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In its May Financial Stability Report, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand revealed the results of stress tests designed to assess the vulnerability of households to service their mortgages if rates rise. Its findings show a high number of owner-occupier households would be under financial stress if rates jump, which could collapse the housing market as defaults rise and demand weakens... Read more Read more

Historically, as the wealth of New Zealand families increased, their desire for a bach or crib also increased. Owning one became a status symbol and signified that you had ‘made it’ on the financial ladder. As time progressed, a bach or crib evolved from something simple and low cost that was often built by the owner beside a beach, river or lake, to now being a more palatial dwelling often... Read more Read more

Where to live when one gets older is an issue we all need to confront at some stage in our lives, be it making the decision for ourselves, or assisting a loved one to make that decision. Moving into a retirement village or rest home is now becoming more popular. However, there are other choices: Stay in the same house and modify it with ramps and rails, install assistance alarms, and... Read more Read more

Global economic growth has increased and become more broad-based over recent months. However, major challenges remain with on-going surplus capacity and extensive political uncertainty. Stronger global demand has helped to raise commodity prices over the past year, which has led to some increase in headline inflation across New Zealand’s trading partners. However, the level of core... Read more Read more

Younger respondents in a recent US survey sponsored by Boston-based MFS Investment Management reported that they were highly likely to avoid decisions like career changes, home purchases, moving and household formation because of financial stress, even as they approach middle age. According to the 2017 MFS Heritage Planning Survey, 80 percent of Millennials, (defined as those aged... Read more Read more

For many New Zealanders, retiring before age 65 is the lifestyle Holy Grail. The dream is to kick back, spend time with family, friends and loved ones, and travel extensively. They subscribe to the view of “casting off the drudgery of day-to-day work and enjoying the good times as you only live once!” It sounds appealing, but many who attempt early retirement find the financial burden... Read more Read more

Warren Buffett is possibly the world’s most successful investor. Buffett is one of the richest men in the world and investors in his company, Berkshire Hathaway, have enjoyed outstanding returns over a long period. The secret to his success is not ‘sexy’; it is about adopting a disciplined and patient approach to investment and avoiding the normal traps of behavioural finance. Here he shares... Read more Read more

For many of you reading this, the first thought you may have about your largest asset may be that it’s your house, an investment fund, a business, or perhaps a share portfolio. However, for nearly anyone reading this still in paid employment, (or in other words, if you haven’t retired yet) your largest asset is usually your ability to earn income. That’s because your financial security... Read more Read more

It is official – many of us could live beyond age 90. A recent research report published by the Imperial College of London (ICL) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified that South Korean women will be the first to have an average life expectancy that exceeds 90. The report indicates that this trend of prolonging life is expected to continue as more... Read more Read more

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) is always closely reviewed by Milestone financial advisers. The MPS is a quarterly assessment by our Reserve Bank of what they believe is happening in NZ, internationally, and the impact upon our financial stability. The February 2017 MPS signals a ‘steady as she goes’ approach for the remainder... Read more Read more

Investment scams can happen to anyone. They’re often very sophisticated. The people involved sound credible and the websites look very professional, usually including testimonials from other investors. It can be hard to tell a scam apart from a genuine investment opportunity. What to look out for The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) advises that an 'investment' is likely to be... Read more Read more

2016 saw New Zealand named the world’s best place to live as ranked by the Legatum Prosperity Index. This has now been followed by the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report that ranks New Zealanders the fifth richest people in the world. New Zealand has leapfrogged the UK, Singapore and Belgium to be fifth. The Swiss remain the world’s wealthiest at $US562,000 total household wealth,... Read more Read more

2016 was a roller coaster year for the financial markets. Things went up, but also down, and as a result it was not a stellar year for investment portfolios. The world was fixated by Brexit and the US presidential elections. The markets held their breath as we moved into uncharted territory. There is bound to be longer term fall out from these two major events, but for us in New... Read more Read more