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
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
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
Q&As:
– Why over 65s don’t get KiwiSaver government money
– Taking environmental issues into account
– Good spending in her 70s
– Income protection insurance really paid off
– 2 Q&As on grandkids’ inheritances
– Money plan at 78
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?
Q&As:
– With assets behind you, have fun!
– Provider could do better — but so could investor
– 2 Q&As on gifts to grandchildren
– Which is safer — bank deposits or PIE funds?
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
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
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
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?