– Take out more in retirement?
– KiwiSaver when you turn 65
Stick with US shares?
– US ETFs and other US share investments — how have they done?
– Pick another country instead?
– The answer — go global, or reduce risk level
– How to make the move
Q&As:
– Where to put money for new grandchild
– Could retiree be “forced” to sell shared land?
– How one family funded children’s uni
– Watching caravans turning!
– Sad story about selling house to neighbour…
– … and happy one
– Alternative to reverse mortgage
Plus:
– Appearance at Auckland Writers Festival