Latest FromPersonal Finance
'Bubble about to burst'
Auckland's sizzling property market could bring New Zealand's economy crashing down, a global economic expert warns.
Mary Holm: Risks take shine off gold investment
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.
Inside Money: New rules spell death for super
Under proposed FMC regulations, all super schemes will have to meet a "sole purpose" test - ie the savings must only be used for retirement.
KiwiSaver: Growth or caution? - a timely question
I am 21 years old and have about $4000 in my KiwiSaver. Because I've been contracting for the last couple of years I haven't been making any contributions.
Call for clearer KiwiSaver rules
Calls are being made for clearer rules around what happens to a person's KiwiSaver savings when they are declared bankrupt.
Will positive thinking cost you?
What if the "power of positive thinking" is simply a numbing drumbeat that reinforces the positivity delusion, leading us to make blockheaded business and investment decisions?
KiwiSaver fees to shrink
Many funds charge over $100 a year in management fees, which take a big chunk out of KiwiSaver earnings. The Govt has responded by tightening up on the fees that default schemes can charge.
Mary Holm: Cashing-up can lead to frustrating delay
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.
Inside Money: Why technology hasn't made finance cheaper yet
To date, technology has failed miserably to reduce the costs of finance to end consumers.
Seminars help 'bank of Mum and Dad'
Mortgage loan restrictions are making the "bank of Mum and Dad" so popular that one bank is running seminars on the best way for people to structure the deals.
Consumer Watch: DIY for a bigger tax refund
Taxpayers are flocking to websites that promise a tax refund — even if some take up to a quarter of a payout as commission.
Mary Holm: Ratings help sort wheat from chaff
Expert analysis and industry rules can help people to avoid tripping up, although no investment is failsafe, writes Mary Holm.
Inside Money: Crowding-out and peer pressure
The new age of finance has arrived in the shape of the Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMC), which sets down rules for the fashionable technology-enabled activities of ‘crowd-funding’ and ‘peer-to-peer lending’.
Guide to the best mortgage rates
Homeowners could save more than $90,000 over the life of their mortgages by shopping around, according to an analysis of 95 floating home loans.
Kiwisaver: Big retirement schemes very different
So what's the difference between KiwiSaver and the Government's Superannuation Fund and is Kiwisaver backed by the Government?
Christmas clubs get in early
Starting a Christmas savings scheme will make shopping less stressful and the way you save will make a big difference to how much cash you'll have.
Mary Holm: Okay to pay tax on rentals
Q: We are a couple in our early 30s who own a rental house and live in a rental too. We have been paying as much as possible off our mortgage and now find ourselves in a position where we are making a profit (taxable) on the rental property.
Brent Sheather: Turning water into wine - beating the market
It seems that views as to what constitutes the best investment strategy are becoming more polarized.
Damien Grant: Few certainties in the world of economics
Should you fix your mortgage? This is an important question and if I knew the answer I would tell you, writes Damien Grant.
Loyalty may miss the point
We're some of the world's most prolific users of loyalty cards - but many don't pay off.
Mary Holm: It's never too late to own a home
While it's not ideal to be making any mortgage payments after you retire, the payments might well be less than rent, writes Mary Holm.