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.
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: Should would-be first home buyers stay out of the market?; Grab the chance to save for first home; Reader’s KiwiSaver fees way higher than some providers’ fees; No need to move gradually from one share fund to another.
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: 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.
Q&As: House price fall not bad news for everyone; No thanks, Pete, I’ll skip your offer; Long-term landlord could lose nearly a third of value under CGT; Why the fuss, property investors?; Landlord happy to accept CGT; I misread last week’s letter, but the point is unchanged
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.
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.
Playing with numbers. 1. Dollar cost averaging: How it gives you bargains; Does it work if you have a lump sum? 2. Rule of 72: How long for an investment to double?; If investment has doubled, what was your return? 3. 40 years in KiwiSaver: 3 times as much in high-risk fund; 1.5 times as much with lowest fees.
Q&As: “Better area” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better investment; TSB is like Kiwibank on term deposit rules; Should superannuitant put inheritance in KiwiSaver to avoid means test?; Parents in 70s should quit work and get assistance; Advantages of not getting residential care subsidy; 55-year-old might as well retire.