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Mistakes People make with their Money

Mistakes with Money 

Written by R. A. Stewart

Poverty does not just happen, it is the result of poor choices. That is barring unforeseen life events which can happen. I understand that others are forced into poverty for one reason or another. This article is aimed at those who have the means to make the most of the money they earn but choose to squander it. Here are their main mistakes.

1 They make poor life choices

The difference between the rich and the poor is because their choices in life are different. There is a stark difference between what a rich person and a poor person does with their discretionary spending money. All of those satellite dishes on council estates tell a tale. A rich person will find ways to invest their discretionary dollar so that it multiplies while a poor person will spend all that they have and more when you consider the consumer debt that they take on. It is also a fact that the poor tend to have more children and having kids does not come cheap, so this further compounds their vulnerable financial position.

2 They do not save 

People in a poor financial state do not save money. They fritter away their money with no thought for the future. Their financial situation is made worse because of their poor lifestyle choices. They borrow for stuff which is not essential to everyday living and spend money on things of no lasting value and this leaves them with nothing to show for their labors.

3 They do not invest

Wealth does not increase when money is not invested. Instead it loses its value due to the effects of inflation. Investing gives you a financial education and this leads to better decision making when it comes to money matters. This in turn leads to better financial outcomes for the future.

4 They do not take risks with their money

Investing involves taking some risks with your money but this does not mean speculating which is really just  gambling on some favourable outcome going in your favour. It is having a strategy of investing which enables you to make the most of what you have

5 They do not get financially literate

Lack of financial literacy is the number one reason why so many people are broke. Lack of ambition to rise above mediocrity is the main reason and there is little hope for the individual who lacks the will to improve their financial situation. I know that you are not one of those people otherwise you would not be reading this.

6 They hang out with the wrong people

People who are financially illiterate tend to spend too much time with like-minded people; those who have the same money mindset. “You are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with”. If you intend to be financially successful then spend more time with financially successful people. Read their books and pick their brains. Ask yourself, “What have I got to lose?”

7 They have a poor attitude

An attitude is something which every one has control over. No one can force you to adopt a certain way of thinking, you choose it and your circumstances have nothing to do with it. Having a good attitude will take you further than a bad one so you had better take responsibility for your own thinking and adopt a good attitude to financial affairs. I have heard all kinds of excuses why people have not joined a retirement scheme or have saved money. The real reason why they come up with excuses is that these people are unwilling to give up whatever it is which they are frittering their money away on. 

If your financial affairs are in a poor state then it is likely that you will have to make some changes. A budget advisor may be needed, but not necessary for if you just paid a visit to your local library then you will find some good books on personal finance which will help you.

About this article

The contents of this article are of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog/website or ebook.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

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The Prodigal Son and its Money lessons

The Prodigal Son and its Money lessons

Written by R. A. Stewart

The parable of the prodigal son may have been first told over two thousand years ago but its lessons are timeless and are worth noting. In this parable a young man asks his father for his inheritance while his father was still alive. The Father then divides his estate between his two sons, and then the younger son,the one who asked for his inheritance gathers all of his things and goes to a faraway land where he fritters away his inheritance on loose living.

During this time the younger son had more money than he ever had in his life but was not responsible or mature enough to handle all of that money. In fact he was just a baby with too much money.

As so happens when young people get a lot of money, he became arrogant and displayed his wealth with his generosity. 

He had lots of friends when he had all of this money but they were not true friends as we will discover later on in this story.

We sometimes hear stories of people who won the lottery, then were broke a few years down the track. It is important for people to learn how to handle their money from a young age. This is called, “Financial literacy.”

Learning to be an investor is part of being financially literate. Some people are good at saving but they save to spend, not to invest.

Back to the prodigal son.

When one is living beyond their means the result is debt and with interest repayments on top of that financial disaster looms. The prodigal son, the younger of his father’s two sons, spent all that he was given and had nothing coming in so that it was only a matter of time before he was left with nothing.

The parable puts it this way, “There was a famine in the land”

This means that he was living in poverty. The money was all gone so what did he do?

He got himself a job working among the pigs. He wished he could eat what the pigs ate but no one gave him anything.

Strange; he had lots of friends when he had lots of money but as soon as he needed help, no one would help him. 

You will only find out who your real friends are once you hit rock bottom.

