Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
First Labour, now National have unveiled plans to mess up KiwiSaver. It was always too much to hope that $20 billion-plus KiwiSaver system wouldn't be used for electioneering.
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.
According to Morningstar the tax environment for New Zealand managed funds - including KiwiSaver - is relatively benign.
New data from FundSource suggests KiwiSaver default members may be starting to make more risk-appropriate choices.
KiwiSaver members now have on average more than $9300 saved in their accounts but some providers have attracted much bigger savers into their scheme.
What happens after you're eligible to dip into your KiwiSaver account?
Q: I was listening to the radio and I heard a Labour MP say that under Labour not only would KiwiSaver be compulsory but a capital gains tax would apply to it.
The Financial Services Council is looking to drum up popular support for a campaign to address what it says is the overtaxation of savings.
Sheather estimates what terminal sum will accrue to a KiwiSaver saving $100 pw and getting the $1K kick start and the annual $521 contribution from the Govt investing in a growth portfolio.
Q: I saw the CEO of the Financial Services Council on TV talking about an insurance option to protect the loss of KiwiSaver amounts due to a recession. Does this cover have any merit?
I am not in Kiwisaver as I can't afford to lose the minimum 3 per cent from my wages.
Q: I have been following the new car discussion with interest. I would like to suggest the following thoughts to purchasers of a new car.
Generally speaking home buyers can dip into their funds after three years of joining KiwiSaver to buy their first home. But what if that home's in Australia?
Account provider can’t use KiwiSaver funds to settle debts without permission, but there could be exceptions.
As well as the rebranding, ANZ has adjusted the OnePath default KiwiSaver scheme’s investment management style while jacking up fees.
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.
Leader says superannuation plan needs to be extended to those who are 'missing out'.
So Labour wants everyone but the lowest earners to put aside 9 per cent of their income for retirement savings?
Budget advisers who deal with real people's spending say using a credit card results in us spending about 30pc more than we would if it was cash, writes Tamsyn Parker.
