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Despite the recent plunge, shares still win against volatile gold.

Helping to support an embattled company is a nice idea — just not for a market first-timer

Prices are low, but if you buy too soon they may keep falling as you watch in dismay.

It's your money, so if you're unhappy, don't be shy about moving it to someone else.

These were the top five advice columns from finance writer Mary Holm.

COMMENT: In parts of Europe, most people never own their home, and lead contented lives.

COMMENT: Had enough of the money madness and the joyous junk?

COMMENT: A few simple tricks to getting your mortgage down to size.

COMMENT: Family plan makes gift giving a lot of fun - and delivers financial savings, too.

COMMENT: Returns aren't great, but they're better than an on-call account, says reader.

COMMENT: A $200k payout is just right — it's substantial, but not seriously life-changing.

COMMENT: Men ending work have, on average, 20 per cent more in savings than women.

COMMENT: I have $15,000 saved, where should I put it?

Is a family loan a good way to trim tax? Not so fast, says the IRD.

COMMENT: At least today's savers aren't trapped in a losing race against high inflation.