Q&As: With extra to pay off a mortgage, should you add to principal repayments or shorten the term of the loan?; Graph of gold price history tells some interesting stories; Transferring money from UK to New Zealand to take advantage of higher interest rates here could be risky; Under what circumstances can Inland Revenue take money out of your KiwiSaver account?
Q&As: Reader with money in UK asks what will happen to the UK:NZ exchange rate; 4 Q&As on whether it’s a good idea to invest in gold and silver.
Prospering from booze, bets, bombs and butts. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea — or perhaps I should say glass of scotch — but the performance of a US share fund called the Vice Fund suggests that investing in what other people shun can pay off.
Q&As: Can a reader foresee gold and silver prices, and foreign exchange rates? Time will tell; Eggs in baskets matter as much now as ever — plus the difference between active and passive fund management; Can you invest with more than one KiwiSaver provider?; KiwiSaver for New Zealand resident with overseas employer — plus how to choose a provider.
Q&As: KiwiSaver is not guaranteed by the government — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join; Is it wise to have your KiwiSaver account with your bank?; Banks said to be “stealing” KiwiSaver members from other providers; Does a reader who is speedily repaying her mortgage need a savings account?
Q&As: Bank securities not quite what a reader was hoping for; The closing of a KiwiSaver scheme hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped, but it’s no big deal; First home buyers should invest conservatively in KiwiSaver — plus: a painless time to join KiwiSaver.
Are we bad savers, or was it a bad survey? A recent report on New Zealanders’ savings habits annoyed me — and not because it starts by saying that the Savings Working Group, of which I’m a member, “is likely to face a tough challenge”. What got my goat was its misleading conclusion.
Q&As: The “I can’t afford it” excuse for not joining KiwiSaver just went out the window — plus other points about kids and KiwiSaver; Are managed share funds a crock?; Here’s hoping a recent correspondent is not a regular reader of this column!; A book, online tool and language trick for overspenders and their partners; You must be under 65 to join KiwiSaver, but can take part in the scheme after that age.
Q&As: In these changing times, should I still recommend share investment for those with ten years before spending the money?; Another personal finance computer program — and it’s free; The advantages of using joint accounts, and of setting up enduring powers of attorney.
Grab your big chance to painlessly boost your wealth. In the next few weeks, every New Zealand wage or salary earner will get a chance to considerably increase their wealth — painlessly.