Spending too little, spending too much: Shopping is a favourite pastime; People who are too mean on themselves; People who spend too much — why do they do it? — 1. Keeping up with the Joneses, 2. Psychological, 3. Credit card company behaviour; Help for big spenders; Most important of all — Change your habits. PS: Final reminder about KiwiSaver tax credit.
Q&As: The richest ones don’t look rich; Why index share fund fees are higher in NZ; Another way to invest in Smartshares; Why NZ investors are hit particularly hard by inflation.
Q&As: Alternative for daughter trying to escape bad debt — pay up; Is emphasis on total shareholder return justified?; Inflation calculator shows what prices have risen, and what haven’t; Is this reader ready to retire?; Struggling retiree questions wealthier reader’s concerns.
Setting financial priorities — Best thing to do with excess cash: the rule about repaying debt versus investing; Applying this to: credit card and other high-interest debt, mortgages, student loans; Top priority for all: repay credit card debt. Next priorities: If you don’t own a home; If you have a home with a mortgage; If you have a mortgage-free home.
How overconfidence can make you poorer (and other psychological aspects of investing): Applies to shares, property, fixed interest etc; Which gender?; Overconfidence leads to — 1. Too little diversification, 2.Frequent trading; What to do instead; Many women have their own problem — too little risk; Other ways emotions affect investing.
Q&As: A few phone calls can slash hundreds from insurance bills; We’re not all bad, says insurance adviser; “Freehold” doesn’t mean mortgage-free, and beware of leasehold property; Reasons for Auckland house price rise don’t rule out bubble; Meaningful Christmas gifts.
Q&As: Is greed behind Auckland house price rises?; Apartment or unit? Go with what you prefer; Rental property not a good way to invest her inheritance; Individual shares or a share fund?
Q&As: How to let both daughters in on the deal; Did “holidaying” KiwiSaver miss out?; Could KiwiSaver money be grabbed because hubby’s running up debts?; Student loan repayments can continue into retirement; Some tips for last week’s separated woman.
Q&As: Are older people greedy? Is this question worth worrying about?; What does “return” mean in KiwiSaver; Is interest on family loans taxable?; Reality strikes after parents lend to student son.
Q&As: Early Brierley investment brings back memories of 1987; Reader and I disagree on share market performance — and who reads this column!; Family loan suggestion 1: put it in borrower’s will; Family loan suggestion 2: put it in lender’s will; Family loan suggestion 3: borrower should try elsewhere first; Why KiwiSaver Fund Finder idea wouldn’t work.