Stories by Susan Edmunds
News
How to get $521 from the government
About a million of us probably miss out on this "free money" every year, which get paid directly into your KiwiSaver account.
The jobs that get paid more than they used to
Workers in financial and insurance services - and electricity, gas, water and waste services - are now paid significantly more compared to the average wage than they used to be, data shows.
Do beneficiaries pay tax?
The government says people on a benefit won't see any tax changes. Here is why.
Who are the new duo topping the Rich List?
They're the richest siblings in New Zealand, so what do we know about the Mowbrays? Audio
Smith & Caughey's cyber attack effects still continue
"Digital experts" are monitoring for any signs that would suggest customer data is being leaked.
Lifeline for some First Home Grants
Exemptions will be made available for a small number of buyers who might have otherwise missed out.
Struggle to get off benefit almost costs tenant her home
Kelly-Ann Perry will be paying back rent arrears until 2027 if she wants to keep her house.
How does sick leave work and what's changing?
And why do part-time workers have the same number of days off, anyway?
Is a house really an investment? There are plenty of reasons to think otherwise
It might be a big part of your financial life, but should it be?
Five of the cheapest Auckland townhouses for sale right now
At one point, "you would have bought a cardboard box if it was on a decent bit of land". Now, the market has changed.
Skimping on car care could render your insurance pointless
When a woman's transmission failed, her insurance claim was turned down as she hadn't got her car serviced within a certain timeframe.
Reserve Bank approach 'a recipe to prolong the pain'
An economist takes aim at central bank's "behind the play" approach.
What's pulling down house prices in Auckland?
House values have dropped for the past two months. Could townhouses be the cause?
Why tax cuts could leave you with a bigger tax bill
Introducing the a change part-way through the year adds complications.
Surge in 'unclaimed money'
One person is owed more than $230,000, as part of a surge in the amount of "unclaimed money" being managed by Inland Revenue
Boomers, farmers: Who's doing well in the recession?
Families are feeling the squeeze, retailers and construction firms are suffering, but is anyone not under pressure?
Did we have to have the interest rate pain?
Interest rates went up to get inflation down. But are there other ways this could be achieved?
Government 'should commit to more regular tax change'
Inflation has helped the government net more tax, but some say it is time that changed.
How much tax relief are we really getting?
The government has dressed up its tax bracket adjustments as tax cuts, but do they scratch the surface of inflation? We've crunched the numbers.
What went wrong for Flybuys?
Did the 'toaster scheme' run its course in world where rewards are faster and simpler?
How to get into the property market without a First Home Grant
There are still lots of ways in, brokers say.