Next thing, something happened inside the mind of this lad because he came to his senses. In other words, The Penny Dropped.

He figured out in his own mind that if he returned home then he would be better off than his current circumstances. 

The main lesson from this story is that despite all of the stuff offered by the world system, it only leads to emptiness. There are things which he will never get back and that is time that he never spent with his family. His behaviour was a stain on his reputation. There are some things which money cannot buy; a good reputation and time with his family. It is all very well, going out and exploring new opportunities and working hard to make a life, but these things need to be kept in its proper perspective.

www.robertastewart.com

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Investing with a Vision

Investing with a Vision

Written by R. A. Stewart

“He who lacks vision will perish.”-Proverbs 29:18

Financial planning requires vision. What does vision mean? It is the art of preparing for the unseen. People will go through life stages. They buy a car, get married, have kids, and retire. A person with vision will make provisions for these life stages. A person with no vision will spend all of their discretionary spending money without giving any thought to the future.

This is irresponsible and selfish because there are consequences to spending now and burying your head in the sand mentality and that is often poverty. 

If you enter into a relationship with someone then you will take your financial situation into that relationship. If you have a bad credit rating then you and your partner may have difficulty obtaining a mortgage.

Someone who is a good money manager will make provisions for the future which will help them to withstand financial shocks which may not have been predicted such as a job lay off or health issues.

Financial planning does not end with saving money, but rather it is the beginning. Investing that money so that it is working for you can increase your savings and certainly your financial literacy. Your risk profile is the factor which determines where you should invest your money.

Your risk profile is the amount of risk you can take on in relation to the term of the investment. 

If you are in your twenties or thirties then investing in growth funds may be right for you because you have more time to recover from a market meltdown. Someone in their sixties may need their retirement funds within five years or less and the last thing you need is for the markets to take a dive just when you need the money.

If you are putting money aside for a mortgage deposit, car, your child’s education, then you may want to take a more balanced approach with your investing.

It is worth pointing out that you could fit into more than one risk profile category.

If you are young then financial advisors suggest that investing in growth funds is the way to go for your retirement fund because you may have more than forty years before you retire.

However, you may also be putting away money for a mortgage deposit and need that money within 5-10 years so taking a more conservative approach to your house deposit funds may be best. Again, if the markets took a dive just when you needed the money then your house deposit funds will be short of where you intended it to be.

Having the right kind of attitude to your money will pay dividends in the long term. Some people scoff at those who are prudent with their money, calling them selfish and money hunger yet go out and purchase lottery tickets in the hope of winning a quick million. If that is not a contradiction in their philosophy then I don’t know what is. Gold Diggers are notorious for this. A man is their only financial plan; they have no interest in gaining any kind of financial knowledge. There is an abundance of it out there. You just need to pay a visit to your local library to find such books. Even your local charity stores will have some of these books in stock. 

My favourite authors are Frances Cook, Mary Holm, and Martin Hawes. These financial advisors are from New Zealand. Their advice is just as applicable to other countries, well, most of it. It is just a matter of acting on what they say. That is, if it is applicable to your personal circumstances. 

Having some kind of vision for your life will make it meaningful and fulfilling and that requires a degree of vision. Just Go For It and take no notice of your detractors.

About this article

This article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your ebook, website, or blog.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

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How to Save Money on an Overseas Holiday

Traveling overseas is an exciting experience, but it can also be expensive. Between flights, accommodation, food, and activities, costs can add up quickly. However, with careful planning and smart strategies, you can enjoy an amazing trip without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save money on your next overseas holiday.

1. Travel During the Off-Season

One of the easiest ways to save money is by avoiding peak travel times. Flights and hotels are significantly cheaper during the off-season, and you’ll also encounter fewer crowds. Research the best time to visit your destination—often, the shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) offer good weather at lower prices.

2. Book Flights Early and Be Flexible

Airfare is usually one of the biggest expenses. To save:

  • Book in advance (3-6 months before your trip for the best deals).
  • Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak.
  • Be flexible with dates—flying mid-week is often cheaper than weekends.
  • Consider budget airlines, but check baggage fees to avoid hidden costs.

