Q&As:
– Couple should make children their priority while the kids are young
– KiwiSaver gives children a good start, despite the lack of incentives
– Don’t blame bank for getting son’s KiwiSaver tax rate wrong
– Expanding the “cut back on gifts” idea to birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s Day
– Inflation tougher on superannuitants, but reader still has options
Plus:
– I’m doing two talks in Tauranga on November 3
Q&As: Husband — and reluctant wife — should make housing decision based on what they want; Could making gifts to family affect government help with rest home costs?; Where is government response on welfare overhaul? Plus: Message to Dads about Fathers Day.
Q&As: Italy is bad for bureaucracy, but how about Kiwi girl getting 4¢ tax refund?; Do retirement investment “rules” change if you have big savings?; No we don’t want to reduce picture with column!; Company that performed badly last century doing well now.
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.
Q&As: Comparing KiwiSaver funds with indexes a great idea — but can it be done well?; Compound interest starts small, but after a few years …; Pay down mortgage or invest elsewhere for children?; Don’t forget accommodation when weighing up investment in your home; Reader very happy with ASB service
Q&As: With mortgage paid off, should KiwiSaver contributions rise — plus new contributions options; Does couple have too much in property, and does it matter?; Big KiwiSaver provider staff members don’t know basic info; One more provider gives kids a break on fees.
Q&As: Don’t try to time your move into a higher-risk fund; ‘Own pocket money’ a secret for matrimonial harmony; Non-earners should raise KiwiSaver contributions if they want a first home grant; A grandma worries about the children’s KiwiSaver accounts …; … But a mother reports her kids are doing fine; Video comparing home buyer and renter is misleading. RIP capital gains tax.
Q&As: Why non-KiwiSavers 60–64 should join before July 1; Returns the same no matter how couple splits KiwiSaver contributions; Children get tax advantage in KiwiSaver; Why KiwiSaver is good for kids despite drawbacks; CGT would apply only to gains after 2021.
Q&As: House price fall not bad news for everyone; No thanks, Pete, I’ll skip your offer; Long-term landlord could lose nearly a third of value under CGT; Why the fuss, property investors?; Landlord happy to accept CGT; I misread last week’s letter, but the point is unchanged
Q&As: Dad misunderstands how best to contribute to children’s KiwiSaver accounts; KiwiSaver, 24, wonders whether to aim at first home or retirement money; How we blew our chance to adjust taxes for inflation; Further thoughts on inflation and the capital gains tax; Suggestion to ‘Caravan woman’ that she sells at least one rental property.