COMMENT: Even a little extra payment will be a help for family facing a terminal illness.

COMMENT: Figures suggest NZ real estate prices are well out of line.

COMMENT: Tempted by top-performing shares? Be careful, those gains may not last.

COMMENT: Age is not the real factor when it comes to riskier investments.

COMMENT: Higher-risk strategy can do really well -- or really badly.

MARY HOLM COMMENT: Unless you're a high-risk investor don't go near a deal like this...

COMMENT: Secure income is all very well, but retiree wants some fun too.

COMMENT: Couple want to know how to invest their property windfall.

COMMENT: Even index funds offer schemes that screen out the bad guys.

COMMENT: Taking on debt can add to your investment returns - and to your losses.

COMMENT: I still keep hearing about people who have been put off shares for life. It's a pity.

COMMENT: One clear advantage of selling is that you can dial down the risk level.

COMMENT: The IRD website is user friendly and tax refunds are low-hanging fruit.

COMMENT: Banks robust enough to weather storms, so term deposits still the best bet.

COMMENT: Indeed nobody can foresee a Black Swan - by definition. It's a rare and unpredictable event.

COMMENT: Renting and saving while house prices are high may be the best option.

COMMENT: Insurance man confused at best, lying at worst -- KiwiSaver schemes equal on matter of tax credits.

COMMENT: Increasing your mortgage for an overseas holiday might not have a sunny ending.

COMMENT: Alarm bells are ringing and danger signs are looming large. You can "safely" invest in large international companies, but not this way.

COMMENT: Many foreigners living here agree that you really need $40,000 stashed away somewhere in case of emergencies.

COMMENT: It's too easy to get judgmental about how others spend their money - although I suppose it's fair enough if they complain about their inability to save.

COMMENT: The last thing I want to do is put people off investing in shares. If done wisely shares can be an excellent investment.

COMMENT: Does the CPI fairly represent the speed of price rises for superannuitants?

COMMENT: Even on a modest budget, a life of leisure in Thailand offers great weather, fabulous food and adventure.

COMMENT: A daughter living abroad should be encouraged to face up and repay the money she owes, writes Mary Holm.

COMMENT: Yes, you're right that it's really important to consider not raw interest rates but how they compare with inflation.

A young couple wonder if they should reduce their loan or invest in property.

Mary Holm talks peer-to-peer lending, smart investing and replacement businesses.

OPINION: The savings you can make shopping around for insurance are certainly worth the hassle, writes Mary Holm.

Mary Holm answers questions on inheritance, investments, Kiwisaver and property.