Winning questions. The best 5 listeners’ questions are answered on air, and the questioners receive a copy of Mary’s new book. Their questions cover: Is house out of reach for couple in their 30s?; Ways to get value from your house in retirement; Which debt should you pay off first?; Couple worry about investing in Auckland apartment; How a beneficiary should handle an inheritance.
Sorting your finances step by step. Based on Mary’s new book “Rich Enough? A laid-back guide for every Kiwi”: Why it’s best to do it in steps. Why the steps are in this order. What the steps cover: Step 1. Start now — it’s easy; Step 2. Kill off high-interest debt; Step 3. Set up insurance — and a rainy day fund; Step 4. Join the best KiwiSaver fund for you; Step 5. Boost your saving painlessly — how and where; Step 6. Stay cool; Step 7. Head confidently towards retirement — and through it; Step ? (when it’s the right time for you — if ever): Buy a house, or sell one.
Reverse mortgages: A worry or a great idea? — What is a reverse mortgage?; The one big negative; What to ask about; Tell the family?; Conclusions.
Listeners’ questions about mortgages. Topics covered include: Fixed or floating, and how long a term?; Should you put extra money into mortgage or KiwiSaver?; Using KiwiSaver to buy a container house; Reverse mortgages vs ordinary mortgages for retirees.
Ways to curb your spending: Why we do unnecessary spending?; Estimate your spending — roughly; Attack habits; Watch out for slogans; The Christmas trap; Get support — FinCap; Tell lenders to go away — Debt Blocker.
What worries you about KiwiSaver: Listeners’ questions. Topics covered include: Understanding the basics; Can the government be trusted?; Are fees ripping off children in KiwiSaver?; Do parents commit their kids to KiwiSaver?; Comparing KiwiSaver and non-KiwiSaver investments.
Ethical (or responsible) investing: What we say versus what we do — Survey on New Zealanders’ views; But are we acting on those views?; Why not, and what can be done about it; Avoid “bad” companies or engage with them?; One worry — keep an eye on fund risk.
How to get women more interested in investing: Research shows men are more knowledgeable and confident; Women are in more conservative investments; Why? — some thoughts from a recent discussion; Suggestions on how to close the gap.
Scams — warning signs and false friends: Who are the main victims (you might be surprised); What should make you wary?; When you shouldn’t take comfort; Rule Number 1 in the fight against scams.
What people still don’t get about KiwiSaver! Plus discussion with a listener on employer contributions: Follow-up to last time about KiwiSaver and employer contributions; Survey on which investments give best returns; Why KiwiSaver should score better; Other concerns with the findings.