Q&As: When having a separate savings account is not the best approach; Houses still cheap in Whanganui; Mt Albert reader offended by house price Q&A; KiwiSaver government contribution smaller in your first year; Provider says their fund is great for retirees; KiwiSaver withdrawals after 65 not instant.
Q&As: Caravan couple’s plans for their savings seem too risky; How to find a cash fund — an accessible alternative to a term deposit; Why international investing is not as complicated or risky as reader thinks; Minimum KiwiSaver contributions for non-earners hoping to get first home grant. Plus: How would you improve KiwiSaver?; 2 reminders about KiwiSaver.
Five KiwiSaver developments: 2 milestones reached; Act NOW! — Just 2 weeks to get maximum government contribution, and for 60–64s to get a good deal; KiwiSaver statements getting better — and better still next year; Improved KiwiSaver health checker; How would you improve KiwiSaver?
Q&As: How 71-year-old renter could use her savings to supplement NZ Super; Reader dislikes ‘free government money’ and KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals; Nobody can predict the share market, so don’t try to time it; Info on KiwiSaver returns is available, but not a lot of use.
Q&As: Stick with mostly global shares, despite NZ’s recent great performance; Time to top up for KiwiSaver government contribution — and how to work out your contributions; Money gift from father won’t affect using KiwiSaver to buy first home; KiwiSaver investment choices much wider than reader thinks.
Understanding risk and return: A survey suggests New Zealanders don’t get it; What investments give the highest returns?; What do we mean by risk?; Who should take investment risk?
Q&As: Should would-be first home buyers stay out of the market?; Grab the chance to save for first home; Reader’s KiwiSaver fees way higher than some providers’ fees; No need to move gradually from one share fund to another.
Q&As: Reader disagrees with my views on inheritances; KiwiSaver index funds, and performance of NZ share index; Choose risk level first, then go for low fees; A penny saved is better than a penny earned.
Q&As: Should solo mum keep her house and rent it out while moving to better school zone?; Invest in share fund or pay off mortgage?; No government guarantee of future NZ Super, but don’t worry about it; Why a KiwiSaver growth fund invests lots in fixed interest.
Q&As: Comparing KiwiSaver funds with indexes a great idea — but can it be done well?; Compound interest starts small, but after a few years …; Pay down mortgage or invest elsewhere for children?; Don’t forget accommodation when weighing up investment in your home; Reader very happy with ASB service