Important new info on KiwiSaver annual statements arriving about now:
– You’ll be told your expected savings at 65 (inflation adjusted)
– Also how much you will be able to spend per week until age 90 (inflation adjusted)
– (But you won’t get this if you’re new to that provider, under 18 or over 65)
– How these numbers are calculated
– What if you don’t fit the assumptions, eg you plan to retire before or after 65?
– What to do if your numbers are worryingly low
Q&As:
– One less worry: KiwiSaver as an inheritance
– Keep an eye on what’s in your will
– Challenging Westpac over help for KiwiSaver investor
– What happens when KiwiSaver account is empty
– Which is safer, bank deposit or low-risk fund?
– Don’t panic about security of banks
– Ignore past returns when choosing KiwiSaver provider — so how should you choose?
Plus:
– Message to mothers
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: Mum’s single-share investment a huge disappointment; How to organize savings in retirement …; … and how not to; Knicker drawer a great spot for share investment.
Q&As: Dad misunderstands how best to contribute to children’s KiwiSaver accounts; KiwiSaver, 24, wonders whether to aim at first home or retirement money; How we blew our chance to adjust taxes for inflation; Further thoughts on inflation and the capital gains tax; Suggestion to ‘Caravan woman’ that she sells at least one rental property.
Q&As: Capital gains tax on second homes would be based on gains from April 2020; New tax would reduce income inequality; The right adviser could help readers decide whether to sell rental; It would be great if online tool showed ethics of companies.
Q&As: Why term deposit returns now beat old returns above 10%; Is it OK if an employer makes employees pay their own KiwiSaver employer contributions?; Is it better to pay down the mortgage fast or be in KiwiSaver?; Might a fees-only financial adviser still accept commissions?
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: The richest ones don’t look rich; Why index share fund fees are higher in NZ; Another way to invest in Smartshares; Why NZ investors are hit particularly hard by inflation.