The Investor 14 August 2010
Turbulent times lead to confusing KiwiSaver returns. Confused KiwiSavers are asking some probing questions about the returns on their accounts, and I can’t blame them.
Turbulent times lead to confusing KiwiSaver returns. Confused KiwiSavers are asking some probing questions about the returns on their accounts, and I can’t blame them.
Q&As: What happens when your employer doesn’t forward your KiwiSaver deductions to Inland Revenue; Do I still recommend share investments after the Feltex case?; I shouldn’t have said “nobody foresaw the downturn” in the last column; Queensland might be good to retire to, but is it a good place to invest?; A brickbat about BRIC funds.
Q&As: Does it make sense to try to pick where Baby Boomers will retire and buy property there?; How KiwiSaver works if you move from employment to self-employment; Should couple use lump sum to repay a commercial mortgage or for other investment — and how KiwiSaver affects this?; Some alternatives for investing in emerging markets.
Ridiculous offers shouldn’t be banned. Two recent press releases had a similar ring to them. Both warned about offers to buy investments at low prices. But there’s a key difference between the two situations.
Q&As: Two readers are unhappy with ASB’s closing of some of its investment funds — with some justification, but only “some”; Another reader gives up on reading this column, claiming I am “inside the tent” with the financial industry.
Q&As: One reader is angry that ASB is closing the trusts he’s invested in, while…; Another reader sees it as a great opportunity to try a new investment strategy with term deposits; I might be a duck or a weasel, but I’m not a financial adviser.
Getting into gear not always wise. The four most hateful words are said to be, “I told you so.” So I’ll put this another way: One of my key messages in seminars, books and columns over the years — that borrowing to invest is more dangerous than many people realise — is easier to “sell” these days than a couple of years ago.
Q&As: KiwiSaver works well for beneficiaries — and there may be a bonus for those who are unwell; Am I a financial adviser? And why it matters to you.
Q&As: Other ways in which gold is risky; The difference between term deposits and bonds; Why is ING’s default KiwiSaver scheme cheaper than the very similar ANZ and National Bank schemes?; Readers offer some udder ideas on what to call Mum and Dad investors.
Q&As: A reader goes on a merry-go-round trying to get information on PIR tax rates for couples; I stick to my ground on gold’s unsuitability as a large investment for most people — despite two readers’ arguments; A good reason not to dig up gold on the conservation estate; More on alternatives to “Mum and Dad investors”, and a call for more creativity.