The message in the foot and mouth threat. The “Invest offshore” message was loud and clear the other day, after the news broke that somebody may have released foot and mouth disease on Waiheke Island. By the time you read this, the claim may have been proven a hoax. Here’s hoping so. If that’s the case, take warning from it.
Front page article and Q&A on how interest is paid on term deposits and how to stop yourself from being ripped off.
Q&As: A letter to give a spouse who is mean with money; Where to get info on interest rates; Returns on share funds, and debt repayment.
Index funds still the best, despite tax changes. An ice cream is still delicious without the chocolate dip. The same goes for index share funds. Since they made an appearance in New Zealand in the late 1990s, these funds have had a tax advantage over the other type of share funds, called active funds. It seems likely that the tax advantage will be removed soon. But even if it goes, I still think index funds are best.
Q&As: How do bonds differ from term deposits?; Where to get info on interest rates.
Q&As: Is it better to repay your mortgage or invest in a work super scheme?; Website with interest rate info.
The inherent differences between property and share investments. There’s a fundamental difference between investing in shares and property, a reader says in an email. “With a stock there is always the risk of bankruptcy of the entity you invest in, and the investment you make becoming worthless,” he writes.
Q&As: Woman can get her dream property — if she makes some sacrifices; What does finance company gearing mean?; Who hears a will being read?
Moving the goalposts: Working part-time in retirement makes a huge difference to how much you need to save. Also in this issue: From the Mailbox — Is home ownership so great?
Q&As: Where should a 13-year-old put his regular savings?; Extra repayments on a fixed mortgage.