NZ Super and uncertainty in retirement planning
The future is uncertain. This fact shouldn’t stop us from planning for the future. But we need to plan with an appreciation for this uncertainty. In terms of...
NZ Wealth & Risk Blog
Economic growth is an upper limit on property prices
There are two main ways to make money when you invest in property: income (such as rent) and capital gains. Broadly speaking, income yields from property aren’t spectacular...
When taking too little risk is risky
People sometimes tell me that they don’t want to take any risks with their investments. I have to tell them that all investments have risks. Even those supposedly...
Hannah McQueen crunches the numbers on retirement – with a side dish of fear, uncertainty, and doubt
I’m generally a pretty positive person. I like most people and give them the benefit of the doubt – if anything, I do it to a fault. But...
When should a financial adviser say they’re “independent”?
I recently had a public brouhaha about a financial advice business that was claiming to be “independent”, even though it was partially owned by a financial product issuer....
Three ways to invest in financial assets in New Zealand
The purpose of this article isn’t to provide advice about whether financial assets are suitable for you, but to explain some ways you can invest in financial assets...
Trauma insurance is not a substitute for income protection insurance
Every so often, I stumble upon an insurance adviser who waxes lyrical on trauma insurance, otherwise known as critical illness insurance. They get really passionate about it. It...
Where are people getting advice about direct property and what sort of advice are they receiving?
On May 24 I wrote my first “tweetstorm” (follow me on Twitter here). I made a number of observations about the FMA’s recent snapshot of NZ’s 1,800 Authorised Financial...
Love people, not money
If money is your focus in life, I recommend reassessing your relationship with money. It’s is important, but only in an instrumental sense – to help you live in line with your values and priorities. And if you want to be happy and have a meaningful life, I recommend prioritising your relationships with other people.
Many financial advisers are selling Porsches when most people want Toyotas
Many financial advisers are selling Porsches when most people want Toyotas. Let me explain…
