Smart Money

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 the government tries to pull the economy out of the red. 

But some finance experts say we shouldn't be relying on the government to fund our retirements, and super should be treated as a bonus rather than a survivable income. 

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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 can make all the difference. 

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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 really a good idea? 

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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. 

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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 rates are on the up once again. 

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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. 

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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 being - that by the time the first bomb dropped, it was too late to change anything. But is that really true? 

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From April 1st, the KiwiSaver minimum default contribution rate will move up to 3.5%. 

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We've all found ourselves day dreaming about where we'd spend a big Lotto win at one point or another. 

Realistically, many of us will come into a major windfall - but it's likely to come in the form of a bonus at work, or an inheritance. 

Is it okay to buy a new car and go on holiday? Or should we invest it all? 

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Ethical investing seems to be a hot topic when it comes to choosing an investment fund or KiwiSaver provider. 

I've often heard providers boast that their fund is ethical - they avoid weapons manufacturers, focus on renewable and sustainable energy - you won't feel a possible sense of guilt around where your money is going. 

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