Tag Archives: money

Common sense and a healthy amount of scepticism can keep you safe from those who want to rip you off. If an offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. In the same way that being fearful of others can lead older people to isolate in their …

Do you know what the role of NZ Super is? Is what many still call ‘the pension’ there to ensure dignity in old age? Is it there to provide a basic standard of living? Or is it a reward for working hard and paying taxes? If you can’t decide, you …

Research by the Financial Services Council suggests that a New Zealand financial advisor is worth the impressive sum of $1.5 million over 25 years to every person they assist. If you haven’t already received the backing of an advisor, what better time than now? The Financial Markets Authority has developed …

The typical Kiwi family of a heterosexual married couple and two or three children is no longer the norm. In his new book, The New New Zealand, Professor Paul Spoonley of Massey University looks at how our families have changed. These trends include: Increased divorce rates. More single parents. Same-sex …

Elder abuse can be psychological, financial, physical or sexual. It affects both men and women. It occurs regardless of a person’s race, religion, class or sexual orientation. It takes many forms, such as verbal abuse or humiliation, physical harm, prevention of decision-making, denial of contact or social isolation. Age Concern …

Monday, June 15, marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the first day of a week-long awareness campaign. Here are some tips from Simon Templeton of Age Concern Canterbury on avoiding financial abuse. One in 10 people aged 65+ will experience some form of elder abuse. The abuse occurs in many …

Jane Wrightson, our new Retirement Commissioner, tells Eldernet about her priorities for the role, and what she is looking forward to when her turn comes. What was it about the role of Retirement Commissioner that attracted you to it? I had a leadership background in media, regulation and industry advocacy …

Financial stress can be the result of rising debt, a job loss, insufficient earnings, high living costs or even money troubles in your relationship. Whatever the circumstances, being worried about money takes a mental and physical toll, plus it can strain relations with your significant other, family, workmates and friends. …

Like a pack of sharks who smell blood, the scammers are already circling. A decade or so ago, during the Global Financial Crisis, investment fraud and other consumer scams were rampant. Today it’s the COVID-19 crisis, and it’s no surprise the scammers are back in force to prey on people’s …

The gap between the rich and the poor is getting bigger. This has vast implications for the whole of the population. Oxfam reported that the richest 1 per cent of Kiwis have 28 per cent — $42 billion — of the wealth created in a single year. Meanwhile, the poorest …