Sloppy thinking unfair to immigrants, 2-worker families. Every time the economy is looking iffy, people start saying, “Stop immigration,” or even, “Send home the immigrants.” Their reason: “They’re stealing our jobs.” This is sloppy economic thinking — not looking down the track at the consequences of a policy change.
Q&As: The pluses and minuses of the government’s new student loan repayment bonus; 2 Q&As on the woes — and possibilities — for first home buyers.
Q&As: Tips on how to ease back into investing in share funds; Have I been too upbeat about the outlook for shares?; If the Dow Jones index is so bad, how come so many in the news media highlight it?; Auckland couple on $60,000 could buy a home if they really want to.
Q&As: First home buyers should be prepared to buy a “dump”; 2 Q&As on KiwiSaver help for first home buyers — including new information for non-employees and people going overseas. Plus: KiwiSaver book giveaway — be in to win!
Q&As: History tells us to hang in there with shares; NZ Super rise on its way.
You can indeed go wrong with bricks and mortar. I first heard people saying, “You can’t go wrong with bricks and mortar” years ago, when I lived in the US. I bet the saying isn’t quite as common there these days, now that millions of people have, indeed, lost huge amounts because of property. Yet we still hear that untrue “truism” in New Zealand. And in the last few weeks, as some people are trying to convince us that the house price slump is over, it keeps popping up.
Q&As: Tips for retired couple whose interest income has halved; Savings accounts may pay more interest than term deposits — but take care; Tax on foreign shares seems tough in current environment.
Q&As: Changes to the KiwiSaver first home subsidy rules; Subsidy could suit couple well; Where to invest if you plan to go for first home subsidy.
When is ‘a bird in the hand’ better? They are two perplexing questions that arise every now and then. One might apply when you are offered money or are selling something. Should you accept a certain amount now or more later? The other might apply when you are buying something. Should you pay a certain amount now or more later?