Dispelling KiwiSaver misconceptions
8 September 2017 –
KiwiSaver is now well entrenched in New Zealand savings culture. However, there are a multitude of New Zealanders who, for a variety of reasons, still do not fully understand how it works. We have looked back over the past five years at the questions we get regularly asked and have compiled answers... Read more
New Zealand Superannuation and age 65
4 November 2016 –
New Zealand doesn’t actually have an official retirement age. Nevertheless, for many people, 65 years old is the target. It’s the age when most superannuation plans (including KiwiSaver) begin to pay out your savings, including government-funded NZ Superannuation.
The Commission for... Read more
Changes to the KiwiSaver HomeStart Grant
8 August 2016 –
A number of changes occurred to the KiwiSaver HomeStart Grant on 1 August 2016. These are:
Income caps
The existing income cap limits of $80,000 for one buyer and $120,000 for two or more buyers are to be increased to $85,000 and $130,000 respectively. These caps are based on income earned in the... Read more
KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for previous home owners
25 July 2016 –
As a previous home owner you may still be eligible for a first-home withdrawal. You will still have to apply through your scheme provider. However, first Housing New Zealand needs to determine whether you are eligible as a previous home owner.
Run through the checklist below to see if you qualify... Read more
It pays to be related: Are you eligible for the New Zealand Defence Force Savings Schemes?
4 November 2015 –
October 2015 saw New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) launch two new savings schemes for its 14,100 employees plus the wider ‘Defence Community’. At Milestone Direct, we see lots of different investments and many of them are not worth the time of day. However, the new New Zealand... Read more
Pro-active investment advice pays off for KiwiSaver investors
2 June 2015 –
The Milestone team has constantly argued that KiwiSaver is a fantastic investment for all those under age 65 years. We have urged clients, their families and friends to join as the joining incentive of a $1,000 kick-start appeared too good to be true. The Budget 2015 removed the $1,000... Read more
7 Steps to KiwiSaver Success
1 April 2015 –
KiwiSaver has been an outstanding success with regards to engagement by New Zealanders. It has far exceeded government expectations and with over $30 billion of funds under management, KiwiSaver is now a force to be reckoned with.
However, at the individual investor level, there are some... Read more
Changes to KiwiSaver and other grants/loans for first home buyers
1 April 2015 –
What is available?
After 1 April 2015, those wishing to purchase their first home have three deposit funding options in addition to their own savings, borrowings and gifting. These are:
KiwiSaver: Ability to withdraw all funds other than the government’s $1000 kick-start contribution... Read more
Do you have lost Aussie Superannuation?
13 August 2014 –
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has estimated that $NZ21 billion of superannuation funds in Australia are lost within the Australian superannuation system. A significant portion of these funds could belong to people resident in New Zealand. As more NZ citizens are choosing to move... Read more
Is KiwiSaver a good investment if over 65?
21 July 2014 –
KiwiSaver is a financial success story, especially for those who are under age 65 and still working. For these fortunate investors, they receive the annual member tax credit up to a maximum of $521, an employer contribution of at least 3% of their salary plus they pay in 3% or more of their own... Read more
Key Financial Data 2015
6 May 2014 –
Take a look at our handy four-page quick reference guide on the most common tax rates, benefits and allowances, including key important dates, kiwisaver contribution rates, foreign investment rules/definitions and more.
Email Vinessa for your copy now.
Tip: Make sure you review your prescribed... Read more
Your money is in good hands
16 January 2014 –
Knowing where to invest your hard-earned savings can be difficult. Often, we have doubts: is our money safe, is the firm managing our money experienced, competent, reputable and doing a good job?
One source of reassurance is to look at historical performance to see how your fund has performed... Read more
