Q&As: Most people still get their money doubled in KiwiSaver, or close to that…; …And no, KiwiSaver is not self-funded by members; What happens in April 2013 to KiwiSavers who pay their own employer contributions; Good and bad employers and KiwiSaver; A little book that says it all — almost.
Take action now to avoid bill blues next January. Ah, summer. Time for beaches, baches, barbecues — and facing probably the year’s biggest credit card bills, or even demands for payment from loan sharks.
Two thoughts about Christmas shopping. Look at any graph of credit card spending over the years and you see a clear pattern — spikes each December as we put Christmas gifts, food and drink and holiday spending on our cards.
Q&As: The “who and how” of KiwiSaver withdrawals before retirement — including what happens if you go bankrupt; Was the recent advice on tax for buskers correct, or is their income donations?; Two readers suggest a short-term approach to employment for 60ish couple made redundant; Meaningful Christmas gifts.
Q&As: Is it wise not to save because if you do you’ll lose some government subsidies — and to spend the money on cars instead?; Our chances of ending up in a rest home. And could there be insurance to cover the costs?; Last week’s “oily ragger” should do her own thing; No bargain is quite so good when you consider how much you really had to earn to buy it; Update on a reader’s predictions of NZ’s exchange rate and gold and silver prices.
Q&As: An idea for a woman who doesn’t know what to do with all the money her husband is now making; How much is a tax deduction worth?; Unfairness in rest home subsidies unavoidable — unless you want to distort your spending; “Add-back” of gifts to a trust not as extreme as reader thinks.
Q&As: A reader’s attempt to recover tax on finance company interest is a nice try, but…; Wanting less and working less doesn’t preclude tall poppies; Creative ideas on how to cut household expenses; Did I get the banking system wrong, or did a reader?; At least one bank — sort of — will lend to share investors.
Turning interest into your friend. New Zealanders are, apparently, a fairly satisfied bunch — except when it comes to our financial situation. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Do we really need more stuff than Americans? Something to ponder as Christmas gift giving approaches: New Zealanders apparently think they need more stuff than the people we often regard as most materialistic — Americans. What’s more, older and male New Zealanders seem to be more into “things” than young people and females.
Q&As: The “I can’t afford it” excuse for not joining KiwiSaver just went out the window — plus other points about kids and KiwiSaver; Are managed share funds a crock?; Here’s hoping a recent correspondent is not a regular reader of this column!; A book, online tool and language trick for overspenders and their partners; You must be under 65 to join KiwiSaver, but can take part in the scheme after that age.