Government assistance

RNZ Radio 13 April 2023

How to complain about any financial service in NZ:
– What firms are covered
– The financial disputes system in NZ
– Free to you, and you don’t have to accept decision
– How they are funded
– What they do — and don’t do
– Your first steps to getting help

Read More

RNZ Radio 15 December 2022

Worrying numbers about over 65s’ finances, and what might be done about it
– Stats on over 65s’ income and home ownership show decreasing trends
– What to do about it
– A KiwiSaver push for beneficiaries?

Read More

NZ Herald 29 October 2022

Q&As:
– Old share certificate may be good for a shout at the pub
– Help for reader put into inappropriate investment
– Non-bank term deposits — is the return worth the risk?
– Confusing situation with KiwiSaver fund and advice offered

Read More

NZ Herald 20 August 2022

Q&As:
– A classic too-good-to-be-true offer
– KiwiSaver government contributions to some over 65s? No — let’s make it beneficiaries
– Mortgage paydown probably better than buying shares
– Let’s get this widow mortgage-free before retirement
– Reader unhappy with te reo in last week’s column

Read More

NZ Herald 13 August 2022

Q&As:
– Financial mentors offer free help for everyone who is struggling
– A good reason to switch KiwiSaver fund
– Reader “aghast” at my “cherry picking” in fund comparison
– Why passive share funds won’t take over entirely
– Life insurance advice from one who knows

Read More

NZ Herald 6 August 2022

Q&As:
– Young have too little life insurance; old have too much
– Reader challenges my comments about picking low-fee KiwiSaver fund…
– … While a documentary backs me up
– What about the workers in big Aussie-owned banks?
– Deposit insurance scheme attacked and defended

Plus:
– Money questions? Try this

Read More

RNZ Radio 28 July 2022

Bridging the gender retirement gap

Ideas from a conference on how to help women increase their retirement savings:
– Why the gap is there
– Suggestions on government action
– Suggestions on employer action
– Suggestions finance industry action

Read More

NZ Herald 14 May 2022

Q&As:
– Landlords are not villains
– Rental property tax rule unfair
– His head said rent, but his heart said buy
– How to tell if your KiwiSaver fund holds DGL, or any other investment
– Student share clubs could teach about index funds
– Sexy student investing, and drunken share trading
– FMA relaxed about share clubs
– Bonus Bond story with happy ending

Read More

NZ Herald 26 March 2022

Q&As:
– So you’re a millionaire? Big deal!
– Moving KiwiSaver provider in volatile times
– Which to pay off first — student loan or mortgage?
– Charity unhappy with last week’s wording
– An offer for those setting up scholarships
– 3 NZ Super recipients are unhappy with the rules

Read More

NZ Herald 19 March 2022

Q&As:
– Should you lie on your NZ Super application?
– Why Super rules make sense
– Donor could start a scholarship, or a grant
– Give while you live — and get a tax credit
– Most are happy with reverse mortgages
– Idea for couple: move into the bach
– Muddling up energy companies

Read More