NZ Herald 27 November 2010
Q&As: What the Savings Working Group is up to, and why; Have banks been given a fair go in this column?; Is $8 worth worrying about?
NZ Herald 2 October 2010
Q&As: KiwiSaver is not guaranteed by the government — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join; Is it wise to have your KiwiSaver account with your bank?; Banks said to be “stealing” KiwiSaver members from other providers; Does a reader who is speedily repaying her mortgage need a savings account?
The Investor 25 September 2010
Are we bad savers, or was it a bad survey? A recent report on New Zealanders’ savings habits annoyed me — and not because it starts by saying that the Savings Working Group, of which I’m a member, “is likely to face a tough challenge”. What got my goat was its misleading conclusion.
NZ Herald 4 September 2010
Q&As: Looking after the pennies is more rewarding than we realised; Three Q&As on readers’ suggestions on how a couple can better manage their money — including ideas on mortgages and software; Is it worthwhile trying to time a home purchase to make the most of market movements? — plus KiwiSaver first home assistance details.
The Investor 5 June 2010
Plans or no plans?: Readers differ. If you’ve wondered who that bloke is hanging around stores in the weekend watching people buy 3D television sets, it could be Blair Vernon.
The Investor 22 May 2010
Confession time about retirement plans and goals. I’m going to commit sacrilege here. But it’s not as if I haven’t thought long and hard about it. So okay, deep breath, here we go: Contrary to what many will tell you, it’s quite possible to be financially together and not have a detailed written plan on how to fund your retirement — or even a retirement savings goal.
The Investor 13 February 2010
Wanted: Clear thinking on GST. A lot of nonsense has been spoken about GST since John Key more or less said the government will increase that tax — probably to 15 per cent — and use the money to cut income tax rates.
The Investor 30 January 2010
Oh no, oh no, it’s off to work we go. Returning to work after a holiday is rarely easy. Back when I was employed — as opposed to self employed — I remember always feeling as if I were in the wrong job on my first few days back at work.
NZ Herald 12 December 2009
Q&As: Which investment advisers charge fees — and why that is a good start. Plus: Winners of draw to go to Taskforce breakfast and lunch.
NZ Herald 7 March 2009
Q&As: Don’t try to time markets. Stick with your regular retirement savings, although you may want to modify where you save; Teen’s worries are unfounded about how Dad’s income would affect KiwiSaver first home subsidy — but other subsidy issues still undecided; Tax-wise, it’s better to borrow for taxable activities than to buy a family home. Plus: Clarification on the taxation of interest on loans between family members.