Q&As:
– Does laddering term deposits work well in volatile markets
– Reader takes a wise longer-term view of share markets
– How some KiwiSaver providers use — and charge members for — financial advice
– Moving providers is ok in volatile markets — but ask adviser what’s in it for you
Q&As:
– Returns versus fees — which should you use to judge funds?
– Are banks safe? …
– … And should we favour NZ-owned banks?
– KiwiSaver can work well in retirement
– No, don’t try to time the markets!
– What to do after KiwiSaver drop
Q&As:
– Sell before you buy a home, and rent in a new area
– Reader is unhappy with column layout
– Couple enjoy life, but still seek higher returns than in the bank
– 3 Q&As about NZ Super and overseas pensions
Q&As:
– Please don’t let your partner run your money without your input
– Comparing KiwiSaver and non-KiwiSaver funds
– Laddering term deposits a great way to invest low-risk money — and what are Term PIEs?
– How do NZ-owned banks compare with overseas-owned ones?
– How high inflation affects low-risk savings
Q&As:
– How to invest as inflation increases
– Does my writing stand the test of time?
– KiwiSaver provider’s services could be better
– Reader has a good laugh about real estate commissions …
– … while another one defends agents
– When agents sell their own houses
Q&As:
– A lawyer stands his ground with real estate agents
– Agent says I “have it in for” his industry
– House insurance proved its worth for reader
– I stand behind bond funds for retirement money
– Did I give a reader ‘very bad advice’?
Q&As:
– Is it wise for young investor to buy shares in favourite company?
– Why bond values can fall
– What’s going on in 3 KiwiSaver cash funds that hold bonds
– Real estate agency nearly halves commission rate
– Reader can cope without house insurance
Q&As:
– Sorry but I won’t ban the expression “property ladder”
– Non-bank mortgage lenders are needed
– Risks of property syndicate investments
– Would fewer landlords be bad for tenants?
– Loss of deduction unfair to landlords — but hey!
Low-risk funds — a good alternative to bank term deposits
(But first — a quick follow-up on share trading)
– Defensive and conservative funds, in and out of KiwiSaver
– Where to get info — Smart Investor tool. Look for low fees.
– Don’t panic when balance falls a bit
– Comparison with bank term deposits:
— Pluses: withdrawals, PIE tax, safety
— Minuses: fees, don’t know returns, some volatility
What to do about low interest rates at banks (and the demise of Bonus Bonds)
– Not as bad as people think
– But still many unhappy
– Suitable alternatives — safe, low volatility — offset mortgages, cash funds, low-risk KiwiSaver funds
– Be braver? — if long-term money — middle-risk KiwiSaver funds. Probably not higher-risk funds or shares or rentals