Bank term deposits might not earn much, but sometimes they’re the best option
They’re boring and they pay low interest. But bank term deposits are probably the best place to park money for a few months — or even a year or so. Anywhere else could be too risky…
Active vs passive management of KiwiSaver and other funds
Why I disagree with result of recent debate on this:
– A bias in who took part?
– Passive funds will always be average — that’s fine
– Will the rise in passive management ruin the way the market works?
Q&As:
– Reader can’t bring herself to enjoy her wealth …
– … While another reader has splashed out on an Italian holiday home
– 65+ reader is loving being in KiwiSaver
– How come passive funds are trading shares daily?
– ‘Passive’ KiwiSaver funds are not
– Is it better to invest in US index funds, with their lower fees?
What financial decisions would I do differently, with hindsight?
Based on an email challenge from a listener.
– Timing — in the share market and property market
– Gearing — borrowing to invest in a share fund
– A foreign exchange investment
– House buying
– Rental property?
– Higher paid work?
Also:
– My holiday message: Be terrific in traffic
If you can learn to handle risk, you’ll get more out of your KiwiSaver fund.
Ask someone which KiwiSaver fund they are in, and most will name their provider — a bank or other financial institution. But the provider doesn’t matter nearly as much as which type of fund you’re in.
Q&As:
– Loan within family might work, but there’s lots to consider
– How to find KiwiSaver funds that are pretty much fully invested in shares
– No rules about KiwiSaver fund names
– Tax rate should be called “marginal” — or should it?
THE BEST WAY TO INVEST IN SHARES
A listener’s letter and Mary’s response:
– Starting early is good
– Drip feeding is good
– You don’t need to research companies
– Buy more or less randomly — but vary industries
– Understand a share’s volatility
Low fees are key, but what other factors play into savvy KiwiSaver planning?
Is it wise for a husband and wife to be in the same KiwiSaver scheme?
Why are women more cautious with investments, and should we take more risks?
In some ways women are better investors than men. So how come we often end up with lower savings?
Q&As: How to help reluctant grandfather with his finances; Is insurance a rip-off, and therefore you should self-insure?; Now is the wrong time to buy or build — or is it?; Last week’s correspondent opens money conversation with his wife. Money Week theme: Talking about money.