FMA has launched a new consumer brochure to help New Zealanders understand the different types of services they may receive when investing in KiwiSaver shcemes or considering changing between schemes or funds.
Understanding the service you receive is the key step to making informed decisions about your money.
Continue readingClassical investment advice is that long-term investors should invest in growth assets (eg: shares and property) and switch gradually to income assets (eg: cash and fixed interest) as they get older. Growth assets should do well over long periods of time but they are volatile. Income assets produce lower returns over time but they are more stable. This strategy should result in a reasonable return at a reasonable level of risk.
Continue readingThe Financial Markets Authority (FMA) was established in 2011. The FMA’s main objective is to promote and facilitate the development of fair, efficient and transparent financial markets. This was because it determined financial ignorance had played a significant part in the loss of more than $3 billion in finance company collapses since 2006.
Continue readingAlthough the self-employed do not enjoy the benefit of an employer contribution, they still receive the $1,000.00 Government kick-start and Member Tax Credit of up to $521.43 per annum.
Continue readingThere is still some conjecture as to what exactly went wrong with the Ross Group. You may also wonder whether the same factors that allowed these events to occur could possibly exist with organisations we deal with on your behalf.
Continue readingWe encourage anyone who is thinking of investing to seek authorised financial advice first.
5 questions to ask the Authorised Financial Adviser
• How do I know what you are recommending is the best option for me?
• What are the risks of this investment?
• What will I pay?
• What information will I receive about my investments?
• How can I get my money back?
A recent investment industry study completed in the US found 58% of employees spent less than one hour determining both their retirement plan savings contribution rate and which retirement plan investment scheme to use. Since the introduction of KiwiSaver five years ago, New Zealanders have much to be proud of, over 1.9 million people have enrolled, accumulating $12 billion in member balances.
Continue readingToday we are living longer. Whereas older generations live an average of 15-20 years past the age of retirement, younger generations are expected to live 30-40 years after they retire. The biggest money worry for many will be just how long their ‘nest egg’ will last, raising the possibility that you will need to live more frugally than you’d like and most likely for a longer time…
Continue readingKids & KiwiSaver. It’s worth enrolling for the $1,000 kickstart provided by the Government because who knows when this might change or be removed altogether.
Continue readingNew adviser regulation became effective on 1 July 2011. According to the Government, regulation is about getting better outcomes for the people who need and use financial advice.
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