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Deciding to sell your house and rent in retirement can work well as long as you've done your sums and will have enough to live stress-free. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Selling for retirement - Are you home free?

21 Dec, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

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

Had enough of the money madness and the joyous junk? Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Saying no to the silly spending season

14 Dec, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

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

Getting the mortgage down to size means you can get on with serious retirement saving. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: How to trim thousands off your mortgage

7 Dec, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

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

A family plan makes gift giving a lot of fun - and delivers financial savings, too. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Practical advice to help ease the financial cost of Christmas

30 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

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

The odds of winning a tax-free prize have fallen in recent years, as market interest rates have dropped. Photo / File

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: How bonds can beat the bank

23 Nov, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

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

After a prize, a treat is in order. Then comes the question: Pay off debt or invest? Photo / Supplied

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: How to spend that $200,000 Lotto win

16 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

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

It may be tempting to think that men and women end work with equal shares, but the statistics don't bear that out. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Should the rich get Super?

9 Nov, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

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

If you don't normally spend much on yourself, why not splash out on a new kitchen? Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Cooking up the best plan for $15,000

2 Nov, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

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

Borrow from family to cut out the bank - the plan sounds simple, but it may be a wolf in sheep's clothing. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Interest dodge could come back to bite

26 Oct, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

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

Sometimes you're ahead of the pack - sometimes you're not. Photo / AP

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Don't get down about low interest rates

12 Oct, 2019 8:40am
8 minutes to read

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

Spend your savings before even thinking of getting a reverse mortgage. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Thorns among advantages borrowing against your home

5 Oct, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Take care before you decide to reverse mortgage.

Annual student loan fees stay the same even if your remaining debt is small. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Doing the sums on student loans

28 Sep, 2019 8:40am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Annual fees stay the same even if your remaining debt is small.

If your tax bill just doesn't seem right, sometimes it pays to check. Photo / File

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Should I divert my Kiwisaver funds?

21 Sep, 2019 8:30am
8 minutes to read

I'm considering diverting funds into a similar (growth) managed fund

If you're leaving Auckland, what's the risk that you won't be able to buy back in? Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Holm: Could you buy back into Auckland property market once you leave?

14 Sep, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: If you're leaving, what's the risk that you won't be able to buy back in?

Independent but confused - it's a situation that's becoming more common, says the Banking Ombudsman. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

A mortgage at 88 with 23 years to run - why would the bank allow this?

9 Sep, 2019 7:07am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Where do you turn when an elderly relative is running up big debts?

Living next to a building project with little ones, in-laws and pets doesn't sound very relaxing. Photo / 123RF

PREMIUM

Mary Holm: Should you renovate or build a new house?

31 Aug, 2019 1:40pm
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: What's the right answer for a too-crowded family: Renovate, build new or sell?

Not enough people know of the ways KiwiSaver might be able to help when they're hunting for a home. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Mary Holm: Single again and starting over?

24 Aug, 2019 8:35am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: If a home is what you really want after a divorce, then why not take the leap?

A home in Italy may not turn out to be a great financial investment, but if you can afford it, why not? Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Should I buy my dream semi-retirement property?

13 Jul, 2019 8:38am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Couple can afford to indulge dream of an Italian holiday home.

In your 60s one of you could likely cope financially if the other dies. If so, ditch the costly life cover, dump debt and live a little. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Do we still need a life policy when we're 64?

29 Jun, 2019 8:37am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Life cover peace of mind when younger but age can shift values.

An adventurous lifestyle is fabulous in your 50s, but that bravery may need to be tempered when you consider your investment options. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Should empty nesters invest in shares or property?

15 Jun, 2019 2:45pm
8 minutes to read

Comment: Debt-free in 50s and caravan is home, so where to put nest egg?

Overseas markets offer diversification - and sometimes excitement too. Photo / AP

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Will our winning NZ sharemarket stay that way?

1 Jun, 2019 9:21am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: There's still a good argument for investing overseas.

A proposed capital gains tax on second homes, including the beloved family bach, is just that.. a proposal at this stage. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Don't panic over CGT on second homes

2 Mar, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Is my retirement plan secure?

It's probably a good idea for couples to make financial decisions together. Each can benefit from the other's strengths, and counteract flaws. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Does investing have to be a battle of the sexes?

