Credit cards are one of the most useful yet also one of the most dangerous modern financial inventions. Use them wisely and you can make money from them. Use them unwisely and you can lose everything you have.
During the 1990s and 2000s, New Zealand and other developed countries around the world experienced a huge increase in personal and credit card debt. But the times have certainly changed, the recession has forced us to take a step back and take a good look at the way we live, and the way we spend. By necessity the 2010s are likely to become an era of budget balancing as attempts are made to reduce debt from both a government and individual level.
The next few months are shaping up to a good time to purchase for first home buyers and there are three reasons for this. Firstly, we are seeing a decline in property prices as winter sets in. Some property investors have reacted to the last budget by choosing to sell and this has had an impact at the lower end of the market. Mortgage interest rates are expected to increase over the next few months and this will help keep property prices in check.
There is a worldwide trend for investors who want to make a positive contribution to the world by investing in companies that are socially and environmentally responsible. If you are passionate about the effects of climate change, the scarcity of food and water, and social or environmental policies in general, then you will no doubt wish to ensure that the companies in which you invest have policies consistent with your views.
The latest government budget had something for everyone but while most households will be a few dollars a week better off, there are some clear winners and losers. In the winners’ corner are businesses, those on high incomes, and savers. The biggest losers are property investors who have built large portfolios financed partly by tax rebates.
Money 
Credit cards are one of the most useful yet also one of the most dangerous modern financial inventions. Use them wisely and you can make money from them. Use them unwisely and you can lose everything you have.
During the 1990s and 2000s, New Zealand and other developed countries around the world experienced a huge increase in personal and credit card debt. But the times have certainly changed, the recession has forced us to take a step back and take a good look at the way we live, and the way we spend. By necessity the 2010s are likely to become an era of budget balancing as attempts are made to reduce debt from both a government and individual level.
The next few months are shaping up to a good time to purchase for first home buyers and there are three reasons for this. Firstly, we are seeing a decline in property prices as winter sets in. Some property investors have reacted to the last budget by choosing to sell and this has had an impact at the lower end of the market. Mortgage interest rates are expected to increase over the next few months and this will help keep property prices in check.
There is a worldwide trend for investors who want to make a positive contribution to the world by investing in companies that are socially and environmentally responsible. If you are passionate about the effects of climate change, the scarcity of food and water, and social or environmental policies in general, then you will no doubt wish to ensure that the companies in which you invest have policies consistent with your views.
The latest government budget had something for everyone but while most households will be a few dollars a week better off, there are some clear winners and losers. In the winners’ corner are businesses, those on high incomes, and savers. The biggest losers are property investors who have built large portfolios financed partly by tax rebates.
