Investing

Where Should I Buy An Investment Property?

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.

• Unit Trust Is Closing - What Can I Do? (30 July 2010)
• What Are the Pros And Cons Of Bonds Versus Bank Term Deposits? (11 July 2010)
• I'm Moving Cities - Should I Sell Or Rent? (19 June 2010)
• Will Active Or Passive Investment Funds Produce Better Returns? (1 May 2010)

KiwiSaver & Saving

How To Get KiwiSaver First Home Buyer Benefits For Non First Time Buyers?

Home-buying tests

I've just separated at age 60. I have a job and will end up with only about $30,000. I have work super and will join KiwiSaver.

• KiwiSaver: What To Do If My Employer Won't Pay (20 August 2010)
• I'm Becoming Self-Employed: Should I Stay In KiwiSaver? (9 August 2010)
• Can A Beneficiary Join KiwiSaver? (21 July 2010)
• Do I Qualify For First-Home Deposit Assistance? (11 July 2010)

Managing Money

Time To Move To Australia?

I wonder if anyone else is facing the same dilemma. I am 31, a technical manager, and earn around $90,000 a year. If I was to move to Australia, my income would be at least $130,000.
 
In the past the only reasons I have stayed in New Zealand are:
 

• Is Health Insurance Worthwhile? (24 December 2009)
• How Does The Student Loan Repayment Bonus Scheme Work? (20 April 2009)
• When Should I Exchange My NZ dollars To Euros? (19 March 2009)
• When's The Best Time To Exchange Kiwi Dollars? (1 December 2008)

Home Loans

Are We Heading Towards A Property Market Meltdown?

I'm 25, married, earning just over $62,000 a year, living in Auckland. In order for my wife and I to buy a property to live in, I would need a deposit of between $50,000 to $100,000. That alone is no small feat.
 

• In Trouble With Rental Properties - What To Do? (3 April 2010)
• Should We Wait Before Buying A House? (3 October 2009)
• Should We Use Savings To Pay The Mortgage Or Buy More Property? (6 July 2009)
• What Should We Do With Our Savings? (2 March 2009)

Credit Cards

Credit Card Vs EFTPOS For Day To Day Transactions?

I am amazed at people who still use EFTPOS cards for everyday transactions.

I maintain a Visa card with a P.I.N. that I use exactly like an EFTPOS card, and the most it costs me is $25 per year.

• Can Businesses Really Charge Me Extra For Paying By Credit Card? (11 June 2005)

Tax

Which PIR Tax Rate Should We Use For Joint Investments?

We have joint investments - my wife works (for which I am eternally grateful), and I don't (well, not for much money in any case). Her PIR rate is 21 per cent and mine is 12.5 per cent. So far, so good.

• If I Overestimate My PIR Rate Can The IRD Keep The Overpayment? (8 May 2010)
• Tax Minimisation: What Are My Accountant's Obligations? (9 November 2009)
• Do I Need To Pay Tax On The Capital Gain From An Investment Property? (6 November 2009)
• At What Point Does A Stock Trader Need To Pay Tax On Profits? (3 October 2009)