Q&As: Easier to borrow to invest in property than shares, but that’s not always a plus; Tax on international shares is different, but not necessarily worse; Anti-KiwiSaver reader gives me all the more reason to write about KiwiSaver.
Q&As: KiwiSaver trustee change raises questions about how much trustees protect members; Hazards of dealing with an overseas sharebroker; What’s the difference between investing and gambling?
Q&As: Paying off mortgage — and getting rid of badly undiversified portfolio — are two great ideas; KiwiSaver can work well for student; Laying out the details on KiwiSaver exit fees; Buying shares directly from overseas broker cheaper in short run, but may not be wise.
Q&As: Some active share funds will do better than passive index funds, but it’s impossible to predict which ones; Don’t go chasing high-performing KiwiSaver funds — here’s how to choose your provider; Another index fund available in New Zealand; Fee-charging advisers don’t gain from putting clients in higher risk investments than they should.
Q&As: It’s not wise to let yourself be forced into being a landlord; Which New Zealand providers offer passive or index funds?; What are the minimum investments in passive funds?; Details on how the new resolution schemes for disputes with advisers will work.
Q&As: Tips for retired couple whose interest income has halved; Savings accounts may pay more interest than term deposits — but take care; Tax on foreign shares seems tough in current environment.
To hedge or not to hedge? There are two key questions around investing overseas: Should you do it? And if you do, should you hedge your investment, so it’s not affected by movements in the New Zealand dollar. The first answer is “Yes”. The second is trickier.
Q&As: Why 20 shares are much better than two; Reader claims diversification is not a great idea. I disagree; Is land a lower risk investment than a share fund?
Highlights from Holm Truths. For a few weeks, this column is running highlights from Mary Holm’s quarterly newsletter Holm Truths. Mary’s regular Q&A column will resume on October 27. STAY AWAY: New Zealanders’ increasing tendency to travel overseas is a wonderful development. We enjoy it, we learn tolerance and we pick up ideas — ranging from what to eat to how to make a living. The trend has made us all more aware of the changing value of the Kiwi dollar. When it rises, we perhaps take a longer or more expensive trip. But when it falls, we don’t all stay home. Some of us modify our plans; others carry on regardless, maybe spending less on other items. Over the years, too, we’ve become more likely to own international shares — directly or by investing in a world share fund or a managed fund that includes international shares.