Latest from Personal Finance

At the landlord's mercy, for life

A life-time of renting is becoming a reality for many New Zealanders, a survey shows, as the need for large deposits and big mortgages block their way to home ownership.

Inside Money: Super smart deal aims to activate NZ passive investors

The NZX-owned KiwiSaver scheme, Smartkiwi, will be closed early next year following the stock exchange's purchase of Superlife.

Biz Leader of the year: Chris Gudgeon

Property developers and investors have enjoyed an outstanding year but Kiwi Income Property Trust chief executive Chris Gudgeon could be the star of the bunch.

Wynyard complex gets ready for sale

Pre-sales of the first of 500 to 600 new Wynyard Quarter apartments start in February and the first show-home is being built.

PM says Chinese real estate investment minor

A surge in Chinese investment in New Zealand residential real estate is something the Government needs to consider, but at the moment is not a significant issue says John Key.

Get Sorted: This. Is. Not. Your. Money.

Borrowing against your equity is some of the cheapest money out there (as opposed to credit cards), writes Tom Hartmann. But here are the pitfalls.

Mary Holm: Invest or save - it's a question of risk

I am a widow turning 65 shortly, own my own home mortgage-free (worth about $460,000), working 12 hours a week, semi-supporting my son who is at uni.

Oceania Healthcare IPO on track

Oceania Healthcare is on track for an initial public offering in early 2015, aged-care operator's chief executive, Earl Gasparich, says he's also in talks with private investors and funds.

Inside Money: Has shareholder obsession subtracted value?

Foreign trusts in IRD sights

The Inland Revenue Department is taking aim at the use of New Zealand trusts by foreigners to shield their income and assets from tax in their own countries following pressure from its overseas....

Inside Money: Aussie politicians crack-up over advice, laughable lessons for NZ

FOFA is a serious law, introduced by the previous Labor government after a series of scandals hit Australia's financial planning industry.

KiwiSaver: It pays to look at contract

A reader writes: If my employer includes its contribution as part of a total remuneration package, what happens to the contribution if one opts out of KiwiSaver?

Mary Holm: Rental road to riches can be rocky

My partner and I have our own home at the moment with a sizeable mortgage, and we're thinking of starting a property rental portfolio.

Diana Clement: 'Tis the season for cheer - within reason

Herald columnist Diana Clement looks at how to get the best out of the Christmas shopping spend.

Inside Money: EQC letter spells out funding, insurance model shake-up

The latest Briefing to the Incoming Minister from the Earthquake Commission is a revealing document.

Brent Sheather: Reviewing the Financial Advisors Act

Over the next two years the government and its agents will be reviewing the Financial Advisors Act 2008 (FAA).

Law firm ordered to pay more for Blue Chip losses

A Tauranga law firm will have to pay $150,000 more to retirees who lost money in Blue Chip, a Court of Appeal ruling has found.

Inside Money: Reserve Bank issues speed warning on money

Changes to the country's payment system have been profound and New Zealand moves closer to a cashless society, says the Reserve Bank.