Big rates rise? Consider rates postponement
– Some councils offer for everyone, others just for those on lower incomes
– Frees up money for expenses — or fun!
– You pay no rates, but owe your council the money — pay back when you sell house or die
– Some fees plus compounding interest, but house value should grow more than debt
– Check your council’s website
– Another idea: pay smaller amounts more often
Struggling to pay rates? Try a rebate or postponement:
(First: A comment on National’s proposed KiwiSaver changes)
– People facing big rate rises
– Different councils’ offerings
– Rebates for people on low incomes
– Postponement in some cases for everyone
– How it works
– How to get help with this
Q&As:
– Where can 16-year-old get term deposit in their own name?
– The perils of guaranteeing an adult child’s mortgage
– Budget adviser likes reverse mortgages
– Colourful quotes from Bernard Baruch
Plus:
– Your story about switching banks
Q&As:
– Wobbly markets don’t mean you should sit on the sidelines
– Reader unhappy after following my advice
– Tips for nervous investors
– Best KiwiSaver plan after first home purchase
– Use a reverse mortgage to help son?
– A reader’s story: Learning to appreciate market downturns
Q&As:
– KiwiSaver provider’s ad looks like cherry picking to me
– Retired couple should sell their rental property
– You can repay reverse mortgages any time
– Reader takes note of bank credit ratings when choosing term deposits
– A reader’s story: Surviving Covid jitters, and upping KiwiSaver and mortgage payments
Q&As:
– How could I resist? Quite easily, actually
– A short-term reverse mortgage works well for this reader…
– … But rates postponement might be better for this one
– Don’t overlook other banks’ term deposits
Readers’ stories:
– Column helps with recovery from accident
– House deposit money better in the bank
Q&As:
– A reverse mortgage that hasn’t gone well …
– … But it might work for this reader
– A great tip on how to get more on your term deposit
– Buying shares is much cheaper these days
– A reader’s story: Many wise moves, and a great attitude
Many ways to “eat your house” in retirement:
– Take in boarders or flatmates
– Sublet part of home — permanently or Airbnb (wttch tax and insurance)
– Subdivide — easier now
– Sell your house and buy smaller or in a cheaper place
– Sell your house and become a renter
– Reverse mortgages
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
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