A valuable feature of KiwiSaver for younger people is how it can assist people to get into their first homes. Firstly, KiwiSaver members who are eligible can withdraw all the funds in their account except for the $1,000 kickstart payment to pay for their new home. There are very few restrictions on who can withdraw…
We noticed this article on Stuff recently. We don’t have any expert knowledge of how accurate this information is, but thought we should share it with our clients, just so that you can be aware, and if the situation might apply to you – check with your legal adviser. Note – this is talking about…
Did you tell the doctor the truth when you had your last appointment? What about that niggling twinge? What about those extra drinks you regularly have? Although you might feel guilty and know that you should be more ‘careful’, you don’t really want to share the information with your doctor. But is it really worth…
When researching funds managers that we will recommend to our clients, one of the factors that Moneyworks looks at is whether the people managing the fund actually invest their own money into the fund. This is a question that we need to ask the individual fund managers, as there is no disclosure requirement in New…
ACC was created to ensure that if any New Zealander had an accident and needed treatment, or was unable to work, the State would ensure that the treatment was paid for. It was an idealistic scheme and was originally intended to extend to cover illness. In the 40+ years since ACC was created, it has…
This is for everyone – not just procrastinators. Thanks to Xero for sharing this from their XeroCon. Mel Robbins created the premise for one of the most powerful TED Talks of all time when she couldn’t get out of bed. Mel is a Human Behavior Specialist and entrepreneur, and created the Five-Second Rule while her…
During August 2016, we held two seminars, one in Hamilton and one in Cambridge called ‘Practical Retirement Income Solutions’. The seminars introduced the Lifetime Retirement Income financial solution, which we belief is a great addition to the suite of investments that we can offer to our clients as they reach retirement age. With Bernard Hickey…
I recently read about a study that showed that taking some time out of your dad to relax your mind and ‘switch off’ can refresh your focus on your work. Here is a great 5 minute – break – and aren’t Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire just amazing dancers? When Michael Binder saw the mega…
Last week it was brought to the media’s attention that a number of the KiwiSaver Default funds had investments in companies that are blacklisted by the NZ Superannuation Fund. These can range from firms that make cluster bombs, mines, or that make profits from the sale of tobacco. Dirty secrets revealed: ANZ announces review amidst…
James Cordern from the Late Late Show has put together a variety of ‘Karaoke’ skits where he picks up famous performers and drives them around, while doing Karaoke to their songs. They are a good distraction when your brain is hurting. I thought of putting up Red Hot Chili Peppers – but thought that his…
When we meet with our new clients, we do an analysis of the amount of insurance that they require. When clients become Membership Fee clients, we check that the level of insurance cover each year is appropriate. However, from time to time, things change in your life (even if you got the correct level of…
