What financial decisions would I do differently, with hindsight?
Based on an email challenge from a listener.
– Timing — in the share market and property market
– Gearing — borrowing to invest in a share fund
– A foreign exchange investment
– House buying
– Rental property?
– Higher paid work?
Also:
– My holiday message: Be terrific in traffic
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.
Why sticking with NZ investments is foolish: Diversification — NZ is a tiny portion of world markets; How to invest offshore — in KiwiSaver and elsewhere; What about foreign exchange risk?; How much of your investments should be offshore?; Is investing offshore disloyal to NZ?; What is hedging, and is it good?
Investment risks — Part 3: Looking over your shoulder or overseas, or overlooking inflation. In a four-part series, Mary talks about the risks described in the newly updated “Upside, Downside — a guide to risk for savers and investors”. (Download it here). In this session: Buying investments that are hard — or expensive — to get out of; Expecting past performance to continue; Listening to old-timers; Forgetting about inflation; Taking foreign exchange risk — or not taking it when you should; Responding to ads or offers made in phone calls, seminars or courses.
Q&As: Predicted house price fall no big deal for most; Older KiwiSaver may be okay in growth fund; “Ad for active investing” not so convincing; Forex trader’s record worrying.
Q&As: Would-be foreign exchange trader should give it a miss; Are credit cards sometimes tied to mortgages? Does it matter?; Young son might learn more than one lesson; Reader suggests ways to cut food bill.
Why investing offshore is wise rather than risky: Applies to KiwiSaver and other investments; Much better diversification; Foreign exchange adds risk; Or does it?
Q&As: Is the family home an investment?; You can get a benefit even if you have savings…; …And having 1 or 2 boarders won’t affect your benefit; 2 letters on study options for last week’s correspondent; One way to save for retirement travel in Europe; Should ‘whingers’ take care of elderly parents themselves?
Q&As: How much emergency money, and where should it be invested?; When it’s a good idea to keep your bank at arm’s length; Should young couple buy a home now, or wait and hope on prices and exchange rates?; Best way to compare KiwiSaver funds.