Janet Xuccoa: Your list of trustees has to be tight and reputable

Earlier this year, a Christchurch businessman was found borrowing millions of dollars against his family trusts for his clothing company - racking up a $3-million dollar spend. His sister prompted legal action, and two homes had to be sold as collateral. But that brings up a question - what can w…

Nick Crawford: Households will have to anticipate higher cost-of-living pressures

This week's budget announcement had a focus on sorting out the books, and no straight sugar hits for individuals. Infrastructure, healthcare and education seemed to be the clear priority of our fiscal plan, but three  relief for the cost-of-living pressure many face.  Along with that, council rate…

Amanda Morrall: What does it really take to retire in 2026?

Retirement is the time most people dream of, the days where you no longer need to work or study, and you can enjoy a slow and simple life. But what does it actually take to retire? And, when Super is under threat, and the only stable thing about the global economic climate is its instability, can …

Martin Hawes: Should the govt fund your retirement?

The age of retirement is back in the forefront of news this week after a report from the OECD recommended means testing the age of eligibility for NZ Super or risk an unsustainable rise in public debt.  The agency says New Zealand's ageing population will continue to become a prevalent issue as th…

Nathan Stanners: Don't get too caught up with checking your KiwiSaver balance

All investment accounts are a bit touch and go at the moment.  If you're checking your KiwiSaver more than a few times a year, the amount of movement could really start to get to your head.  But for those close to or at retirement age, or about to withdraw for whatever reason - a volatile market …

Sharon Chandra: You can't DIY a divorce

Divorce is still one of those taboo topics we tend to avoid, but up to 40% of marriages end that way here in New Zealand, so it's probably about time we become a bit more comfortable with it.  It's not always a hostile end, some couples are even able to "DIY" their split in a sense - but is that r…

Janet Xuccoa: Most people should really have a trust

We often think of trusts as a way to protect your assets, especially if you work in certain fields - but a surprising number of regular families use them for a range of reasons.  LISTEN ABOVE

Andrew Bascand: Iran conflict impacts more than just gas prices

The hot topic on everyone's minds right now is the price of petrol and diesel.  It seems to be impacting the price of just about everything else, and we're staring down the barrel of a major risk of high inflation.  The OCR remains steady for now, but it's only a matter of time before interest ra…

Amanda Morrall: Saving money with rising costs

Prices are going up.  Food prices are up, and will keep going up alongside fuel. Practically any goods that travel by land air or ocean to get to you will become increasingly unaffordable for the foreseeable future.  LISTEN ABOVE

Rupert Carlyon: Global tension? Ignore your KiwiSaver

Tensions are high for everyone right now, and I know most people will either be nervously checking their KiwiSaver balance on the daily, or completely ignoring it until things calm down a bit.  The most repeated advice advisors will be giving right now is to simply ignore your balance for the time…