Government assistance

NZ Herald 17 August 2019

Q&As: Reader timing market — but the better way. And making huge KiwiSaver contributions; 1% KiwiSaver contribution rate would help those on low incomes; MSD oppressive, says reader, but her points don’t all hold up; Reader thanks his Mum, MSD and me for getting good Super.

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NZ Herald 10 August 2019

Q&As: How KiwiSaver works for someone on minimum wage; Reader using KiwiSaver money soon for first home shouldn’t be in growth fund; Suggestions for beneficiary who got inheritance …; … and a further question from him; Reader saddened by last week’s comment on beneficiary.

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NZ Herald 3 August 2019

Q&As: Don’t move your money because of Brexit fears — or any other fears; KiwiSaver details for those turning 18 or 65; Your bank isn’t necessarily your best KiwiSaver provider. How to find out; “Unlucky” reader lucky she took out loss of income insurance; Reader giving non-beneficiaries a bad name; Suggestion for last week’s beneficiary not good for two reasons.

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NZ Herald 27 July 2019

Q&As: Difficult for beneficiary to gain from inheritance; Is there anything in KiwiSaver for retirees? …; … Reader replies to that, but worries me; Does KiwiSaver beat other funds in retirement?; 2 readers have fun with last week’s tiny tax refund letter.

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NZ Herald 15 December 2018

Q&As: “Better area” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better investment; TSB is like Kiwibank on term deposit rules; Should superannuitant put inheritance in KiwiSaver to avoid means test?; Parents in 70s should quit work and get assistance; Advantages of not getting residential care subsidy; 55-year-old might as well retire.

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NZ Herald 8 December 2018

Q&As: Penalty acceptable for breaking term deposit, but not month-long wait; Another theory on “rule of thumb”; More on “government pays” versus “taxpayer pays”; Reader’s parents “milked the system”; Meaningful Christmas gifts.

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NZ Herald 1 December 2018

Q&As: Reader prefers “taxpayer pays” rather than “government pays”; How do trusts affect the residential care subsidy?; Stats on retirement income confuse a reader; Book winners — six of the best.

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NZ Herald 24 November 2018

Q&As: Do we need $1 million for retirement?; Is “rule of thumb” offensive?; Advice that has stood the test of time; Reader says property manager well worth it; Is buying jewelry a way to get subsidy?

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NZ Herald 9 December 2017

Q&As: Is it terrible to rent all your life rather than buy a home?; Young man wanting to buy a home should make the most of KiwiSaver; A real world example of a house price plunging; Clarification on last week’s letter about sole parent support from WINZ; Sorry, but we’re not getting into matchmaking in the column!

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