Q&As:
– Parents can give money to adult son without tax complications
– Another parent can do likewise, but watch out for care subsidy rules
– Conservative KiwiSaver fund’s high returns are genuine — but won’t always be there
– Change will give people NZ Super despite their partner’s overseas pension
– NZ Super application timing was wrong on some websites
Q&As:
– New share investors should skip single shares and use a fund
– Short-term share trading up — but most people don’t win
– Index funds proving themselves in down markets
– How “Preservation Fund” lost money — and is it better than bank term deposit?
– Angry reader wants gold in NZ dollars — but would it boost his case?
– Last week’s gold fan takes another look
– Gold helps with diversification
Bank term deposits might not earn much, but sometimes they’re the best option
They’re boring and they pay low interest. But bank term deposits are probably the best place to park money for a few months — or even a year or so. Anywhere else could be too risky…
Q&As:
– Bonus Bonds work well as on-call account …
– … But not so well as a gift for grand-daughter. Other options for her
– Means-testing NZ Super may cost more than it saves
– Lower-income retirees already get more
– Take care with charity donations in wills
– Tell charities how you want to be treated …
– … Here’s what to do if they ignore your requests
Q&As:
– What to do with a $200,000 Lotto win
– How does Inland Revenue handle Islamic banking?
– Drop in fund value explained
– 2 Q&As on handling charity donations after the donor dies
– Reader explains why millionaire could be aggrieved about NZ Super
– Another reader doesn’t buy my arguments on means-testing Super
– Is means-testing a far left idea?
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:
– Low interest not as bad as it seems — when we check out inflation
– Ideas for retiree struggling because of low interest
– Should retirement savings go into high-earning KiwiSaver fund?
– Apartment ownership not worry-free
– My tax gripe shot down
Q&As: Caravan couple’s plans for their savings seem too risky; How to find a cash fund — an accessible alternative to a term deposit; Why international investing is not as complicated or risky as reader thinks; Minimum KiwiSaver contributions for non-earners hoping to get first home grant. Plus: How would you improve KiwiSaver?; 2 reminders about KiwiSaver.
Q&As: Should solo mum keep her house and rent it out while moving to better school zone?; Invest in share fund or pay off mortgage?; No government guarantee of future NZ Super, but don’t worry about it; Why a KiwiSaver growth fund invests lots in fixed interest.
Q&As: Market timing is upside down – but reader shouldn’t do it anyway; Another reader seeks advice on timing, plus switching KiwiSaver providers; Use bond funds, not balanced funds, in retirement; Have I followed my own financial advice?; A correction about percentages of retirees in long-term residential care.