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.
Q&As: 64-year-old can’t believe how good KiwiSaver is for him; KiwiSaver providers give wrong info to a would-be investor; Retired man questions my advice about bonds.
KiwiSaver more flexible and generous than commonly thought. Two lesser known features of KiwiSaver make it more user friendly than many people realise. They could entice non-joiners into taking part in a scheme which — after all — they are helping to fund, as taxpayers.
Q&As: Advice on investment during retirement has worked for these readers; KiwiSaver contributions holidays will be easy to take; Reader dislikes last week’s answer on KiwiSaver fund performance.