Planning for retirement

RNZ Radio 5 September 2024

Big rates rise? Consider rates postponement
– Some councils offer for everyone, others just for those on lower incomes
– Frees up money for expenses — or fun!
– You pay no rates, but owe your council the money — pay back when you sell house or die
– Some fees plus compounding interest, but house value should grow more than debt
– Check your council’s website
– Another idea: pay smaller amounts more often

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NZ Herald 3 August 2024

Q&As:
– Managed funds best for teen’s savings…
– … And for inheritance
– Entering competitions? Watch for scams
– Special schools could use help
– Cheeky tip on lotteries
– 87-year-old should take trips

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NZ Herald 27 July 2024

Q&As:
– He’s rich, but unhappy. Volunteer!
– KiwiSaver v mortgage. Plus expected KiwiSaver returns
– Better KiwiSaver for self-employed — and beneficiaries
– When is a tax break not a tax break?
– Option for couple who bought retired parents’ home
– A “lottery” you can’t lose

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RNZ Radio 25 July 2024

Your big chance — save your tax break!
– Could be much better off in retirement, with no pain
– Applies to almost everyone
– Set up auto transfer
– Could total more than quarter of a million dollars in retirement
Plus:
– Similar situation if don’t spend on Lotto, but …
– Confirming wages do grow faster than inflation

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RNZ Radio 27 June 2024

What your KiwiSaver statement tells you
– What’s listed
– Your total at retirement, and weekly spending amount
– Too little? What to do
– What if you live past 90?

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NZ Herald 1 June 2024

Q&As:
– Don’t give up on KiwiSaver
– Readers’ tips on keeping costs down
– Get teen support in hard times
– A doctor’s view on health insurance
– When health cover let reader down
– Summing up health insurance
– One couple’s retirement costs…
– … But it’s tougher for another couple
– More on retirement in Cambodia

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NZ Herald 25 May 2024

Q&As:
– Worried about losing your job?
– Retirement costs in New Zealand…
– … or you could move overseas
– Better uses of credit card rewards
– Alternative to health insurance?
– Public v private health care

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NZ Herald 18 May 2024

Q&As:
– Consider dropping life insurance when you are older…
– … But don’t drop health insurance!
– 2 readers manage fine in retirement without huge savings
– The big worry with reverse mortgages
– Readers’ kind letters

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NZ Herald 11 May 2024

Q&As:
– How much do you need for retirement? …
– … One reader is happy with not much
– Borrowing versus KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal
– Tax when bullion or crypto is inherited
– How capital gains tax could handle expenses
– Do I know enough to write this column?

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NZ Herald 6 April 2024

Q&As:
– When investing becomes gambling
– Put withdrawal money in a cash fund
– Almost last over one year, but first over ten years
– Term deposits not so wonderful
– 2 readers disliked my response last week…
– … But 2 others loved it
– Why landlords “should be appreciated”

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