Rejection of hardship withdrawal applications and problems with first-home buying generate many complaints to watchdogs, writes Diana Clement.

Share markets around the world have been buffeted of late by the Greek debt crisis and fears of a slow-down in China.

Tax specialist Iain Craig found a surprise upside to a cancer scare, even in his work.

Cruise ship travellers look likely to be charged a higher rate - possibly nearly $3 per person more - than others under a new levy imposed from January on all travellers arriving and leaving New Zealand.

Interest rate swaps sold to a North Island motel operator were unsuitable for it and "one-way traffic for the benefit" of Westpac, says a witness in a $3 million lawsuit.

A respected economist has analysed a few secrets of the world's richest billionaires.

Buyer bids late to bag $810,000 Glen Innes home - but an expert says the strategy rarely works.

Claims that Hanover's directors and promoters misled investors in prospectuses and advertising between December 2007 and July 2008 will not now be tested in court.

Personal finance and investing columnist Brent Sheather on the retail financial advisory sector not delivering on its promises.

Machines are taking over most aspects of finance with the pace of change only likely to accelerate.

Under current rules there are no specific size requirements for non-permanent accommodation - including 9sqm apartments.

Craig Elliffe writes: The officials' paper indicates an exemption will apply when you inherit a property from a deceased estate or have transferred as part of the property settlement.

It's 7.9sq m inside, has no kitchen, sink or toilet and fits little more than a single bed - but a buyer has just paid $104,000 for the shoebox living space.

Most people are good at looking after their money on a day to day basis but make poorer decisions when it comes to future planning and choosing financial products, an expert says.

A reader asks: Shouldn't a solicitor have funds for reimbursing a KiwiSaver fund if a contract is cancelled after a non-refundable deposit has been paid?

What should be done with KiwiSaver pots once they're free to be dipped into at 65? This issue is rapidly creeping up on KiwiSavers and the Govt, writes Bernard Hickey.

Women's gifting circles and promises of rich returns are raising concerns for some people about their legality, writes Mary Holm.

As an investor I cut my teeth on small, under-researched listed companies where I hoped to have a competitive advantage.

Mark Lister on the Greece financial crisis and putting it all in perspective.

Savers are being urged to lock in term deposit rates before they fall further with rates expected to be cut again this year.

Cold calling for new insurance customers - or just churning? David Chaplin investigates. Cold-calling is a legitimate, if irritating, sales technique. And insurance, as everyone knows, is sold, not bought.

Entry-level housing is now considered affordable in every region except Auckland, where the price has jumped by 38.2 per cent in the past two years.

Shopping on a tablet? You may feel like your finds are already yours – even before you buy them.

Under KiwiSaver legislation, owning land is treated the same as owning a house — you are considered to have purchased an Estate in Land.

Mary Holm says Auckland house prices and shares may look a bit bubbly, but it’s better to focus on what you want and go for it.

For a man worth more than $11 billion, Graeme Hart keeps a remarkably low profile. Matt Nippert charts the rise of a most private business magnate.

Warren Buffett was quoted a long time ago saying: "It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results."

New Zealand has been named as the world’s fourth most attractive foreign investment destination by a US economic think tank.

David Chaplin has a look at the surprising slump in KiwiSaver sign-ups after the Govt's removal of the $1000 kickstart.

The battle to bankrupt an octogenarian Auckland businessman over a $470 million tax bill continues as he argues Inland Revenue should accept his repayment offer.