Q&As: Caravan couple’s plans for their savings seem too risky; How to find a cash fund — an accessible alternative to a term deposit; Why international investing is not as complicated or risky as reader thinks; Minimum KiwiSaver contributions for non-earners hoping to get first home grant. Plus: How would you improve KiwiSaver?; 2 reminders about KiwiSaver.
Q&As: With mortgage paid off, should KiwiSaver contributions rise — plus new contributions options; Does couple have too much in property, and does it matter?; Big KiwiSaver provider staff members don’t know basic info; One more provider gives kids a break on fees.
Changes to KiwiSaver — more contribution choices, 65-plusers welcomed, action needed! April 1 changes: new contribution rates, shorter contributions holidays, new names; July 1 changes: over 65s can join, 5-year lock-in ends; Action now!: 60–64-year-olds should join fast, everyone should get $1042 into their account; Should you contribute more to KiwiSaver?
Q&As: New Smart Investor online tool will give reader info on non-KiwiSaver investments; Past performance can be very misleading; Former rental property fan is now getting out; Couple should consider young children in their investment decision.
How the New ‘Smart Investor’ Tool Can Help You. What is Smart Investor? Listeners’ letters and how the tool might help them: Investing beyond term deposits; Mortgage or KiwiSaver? And saving outside KiwiSaver; Diversifying beyond KiwiSaver.
An important message for everyone in KiwiSaver. Mary answers listeners’ questions on: Whether to switch funds when your balance falls; Whether to move KiwiSaver money to term deposits in retirement; How the self-employed can make the most of KiwiSaver; How to tell if your fund is low or high-risk.
Q&As: KiwiSaver balanced fund investor should relax; Wait until 65 not as bad as it seems; Real estate fees should be lower — shop around; Mum gets more NZ Super, and I sign off for the year.
Q&As: KiwiSaver first home grants seem impossible on the Coromandel; Setting up Airbnb studio fairly risky for 68-year-old; Should retiree get into direct share investing?; 52-year-old should get into KiwiSaver.
Q&As: How to save for the kids’ uni costs…; or a newly discovered 13-year-old child…; or the young grandchildren; Keeping the anti-dollar cost averaging police at bay.
Q&As: We compare term deposits with bonds…; …And with an income fund; …And with high-dividend shares; Questions for over-65s if they gain access to KiwiSaver.