Planning for Baby

One of life’s great experiences is having a baby. The birth or adoption of a first child in particular is a life-changing event and brings with it a mixture of different emotions. Worries about money can offset the happiness a baby brings, so the loss of income and additional expenses need to be carefully planned. …Read more

How to Set Goals and Achieve Them

There’s one significant difference between people who succeed in life and those who struggle; their ability to set goals and achieve them. To have what you want in life, you can’t just sit back and expect it to happen. Success means different things to different people and when it comes to setting financial goals, success is much more than having a lot of money in the bank. …Read more

Happy New Tax Year

April marks the start of a new tax year, and is a significant month for investors. KiwiSaver members or investors in any other Portfolio Investment Entity (PIE) need to ensure they start the new tax year on the correct tax rate. These investments are taxed at what is called the Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) and this should be confirmed at the beginning of each tax year. Set your PIR too low and you may be in danger of incurring a tax penalty. On the other hand, if your PIR is too high, you will not be able to claim a refund as tax paid in a PIE is final tax. …Read more

Nana’s Pumpkin (or Squash) Soup

Pumpkins are in season right now. Although you can buy them all the year round, pumpkins ripen and are picked in Autumn. They can be stored in a dry place for several months but get more expensive to buy later in the year.

Pumpkin soup is a glorious warm looking yellow soup that is a firm favourite.  This recipe has been used in our home for many years.

Pumpkins are also known worldwide as Squash.

…Read more

Hot cross buns – 2

This recipe for hot cross buns is adapted from Alison Holst’s recipe that has been used in New Zealand for decades. …Read more

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