NZ Herald Q&A Column – Mary Holm

NZ Herald 27 April 2024

mary — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:00:52 +0000

2 Q&As on whether to sell investments to pay down debt Should family use more than one KiwiSaver provider? How bitcoin and gold are taxed Let’s stop tax bracket creep QI’m in my mid-forties, with the mortgage on our family home about $150,000 remaining. Our other assets — in various states of liquidity across shares, index funds, crypto, classic car — are also about $150,000.

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NZ Herald 20 April 2024

mary — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:00:18 +0000

Don’t try to time markets… … Even if you’re being contrary 2 Q&As on money lessons for teens Bank PIEs and government guarantee No capital gains tax, but we do tax some gains QLike lots of others, I’m very pleased to see my investment funds soaring after the Covid downturn years. But feeling a little uneasy that it may not be sustained, and that some almighty crash is imminent. I’m...

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NZ Herald 13 April 2024

mary — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:00:21 +0000

A tip on teen spending Could growth of index funds ruin the share market? Do extra saving outside KiwiSaver Stay in high risk near retirement? Should capital gains be adjusted for inflation? QEarly in your book A Richer You, I read that you’d given your teenage son a lump sum to use each year for clothes and “toys”. I was chuffed to see that because I did something similar with my eldest...

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NZ Herald 6 April 2024

mary — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:00:07 +0000

When investing becomes gambling Put withdrawal money in a cash fund Almost last over one year, but first over ten years Term deposits not so wonderful 2 readers disliked my response last week… … But 2 others loved it Why landlords “should be appreciated” QFor many years you’ve been telling long-term savers they should invest in a higher-risk fund, but five years before they want to withdraw...

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NZ Herald 30 March 2024

mary — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:00:41 +0000

Brilliant KiwiSaver results in 2023 Stopping regular investing in downturns not a good idea Why longer-term laddering works better Landlords’ finances not what drives rents Did tax policy hurt UK investment here? Finer points of rental tax deductions QI have $40,000 in my balanced KiwiSaver account with the BNZ. I turn 65 next February and wonder if it would be better to withdraw the money then...

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NZ Herald 23 March 2024

Tim — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:00:32 +0000

Getting KiwiSaver off to a good start in your 20s Clever tax idea not so clever 2 Q&As on rental mortgage interest deduction “Little old lady” phrase disliked… … But another reader is happy Disappointment about laddering QI am hoping you can help. I run HR for a small company that employs quite a few graduates. Many of them are first time contributors to KiwiSaver. Most just sit with the...

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NZ Herald 16 March 2024

mary — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:00:58 +0000

5 shares in one industry playing with fire How rental property should be taxed Reader objects to landlord image What happens to odd cents The next step in laddering term deposits No I don’t support the Government blindly QI had a diversified share portfolio of around 25 different companies that did very well over about 10 years. Some investments went to zero (Wynyard anyone?), but others more than...

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NZ Herald 9 March 2024

mary — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:00:57 +0000

Help for couples with different attitudes to money Where to save for a baby’s future Worries about S&P500 index funds … … Investing in many index funds Did NZ Super Fund get it wrong? “Clever” taxpayers like Prime Minister? QI am hoping you could direct me to specific financial help. Essentially, my husband and I need some sort of combination financial/couples counselling service. I am a born...

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NZ Herald 2 March 2024

mary — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:00:34 +0000

Keep investing, or get rid of that debt? Super Fund result doesn’t put me off passive funds Some readers dislike last week’s chauffeur letter… … While others love it Using tax loopholes “not open to criticism”? QAs a young man, I’ve read your articles over many years and really valued your advice. Recently my family completed a house build and, on top of now having a larger mortgage...

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NZ Herald 24 February 2024

mary — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:00:16 +0000

Drip feeding savings can really add up Sell the rental and earn more elsewhere Prepare for rental property disasters Couple has to pay the chauffeur! Envy or pride? Reactions to letters from the rich Lunch out on NZ Super Everyone should have enduring powers of attorney (EPAs) Would a maximum tax be good? Decimal currency ripped off kids! QI encouraged my two wage-earning sons to buy shares via an...

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