3. Choose Affordable Accommodation

Instead of expensive hotels, consider:

  • Hostels (many offer private rooms if you prefer privacy).
  • Airbnb or vacation rentals (great for groups or longer stays).
  • Guesthouses or homestays (often cheaper and more authentic).
  • Loyalty programs (if you frequently travel, hotel points can lead to free stays).

4. Use Public Transportation

Taxis and ride-sharing services can drain your budget quickly. Instead:

  • Take trains, buses, or metros—many cities offer tourist passes for unlimited travel.
  • Walk or bike—it’s free and a great way to explore.
  • Consider overnight trains or buses to save on accommodation while traveling.

5. Eat Like a Local

Dining in tourist areas is often overpriced. To cut costs:

  • Eat at local markets or street food stalls (authentic and budget-friendly).
  • Avoid restaurants near major attractions—walk a few blocks for better prices.
  • Book accommodation with a kitchen to prepare simple meals.
  • Look for lunch specials—many restaurants offer cheaper midday menus.

6. Find Free or Low-Cost Activities

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun. Try:

  • Free walking tours (tip-based, so you pay what you can).
  • Museums with free entry days (many offer discounted or free hours).
  • Parks, beaches, and hiking trails (nature is often free!).
  • Student or senior discounts (always carry ID if you qualify).

7. Avoid Unnecessary Fees

Bank fees and poor exchange rates can eat into your budget. To avoid them:

  • Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card (check with your bank).
  • Withdraw cash wisely—use ATMs affiliated with major banks to avoid high fees.
  • Avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports (they have terrible rates).

8. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Costs

Packing efficiently can save you money:

  • Bring reusable items (water bottle, shopping bag) to avoid buying them.
  • Pack essentials like sunscreen and medications—they’re often pricier abroad.
  • Check baggage allowances to avoid overweight fees.

9. Use Travel Rewards and Discounts

  • Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • Use credit card points for flights or upgrades.
  • Check for discounts (student, military, or senior rates).

10. Plan and Budget Ahead

Create a daily spending plan and track expenses with a travel app. Knowing where your money goes helps prevent overspending.

Final Thoughts

An overseas holiday doesn’t have to be expensive. By traveling off-season, booking smart, eating locally, and taking advantage of free activities, you can enjoy an incredible trip without draining your savings. With these tips, you’ll be able to explore the world affordably and make unforgettable memories.

Happy travels! 🌍✈️

Taking the local bus or train?

Many places only accept non contact payment; that is where you tap your card. I used the wise travel card for this when I travelled to Scotland. Any debit card will do the job but the benefit of wise card is that you can load it with different currencies. Sign up for wise below by clicking on the link below and I will receive $130. (disclaimer)

The Benefits of Having a Travel Card

A dedicated travel card makes trips smoother and more secure. Unlike regular debit cards, travel cards often offer competitive exchange rates, low foreign transaction fees, and multi-currency support—saving you money on conversions.

If lost or stolen, travel cards can be frozen instantly via an app, protecting your funds without affecting your main bank account. Many also provide emergency cash replacement and 24/7 support.

Preloaded with a set budget, travel cards help control spending and avoid overspending. Some even offer rewards or insurance perks. For worry-free travel, a travel card is a smart financial companion.

Join Wise Here

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Kiwisaver Benefits for KIwis

Are you throwing money away?

 

Written by R. A. Stewart

 

New Zealand’s kiwisaver scheme is a retirement scheme for New Zealanders. There are many features and benefits of joining kiwisaver.

What is the difference between a feature and a benefit?

A feature of kiwisaver is that the money is locked up until you reach the age of 65.

The benefit is that you will have a nest egg waiting for you when you retire.

Here is the main benefit of kiwisaver. 

The government will deposit $520 into your kiwisaver providing your contribution is at least $1040 during that financial year.

People who are not contributing to kiwisaver or have not even joined are missing out on all of this money.

Why?

It is hard to fathom why anyone would not join kiwisaver. 

There will not be a single person who reaches the age of 65 who regrets that they contributed to kiwisaver all of their lives.

It is a matter of asking the question, “What will my future self thank my present self for”?

The key to kiwisaver is to keep contributing irrespective of what the markets are doing. 

Investors will be rewarded for their consistency.

Some people have prioritized other things such as sky TV, cats and dogs, lotto, smoking, and booze over their future prosperity.

It is all about choice and it is something everyone has. 

Any New Zealander is able to join kiwisaver.

