The Investor 15 April 2008
3 ways that KiwiSaver just got even better. This month is a big one for KiwiSaver, with several changes taking effect that make the scheme more attractive — including a little publicised tax break.
3 ways that KiwiSaver just got even better. This month is a big one for KiwiSaver, with several changes taking effect that make the scheme more attractive — including a little publicised tax break.
Q&As: 3 Q&As on whether New Zealand banks are safe, whether it’s best to spread your money around several banks, and bank credit ratings; Should entrepreneurial types stay out of KiwiSaver?
Q&As: The best KiwiSaver fund for a 23-year-old depends on her house-buying plans; Angry Blue Chip investor muddles my opinion with a reader’s opinion; A reader suggests why online tax payments sometimes go wrong.
In defence of writing lots about KiwiSaver. No journalist likes to be accused of doing PR for the government. So when the editor of one of the newspapers that runs this column recently suggested I was “championing” KiwiSaver, it got me thinking.
Q&As: A landlord’s threats are perhaps a little hasty — but he has a point; A KiwiSaver misunderstands the ups and downs of the market; Are property shares a good option for young man saving to buy his first home?
What a difference a year or two makes. Most people have lists — either written or in their heads — of things to do, and certain items never seem to make it to the top. If one of those is to join KiwiSaver, push it to Number One promptly. Delay is probably costing you much more than you realise — unless you are 60 to 64.
Q&As: Five Q&As about employers contributing extra to KiwiSaver, at no cost to them: An employee can take advantage of this in more than one job; Employers are reimbursed for voluntary as well as compulsory contributions; Why even mean employers might go along with it; Employers can contribute any amount; How salary sacrifice works, and how higher employer contributions can boost it.
Q&As: A middle-of-nowhere section might not be the best choice for a 25-year-old’s savings while he studies; Have delays in processing KiwiSaver contributions hurt savers in the recent tumultuous markets?; How to top up your KiwiSaver contributions so you get the full tax credit.
Mortgage diversion well worth it for many. The term “mortgage diversion” will be on more and more lips as KiwiSaver approaches its first anniversary in July. It’s not too early to think about whether this feature of the scheme — available after 12 months membership — would work well if you are already in KiwiSaver, or could attract you into the scheme.
Q&As: Bonus money in KiwiSaver for most employees — if they can get their bosses to play along; When you need to top up your KiwiSaver contributions to $1043, to get the full tax credit.