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.
Readers react over GST. Two readers sound angry about my last column about GST. Some of their points are valid, but over all I think they just didn’t “get” it.
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.
Recession could be a blessing for most. The response to a question in a recent survey bothered me a little. Asked what they would do with a $10,000 cash windfall, 54.3 per cent of the respondents said they would pay off debt or save the money — down from 58.3 per cent three months earlier. It’s not exactly a huge drop. But I was hoping for a substantial increase.
Q&As: Couple can afford to retire youngish, especially if they are willing to eat into their savings; Cash PIE not always a good substitute for a term deposit — but there’s another way to achieve reader’s goal using PIE tax advantages.
Q&As: Repaying a mortgage — on a home or rental property — almost always better than saving with term deposits; KiwiSaver works well for children; 3 Q&As on charitable Christmas giving.
Christmas giving that makes you happier too. Struggling retailers aren’t going to like this, but how about we make 2008 the year we stop spending ridiculous amounts on Christmas presents we don’t need — and often don’t even like?
Q&As: Does charity begin in the home country? Salvation Army programme looks good; List of overseas charities with Christmas gift offerings; National’s KiwiSaver changes could discourage single Mum trying to get ahead — but there’s hope they will be altered; The whole KiwiSaver mortgage diversion issue will be much easier for many under National’s changes. Plus: Readers on KiwiSaver.
Is saving always good? In some circles, saving has a bad name. People think it’s about deprivation — “I either save or I spend, and spending is more fun.”
Q&As: Stop worrying about money, says former spendthrift, now in his seventies; Employee KiwiSaver can do very nicely thank you if she or he has several employers; Let’s list the KiwiSaver good guy employers, rather than the others; Employer is confused by government’s planned KiwiSaver changes.