Any one of any age, from the day a baby is born to those already retired. 

It is important to point out that only those aged from 18-65 are eligible for the government money. It is still worthwhile for those age groups which are not eligible for the government top up to join kiwisaver because it will give the young ones a head start in life and who knows, a rich uncle may leave them some money in his will. It doesn’t pay to fall out with your family by making false allegations about your cousin.

The retired folk can treat kiwisaver as an investment; one which you have access to.

There are circumstances when you are able to withdraw money from kiwisaver, they are:

(a) For bond money if applying for a flat to rent, but only under thirty year olds are eligible to apply.

(b) You may use a portion of your kiwisaver as a deposit on your first home. Most people who take this option are in their thirties.

(c) Moving overseas permanently.

(d) Terminal illness

(e) Hardship

There are some hoops to jump through when trying to withdraw your kiwisaver for hardship reasons. 

There are several books on personal finance which I recommend with my favourite New Zealand authors being Frances Cook, Mary Holm, and Martin Hawes. Check them out. Maybe your local library will stock their books.

With so much information on personal finance available there is no excuse for being financially illiterate. Not joining kiwisaver when you have the means to is just stupidity.

If you are one of these people then you are just throwing money away

About this article:

You may use this article as content for your blog, website, or ebook.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

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The Percentage Formula

The Percentage Formula

Knowing how to work on percentages is a benefit in the area of finances.

If you are figuring out the return of your investments, you will need to know how to calculate percentages. 

Here is an example:

Your return on an investment of $100 is $7. The formula for working out your return in terms of percentage is:

(a) 7 multiplied by 100 =700

(b) The answer is a being divided by 100= 7%

Your return $7 is multiplied by 100

Your investment of $100 is divided by 700

Shirley has $5,000 in her personal savings account and has received $100 in interest off that money. In terms of percentage, what is her return on that money?

(a) $100 multiplied by 100 =$10,000

(b) 10,000 divided by 5,000= 2

Shirley has received 2% interest on her money.

This formula does not include tax so supposing Shirley pays 17.5% tax.

The formula for working out the tax which needs to be paid on interest is straight forward; it is:

Interest received (income) multiplied by the individual’s tax rate (17.5%).

In Shirley’s case, this is $100 multiplied by 17.5% equals $17.50.

Her net return on her money is $82.50.

17.5% is 0.175

An example such as this shows us the futility of just leaving your money in the bank without investing it. The combination of inflation and taxation means that those who do not invest are losing the value of their money. 

Saving money is a good habit to get into, but it is also important to get into the habit of investing. This increases your financial literacy.

Some people do not invest their money because they are afraid of losing their money, yet they will buy lottery tickets which is a sure-fire way of losing. 

Knowing how to figure out percentages is a skill which will assist you in different areas of your life.

Here are some examples of where knowing how to calculate percentages will be a valuable skill.

Shopping & Discounts: Calculate discounts during sales (e.g., “30% off”).

Tips & Service Charges: Determine how much to tip at restaurants (e.g., 15% or 20% of the bill).

Tax Calculations: Compute sales tax (e.g., 8% tax on a purchase).

Budgeting & Expenses: Track spending (e.g., “20% of my income goes to rent”).

Loan & Credit Card Interest: Understand interest rates on loans or credit cards.

About this article:

You may use this article as content for your website/blog or ebook. 

www.robertastewart.com

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Leaving a legacy for generations

Leaving a legacy for generations

Written by R. A. Stewart

“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.” Proverbs 13:22

I watched a TV program recently about a tree farmer in Finland whose family has been harvesting trees for over 300 years. As he told the reporter, he harvests the trees his grandfather planted while he plants the trees that his grandchildren will harvest. This went on for generations in this family.

What we do today will affect the future generations.

My great grandfather operated a brewery near Greymouth on New Zealand’s South Island. Prior to this brewery getting established, he had financial problems after his first brewery in Westport, sixty miles north of Greymouth was blown over by a south westerly wind. This occurred in 1879. 

He managed to get back on his feet and get another brewery going within 10 years.

This proved to be successful and he built up his assets which included a farm 20 miles north of the brewery.

He also had a bit of money behind him as well.

Future generations have been blessed as my greatgrandfather left his farms to his sons, who in turn left it to their sons. One of his farms is being run by his greatgrandson.

