Q&As:
– Low interest not as bad as it seems — when we check out inflation
– Ideas for retiree struggling because of low interest
– Should retirement savings go into high-earning KiwiSaver fund?
– Apartment ownership not worry-free
– My tax gripe shot down
Q&As:
– Reverse mortgages risky in early retirement
– Last week’s correspondent probably meant rental losses are now ring-fenced
– Tax system lacks integrity, here and in the UK
– Did I muddle money and percentages last week?
– Another idea for couple moving to Coromandel but wanting an Auckland option
Q&As: Couple leaving Auckland shouldn’t worry about being unable to get back into that housing market; 96-year-old still saves — and likes visits more than presents; One reader thinks 88-year-old should spend as he pleases…; Another worries the granddad is being exploited …; And another says it’s important to talk to the elderly about money; Why shouldn’t a retired person get a mortgage?, reader asks.
Insights from conference on retirement income. Conference run by Retirement Policy and Research Centre at University of Auckland, 26 April 2019. Speakers included Minister of Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi. Broad aim: Smoothing lifetime consumption. What does that mean?; NZ Super: How poor are 65+ people? Can we afford Super in future?; Health in old age: Not all worrying; Decumulation (spending retirement savings): Help from government needed. Home ownership issues; NZ on world stage: What we do well.
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.
Reverse mortgages: A worry or a great idea? — What is a reverse mortgage?; The one big negative; What to ask about; Tell the family?; Conclusions.
Listeners’ questions about mortgages. Topics covered include: Fixed or floating, and how long a term?; Should you put extra money into mortgage or KiwiSaver?; Using KiwiSaver to buy a container house; Reverse mortgages vs ordinary mortgages for retirees.
Q&As: Woman starting again after separation could get KiwiSaver help; Reverse mortgage not a good idea for retiree with rental and cash; How to decide your KiwiSaver risk level.
Q&As: Paying down mortgage beats adding to KiwiSaver; Why it can be good to be in more than one KiwiSaver fund; Will this work instead of a reverse mortgage?, readers asks; Come on, KiwiSaver providers!
Q&As: Reverse mortgages not usually good in your 50s, but maybe for this couple; 89-year-old’s plan includes a reverse mortgage; ‘Victim’ reluctant to complain about payday lender; Sharped-eyed reader makes some points about last week’s column.