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Latest FromMary Holm

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.

University study is a great way to make your life better -- but think carefully about what courses to take.

BUSINESS

$210 a week, but there's a way out

1 Apr, 2017 6:16pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Long-time saver looks for a way to escape the benefit trap, writes Mary Holm.

Credit cards can come in handy in case of medical emergencies or any situations where you need cash in a hurry while travelling. Photo / File

Untouched credit can be travel aid

25 Mar, 2017 8:22am
8 minutes to read

Funds handy for urgent medical care but urge to shop is a hazard.

Both income and asset tests decide who gets a residential care subsidy, Mary Holm writes. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Rest home costs an unwelcome surprise

18 Mar, 2017 5:00am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Both income and asset tests decide who gets a subsidy, Mary Holm writes.

The Government doesn't get involved when a bank decides not to give someone credit. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Credit concerns

11 Mar, 2017 6:00am
7 minutes to read

I have a burning question. Why do banks send credit cards to teenagers when they turn 18?

Even when you have plenty of assets, boosting your card limit can be a challenge. Picture / 123RF

Mary Holm: Fighting for a bigger credit card limit

4 Mar, 2017 6:00am
7 minutes to read

Your correspondent [last week] trying to increase their credit card limit and being declined by ANZ was the exact experience I have

Done properly, loans between family members can benefit everyone. It's up to you to weigh up the pros and cons, Mary Holm writes. Photo / 123RF

PROPERTY

Helping family, without a feud

25 Feb, 2017 6:00am
6 minutes to read

Done properly, loans between family members can benefit everyone. It's up to you to weigh up the pros and cons, Mary Holm writes.

If you invest in a low-fee KiwiSaver share fund - particularly one that includes lots of international shares - you'll have a stake in a wide range of industries. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Choose the right fund, minus the agony

18 Feb, 2017 6:00am
7 minutes to read

Nobody knows which investment will turn out best, so it's not worth too much worry, writes Mary Holm.

In some towns there are groups of people at ATMs waiting for benefit payments to arrive.

Mary Holm: When money is needed right this minute

11 Feb, 2017 6:00am
9 minutes to read

Mary Holm answers readers personal finance queries.

Don't stay awake at night thinking about all the interest you're missing out on. Cash investments are well ahead of inflation. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Holm: Where to put emergency money

4 Feb, 2017 8:25am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Laddering means you'll always have some cash available.

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Who gets interest on my money?

31 Jan, 2017 6:17pm
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Who earns interest on bank holidays? And what's the best use of cash? Mary Holm answers your questions.

The way to get rich is to put your eggs in one basket, but watch that basket very carefully.

BUSINESS

Views on diversifying rather ... diverse

24 Dec, 2016 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Everyone has a different take but spreading risk seems wise.

Some fund managers compare returns using an improper market index ... it's easy to look tall standing next to a short person. Photo / Supplied

BUSINESS

Fairytale endings never a sure thing

17 Dec, 2016 6:00am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: There are many reasons why top investors don't remain in front.

When debt is low, paying down the mortgage might not be best bet. Photo / File

BUSINESS

The mortgage or the KiwiSaver?

10 Dec, 2016 6:00am
9 minutes to read

COMMENT: When debt is low, paying down the mortgage might not be best bet.

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: How to spread your savings

3 Dec, 2016 6:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Changes to KiwiSaver conditions are at the whim of future governments.

Concentrating on finances isn't easy when there are life-and-death issues to confront. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: Mortgage best for family in crisis

26 Nov, 2016 5:30pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Even a little extra payment will be a help for family facing a terminal illness.

Since 2010, New Zealand's ratio of house prices to incomes has soared 33 per cent. Photo / Doug Sherring

BUSINESS

Put house-buying dreams on hold

19 Nov, 2016 6:00am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Figures suggest NZ real estate prices are well out of line.

Like Jean Batten, investors who go it alone are on a high-risk journey. Photo / NZ Herald File

BUSINESS

Mary Holm: The perils of flying solo

12 Nov, 2016 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Tempted by top-performing shares? Be careful, those gains may not last.

Online calculators can help you see how changes in your diet, exercise, smoking and so on affect how long you're likely to live. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

Holm: Life expectancy key portfolio choice

5 Nov, 2016 5:00am
7 minutes to read

COMMENT: Age is not the real factor when it comes to riskier investments.

Olympic greats like Mahe Drysdale keep performing, but we can't expect the best-performing share funds to stay at the top. Photo / AP

BUSINESS

Holm: Index funds look a better bet: study

29 Oct, 2016 9:01am
8 minutes to read

COMMENT: Higher-risk strategy can do really well -- or really badly.

I get that markets go down and up, and if that gives you nightmares, you should be in nice safe cash deposits in the bank, writes Mary Holm.

BUSINESS

Worried about investing? Here's some tips

22 Oct, 2016 6:00am
8 minutes to read

Mary Holm: Experts are warning us of an impending disaster for housing market, sharemarket or economy. So, what to do?