Dieters’ relationships at risk?
If your partner suddenly gets interested in losing weight, be worried, it might be for somebody else.
A new study claims people who suddenly start …
'Free Articles' Archives
Reasons for world’s income inequality
Currently there are global protests against corporate greed, and the top 1% of earners in the world. People are concerned the gap between the …
The Main Report Group’s “Sacred Cows” Survey Reveals The Retirement Age Must Rise, No Support For MMP And Too Many Parliamentary Seats
After 12 years on the front line in politics Simon Power concluded Parliament is too often afraid to tackle the “tough issues” for fear …
Prepare for higher fuel prices
Fuelling up the car for the summer holiday will be more expensive this year than previously.
The boss of Z Energy, NZ’s largest fuel retailer …
Early risers are happier and slimmer
Get up early if you went to stay both slim and happy. British research suggests early risers are slimmer, happier and healthier than those …
Muti-tasking collar stiffener
When your shirt collars start to curl, it usually spells the end for them. The solution is to look for shirts which use a …
Property: NZ moves towards sellers’ market
Realestate.co.nz says a flush of new listings which typically arrive on the NZ market in Spring arrived early in August, but high levels of …
Hidden calories in grab-and-go breakfasts
Eating breakfast is one of the most important things to do each day but grabbing breakfast on-the-go can still be a minefield.
Yoghurt: Grabbing a …
Home affordability best since 2003
The Roost Home Loan Affordability Report shows NZ home buyers haven’t had it this good since September 2003 when the Rugby World Cup was …
Why sex is good for you
The amount of sex you have is important. It makes men more fertile and it’s well known it burns calories. 87% of women say …
US stocks set to rebound?
After a dreadful end to July and an even more momentous and nerve wracking start to August analysts are predicting US stocks will bounce …
Salt not so bad after all?
Exeter University has released research which will be good news to the tastebuds of many of us. It says eating less salt will not
prevent …
Cheapskate’s guide to spending less
Many of us are looking for ways to cut back on our spending, and boost savings. But the more time and sacrifice a savings …
Patients to be quizzed on drinking levels?
The Alcohol and Advisory Council (ALAC) says NZ doctors want a “screening tool,” such as one being used in Wanganui, for doctors to find …
Unions call for compulsory siestas
The siesta has been around a long time in southern Europe but German unionist are calling for the reintroduction of afternoon napping in their …
Saving is back in fashion
Shamubeel Eaqubb, principal economist at New Zealand Institute of Economic Research says the housing market is going through a shake-up.
Eaqubb says population growth is …
US apples riddled with pesticides
A US environmental group claims apples are the worst offender among produce sold in the US when it comes to the amount of pesticides …
Making excuses for not achieving your goals?
Do these excuses sound familiar – “It’s too hard”… “too frightening”… or “just not the right time”. It’s too easy to take the road …
Wise old owl’s stock choices: Australian options
Credit Corp Group. This is a finance house which has performed strongly in the past year, It is a receivables management business which acquires …
Blow away your flatulence
Most people produce 2 litres of gas daily and expel it about 14 times a day. Sometimes gas gets trapped in the body, causing …
Beauty myths debunked
1. Is Lip Balm Addictive? You can become addicted to lip balm as you can train your lips to rely on it to become …
Feel good fix
Here’s the New Zealand Health & Wealth Report’s team’s selection of lifestyle options to help you get your fix of life.
Read It. Empire Of …
Human cases of mad cow disease ‘still possible’
Although it remains unclear how many people ate meat from animals which had BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) more commonly known as “mad cow disease” …
How to boost your sex life
Couples who enjoy regular sex tend to live longer. Sexual activity purges congestion from the prostate gland and relieves pain by stimulating the release …
Lack of sleep a risk to health
A stark message for insomniacs. If you do not get enough sleep your risk of developing heart disease can increase by as much as …
The Wise Owl’s stock choices
Healthzone. This company has more than 120 retail health food stores across Aust and has had a successful three years since listing. However after …
Stroke risk link to poor memory?
Poor memory and problems with other mental skills may be early signs of an increased risk for stroke.
In a recent study 17,000 participants …
Investment: You Must Own Gold
Robin Griffiths, a technical strategist at London’s Cazenove Capital, has been quoted as saying “I think not owning gold is a form of insanity. …
Wine: Give The Little Guy A Break
Charles says he had a long talk to his bank manager the other day about the state of the wine industry. It was a …
Investment: Term Deposits More Popular Than Rental Property
ASB’s Investor Confidence Survey has shown a 4 percentage point decline to a net 15% over the September 2010 quarter.
