The high costs of Christmas
– Survey — NZers value time with family way ahead of giving and getting gifts
– Ideas to cut cost of gifts
– Donate to charity in the name of family member
– Thoughts about Christmas food, drinks and decorations
– I wrote article on this — on RNZ website from December 18
Q&As:
– Reader plans to retire at 45
– Simplicity defends CEO’s colourful past
– Christmas grinch reports back on progress
– Scrap KiwiSaver and give the money to beneficiaries, says reader
– Hatch exec responds to Smartshares’ comments last week
It’s a great idea to get all the incentives in KiwiSaver
Employees usually receive their full employer and government contributions, unless they are on a savings suspension. But what about everyone else?
Ways to boost your everyday saving. Last time we looked at setting a savings goal. This time, it’s other tips to boost savings: Open a separate savings account; Pay yourself first; Start small and gradually increase savings; Play mind games — take a “pay cut” or use a picture; Seize big opportunities when expenses fall or income increases; Take inspiration from champion savers or extreme saver movements.
How to set a goal for saving or debt repayment
Importance of setting a goal, Goals that work are SMART: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; (W)ritten; Time-bound.
Q&As: Reader disagrees with my views on inheritances; KiwiSaver index funds, and performance of NZ share index; Choose risk level first, then go for low fees; A penny saved is better than a penny earned.
Rainy Day Money: Why is it so important?; How much do you need?; How might you access the money — including through your mortgage; Where should you keep the money — if you haven’t got a mortgage.
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.
Q&As: Who to appeal to on KiwiSaver financial hardship withdrawal; Check insurance if doing Airbnb; Upset reader wants me to apologise to fathers; Pick your term when ‘laddering’ term deposits; Ask the bank, and ye shall receive; Tax on landlords ‘would be unfair’; One reason some don’t contribute to KiwiSaver.
Q&As: Teacher loses KiwiSaver employer contributions at 65, but colleagues don’t; Pay off student loan or mortgage — or invest elsewhere?; Ex-real estate agent explains why it’s not wise to list with several agents; Why haven’t agents’ commission rates fallen as house prices soar?; Move to Kawerau not feasible, says Auckland pensioner.