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.
Winning questions. The best 5 listeners’ questions are answered on air, and the questioners receive a copy of Mary’s new book. Their questions cover: Is house out of reach for couple in their 30s?; Ways to get value from your house in retirement; Which debt should you pay off first?; Couple worry about investing in Auckland apartment; How a beneficiary should handle an inheritance.
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.
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.
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.