ASB Bank says overall investor …
Wine: Villa Maria – NZ Success Story
Gift duty is to be abolished, but the Govt is warning people not to attempt to abuse the system, saying any risks to creditor …
Tax: Gift Duty To End – Govt Sure There Will Be No ABuse
Gift duty is to be abolished, but the Govt is warning people not to attempt to abuse the system, saying any risks to creditor …
Property: Property Investors Get Blunt Message
Despite the fact they took what many would call a pasting, Housing Minister Phil Heatley has told property investors they got off lightly in …
Property: Accountants Applaud Qualifying Company Reforms
The NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants says the Govt has it right in the revision of laws which will see the end of Loss …
Property: Accountants Applaud Qualifying Company Reforms
The NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants says the Govt has got it right in the revision of laws which will see the end of …
Property Investing: Home Affordability Getting Better
Home affordability improved slightly in the past quarter as the key drivers – interest rates, wages and house prices – remain subdued. Massey University’s …
NZ Economy: NZ Growth Expectations Dim
The NZIER has trimmed its growth expectations for NZ saying the economy will grow 2.8% in the 12 months ending March 31, down …
Wine: Wine With The Sopranos
Charles shares his thoughts after spending the end of last week selling wine in New York and New Jersey.
Even though they are only …
Wine: “Score Whores” In Wine Business
With a few regional exceptions (eg San Francisco), the US is not a hugely sophisticated wine market. The average NZer has a far more …
Relationships: Be True To Your Values And Ideals
For the first time in several years, the number of NZers interested in investing in residential property has declined significantly.
The annual Nielsen Real Estate …
Investing: Gloss Goes Out Of Property Investing
For the first time in several years, the number of NZers interested in investing in residential property has declined significantly.
The annual Nielsen Real …
Wine: NZ Pinot Noirs Take US By Storm
In a previous issue I said Kawarau Estate was the only NZ winery invited to this years’s International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinville, Oregon. …
Online Selling: New Freight Service For Trade Me Members
Good news if you are a Trade Me user – Freightways has launched a new service to cater specifically for customers buying and selling …
Investing: Coal Is Heating Up As An Investment
Latest data from valuation agency QV shows a “do-nothing” sentiment is gripping the property market and the number of house sales is down a …
Property Investing: NZ House Prices In The Doldrums
Latest data from valuation agency QV shows a “do-nothing” sentiment is gripping the property market and the number of house sales is down a …
Investing: Get Your Stock Watch List Ready For Action
Former National Party leader Don Brash has waded into the row over the cost of NZ’s superannuation, saying John Key is wrong not to …
Superannuation: Retirement Age Debate Hots Up Again
Former National Party leader Don Brash has waded into the row over the cost of NZ’s superannuation, saying John Key is wrong not to …
Wine: Some Thoughts On A Broad Mix
I am off again to the International Pinot Noir Celebration which is held each year in McMinnville Oregon.
60 companies are invited each year …
Investment: Gold – A Bubble Waiting To Pop?
Experts are warning most people now betting on gold going up are doing so just because gold has gone up – the very stuff …
Tax: Is Tobacco tax Effective?
The Govt will receive $200m a year from the recent rise in the tobacco excise. The NZ Herald has flushed out Cabinet papers showing …
Relationships: Expectations Can lead To Disillusionment
Is your relationship about to end? Does the grass look greener on the other side of the fence? Are you disappointed because your relationship …
Wine: Pinot Noir Feels Effects Of Movie Boost
The 2004 movie Sideways had a significant effect on the global wine industry. Sales of Pinot Noir went through the roof, while sales of …
NZ Stocks: Infratil Bullish On Prospects
Wellington-based infrastructure company Infratil, back in profit ($29m net) after a loss of $191m last year, is bullish about the prospects in the next …
Mortgage Fees: Mortgage Break Fees Investigation Completed
The Commerce Commission has concluded its investigation under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act) into the mortgage break fees charged by …
Wine: An Update On Recent Musings
Can I begin by updating a couple of recent columns. Kayu Manis occupies the site of the former Orsinis Restaurant in Wellington’s Cuba Street, …
Electricity Asset Swap Will Cost Us Each $89 A Year
The Major Electricity Users Group has some bad news for domestic power consumers going into winter – the Govt’s electricity asset swap is set …
Wine: What Wine To Drink With Asian Food
Charles Finny was listening the other day to a radio interview with John Hawkesby who was complaining about the number of times he goes …
Weight Loss: Throw Out The Scales To Live Longer
While obesity is a harmful condition, older adults may benefit from carrying some extra weight. They will live longer than those who are lean. …
Investment: How Does Buffet Do It?
Warren Buffet is one of the world’s most successful investors.
Here’s how he does it.
