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.
Q&As: Calculator tells reader to stop saving and live it up a bit; Reader who finds KiwiSaver nauseating has a scary list of things that could go wrong…; …But another one applauds KiwiSaver, while sitting on the home ownership sidelines.
Share plunge arguably good for KiwiSaver. Despite some irresponsible reporting, the low returns on many KiwiSaver funds in their first few months are no reason not to join up. I’d even say the rough start was good in some ways. The one big worry is that people have read a few headlines and decided to stay away from KiwiSaver without understanding what’s really happening.
Q&As: Does the share price slump disprove standard investment advice? And should advisers make economic forecasts?; KiwiSaver member is doing superbly despite the slump — as are all other members; A reader objects to the idea that KiwiSaver is a gift from the government.