How emotional thinking can get in the way of good investing. Understanding common reactions can help you guard against bad decisions. Reactions include: Responding to how things are presented; Sticking with the status quo; Responding to how things are named; Following the crowd; Emotional attachment; Being overwhelmed with information; Fear of regret; Not considering the whole portfolio.
Q&As: Who should add a windfall to KiwiSaver, and who shouldn’t; Reader gets fun out of direct share investment; Was Rabobank included in recent stress tests?; Is there any point in reader continuing pension contributions?; Which KiwiSaver funds are ‘ethical’.
Q&As: Borrowing to invest in shares raises risk — and rewards; Buying shares directly versus using a KiwiSaver fund; Reader shouldn’t worry that KiwiSaver first home withdrawal will stop.
Q&As: Should couple sell Auckland rental now or keep it until retirement?; How to contribute something other than 3,4 or 8% to KiwiSaver; What happens when a KiwiSaver turns 65; ‘Good news’ letter a reminder to the young; Auckland too pricey? Try Dunedin; Update on KiwiSaver HomeStart grants.
Q&As: It’s easy to check if you’re eligible for a tax refund; Former homeowners may be able to use KiwiSaver money to buy a home; Most people using KiwiSaver first home help don’t stop contributing.
Q&As: Should we bail out of bank accounts if house prices plunge 40 per cent?; All bank accounts and term deposits affected if a bank fails; Thanks but no thanks to a suggested video; Share funds much safer than finance companies were; 65-pluser should stick with KiwiSaver given employer’s generosity.
KiwiSaver rules, and how to make the most of the scheme: Follow-up on first home help; Rules about joining KiwiSaver; Other rules about KiwiSaver; Getting the most from the scheme.
Q&As: ‘Laddering’ term deposits has several advantages; Riskier funds tend to do better, but fees hit reader’s returns; Get agent’s advice on upgrading house before selling?; Reader’s first KiwiSaver tax credit a disappointment.
Timing the housing market, and KiwiSaver first home help: The one market where you can’t invest gradually; How to make the decision; How much does it matter?; 2 ways KiwiSaver helps first home buyers.
Q&As: A reader challenges my 2008 advice on term deposits; Another wants to buy — not sell — UK shares right now; Family should consider inner Auckland townhouse; My motive is uncovered!; Some lucky reading at McDonalds; Corrections.