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Christmas Present Tips for Guys

Christmas Shopping Tips for Guys

giftgreen1Most of us guys are useless at Christmas shopping. Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years.

Ladies, you might want to share this with the men in your family to avoid getting an undesirable and badly wrapped present this Christmas.

  1. Buying your Christmas presents at a petrol station or dairy on Christmas morning really isn't the done thing - apparently not everyone wants a funnel, box of biscuits or a car care kit. Don't do it.
  2. Get started early, no not on Christmas Eve, yesterday was already too late.
  3. First thing in the morning is the best time to Christmas shop, and I mean first thing, teenagers are still in bed.
  4. It's not the thought that counts, it's how MUCH thought that counts.
  5. Cash is a GREAT present for teenagers - and me.
  6. If you must give gift vouchers make sure they are from a shop the recipient actually shops in and try and avoid those with an expiry date.
  7. Wrapping and cards are important, you and I know it's just paper but for some reason they are important.
  8. Before you start browsing in a shop check that it does gift wrapping and accept the service - wait if necessary. If the shop doesn't do gift wrapping move on to the next. Unless you are an expert present wrapper - Yeah Right!
  9. Even if every present you buy is gift wrapped, buy plenty of wrapping paper and sellotape. You are going to need it because dairy's and petrol stations don't gift wrap and being a bloke you'll probably ignore number 1.

Guys ignore the above at your peril and have a wonderful Christmas.

Posted in KiwiSaver.

KiwiSaver Government Contribution is Money for Jam

KiwiSaver LogoTo take maximum advantage of the FREE Annual Government Contribution to your KiwiSaver account make sure you have contributed at least $1,042.86 before the end of June.

The Government Contribution is simple. The Government puts 25 cents into your KiwiSaver account for every dollar, up to a maximum of $1,042.86, you've put in during the year. So the maximum Government Contribution is $260.72. All you have to do is make sure you've contributed at least $1,042.86 before the end of June each year.

If you aren't making regular contributions to your KiwiSaver account now is the time to do something about getting your FREE money from the Government. All the KiwiSaver providers have the ability to make lump sum contributions. Just make sure you've put at least $1,042.86 into your KiwiSaver account and some time in July or August another $260.72 will be added to your account by the Government. That's a 25% return on investment, which is pretty hard to beat.

If you set up regular contributions to your KiwiSaver account you wont have to make lump sum payments, just $20 a week totals $1,040 a year or $87 a month will give you a total of $1,044 a year.

If you can't afford $1,042.86 just put in what you can afford. If you only put in $100 the Government Contribution will turn that into $125. Put in $500 and the MTC will turn it into $625. Sound to good to be true? Check the KiwiSaver website for details http://www.kiwisaver.govt.nz/new/benefits/government-contribution/.

While you're at it why not register for My KiwiSaver and IRD online services (top right of that page).

If you need help call Andrew or Jonathan on 07 578 3863. Please have available your KiwiSaver account provider and account number.

If you don't have a KiwiSaver account or would like to change your provider give us a call on 07 578 3863 to discuss your options.

KiwiSaver Logobayfinancialpartners.co.nz is operated by Bay Financial Partners Limited  and is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the government or Inland Revenue. Bay Financial Partners Limited is using the KiwiSaver trade mark and logo under licence from Inland Revenue. To view the official New Zealand government KiwiSaver website, please click here.

KiwiSaver, Saving, Retirement

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