Credit scores are important - guard yours well. A good credit score is essential for getting a mortgage, business finance and perhaps even a job.

Could a monkey do a better job at investing than your KiwiSaver manager? The answer may surprise you.

It all starts with school banking. We get into the habit of depositing money in savings accounts and soon there is a sizeable amount in the bank.

Great news this week. Nearly 11,000 people have used their KiwiSaver accounts in the past year to buy a first home.

Have you thought about your funeral? Does your family have thousands of dollars on hand at short notice to pay for a befitting send-off when you die?

Next time you give your credit card some exercise, ask yourself if you're behaving logically. You're probably not.

If there's an "investment" that's guaranteed to eat capital, it's retirement villages. These resort-like gated communities for older people are popping up all over the country.

Point, click and insure your life. Many Kiwis who need it don't have life insurance. If you're one of them, the problem can be solved in 10 minutes if you have access to the internet.

If that ancient tree on your property was blown down in the wind and took the power lines or your neighbour's fence down, who would pay for the damage?

Money advice often comes with a lashing of snake oil. Those wanting you to follow their advice have an investment to sell. And the advice is tailored to their marketing pitch.

What's holding Kiwis back financially? Is it the Government, employers, poor wages, untrustworthy financial professionals, greedy baby-boomers who "got it all for free", youth unemployment, the recession, the dollar, immigration or a host of other excuses

Sorry, New Zealand - the new KiwiSaver rates aren't the answer to your retirement savings. From Monday, the minimum employee contribution to KiwiSaver will go up to 3 per cent, matched by 3 per cent from employers.

You've just been offered a "better" life, critical illness, disablement or income protection policy. It's cheaper and the cover is superior, you're told. Should you sign up?

When it comes to "unreasonable charges", there are those that feel unreasonable and there are those that technically break the rules.

Every year thousands of Kiwis will get a first-hand look at the Property (Relationships) Act. If their legal, civil union or de facto "marriage" has broken down they will almost certainly have assets or debts to split.

The rural sector drives our economy. Yet there are surprisingly few opportunities for townies to invest in it. It is, of course, possible to buy a farm. This, however, is out of the financial reach of most investors.

Stop! Before you hit the mall to buy Christmas gifts, get smart. Does your friend or family member really want another gift box, cook book, or car-cleaning kit?

Deciding how to pay bills abroad a case of picking best of bad bunch.