Why?

Why have calls to lift the retirement age been so firmly rejected by the government. Sixty five now is a lot different to sixty five, fifty years ago. We are healthier and we live longer. Both Labour and National say there is enough funding but I have to say I am sceptical. It's not just superannuation costs it's costs of health care and housing which need to be considered. The financial burden of an aging population is a major concern.Britain, Germany...

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Everyday Money

There is a high level of concern at the affordability of property for first home buyers. One report claimed that 83% of income is needed - the home loan affordability index showed that the average New Zealand worker on a single income now cannot afford to buy an average house, even with a 20% deposit in any region in the country. The index was created by Fairfax of media fame and as we know headlines are not always what they seem (see Finance &...

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Musings

Ability to understand mathematical concepts has long been thought to be a particularly human skill - one we need to learn but a recent report from US researchers claims that Chimps performed as well as university students at mental addition. The researchers claim the study shows the importance of language which allows for counting and more advanced calculations.The term Monkey Brain may no longer be an insult! Oh and in case you were worried all...

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Finance & Investment

Headlines are not always what they seem. It always pays to analyse and question declarations made by the media. Lets examine a recent pronouncement on the Australian sharemarket - up just under 14% so far this year. Good you say? Well lets examine this result; take BHP out of the equation and the index (the ASX 200) is up just under 8% - 40% of the share market's performance.Take out these resource stocks. Fortescue, Woodside & Newcrest and the...

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Womenomics

I have long held the view that women are essential to our economy, and to the global economy. It appalls and amazes me that this is not recognised. Two dissapointing stories in the media recently:Here in NZ the mercislessley efficient drive to reduce the cost of birth - our children are our future economic prosperity and will support our aging population. Women (mothers) are also of value in two ways; firstly we train and educate the next generation...

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Who's Counting?

Michael Cullen is counting. He is counting the extra 1.7 billion dollars he has collected from tax payers. Each of us have paid more than $500 extra in personal taxes in 1999. In fact the money has been primarily collected from 150,000 people who have moved in to the top tax bracket of 39c in the dollar ("bracket creep" if you want the jargon).I am counting on Labour honouring its 1999 promise that only 5% of taxpayers should be paying 39c in the...

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