5 Jan, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Research shows women tend to buy and hold investments, while men are more likely to trade.

Kiwis' happiness might be less tied up with income than in many other countries.

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Why money can't buy you happiness

24 Nov, 2018 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Read an excerpt from Holm's new book, Rich Enough: A laid-back guide for every Kiwi.

Being a cash buyer at house auctions can be an advantage over those who can only make a conditional offer. Photo / File

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Smart way to cash in on housing market

17 Nov, 2018 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Comment: Being a cash buyer at house auctions can be an advantage.

NZ shares and house prices are neck and neck. Photo / Michael Craig

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Can you beat the property market buying shares?

30 Jun, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Overall similar returns in either investment.

Used wisely, a nest egg is a chance to build for the future. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

I'm 29 and single with a baby: So what can I do with my $95,000?

9 Jun, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Mary Holm: How laddering your money can help your savings to climb.

It's not unfair that investors get to deduct tax - but it's a struggle understanding the logic of not letting homeowners do the same. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Do homeowners deserve tax relief?

27 May, 2018 8:44am
5 minutes to read

Current rules let only property investors deduct interest on mortgages.

Kawerau, with current mayor Malcolm Campbell, is a classic example of small New Zealand towns offering a chance to ditch the mortgage and the big-city stress along with it. Photo / NZME

BUSINESS

Want to save money? Here's where you should move

31 Mar, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Many retired people are getting out of Auckland and really enjoying it.

Working overtime? Your employer should include those earnings when calculating its KiwiSaver contribution. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Holm: Enlist IR to give the boss a nudge

10 Feb, 2018 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: If KiwiSaver is underpaid, Inland Revenue Department will follow it up.

Living in a tiny house is one young couple's idea to help build a better financial future for themselves. Photo / Jemma Wells and Build Tiny Ltd

BUSINESS

Tiny house leaves more to invest

3 Feb, 2018 5:00am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Paying less on accommodation frees up money for saving.

The floor size of an average home has grown by about 50 per cent since the 1940s when garage spaces are discounted. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Should garages count as the home?

23 Dec, 2017 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Our coddling of cars has led to an exaggeration of house sizes.

In life, we make choices where we will place our money - for our children, retirement and potential investments. Photo / File

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Young renter facing a dilemma

9 Dec, 2017 5:00am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Gaining perspectives on being a tenant and share funds.

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Would-be house buyer's lament

26 Nov, 2017 9:19am
8 minutes to read

Given the recent trends, you might want to wait a while.

If you're unsure what KiwiSaver fund matches your level of risk tolerance go to the Sorted website and use the

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Earn on your emergency fund

28 Oct, 2017 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: A buffer of three to six months of household expenses is recommended.

Whanganui house prices average only $230,000, according to QV statistics. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Heart set on leaving the big city

14 Oct, 2017 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Keen on a move to Whanganui? Now might be the right time.

Spectacular investment returns might be a sign that you've been caught by the next Bernie Madoff. Photo / AP

BUSINESS

36% gain? Get your money out now

7 Oct, 2017 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: No 'secure' investment also delivers such high returns.

Dividends make huge difference when measuring past returns. Photo / Doug Sherring

BUSINESS

Shares v houses: The winner is clear

30 Sep, 2017 8:26am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Dividends make huge difference when measuring past returns.

Even the experts get it wrong when trying to second-guess the markets. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Trying to time markets is unwise

23 Sep, 2017 8:36am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Shares best unless you aim to spend or fear big fall.

Plenty of people have bemoaned selling a home in formerly cheap suburbs such as Ponsonby.

BUSINESS

A tale of two Auckland houses

16 Sep, 2017 8:21am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: To buy or to rent, when shifting to a better location?

Most KiwiSaver statements list interest from Inland Revenue as a separate contribution.

BUSINESS

KiwiSaver interest sows confusion

9 Sep, 2017 9:59am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Yearly statement leaves reader wondering at bank's approach.

Renewable energy projects attract many socially responsible investors. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Doing good with your savings

2 Sep, 2017 8:36am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: More Kiwis are backing socially responsible investment funds.

Fund managers can be beaten by a chimpanzee when it comes to picking stocks. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

A chimpanzee's guide to investing

26 Aug, 2017 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Picking winning shares is rewarding - but sometimes it's a case of good luck.

