Archive | Finance Planning

Bank and Lose Investors who retreated to bank deposits after the Global Financial Crisis now find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Do they stay in bank deposits for peace of mind but poor returns or do they venture back into investment markets? It is sensible to batten down the hatches when a [...]

Suddenly Rich Dreams sometimes come true! Occasionally some of us suddenly receive a large sum of money. For the luckiest, it might be a lottery win, for some it might be an inheritance and for others the sale of a business or property. Suddenly being rich is exciting, but for most people it is also [...]

Check your PIE April marks the start of a new tax year, and is a significant month for investors. KiwiSaver members or investors in any other Portfolio Investment Entity (PIE) need to ensure they start the new tax year on the correct tax rate. These investments are taxed at what is called the Prescribed Investor [...]

Are you a Shopaholic? Severe overspending is a problem for around 10% of the population. Like any other addiction, it is usually triggered by an emotional or behavioural issue and followed by feelings of remorse and guilt. The overspender may then make promises and attempts to change but after that the cycle starts all over again. [...]

To Live Over Again… There’s a well-known piece of writing by Nadine Stair, an 85 year old from Kentucky, USA, called ‘If I had my Life to Live Over Again’. It talks about how, with the benefit of hindsight, she would have taken more risks, dared to make more mistakes, and taken on more challenges. [...]

Risks for Retired Investors Retired investors typically look for security in their investments ahead of return. Superannuation payments barely cover the cost of living from day to day and saving in retirement is not possible without a frugal lifestyle. This means that any loss of capital from failed investments cannot be recouped from income. Some [...]

Student Survival Tips Managing money when you are studying is not easy. Student allowances and loans fall far short of covering student expenses and the short fall can be typically around $5-10,000 per year. The gap can be closed by taking a part time job, getting help from family, a bank overdraft, a low interest [...]

Where to Invest in 2011 Investors with cash on their hands face a huge dilemma. Should they leave their money in the bank at a low rate of interest, or take a risk and go back into the investment markets that have left many with a much reduced level of wealth? Investor confidence has been [...]

Five New Year’s Resolutions Regardless of whether your financial goal is to create enough wealth for financial security or a multi-million dollar empire, the starting point is the same. Fortunes are only made on a solid financial base and to build one means getting rid of some old money habits and developing some new ones. [...]

Get Rid of Debt Starting the New Year with a pile of debt is not a good situation to be in, but it is a common problem. If you are serious about getting ahead financially, then getting rid of debt should be one of your top priorities. Here are five steps that will help you [...]