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.
Q&As: Mum’s single-share investment a huge disappointment; How to organize savings in retirement …; … and how not to; Knicker drawer a great spot for share investment.
Q&As: All the wrong people have — and don’t have — life insurance; Offset mortgages can work well; Help coming with KiwiSaver tax, but other joint accounts still a problem; Last week’s miffed reader adds light touch to column.
Q&As: When having a separate savings account is not the best approach; Houses still cheap in Whanganui; Mt Albert reader offended by house price Q&A; KiwiSaver government contribution smaller in your first year; Provider says their fund is great for retirees; KiwiSaver withdrawals after 65 not instant.
Q&As: How 71-year-old renter could use her savings to supplement NZ Super; Reader dislikes ‘free government money’ and KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals; Nobody can predict the share market, so don’t try to time it; Info on KiwiSaver returns is available, but not a lot of use.
Q&As: Should would-be first home buyers stay out of the market?; Grab the chance to save for first home; Reader’s KiwiSaver fees way higher than some providers’ fees; No need to move gradually from one share fund to another.
Q&As: Reader disagrees with my views on inheritances; KiwiSaver index funds, and performance of NZ share index; Choose risk level first, then go for low fees; A penny saved is better than a penny earned.
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.
Q&As: Don’t try to time your move into a higher-risk fund; ‘Own pocket money’ a secret for matrimonial harmony; Non-earners should raise KiwiSaver contributions if they want a first home grant; A grandma worries about the children’s KiwiSaver accounts …; … But a mother reports her kids are doing fine; Video comparing home buyer and renter is misleading. RIP capital gains tax.
Rainy Day Money: Why is it so important?; How much do you need?; How might you access the money — including through your mortgage; Where should you keep the money — if you haven’t got a mortgage.