The decision to invest has to be based solely upon …
NZ Wine: 2010 Central Otago Vintage – Another Impressive Year
The Ministry of Health predicts the flu season in NZ will come early this year and the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) virus will be …
Personal Health: Get Your Flu Jab Now
The Ministry of Health predicts the flu season in NZ will come early this year and the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) virus will be …
Latest
HSBC Offers Lowest Mortgage Rates In The Market. HSBC has launched a Home Loan campaign featuring some pretty competitive rates, in a campaign designed …
Investment: Is Overseas Investment The Best Remedy?
December quarter GDP (+0.8%) was the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Finance Minister Bill English says this suggests the recession, which began in early 2008, …
Wine: Wines From Italy’s Marches Province
The Marches, is one of Italy’s least touristy provinces. Charles Finny has twice had extended holidays there and has had the pleasure of sampling …
Investing: Cash Is Best For Tough Times
Investors are being advised to hold more cash then they usually do for a few years. This is because if the recovery goes sour, …
Relationships: Change Your Bad Habits To Help Your Relationship
Once you realise you have habits which are legitimately annoying and irritating your partner and hurting your relationship, the obligation to change is in …
NZ Economy: Economic Recovery Not Going To Be Pretty
The NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) says the economic recovery will be “bumpy and subdued.” It is picking growth of 2.7% in 2010 …
NZ Wine: Don’t Let All NZ Wines Become Mere Commodities
There’s a new option for those wanting to put their residential property on the market – generally known as ‘permanent home swapping’ – …
Residential Investment: Permanent House Swapping Option For NZ
There’s a new option for those wanting to put their residential property on the market – generally known as ‘permanent home swapping’ – the …
Religion: No Health Benefits From Religion?
A new study has turned earlier claims that being religious was good for your health on their head. The new research says when it …
NZ Housing Market: More Home Buyers Using Escape Clauses
Buyer interest is high but commitment is low in what’s looking like a gloomy property market. First National says across the market there is …
Wine Review: Do NZ Wines Age Well?
Last issue I wrote about the initial stages of Pinot Noir 2010. To update you can I share some further learnings. First, I …
Wine Review: Do NZ Wines Age Well?
Last issue I wrote about the initial stages of Pinot Noir 2010. To update you can I share some further learnings.
First, I …
Wine Views: Call To Keep Pinot Noir Quality
Charles had an article ready on Chateauneuf-du-pape _but decided to shelve it in favour of a hot off the press account of the Pinot …
Help Your Brain Grow And Boost Your Memory – Jog
Cambridge University neuroscientists have discovered jogging a couple of days a week stimulates the brain _leading to a big impact on mental ability.
They …
Investing: Recovery Still Threatened By Changing Economy
It seems our economy is not quite out of the woods yet. ASB Bank’s economics team is warning businesses despite NZ coming out of …
Property Investing: Bumpy Road Ahead For Property Investment In 2010
Property investors will be waiting nervously for the outcome of the Govt’s ongoing review of the tax system. The review comes as calls grow …
Burgundy Wine Review: Good Affordable White Burgundy
I had the privilege of being invited to lunch this month by the French Ambassador to meet with two visiting French winemakers – Jean-Philippe …
Share Selling Advice: Don’t Fall Victim To Seller Psychology
Managing your portfolio is crucial at all times, but even more so when the economy is in a shaky situation, and the markets are …
NZ Economic Forecast: Batten Down For More Tough Times
The Productive Economy Council is predicting more tough times for the NZ economy, not the end of recession. It says prior to the recession …
Wine Review: The Wines Of Mexico – Getting Better and Better
You won’t find many bottles on sale in NZ but you might be lucky enough to sample some Mexican wine, either in Mexico or …
NZ Health Research: New Pain Relief Tablet For NZ
A new pain killer, which combines paracetamol and the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen for the first time, will be available in NZ chemists this month.
The …
Wine Commentary: The Wines Of Mexico – Getting Better and Better
You won’t find many bottles on sale in NZ but you might be lucky enough to sample some Mexican wine, either in Mexico or …
Investing Decisions: Batten Down For More Tough Times
The Productive Economy Council is predicting more tough times for the NZ economy, not the end of recession. It says prior to the recession …
Family relations – Top 10 In law Coping Tips
In-laws can be a tremendous source of support and closeness. They can also be a major problem in your marital relationship. Here are some …
NZ Wine Information: Penfolds Not All About Grange Hermitage
We all know Penfolds Grange Hermitage and other prestige wines from this company last a very long time but what about the Bin range, …
NZ Investing Tip: Shares Return To Favour In Aust
Where Aust goes, NZ follows fairly closely behind, so news Aust investors are shaking off the Global Financial Crisis and are seeking to re-invest …
Book Review: The Father of Rock and Roll
Sam Phillips is probably the most famous name in Rock and Roll who never sang or played an instrument. Phillips is the man behind …
Economic Forecasting: How Good Are Economic Forecasts?
