The tragedy in Christchurch this week got me thinking about how ‘earthquake proof’ peoples finances are. It brings to mind a cartoon that I saw many years ago that stuck in my mind. “New Zealanders can retire quite comfortably today…..until 2pm tomorrow”.

It’s Saturday and I’m sitting in a room of around 150 people all eager to learn how to improve their financial position. It takes a lot of commitment to be in a seminar room at 8.30am on the weekend and spend the entire day learning.

Wellington, Aug 10 NZPA - The "feel-good" factor if New Zealand limited foreign investment would probably not be enough to outweigh the inevitable "feel-bad" consequences of a lower standard of living, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) says.

It is obvious that we are in the grip of a recession. This creates an opportunity for investors to capitalise on the recession and enter the property market.

In 2007, as part of a medium-term strategy for my retirement, I invested a considerable sum with ASB Unit Trusts. The sum invested was spread over the following trusts: Money Market, NZ Fixed Interest, NZ Property, NZ Shares, World Fixed Interest and World Shares.

Wellington, July 23 NZPA - Opportunities for investing in socially responsible funds are limited, a Council for Socially Responsible Investment (CSRI) conference in Auckland was told.

Can you explain for all inexperienced investors the pros and cons of bonds versus bank term deposits?

I am moving away from Auckland to care for my mother very soon. I own a freehold property in Auckland worth $330,000.   I am renting it out through an agent, as I would prefer to stay in the housing market. I don't have a need to buy a house to live in where I am going.

My understanding is that over the long term, passive funds do better than the average of active funds. Is that right?

Wellington, March 12 NZPA - Investigators looking into the collapse of an Auckland financial advisory firm believe at least $15 million is missing. They have widened their investigation to include other businesses linked to Remuera couple Mike and Jackie Bradley.