Latest from Personal Finance

Hammerheads owed $400k

Auckland waterfront eatery Hammerheads collapsed last in April owing the taxman nearly $400,000, liquidators say.

Why the World bank minds our behaviour

The World Bank thinks that when it comes to understanding human behaviour, we can do better.

Big inheritance less likely

The odds of receiving a large inheritance are becoming less likely with people living longer and more parents giving money to children while still alive to help them.

Homeowner 'an exception'

An Auckland student who became a homeowner at just 22-years-old is not a fair representation of all students, says the national students' association.

Student becomes property investor

While thousands of Aucklanders despair at their chances of owning a house, a determined 22-year-old student is proof it can be done.

Mary Holm: Saving for family values

Revolving credit mortgage means you borrow only when you have to and makes your money work harder, writes Mary Holm.

Diana Clement: Online options can make writing a will an easy task

Half of Kiwis don't have a will. In the under-40 age bracket the figure jumps to 70 per cent.

Automatic KiwiSaver enrolment?

People will be automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver under changes being considered by the Government.

KiwiSaver loses its buffer

KiwiSaver providers could introduce minimum amounts for opening new accounts or minimum saving requirements in the wake of the Government's snap decision to cut the $1000 kick-start.

KiwiSaver 'marginal at best' - IRD report

New research by IRD says KiwiSaver's cost $6b in taxpayer money - but success has been 'marginal, at best.'

Rule changes aid first-home buyers

HomeStart grant and KiwiSaver withdrawals can be used for deposits, provided conditions are met, Mary Holm writes.

Diana Clement: Generation debt can benefit from advice

A student loan is a loaded financial gun. Only just out of short pants, thousands of teenagers Pass Go by turning 18 and stepping straight into generation debt, Diana Clement writes.

Carmel Fisher: Water drinkers hit the bottle

Carmel Fisher says branded H2O is set to overtake fizzy drink as the world's most popular drop.

David Snell: KiwiSaver kick-start is history

From 2pm yesterday, people enrolling in KiwiSaver no longer receive a $1000 kick-start payment.

KiwiSaver $1000 kickstart cut

The Government has promised not to make any further cuts to KiwiSaver after scrapping a $1000 payment which all members received upon signing up.

End of kiwisaver kickstart inevitable: expert

The decision to cut the $1000 kickstart for KiwiSaver was inevitable and is unlikely to stop people from joining up to the retirement savings scheme, says an expert.

Legal high firm chased for $850,000 tax

Legal high company Stargate Operations is being chased by IRD for $850,000.

Inside Money: Insurance commission debate crosses the Tasman

David Chaplin on insurance company 'churn' or the shifting of clients to different providers for commission.