A recent survey of the Income Protection claims of most New Zealand Insurance companies between 2004 – 2008 has highlighted just how poorly the self-employed (including non-PAYE shareholder/employees) are protected by ACC in terms of income replacement when unable to work due to an accident.

 The survey showed that 34% of ALL Income Protection claims were due to accidents!*

If you can’t answer one or both of these two questions, you could miss out on tens of thousands of dollars!

 Q. 1. Who is your KiwiSaver Provider?

 And...

 Q. 2. What sort of investment fund are you in?

Recently I read an article that revealed that the Banks have been highly successful at convincing New Zealanders to transfer their KiwiSaver funds into their Schemes.

 I think this is a disturbing trend that is not in the best interests of individuals, and not in the best interests of the entire KiwiSaver Scheme.

Some quick sums about the budget changes to KiwiSaver.

Someone earning $150,000 and contributing 2% of income to KiwiSaver is currently getting (from their employer & government) $1.30 for every $1 they put in. That's a return of 130% p.a.!

From 1 July they will only get $0.81 for every $1 they contribute, a reduction in return of 49% (130% - 81%).

I am talking insurance benefits related to your personal health, not the 'bricks and mortar' car, home and contents type insurance.

I have already written an article on this topic which you can find under the Finance heading but I wanted to briefly raise the importance of how you can use ACC Cover Plus Extra to potentially save

From time to time I am reminded why I do the job that I do. To provide financial certainty in times of uncertainty!

Yesterday it was announced that Financial Advisers who wish to become Authorised Financial Advisers by the 1st of July 2011 MUST book their assessments and exams with ETITO no later than the 29th o

Welcome to my first blog. The intention of this blog is to raise issues faced by myself and many others in the financial advice industry on a day-to-day basis.