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?
Good fairy turbocharges lower income people’s savings. You’re struggling on a low income, as a part-time or full-time worker. All this talk about saving is fine for those making plenty, but you feel you can’t spare anything. Fair enough. Enter the Good Fairy. “How about a deal?” she says. “If you can set aside just a few dollars a week, I will multiply your savings five-fold, eight-fold, thirteen-fold — the lower your income the more I will boost your savings. It will really help you get ahead in the long term. Interested?”
Getting in and out of share market a losing strategy. Many people with share investments — including KiwiSaver and other funds that hold shares along with other assets — are probably eying the 37 to 39 per cent drops in the New Zealand, US and Australian share markets last year and considering taking flight to lower-risk investments. Don’t.
Christmas giving that makes you happier too. Struggling retailers aren’t going to like this, but how about we make 2008 the year we stop spending ridiculous amounts on Christmas presents we don’t need — and often don’t even like?
To hedge or not to hedge? There are two key questions around investing overseas: Should you do it? And if you do, should you hedge your investment, so it’s not affected by movements in the New Zealand dollar. The first answer is “Yes”. The second is trickier.
The facts on KiwiSaver plans. PLUS book giveaway winners. Forget the rhetoric; let’s look at the facts. The National Party’s plans for KiwiSaver would leave some better off, some worse off, some weighing up pros and cons — and more people in the scheme.
Tax cuts bring KiwiSaver into reach for many. The “I can’t afford KiwiSaver” excuse is about to get weaker for many New Zealanders. Tax cuts come into effect from October 1, and many families will also benefit from changes to the Working for Families tax credit and income threshold. The extra money will cover at least half of many people’s KiwiSaver contributions, sometimes more.