Latest from Diana Clement: Real Money

Diana Clement: Cherish your good credit record, it's worth guarding

Credit scores are important - guard yours well. A good credit score is essential for getting a mortgage, business finance and perhaps even a job.

Diana Clement: Better to be a lucky monkey on KiwiSaver front

Could a monkey do a better job at investing than your KiwiSaver manager? The answer may surprise you.

Diana Clement: Bank failings show savers should look to diversify

It all starts with school banking. We get into the habit of depositing money in savings accounts and soon there is a sizeable amount in the bank.

Diana Clement: KiwiSaver can open door to a first home

Great news this week. Nearly 11,000 people have used their KiwiSaver accounts in the past year to buy a first home.

Diana Clement: Weighing options to pay for your send-off

Have you thought about your funeral? Does your family have thousands of dollars on hand at short notice to pay for a befitting send-off when you die?

Diana Clement: Going guarantor is not just a formality

Diana Clement: Swiping the plastic may not be so fantastic

Next time you give your credit card some exercise, ask yourself if you're behaving logically. You're probably not.

Diana Clement: Retirement village investments eat capital

If there's an "investment" that's guaranteed to eat capital, it's retirement villages. These resort-like gated communities for older people are popping up all over the country.

Diana Clement: Life insurance at the click of a mouse

Point, click and insure your life. Many Kiwis who need it don't have life insurance. If you're one of them, the problem can be solved in 10 minutes if you have access to the internet.

Diana Clement: Splitting property not always straightforward

Every year thousands of Kiwis will get a first-hand look at the Property (Relationships) Act. If their legal, civil union or de facto "marriage" has broken down they will almost certainly have assets or debts to split.

Diana Clement: Scouting out opportunities to invest in rural sector

The rural sector drives our economy. Yet there are surprisingly few opportunities for townies to invest in it. It is, of course, possible to buy a farm. This, however, is out of the financial reach of most investors.

Diana Clement: Pets can push family budgets over the edge

Diana Clement: Homeowners may be in for an insurance shock

Kiwis need to get a whole lot more interested in their house insurance or it will cost them dearly.

Traps to avoid when you decide to do a budget

Tramping and personal finance epiphanies seem to go hand and hand. It's surprising how often the conversation turns to personal finance on my weekend tramps.

Diana Clement: Students - that crippling debt is not inevitable

Diana Clement: The seven deadly signs of financial disaster

Diana Clement: Savings worth the guilt for school stationery

Diana Clement: First home buyers are making their mark