The other B word: While some people find it easy to follow a budget, others struggle. Here are some tips for the latter group. Also in this issue: From the Mailbox — Couple who sold their house save heaps by renting. But should they wait for a price fall before buying again?
Q&As: Should man, 64, get student loan for the income, given that he probably won’t ever repay it?; Passing shares down the generations has good and bad points; Why did GPG get an exemption from the new international share tax rules?; Woman makes great progress in one short year; New charity aims to help children help themselves.
Q&As: Should retired couple invest in a commercial property? Why take on that risk?; Can we predict NZ dollar movements?; When is it best to change money from US to NZ currency; A US website that evaluates international charities; Yet another charity offers a Christmas gift programme. Plus: Win a ticket to a seminar.
The investment games people play. Let’s say you’re playing a game in which everyone has been given $20. In each round, you choose whether or not to put in $1, and a coin is then tossed. If it’s heads, you get back $2.50. If it’s tails, you lose your $1. How often would you put in a dollar?
Q&As: A handy rule for quick money calculations; When an ice cream at the movies was a luxury; Insights into the life of a share investor hobbyist; It’s hard to know what goes on behind charity closed doors.
Q&As: Is it a good idea to go back to 100 per cent mortgage on rental and invest the money in a term deposit?; A reader supports gradually building up a share portfolio; Another charity offers Christmas gifts for the needy on behalf of your friends and relatives; Reader wants more info on charities before making gifts; A Sydney minister’s quick-witted response; Prices then and now — and how houses fit into the picture; Cathedral carvings show inflation is nothing new; A reader’s pie and doughnut confession.
Mortgage moves: How you can make the big loans work better for you. Also in this issue: From the mailbox — Is it a good idea to increase your mortgage and invest the money elsewhere?
Look beyond the dividends: In share fund investing, keep your eye on the prize — the over-all return, not just the fees and dividends.
Q&As: Should we get bigger tax deductions for donations to charity? Also — give Christmas gifts to those who really need them; Readers disagree over the price of a 1950s pie; Buying shares company by company, over the years, not the best strategy; Is the new proposed tax on international shares fair?
Q&As: What’s happened to the price of pies over the years?; Would it be good for NZ if Inland Revenue was tougher on rental property capital gains?; When is “income” really “profit”?; Reluctant shareholders worry about their lack of power — How best to hold shares.