Test your knowledge of financial basics
Commission for Financial Capability did a survey:
– 22% got everything right
– Men did better and so did older people
– The questions — and later the answers
– Women with children did worse — why perhaps?
What to do in KiwiSaver as share markets wobble:
– Best to do nothing — but learn about yourself and your investing
– What if you need your money soon?
– Listener letter: which shares to buy in this environment? And which to sell?
– Listener letter: Are KiwiSavers treated badly when it comes to moving funds?
Ways to boost your everyday saving. Last time we looked at setting a savings goal. This time, it’s other tips to boost savings: Open a separate savings account; Pay yourself first; Start small and gradually increase savings; Play mind games — take a “pay cut” or use a picture; Seize big opportunities when expenses fall or income increases; Take inspiration from champion savers or extreme saver movements.
Q&As: How to help reluctant grandfather with his finances; Is insurance a rip-off, and therefore you should self-insure?; Now is the wrong time to buy or build — or is it?; Last week’s correspondent opens money conversation with his wife. Money Week theme: Talking about money.
Q&As: Should couple in their 40s splash out on an Italian holiday home?; How to invest savings 5 years before retirement; 3 rules of thumb on how much to spend in retirement …; … And how they apply to one couple.
Q&As: When having a separate savings account is not the best approach; Houses still cheap in Whanganui; Mt Albert reader offended by house price Q&A; KiwiSaver government contribution smaller in your first year; Provider says their fund is great for retirees; KiwiSaver withdrawals after 65 not instant.
Understanding risk and return: A survey suggests New Zealanders don’t get it; What investments give the highest returns?; What do we mean by risk?; Who should take investment risk?
Q&As: Help for woman whose husband did all the finances — and then left; Rent and hold, rent and sell, or stay put?; Reader points out fishhook in the idea of selling your home and renting in retirement; At least one bank gives KiwiSaver members the option of not seeing balance daily.
Men, women, spending and investing: Letter from a listener; People who spend too little; Gender differences in money management; Gender differences in investing; Why the differences might be there.
How to find a financial adviser who has your interests at heart: Why use an adviser?; How to make a short list of possible advisers; Questions to ask them — initially by email; Meet the candidates for the job of advising you.