If you live for the headlines, the future can seem like a scary place with too many questions and not enough answers. We see this in investing, as in life; it pays not to get caught up too much in the ups and downs, no matter how influential they may seem at the time.
Good and getting better
Why would the couple in their 50’s have such a different outlook to the man in his 30’s? It’s hard to be a successful investor unless you’re an optimist. Firstly, if everyone does well, you’re likely to do better as an investor.
One Simple Thing
For most of us, KiwiSaver is the primary vehicle that will help us reach our retirement goals. So it is a good idea to spend some time reviewing your KiwiSaver with the help of a financial adviser and make sure you are maximising your returns.
Gifting that might be taking
New Zealand has remained prosperous for more than a decade if you're judging based on recessions, but it hasn't happened without creating wealth divisions. The property ladder issue has led to some parents feeling the need to help the kids reach the first rung. What are the issues?
Falling out of fashion
One of the main reasons people invest in term deposits over other investment assets is for safety. But not many realise the risky fact that New Zealand does not currently have a deposit insurance scheme. A long-standing Reserve Bank’s policy is aimed at allowing a distressed bank to be kept open for business while placing the cost of a bank failure primarily on the bank's shareholders and creditors, rather than the taxpayer.
Get ready for Life Two
If ever there was a word that needed to be retired it is retirement. What kind of mental picture does this word invoke up for you? Is it sunny beaches and no longer having to set an alarm clock? Or a stressful feeling about how much longer you will need to work to afford such a lifestyle?
The pre-retirement squeeze | Covid-19 Special Focus
As we are going to have to find a way to co-exist with the coronavirus, it will continue to change lives, goals and plans. It seems clear retirement goals and lifestyle intentions post Covid-19 may not be as expected.
Time to rethink your retirement income | Covid-19 Special Focus
The spectre of zero and negative interest rates are looming over the New Zealand financial market and those looking for a haven can't find much relief. Last week, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) deputy governor Geoff Bascand suggested at least some bank depositors might want to put their money to use elsewhere.
The 100-year Life
100th article and two years for our ‘Canny View’ column. We've come a long way, to say the least. For the 100th article, I thought I would write about the 100-year life because we are living longer than ever and there is now an increased possibility that one might live to 100.
Transitioning to a Goals Based Future
Any successful career will at one point see a peak and then a decline. There comes a point in time when past successes become questions asking, ‘can I do it again?’ The dilemma of the past is one that often confronts investors who visit an adviser for the first time.
How much do you need to retire?
Determining how much you will need to save for retirement will depend upon several variables, including your current age, health, income and level of debt. Here are a few guidelines to help you evaluate your retirement needs.
The Fortnite power of attorney
A power of attorney (POA) can be a difficult topic on several levels, especially for those who don't or won't understand it because they don't think anyone should act on their behalf. Or in the case of an offspring, have their eyes on a financial prize when the elder departs.
Q and A: Canadian pension expert Barry LaValley
Canadian retirement expert, author and founder of the Retirement Lifestyle Center Barry LaValley was in Hawke's Bay this week, talking to clients of the Hastings-based Stewart Group, and addressing about 60 people at a public meeting on retirement issues in Hastings.
Secrets to happy retirement are right here
Retirement ought to be a happy time. You can set your own schedule, take long holidays, and start spending all the money you've been saving.
A retirement confab with the folks
It's easy to avoid discussing money with your parents, and in some families, the subject is almost taboo.The topic doesn't become easier to broach as parents and children age, but it does become more important.
KiwiSaver Vs. Volatility
Early in February after a long period of relative calm, the world found out that markets do contain a level of volatility they move up and DOWN and sometimes they can move quite quickly. What does this all mean to your average KiwiSaver investor… not much.
Will I run out of money in retirement?
Bill Gates wisely pointed out that "most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years".
When does the underarm stop for Kiwis?
Currently in Australia there is more than $17 billion in unclaimed superannuation, which is not an insignificant sum of money, and we anticipate that a large proportion of these funds belongs to Kiwis.
Booster boosts fund options, tweaks settings
The balanced fund joins its Asset Class growth and conservative siblings, which are ultimately managed by US factor-based investment house Dimensional Fund Advisors.
Like Romans, fall on our sword and raise retirement age
The issue of ageing populations and funding retirement schemes is not a modern one - the Romans faced the same political and fiscal problems 2000 years ago.
