Altus Blog

A 37 year old mother of 4 young daughters and recently diagnosed with breast cancer urges women to get a mammogram. Read more

No surprises here with this article from today’s Australian Courier Mail. Click on the link to see what the big 4 Aussi banks are up to across the ditch… http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/breaking-news/super-industry-takes-aim-at-big-four-banks/news-story/8b6f166456feaed1c1eaef63a25d2946  

Author and Authorized Financial Planner Liz Koh, explains in this article why using an Adviser is a good idea.

The Commission for Financial Capability (formerly known as the Commission for Retirement and Financial Literacy) recently questioned people who were trying to improve their financial circumstances through using the Commission’s www.sorted.org.nz website.

73% of New Zealanders say they need to pay more attention to their financial future, with just over two-thirds of people indicating they are worried about their retirement, according to a recent ANZ survey. ANZ found a high number of kiwis were concerned about their future and looking for information and ideas. But many were reluctant to pay for financial advice. ANZ said the survey highlighted a significant challenge for the financial sector – how to deliver quality financial advice to the 2 million New Zealanders saving for their retirement. The survey found a large number of people were looking for their provider to offer ideas and information on KiwiSaver (34%), while a further 49% also wanted specific recommendations.

Peter Tynan, chief executive of Southern Cross Health Society, explains why for employers and their business providing health cover to staff means getting them back to work faster meaning enhanced productivity. For employees, it's a benefit they really value that boosts their regard and commitment to their employer, and positively impacts income and quality of life for them and their families.

Blair Vernon of AMP talks to Paul Henry about how much people need to live on to be comfortable in retirement

The latest AMP360 Home Loan affordability report (published 26 March 2015) reflects what we’ve all been hearing for a while – that Housing remains affordable for first home buyers in all parts of the country except Auckland. It shows that at a national level, housing remains well within affordable levels for first home buyers based upon the way this is currently measured. Read more about what it’s costing to service a mortgage in different parts of the country here…

KiwiSaver's popularity is not waning and with growth in new accounts over last year still running at 8% there is now nearly 2.5 million people enrolled. Craig Simpson's latest analysis (interest.co.nz) shows that it's still some of the familiar names such as AMP and ANZ amongst the providers leading the various categories over the longer term. Read more here...