The morning had been perfect for my friend Paul’s brother. The Queensland sun warmed his skin as he hitched his modern caravan to his Nissan SUV, ready for a weekend at the beach. The open road beckoned, promising relaxation and the soothing sound of waves.
When Catchphrases Replace Common Sense: The Dangerous Allure of Investment Folklore
The investment world loves its pithy sayings. From "Sell in May and Go Away" to "Buy Low, Sell High," these catchphrases roll off tongues in boardrooms and backyard barbecues alike.
Is Rent “Dead Money”?
How our obsession with property ownership is quietly sabotaging national productivity.
Walk into any New Zealand café, and you'll inevitably overhear the same conversation: someone explaining why they're buying a rundown villa to convert into their office space.
Diversification: Fortifying a Port for Stormy Times
Proper diversification has become essential to protect you from today’s increasingly volatile global landscape. Global markets don’t all go the same way at the same time; a savvy investor knows this and uses it to their advantage.
Make Your KiwiSaver Reign Supreme
Rolling out this King's Birthday weekend, when many Kiwis are reflecting on legacy and family - here's how to ensure your retirement savings work as seamlessly for your loved ones as they have for you.
Tariffs & Markets: What History Tells Us About What May Lie Ahead
As markets absorb the implications of Donald Trump's return to the White House, investors are increasingly concerned by his promises to implement new tariffs on imported goods.
Will Tariffs Trump New Zealand’s Economic Future?
President Donald Trump's tariffs of 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, and similar proposed rates for China and the European Union in the weeks ahead, represent more than just economic policy shifts.
Hedonic Treadmills Have No Finish Line
As Dan Solin (author of ‘The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read’) astutely observes, "The financial media is not your friend. Its primary goal is to separate you from your money."[I]
The 'Great Wealth Transfer’ Myths You Should Know About
The headlines are attention-grabbing all seem to agree: The largest transfer of wealth in history is coming. But how much of this narrative holds up to scrutiny? There are several myths that need addressing.
Bonds - shaken, not stirred?
They may not be as exciting as a suave Brit exploring far-flung corners of the world in the name of espionage, but bonds are experiencing a bit of fame recently for all the wrong reasons.
Coffee Conversations
Over the course of our lives, there are many uncomfortable questions and conversations to be had. But it is safe to say, those dealing with financial well-being are perhaps the most persistent and difficult.
Recognising the Social Purpose of Investing
Climate change is all over the news. Today more than ever, many of us are making small changes to our lifestyle. From recycling to going vegan or using the car less often, we are changing our ways to reduce harm to the planet. As an island country reliant on primary production and tourism for much of its economic wealth, New Zealand is particularly vulnerable to the economic and environmental impacts of climate change.
Questions on Sustainable Investing
Many people want to align their environmental views with their portfolio objectives. But can you support your values while maintaining sound investment principles and pursuing higher expected returns? Here are three important questions that are important to ask your financial adviser.
The Value Dilemma
Every investor will face a conundrum at some point: what to do when their beliefs don't work. Sometimes it's an assumption that becomes lore. A favoured company paid a dividend for 20 straight years. Of course, it's not going to ever stop paying a dividend… then it stops paying a dividend. A dagger to the heart! An outrage, there were plans for that money!
Running a Trust in 2021 and beyond
The Trusts Act 2019 ("Act") will take effect from 30 January 2021. Running trusts under the new regime can be divided into three components — functional, emotional, and ethical. Neglecting to invest trust property or poor investment choices can be reasons for the breakdown of trusts.
Through a different lens
With most things in our life, we get a second opinion of some form or another. From purchasing a new car, changing jobs, getting a doctor's opinion, or entering into a new relationship, we want to make sure it is right for us before we make a serious decision that impacts our future. But why is it that so many of us do not tend to do the same for our financial health?
True value creates true wealth
Finding the best place to put your investments and KiwiSaver can be tricky, but you don't have to do it alone. A financial adviser can help build a portfolio based on your risk appetite and goals. An adviser with a fiduciary duty will have tools to assess how much risk you are happy to take and develop a plan to reach certain milestones in your life.
Beyond 2020 and Elections
On the night of October 17, 2020, I like five million other Kiwis, watched the general election results roll in. Based on pre-election polls there was little doubt that Labour would form the government again. the New Zealand markets were unrattled by the result and looked pretty steady with investors relaxed after the Labour Party secured a historic majority in the general election.
Bonus Bonds: One birde in the hande is better
Questions are coming in; folks are weighing up their options and wanting to know what is the best investment vehicle out there to put their Bonus Bonds money in as the ANZ's 50-year-old scheme will be wound up with money returned to bondholders.
Property investors feel the pinch | COVID-19 Special Focus
Recently, a story popped up on the landlord section of an online property investment forum. The story is an extreme version of what we view as the risks associated with property investing. It was exacerbated due to Covid-19, but it's illustrative, nonetheless.
