Money Talk January 2020
It’s a great idea to get all the incentives in KiwiSaver
Employees usually receive their full employer and government contributions, unless they are on a savings suspension. But what about everyone else?
RNZ Radio 30 January 2020
Recommended changes to KiwiSaver
The Commission for Financial Capability has made 19 suggestions on how to improve KiwiSaver. Mary and Jesse discuss four of them:
– Set up “Small Steps”, so people’s contributions rise gradually each year if they wish
– Add “sidecar savings” to KiwiSaver for short-term emergencies
– Exclude fixed fees from KiwiSaver accounts with balances under $5000
– Show members how much their fees are likely to total over the years in KiwiSaver, compared with average fees for that type of fund
Also: an unusual letter from a listener — grow marijuana or join KiwiSaver?
NZ Herald 25 January 2020
Q&As:
– Reader can’t bring herself to enjoy her wealth …
– … While another reader has splashed out on an Italian holiday home
– 65+ reader is loving being in KiwiSaver
– How come passive funds are trading shares daily?
– ‘Passive’ KiwiSaver funds are not
– Is it better to invest in US index funds, with their lower fees?
NZ Herald 21 December 2019
Q&As:
– Sell your home and rent in retirement, to free up money?
– Is it good for both partners to be with same bank’s KiwiSaver?
– Proof on why not to judge KiwiSaver by returns
– More on why index funds won’t mess up share market
– Reader sends his thanks
Plus:
– Bye and thanks — and be terrific in traffic
Money Talk December 2019
Should you use extra cash to reduce your mortgage or top up your KiwiSaver?
NZ Herald 14 December 2019
Q&As:
– “Merry (non-commercial) Christmas!” says reader
– Index funds — what are they and how to invest
– Could exchange-traded funds wreck how sharemarket works?
– KiwiSaver provider not up with play on 65-plus withdrawals
– One reader gives away all his NZ Super …
– … And another makes it easier for everyone to do that
RNZ Radio 12 December 2019
What financial decisions would I do differently, with hindsight?
Based on an email challenge from a listener.
– Timing — in the share market and property market
– Gearing — borrowing to invest in a share fund
– A foreign exchange investment
– House buying
– Rental property?
– Higher paid work?
Also:
– My holiday message: Be terrific in traffic
NZ Herald 7 December 2019
Q&As:
– The 3 ways a reader has “chowed through” her mortgage
– It’s not wise to skip health insurance altogether
– Reader gives us a stats lesson, through Bonus Bonds
– Banks’ bonus savings products too complicated
– 2 readers tell of easy ways to give to charity
– No I don’t screen readers’ letters because of their attitudes
Money Talk Christmas 2019
If worry about your rental is keeping you awake at night, it might be time to sell
NZ Herald 30 November 2019
Q&As:
– Clever ways to make Christmas less expensive and more fun
– Who’s creaming it, the lawyers or the banks?
– Bonus Bonds give reader nothing over 48 years
– An argument against online donations
– Give now rather than in your will, reader says
– Reader reckons he deserves his pension, after paying for others
Plus:
– List of charities offering meaningful Christmas gift programmes