Leaving a legacy such as a farm will enable future generations to make a living off the farm as their parents and grandparents did.

However, when it comes to leaving them a sum of money, should you?

It all depends on whether they are good stewards of their own finances. If they cannot handle even handling their own money then they cannot be trusted to handle yours. 

A responsible and mature person will have joined kiwisaver, the New Zealand retirement scheme. If from New Zealand or their country’s retirement scheme if they are from a country other than New Zealand.

Now consider this, would you leave money to someone who:

Is not joined to a retirement scheme yet has subscriptions to netflix and satellite TV?.

Is not interested in obtaining a financial education yet buys a lottery ticket every single week?

Spends their money in the pub?

Will only spend their money on their hobbies?

Has no savings of their own yet smokes cigarettes?

Any person with any sense will know the character of their own family and ensure that their estates are distributed to those who are responsible.

Some folk will have all kinds of excuses for why they are in a financial mess, but not one of them will admit that they are living beyond their means. People who fit in the categories listed above are all living beyond their means.

If you cannot even be trusted to handle your own finances then you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someone else.

About this article:

This article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your own personal circumstances, therefore, discretion is advised,

You may use this article as content for your blog, website, or ebook. Read my other articles on:

www.robertastewart.com

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The Cost of Financial Illiteracy

Written by R. A. Stewart

There is a cost to financial illiteracy and this cost can be passed down to generations and society. Financial illiteracy leads to poor decision making, debts, and missed opportunity for wealth building. 

  1. Poor choices

Financial illiteracy leads to impulse spending, living beyond one’s means, which leads to financial problems. All of this leads to borrowing which in turn leads to debt. Such people are often vulnerable to loan sharks which leads them to a cycle of debt.

Not surprisingly, these people have no savings, therefore, are caught out when some unexpected bill arrives such as an appliance breaking down, or the car needs fixing.

  1. Increased Debt and Financial Stress

Being unable to pay bills on time will lead to financial stress and mental health issues. It will also lead to relationship issues as lenders are sometimes family members who lend money, often with no interest attached may not see their money again. The borrower will sometimes use the excuse, “I did such and such for you”, in order to squirrel out of repaying the loan. This leads to resentment on the part of family members.

Smart money managers will not borrow for consumable items. “If you don’t have the money, you don’t buy it” is a good rule to live by”.

  1. Missed Investment opportunities

People with no financial literacy will not invest their money and therefore miss out on the opportunities to increase their wealth.  They will leave their money in a personal savings account which pays little interest which does not even cover the cost of inflation. As far as retirement goes, they have little savings to fall back on in later years.

  1. Vulnerability to Scams and Fraud

Financially illiterate are unaware of the red flags which are common in scams, therefore, are vulnerable to be taken in by them.

  1. Higher costs for Financial Services

A financially illiterate person will choose financial services and insurance not applicable to their needs or accept advice which is not compatible with their personal circumstances.

  1. Impact on Future Generations

Parents who are not financially literate may pass on their traits and attitudes to their children, passing on their poor financial skills to the next generation. This could also mean that they are unable to contribute to their children’s education, limiting future opportunities.

  1. Health and Lifestyle Consequences

Poor financial choices can also lead to poor health outcomes. It can also inhibit your ability to purchase a home, start a business, or pursue higher education.

  1. Limited LIfe Choices

Lack of financial skills will inhibit your ability to enjoy a more fruitful life. If you are not living within your means then overseas travel, further education, and starting a business will all be out of reach. Certainly, people who have no savings whatsoever are not fit to be in business because if you cannot even manage your own money then the lack of financial management will mean certain failure for the business.

“Financial literacy is not an expense, it’s an investment in your future.”

About this article

You may use this article as content for your blog/website, or ebook. Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

The content of this article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised.

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Should the retired join Kiwisaver?

Should the retired join Kiwisaver?

Written by R. A. Stewart

Kiwisaver is New Zealand’s retirement scheme. It is a scheme which locks money in until the retiring age of 65. A change of rules to Kiwisaver in recent years has enabled those who have reached the retirement age of 65 and who are not already a member of Kiwisaver to join.

This leaves the question “Are there any advantages for anyone aged 65+ to join Kiwisaver?”

My answer to this question is “Yes”.

In fact there are several benefits of joining Kiwisaver after 65.

