The facts on KiwiSaver plans. PLUS book giveaway winners. Forget the rhetoric; let’s look at the facts. The National Party’s plans for KiwiSaver would leave some better off, some worse off, some weighing up pros and cons — and more people in the scheme.
Q&As: How flexible are KiwiSaver providers about moving money between their funds?; Why are KiwiSaver tax credits so slow to come through? Plus: Reader views on KiwiSaver.
Q&As: A happy share investor, and how you might get out of shares if you need to in the current market; How does KiwiSaver mortgage diversion work for someone with a “2 + 2” contribution arrangement? Plus: Winners of the Herald book giveaway.
Tax cuts bring KiwiSaver into reach for many. The “I can’t afford KiwiSaver” excuse is about to get weaker for many New Zealanders. Tax cuts come into effect from October 1, and many families will also benefit from changes to the Working for Families tax credit and income threshold. The extra money will cover at least half of many people’s KiwiSaver contributions, sometimes more.
Q&As: Why KiwiSaver mortgage diversion is such a good idea; Should the government intervene to stop house prices from falling?
Q&As: Disgruntled KiwiSaver has actually done really well; Mortgage diversion finally available — soon — to most KiwiSavers.
Retirement payments likely to make a comeback. Annuities — which are typically monthly payments to retired people, over and above NZ Super — may be on their way back onto the New Zealand scene.
Q&As: KiwiSaver ethical investments options vary widely; Options for KiwiSavers who have gone overseas; A provider challenges my advice on a family spreading its KiwiSaver accounts around. Plus: Win a book.
Q&As: Family of five should go with several different KiwiSaver providers to compare them; Last week’s look at the effects of gearing was deliberately simplified — and it probably didn’t make too much difference; Two poetic reactions to last week’s poem; Parliament move ends wait for woman not wanting to sign a work contract that treats KiwiSavers differently.
Q&As: A poem from the past shows how our attitudes to debt have changed. Will they change back again?; Reader wonders how long she has to wait for the government to change the law about employer KiwiSaver contributions.