Q&As: Some spend too much on fun, but some spend too little; What to do if employer won’t contribute to KiwiSaver; 2 readers ‘self-insure’ for health insurance; Reader glad he had check-up before dropping health insurance; Another way to keep down health insurance costs; How have you done in KiwiSaver?; Win a seminar ticket.
Q&As: Should retirees stop their health insurance?; 2 reasons why students should participate in KiwiSaver; My maths was OK!; Reader suggests doing a trial run on retirement budgeting; Retired couple doing fine on $600,000; More research needed on changing NZ Super age.
Q&As: Don’t miss KiwiSaver tax credits — and why kids do miss out; How to calculate tax credits for new KiwiSavers and those turning 18 or 65; Savings goal from adviser looks too high; Please email to say how well you’re doing in KiwiSaver.
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: Million-dollar savings goals do more harm than good; Retirement expectations rise and so should saving; Don’t like one housing forecast? Here are some more; Several NZ passive fund providers.
Q&As: Predicted house price fall no big deal for most; Older KiwiSaver may be okay in growth fund; “Ad for active investing” not so convincing; Forex trader’s record worrying.
Investment risks — Part 2: Too complicated, too much borrowing, not diversifying… 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: Investing in something you don’t fully understand; Investing in companies that get into trouble; Overdoing borrowing; Investing in too few different types of assets; Failing to diversify within each type of asset; Failing to diversify over time; Putting short-term money in volatile investments.
Q&As: Couple in their 60s could still get back into home ownership — helped by KiwiSaver; Rest home subsidy rule unfair, but not easy to fix; Benefit helped reader turn around his life; NZ Super recipient shouldn’t pick on beneficiaries.
Q&As: Best long-term investment for entrepreneurial teen; Reader aghast that beneficiary can keep savings; Pictured foot is impressive; Grateful reader’s pension rises after reading column. Plus: Free online booklet about investment risks.
Why investing offshore is wise rather than risky: Applies to KiwiSaver and other investments; Much better diversification; Foreign exchange adds risk; Or does it?