If someone is in such a financial position to be able to contribute to Kiwisaver at a later stage in life then why not? Any spare money which you have available for emergencies will help make your retirement easier as far as having an emergency fund.

If you access your bank account via the internet (Who doesn’t?) and use your phone to do your banking then having your savings in Kiwisaver will make it virtually impossible for scammers to get access to it. Kiwisaver members who have tried to access their funds which are in Kiwisaver have to jump through a few hoops to get it, including the over 65s.

At least it makes you a lot safer as the over 65s are prime targets for scammers and gold diggers.

There may not be any of the incentives such as the annual $520 government money available for the over 65s but it is still a good idea for retirees to hold on to their kiwisaver account and even contribute to it because any money which you have available acts as a financial shock and one of these is ill health which are more likely to happen to older people. Unexpected medical bills can be financially draining, therefore, having the funds can be less worrisome for the over 65s.

As a retiree you are given several options as to how you manage your kiwisaver which makes it very flexible.

You can withdraw all or some of your funds in kiwisaver.

You can opt out or opt in.

As you get older, medical bills can become a problem, therefore, any money you have behind you can make life less challenging for you.

What happens to your kiwisaver account when you pass on?

You can name any family member as beneficiaries of any money you have in kiwisaver. It will be treated just like any other asset you own as far as your estate goes and if you do not have a will then it is likely that legal fees wil;l take up a portion of your assets as the legal process will decide who gets what.

Having a will will make this part of your family’s life easier toi deal with.

About this article

THe information provided may not be applicable to your personal circumstances therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog or website. Check out my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

Check out the ebook “Retire with Money” only $5

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Kiwisaver for kids: what you should know

Kiwisaver for kids: what you should know

Written by R. A. Stewart

Some people may be asking if they should sign their kids up for kiwisaver. My answer to that question is a resounding “Yes” though some people might have a different opinion.

Kiwisaver is New Zealand’s retirement scheme. Anyone who is a New Zealand resident or citizen can join and take full advantage of the incentives the government provides for members of kiwisaver. There is no age restriction. Anyone can join from newborn to those already in retirement. However, the incentives do not kick in until a child reaches the age of 18 and stop at age 65, the retirement age in New Zealand.

An under eighteen year old or over sixty five year old in employment can make contributions toward their kiwisaver through their wages; this could be 2%, 3%, 4%, or 8% of their gross wages but their employer has no obligation to contribute to their kiwisaver, even though some choose to.

There is the option of making voluntary contributions toward kiwisaver and this is something which a lot of people do.

What are the benefits of someone under eighteen signing up for kiwisaver?

There are many and the number one reason is that it will improve a child’s financial literacy. It will help them understand how the markets operate and why their kiwisaver balances go up and down.

Another benefit of kids joining kiwisaver early is that it will give their relatives an opportunity to contribute to their kiwisaver; this means that by the time a child reaches eighteen, they may have  a more than useful kiwisaver balance. 

It is possible to use some of your kiwisaver to purchase your first home but you have to have contributed towards the kiwisaver for at least five years. It is not known if the years prior to a member’s eighteenth birthday count. Generally, most home deposit withdrawals are made by those aged over thirty so it may not be such a big deal.

Those aged under 30 are able to access their kiwisaver for a rental bond. The bond is returned to the kiwisaver account after it is returned by the landlord.

The other ways kiwisaver can be accessed prior to turning 65 is in the case of a terminal illness or going overseas permanently. Many folk have made kiwisaver withdrawals due to hardship and this number has increased during the Global Financial Crisis but it should only be as a last resort.

Investors have to go through a lot of hoops in order to access their retirement savings prior to retiring. The purpose of kiwisaver is to build a nest egg for your retirement and to access it early really defeats the purpose of it.

Some people argue, “You can’t take it all with you,” or “I am young.” This kind of thing will lead to certain outcomes. You will be dead and leave your family with financial issues to deal with or you will be broke. The habit of saving money is a habit which will enable you to get the most out of life and the sooner this habit is formed the better off your kids will be in the long run.

Their future self will thank them for it.

About this article: You may use this article as content for your blog/website or ebook. The information in this article is of the writer’s own opinion and may not be applicable to your own personal circumstances., therefore, discretion is advised.

Check out my other articles on www.robertastewart.com