Why do we retire at 65?  The number of years you are likely to live in retirement has doubled in just a few decades.  If you retired during the 1970’s you could expect about 10 years in retirement before you passed away in your mid seventies.  This quickly rose so that if you retired during the 1990’s, you can now expect about 15 retired years.  Those of you who retire in the 2010’s are predicted to live between 20 and 25 years in retirement. Read more »

Why do we retire at 65?  The number of years you are likely to live in retirement has doubled in just a few decades.  If you retired during the 1970’s you could expect about 10 years in retirement before you passed away in your mid seventies.  This quickly rose so that if you retired during the 1990’s, you can now expect about 15 retired years.  Those of you who retire in the 2010’s are predicted to live between 20 and 25 years in retirement. Read more »

We are a semi-retired couple, 60 and 65 respectively, with no dependants, one on Super, the other working part-time.  We sold our house last year to free up some money and are at present renting.  We have our money invested in diversified bank investments trusts.   We are continually being told we should purchase another property or we will “miss the boat”.  However, in spite of a regular withdrawal to top-up our living expenses, our funds have lost only a small amount, which, if projected into the future would still leave us with a nest-egg in our later years. Read more »

We are a semi-retired couple, 60 and 65 respectively, with no dependants, one on Super, the other working part-time.  We sold our house last year to free up some money and are at present renting.  We have our money invested in diversified bank investments trusts.   We are continually being told we should purchase another property or we will “miss the boat”.  However, in spite of a regular withdrawal to top-up our living expenses, our funds have lost only a small amount, which, if projected into the future would still leave us with a nest-egg in our later years. Read more »

I’m interested in learning about pension plans in NZ.  I know if you work for a government agency there are super plans.  How can I do this independently? Do I just set myself up another savings account and put into it every week? Would that be the best way? Read more »

I’m interested in learning about pension plans in NZ.  I know if you work for a government agency there are super plans.  How can I do this independently? Do I just set myself up another savings account and put into it every week? Would that be the best way? Read more »

A freehold home can form part of your retirement savings

New Zealanders’ traditional love of real estate has resulted in high level of home ownership; of the 500,000 people aged over 65 in this country nearly 80% own their own home.  Owning a home freehold, together with a small nest egg and New Zealand Superannuation can provide you with a modest but comfortable retirement. Read more »