The KiwiSaver quandary; are fund managers worth the fees we pay them?

What do I do if things go really, really wrong?

It sure seems like the world is a tough place right now. And sometimes it's hard to believe things could get worse. But they could! History shows us it's possible - and your emails lately show us you're thinking about it, too. So, in this week's episode of No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds, we're going there. What do you do if it all goes really, really wrong? In this episode, Susan answers questions about: * Is my KiwiSaver safe? Like, really, really safe? * Can a business refuse to take cash? * Have house prices dropped as far as they can go? * Can you destroy your money by folding the notes too many times? If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz [questions@rnz.co.nz]. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/no-stupid-questions?share=cad9a700-8a3e-4db2-a3a7-507f8faffcd2]

Would raising the rate of GST affect you more than others?

GST turns 40 this year and nowadays makes up about 30% of our total tax revenue every year. But since its introduction back in October 1986, economists and everyday folk have been questioning whether it’s a fair system for all, or if some households are affected more than others. In this week’s No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds, we'll have a crack at answering that. We'll also look into which time of the year is the best to retire (for tax purposes), whether the media talk enough about the long term cost of KiwiSaver fees, and more. In this episode, Susan answers questions about: * Would raising the rate of GST affect some more than others? * What's the best time of the year to retire for tax purposes? * Can a tradie charge me more to fix their mistake? * Why don't we hear more about the long term cost of KiwiSaver fees? * And does solar power make sense financially? If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz [questions@rnz.co.nz]. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/no-stupid-questions?share=7a846d1e-aed6-41e4-8635-ce2cdf067b6f]

How long does it take to swap my KiwiSaver provider?

There are some solid reasons to change your KiwiSaver provider. But how easy is it to swap? How long does it take? And how do you know whether you should, anyway? In this episode, Susan answers questions about: * How (and why) do you swap KiwiSaver providers? * My life insurances premiums are increasing. Should I keep servicing them or cancel the policy? * I think I paid too much tax on my overseas pension. What do I do? * How do I find a good financial adviser? * And why does the fee to register your dog vary across the country? If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz [questions@rnz.co.nz]. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/no-stupid-questions?share=cc152c50-0a0d-4c6c-8243-435352c2c450]

Things are going well for New Zealand’s farmers. Shouldn't everyone else be feeling the benefit?

The news lately seems to have lots of good stories about how well our farmers are doing. Fonterra's big payout, exports going really well and sheep and beef farmers are seeing a rebound after years of struggle. But there are also stories how some New Zealanders can't afford to buy food like the beef, lamb,  butter and cheese our farmers produce. How come? On this episode of No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds, we'll go behind the headlines on this as well as questions about the NZ Super Fund, gift cards and even wind power. In this episode, Susan answers questions about: * How can the economy be good for one sector but not another? * What is the NZ Super Fund? What does it do and can that be changed? * Do all vouchers have an expiry date? * Do you have to accept a cash offer from their insurer? * Is your supermarket loyalty card working for you - or for them? If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz [questions@rnz.co.nz]. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/no-stupid-questions?share=f46edd0a-ae29-4aa9-8175-f36cc425b4ad]

What's up with my winter power bills?

There's nothing better than a warm, dry towel after a shower. And on these chilly winter mornings, that goes double. Your power bills can go double, too, during these months. But is it really all due to your heated towel rail or whether you keep your electric blanket on all night? Does it really matter if you boil the jug for a cup of tea or heat the water in a microwave? In this episode of No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds, we’re looking at winter power bills – and more specifically, what’s adding to them. In this episode, Susan answers questions about: * Is it cheaper to boil the jug, microwave a mug of water, or boil the water on the stove? * Is it cheaper to cook with an air fryer or in the oven? * What's the best time to run the shower? * What does a heated towel rail cost to run? * Is it OK to have my electric blanket on all night? * What's cheaper, having the heat at pump on all the time or only when you need it? * How do electricity companies set their line charges? If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz [questions@rnz.co.nz]. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/no-stupid-questions?share=5014d1f0-15c7-482d-af80-da1a9e7047d8]