The rules say credit recipients must 'mainly reside in New Zealand'. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Big OE no good for tax credits

19 Aug, 2017 1:11pm
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: You're pushing your luck claiming while living and working overseas.

No man's land? Hardly. You're in good territory.

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: $900k in the bank but life is slipping me by

12 Aug, 2017 6:42am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Despite impressive savings, reader feels trapped in no man's land.

Son with intellectual disability can't use savings for a house, so what's the best choice for parents?

BUSINESS

Doing right by disabled KiwiSaver

5 Aug, 2017 5:00am
9 minutes to read

COMMENT: Son with disability can't use savings for a house, what's the choice for parents?

The Rule of 72 provides an easy alternative to calculators, computers and spreadsheets. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

'Real' or not, fund returns add up

22 Jul, 2017 8:53am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: There's more than one way to calculate your KiwiSaver gains.

One thing's for sure about gift vouchers - they don't add much to the Christmas tree display. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Is it the money - or the voucher?

15 Jul, 2017 10:54am
9 minutes to read

COMMENT: Gift cards have their benefits, but choose one without an expiry date.

Joining KiwiSaver has given some children an early education in investment. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Double your money - and then some

8 Jul, 2017 9:58am
10 minutes to read

COMMENT: Survey shows KiwiSaver has been profitable for many people.

Tomorrow is KiwiSaver's 10th birthday. Picture / 123rf

BUSINESS

KiwiSaver's mostly happy returns

1 Jul, 2017 9:42am
9 minutes to read

COMMENT: A survey shows the savings scheme has been very rewarding.

While some people get the right balance between living and saving, others are too frugal. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

How much fun is too much fun?

24 Jun, 2017 6:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: While some people don't save enough to retire, some save too much.

Rising premiums means retirees have to make a tough choices. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Retirement: Health insurance, or a holiday?

17 Jun, 2017 2:37pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Rising premiums means retirees have to make a tough choices.

Teens have to wait for their 18th birthday before being eligible for the KiwiSaver tax credit. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Under-18s will get their day in the sun

10 Jun, 2017 1:20pm
9 minutes to read

Opinion: Timely reminder for people over 18 to top up their KiwiSaver contributions.

A house and savings can set you up well for retirement. Photo / Doug Sherring

PROPERTY

Rent - is it really dead money?

3 Jun, 2017 8:23am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: It's not silly for renters to sit on the sidelines and save.

Ignore unrealistic targets -- even modest savings are well worth aiming for. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

$1m retirement target way over the top

27 May, 2017 6:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ignore unrealistic targets - even modest savings are well worth aiming for.

Auckland house prices have fallen in the past, but they recovered each time. Photo / Doug Sherring

BUSINESS

Taming a mortgage the size of Africa

20 May, 2017 3:27pm
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Any bust in house prices won't affect everyone in the same way.

The FMA says online foreign exchange trading is used by some people to try to make a quick profit. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Don't take a gamble on forex trade

13 May, 2017 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Foreign currency is not something that you can take chances on.

Apples v oranges, strawberries v blueberries - the wrong comparison will lead you astray.

BUSINESS

Picking through the fund fruit salad

6 May, 2017 6:00am
6 minutes to read

Don't fall into the old apples v oranges trap when checking your fund's returns.

Like gambling, binary options promise a quick way to make - or lose - money.

BUSINESS

Investor's $150,000 lesson

28 Apr, 2017 5:18pm
5 minutes to read

Even the FBI has warned of the dangers of investing in binary options.

When the house and savings are gone, there's not much time to restore your finances. Picture / 123rf

BUSINESS

60-plus, swindled and flat broke

22 Apr, 2017 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Finding yourself with nothing close to retirement age can be daunting

KiwiSaver is probably the best way to make such an investment. Photo / 123RF

PROPERTY

The 13-year-old with $11,000 in bank

14 Apr, 2017 4:00pm
6 minutes to read

Mary Holm column: Advice for a teen with 'extraordinary entrepreneurial skills'.

It can be hard to let go of a home when there's sentimntality attached. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Home - where the heart is?

8 Apr, 2017 6:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: For some, a home is just a building. For others. it's a place to cherish.