Welcome to the Money Maven's Financial Blog

Money Maven Blog by Sheryl Sutherland, Authorised Financial Adviser and Director of The Financial Strategies Group

Friday, 11 April 2008

Who's counting?

Well I am not at all sure who is counting. Perhaps some people can't count - and I am thinking here about Michael Cullen. We have veered between not counting $700 million or so from tax revenues, to not being able to afford the last lot of tax cuts because of KiwiSaver, to "significant" tax cuts.Dr Cullen, the right honourable has not defined "significant." We have seen some pretty significant price rises; interest rates, petrol, food for example...

Musings and Amusings

Like you I always wish I had more will power so I was thrilled to find out that the latest studies tell me I can grow my will power. Yes it's true - something as simple as using your non dominant hand to brush your teeth for two weeks can increase will power capacity. People who stick to an exercise programme for two months report fewer impulse spends, eating less junk food, drinking and smoking less. They also study more, watch less television and...

Womenomics

The Human Rights Commission has just released a "Census of Women's Participation." The findings of that report clearly delineates inequality across sectors such as the police, legal and justice systems and at company director level:• 41.6% of lawyers are women but only 19.34% are partners in law firms.• 3 of the top 50 police officers are women.• 54 women sit on boards of publicly listed companies, 8.65% of board membership.• 23% of public service...

Everyday Money

I have just read a hugely entertaining book review by one Jessa Crispin, the founder and editor of www.bookslut.com - check it out. Her discussion revolved around those ubiquitous fashion/shopping guides.The Trinny and Susannahs, the Paula Ryans; she makes an extremely valid point; these guides exacerbate the negative feelings we have about our bodies.So I have decided to retain more of my everyday money by not shopping for that special garment which...

Finance and Investments

When I think of the finance company sector I am reminded of that scene in Alice in Wonderland where she says "You are nothing but a pack of cards." The assembled company then flutter gently to earth in a flurry of diamonds, hearts, spades and clubs.Yet another finance company has hit the ground, the 17th, and, I wearily note the story is the same old, same old. Lombards investment strategy is apparently an issue with a substantial amount invested...

Why?

Why don't we read and write more poetry? A review poem of Money, Money, Money Ain't it Funny follows for your amusement and edification. You might even find yourself agreeing with the poet's sentiment.A Poetic Book Review of Money, Money, Money Ain't it Funny....Money, Money, Money written with sex on her mind,Compare my sexual progress to my money progress and they are the same I find,If I am going to fail with money, why the bloody hell am I in...