Q&As: Should solo mum keep her house and rent it out while moving to better school zone?; Invest in share fund or pay off mortgage?; No government guarantee of future NZ Super, but don’t worry about it; Why a KiwiSaver growth fund invests lots in fixed interest.
Q&As: Comparing KiwiSaver funds with indexes a great idea — but can it be done well?; Compound interest starts small, but after a few years …; Pay down mortgage or invest elsewhere for children?; Don’t forget accommodation when weighing up investment in your home; Reader very happy with ASB service
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.
Rainy Day Money: Why is it so important?; How much do you need?; How might you access the money — including through your mortgage; Where should you keep the money — if you haven’t got a mortgage.
Q&As: It’s great if you pay more tax than you get back; Why should I bother to save?, readers asks; How tax proposals would affect KiwiSaver — and rule of thumb for retirement spending; Reader thinks CGT should decrease the longer you hold an asset. A note about your questions about tax.
Q&As: Man with terminal illness should simplify investments as much as possible; Several ways to look at NZ tax burden; Bach owner should stop worrying about proposed tax; Mortgage interest on holiday home would not be deductible. Have you got questions about tax report?
Q&As: Should readers put inheritance into a rental property?; Should another reader keep their rental or seek higher returns?; Property versus shares over the last 10 years; Couple in late 70s should reconsider shares — and their adviser; Reader perhaps overrates paying down mortgage.
Q&As: Self insure only for the small stuff; KiwiSaver not good for rainy day money – but diversification is important; Can’t beat mortgage repayment after taking tax into account; Mortgage versus KiwiSaver revisited.
Q&As: Should first home buyer put KiwiSaver money into the purchase?; Should pay rise go into mortgage or KiwiSaver?; Is health insurance necessary?; Reader misunderstands role of NZX; NZ Super rises faster than costs, despite reader’s numbers.
Sorting your finances step by step. Based on Mary’s new book “Rich Enough? A laid-back guide for every Kiwi”: Why it’s best to do it in steps. Why the steps are in this order. What the steps cover: Step 1. Start now — it’s easy; Step 2. Kill off high-interest debt; Step 3. Set up insurance — and a rainy day fund; Step 4. Join the best KiwiSaver fund for you; Step 5. Boost your saving painlessly — how and where; Step 6. Stay cool; Step 7. Head confidently towards retirement — and through it; Step ? (when it’s the right time for you — if ever): Buy a house, or sell one.