Go back to the 1995 film, Clueless. After a driving lesson goes terribly wrong, the valley kids are almost squashed by a tractor-trailer, harassed by a motorcycle gang, and given the finger for driving too slowly by old people. If only they had remained in their comfort zone and taken their lesson on quiet residential streets rather than a 12-lane highway!
Top 10 Investment guidelines
Depending on luck is simply not a sustainable investment strategy. Evidence-based, goal-based investment may not sound as exciting but is also a lot less work.
Is property still the golden egg?
New Zealand's house prices have been ranked the most overvalued in the developed world behind only Hong Kong. The Kiwi housing market was also deemed to be the fifth most at-risk among OECD nations, according to an Oxford Economics report.
The power of compounding
I hear young people complaining on a regular basis that it’s impossible for them to save money. The list holding them back is a long one – student loans, minimum pay, rent, coffee, and the desire to enjoy their youth.
What does trauma insurance cover me for?
After going blind in one eye, an Invercargill farmer's trauma claim was declined because her medical condition didn't meet her policy's criteria. Blindness in both eyes is covered in her policy whatever the cause, but blindness in one eye is only covered if it is caused by an injury, not a medical event.
Keeping it simple
People rarely take this approach with their finances. Often, financial matters are treated like an overstuffed, messy closet that needs to be dealt with but remains closed and put off for another time
GFC 10 years on: Time and Patience
Timing the market is tough, as is basing an investment strategy on economic or market forecasts. But we can do ourselves a favour, both materially and emotionally, by accepting that volatility is a normal part of investing and by sticking to a well-thought-out investment plan agreed upon in less stressful times.
Hang in there, KiwiSavers!
Despite recent market volatility KiwiSavers should be happy with their investment. Now is not the time to be cutting and running or you will miss the benefits of long term investing. Even default funds are doing better.
Living with volatility, again
Volatility is back. Just as many people were starting to think markets only ever move in one direction, the pendulum has swung back the other way. Anxiety is a completely natural response to these events. Acting on those emotions, though, can end up doing us more harm than good.
Strava Theft
This a story on why it’s always important to be aware of what you’re sharing online or with anyone who may call you fishing for information.
Q3 2018 Review
World economic data remained encouraging throughout Q3. Global equities, particularly developed markets performed strongly. Emerging markets were punished, while Australia made small gains. And another reason to be wary of what you share online.
Putting 'family' into financial planning
A couple that decides to form a long-term relationship does more than create a legal and spiritual bond. At the same time, the personal and financial goals probably shift and become more complex.
A question of equilibrium to investors
There's been a lot of noise in TV & print media finance reports in the past one month. But have you ever wondered that if there are so many sellers out there, who is buying?
A Te Mata Coleraine Vertical of 32 vintages (1982–2016) donated by Stewart Group to HB Wine Auction 2018 fetches $19,000!
A "one of a kind" collection of a vertical lot collection of 32 vintages of the globally acclaimed Te Mata Estate Coleraine, donated by the Hastings-based Stewart family, went under the hammer at a pre-tasting event ahead of the annual Hawke's Bay Wine Auction next month.
Life Insurance Premium Options
Regular payments for your insurance are referred to as premiums and they will vary depending upon the amount insured and your age. Which premium is better for you?
Six mistakes investors make that you need to avoid
In almost every area of life – whether it's marriage, the workplace, or taking care of our health – we are often our own worst enemies. The realm of personal finance is no different. What's the biggest threat to achieving financial independence? Unfortunately, it's your own brain.
The Mexican fisherman parable
To re-evaluate what really matters in life and to discuss the psychology or mindsets that got us to where we are today, there's no better explanation than the story of the Mexican Fisherman.
What is asset allocation for KiwiSaver funds?
Most KiwiSaver providers let their customers choose how their balance is invested, by choosing the fund type to invest their contributions and employer contributions in. The KiwiSaver fund types have different ways of investing money, for example different combinations of cash allocations or shares.
Financial planning should be the natural friend of good insurance coverage
I had a friend who said that the trick to sailing in all conditions around the world was to know that sometime your boat would sink. He felt that keeping that fact at the forefront of his mind kept him prepared.
The Artificial Intelligence race gathers pace
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, and the tech giants are racing to stay ahead of the curve. This race is also presenting opportunities for the financial services industry.
