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Mary Holm: A lending plan to stop sibling rivalry
It surprises me how many people don't check every now and then what money is going into their KiwiSaver account, writes Mary Holm. Then again, some people don't even know who their provider is.
It surprises me how many people don't check every now and then what money is going into their KiwiSaver account, writes Mary Holm. Then again, some people don't even know who their provider is.
Borrowing to pay for a rental do-up at family home could be a good idea, but check out options carefully first.
A Q&A on buying a first home using KiwiSaver funds prompted me to share our daughter's experience.
I am disappointed that my KiwiSaver provider, ASB, has decided to close down its FirstChoice KiwiSaver Scheme, and in particular the Global Sustainability Fund.
I am a widow turning 65 shortly, own my own home mortgage-free (worth about $460,000), working 12 hours a week, semi-supporting my son who is at uni.
My partner and I have our own home at the moment with a sizeable mortgage, and we're thinking of starting a property rental portfolio.
Gosh, that was a baptism by fire. I remember the day, in the aftermath of the October 1987 crash, when the Brierley share price dropped below $2 - down from more than $5 just a few weeks before.
I joined KiwiSaver the day it started. I am in the Kiwi Wealth balanced fund. I am a 67-year-old retired widow with no other income apart from NZ Superannuation.
I find it remarkable that Labour's proposed capital gains tax has generated so little debate.
A few final words in regards to the discussion about purchasing a new vs used car. Your previous contributors have all made some valid points in regards to both options.
Q: I am 29 years old and working in the Middle East - not really because I want to but because I need to, to get ahead financially.
They say a new car loses 20 per cent of its value the second you drive it off the showroom floor, writes Mary Holm. Still, buying a car isn't always rational.
Q: Is KiwiSaver an innovation to solve a demographic bulge and mitigate some perceived future social issues? Or is it an attempt to change attitudes on saving?
Q: I'm in the process of withdrawing my KiwiSaver funds under the financial hardship criteria. Hopefully, this will be successful.
The Government plans to borrow about $75 million a week for capital spending - buying assets that are expected to give long-term benefit to the country, writes Mary Holm.
Armed with info on the fund's past returns, you can roughly compare them with term deposit returns, writes Mary Holm.
Avoiding having to pay for something is the equivalent to receiving money, writes Mary Holm. Both improve your wealth.
These days, asking for more seems like a really good idea - especially for someone armed with information on higher interest rates, writes Mary Holm.
I came across your website, www.maryholm.com, which is why I am reaching out to you because I respect you as an authority in the field of finance and investments.
I was somewhat surprised to learn that one fund manager has requested 63 days' notification prior to paying out, and it doesn't end there, writes Mary Holm.