NZ Herald 8 December 2007
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?
NZ Herald 13 October 2007
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.
NZ Herald 7 April 2007
Q&As: A year-old letter shows the danger in trying to predict what the Kiwi dollar will do; “Plodders” wonder how to match the investments of their landlord friends; Traders in shares beyond Australasia no longer pay the old tax on capital gains; How about taxing rental property the same way as international shares?
The Investor 3 April 2007
New tax rules not so bad. As the new tax regime on shares in countries beyond Australasia takes effect, many taxpayers seem to think it’s tougher than it really is.
NZ Herald 31 March 2007
Q&As: Have you got what it takes to borrow to invest in a share fund?; How frequent traders in international shares will be taxed under the new rules; How Inland Revenue might catch property traders.
NZ Herald 24 March 2007
Q&As: Should we blame the banks for soaring house prices?; 2 Q&As on the new fair dividend rate tax on non-Australasian shares — the threshold, and trying to get around the rules; 2 Q&As on home equity release — lifetime interest rates and break fees if you change your mind.
NZ Herald 10 March 2007
Q&As: Many elderly, and others, could benefit from rates postponement schemes; Why floating interest rates might be better — for home equity release schemes and ordinary mortgages; A not-so-dumb question about the $50,000 exemption for international tax changes, and a new source of info on the changes.
NZ Herald 24 February 2007
Q&As: Woman in mid 50s, who is renting, explores options for buying a home; 2 Q&As about the $50,000 threshold in the new regime on taxation of international shares. Also: Seeking your questions about KiwiSaver.
NZ Herald 17 February 2007
Q&As: Is the Kiwi dollar to blame for poor overseas investment performance?; How foreign dividends will be dealt with under the new tax rules; Where to go for historical foreign exchange data — for tax purposes; A lionish company bites back.
NZ Herald 10 February 2007
Q&As: The warning signs in investment ads; Should we adjust investment returns to allow for inflation?; How best to assess long-term returns on shares and property; How to tell if an Australian company qualifies for the tax exemption.