Economists come under pressure from investors when their forecasts miss the mark. And justifiably so. Aust analysts CommSec have looked at the performance of …
Why Pay More For The French Stuff?
A friend last week invited me around for a nice dinner accompanied by some of his Burgundy collection. It was an evening of …
How Good Are Economic Forecasts?
Economists come under pressure from investors when their forecasts miss the mark. And justifiably so.
Aust analysts CommSec have looked at the performance of …
Is This A Real Recovery?
Economists say markets predict, the job market reflects.
People ask how can the stock market be going up while the number of people …
Peugot Gets All Sporty With The RCZ
Peugeot is well known for producing stylish yet practical family hatches but now it is set to rediscover sportiness by unveiling its exciting new …
To Fix Your Mortgage Or Not – Today’s Big Question
Experts say choosing how long to fix a mortgage or whether to fix it at all depends on how much risk you want to …
Where Should My Money Go Now?
With the world’s markets still trending up, equities would look _like the place to be, but there’s still considerable doubt as to_ whether the …
Chocolate, Sex, Sleep And Socialising ARE Good For You
Researchers are now agreeing you can have your health and enjoy yourself.
High living has never been as healthy as it is now as …
Do You Plan To Get Ahead? Plan And Plan To Win
A highly respected financial analyst once suggested if over a 20-30 year period I was able to achieve a client’s lifestyle objectives (in financial …
Alfa Romeo MiTo Spices Up Hatches
Alfa Romeo’s head turning compact premium hatch, the M is now available in NZ. The car is designed to take on the likes of …
Super Fund Points To NZ Market Weakness
The weaknesses of the tiny NZX market have been pointed out by the Guardians of the Superannuation Fund, who fear their investment power …
House Prices WON’T Plunge
BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander has poured scorn on predictions house prices are about to plummet again. Alexander says the housing market is recovering, …
You’re Never Too Old To Start Looking Young
Beauty advice and tips on looking younger are rarely as straight forward or achievable as the advice Charla Krupp outlines in her new bestseller …
Experience Best In Fund Managers
If you are looking for a fund manager, pick one with more than just a few years in the market. New research has shown …
Scirocco Blows Hot Wind Of Rival Coupes
VW’s stylish Scirocco coupe is now available in NZ. Blending the new Golf VI platform with sports coupe styled bodywork, the Scirocco is a …
Do You Plan To Get Ahead? Plan And Plan To Win
A highly respected financial analyst once suggested if over a 20-30 year period I was able to achieve a client’s lifestyle objectives (in financial …
Experience Best In Fund Managers
If you are looking for a fund manager, pick one with more than just a few years in the market. New research has shown …
Bonarda – Controversial And Hard To Find
Until recently it was the most widely planted grape in Argentina (Malbec has overtaken it) but Bonarda has been difficult to find.
I was …
Research Says Crash Diets Work
New research from Tufts University in Massachusetts says crash diets can actually work better than slow weight loss. Professor of nutrition and psychiatry at …
Are Shares Best For Superannuation?
With the global stock market melt-down of the past six months, many people’s superannuation funds have literally disappeared.
With the markets starting to pick up …
Changes To Tenancy Rules
The Govt has introduced a Bill changing tenancy laws which it says balances landlord and tenant rights.
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill will update and …
New Legacy & Outback Sophisticated, Efficient
Subaru’s much anticipated new generation Legacy and Outback have been unveiled in Japan this week, with breakthrough fuel economy figures, foreshadowing the models which …
Why Have Long-Term Fixed Mortgage Rates Risen?
The National bank explains the background to the recent increase in the interest rate of fixed term home loans. The bank asks why if …
Popping Corks In Champagne
The last wine region I visited on my recent trip to France was the beautiful landscape of Champagne. I must admit the wine style …
Hyundai Adds Versatile Wagon To i30 Range
Hyundai’s award winning i30 hatchback range has been extended with the arrival of a station wagon variant which looks set to rekindle interest in …
What Will A Financial Plan Provide?
Financial planning is often misunderstood and many have misconceptions as to what can be expected from the process. A comprehensive, holistic financial plan addresses …
Alsace – Glorious Wine Country
Having spent a previous weekend in Europe just south of Lyon in the Northern Rhone, I spent last weekend in Alsace and Champagne. Alsace …
New Rules For Finance Advisers A Work In Progress
Following the collapse of the world financial markets, and many NZ finance companies, investors will be pleased financial advisers are to be reined in. …
Where Do I Put MY Money?
If you think about investing you will see one of the truisms – whatever the most popular investment of the day is will _probably …
Nordic Diet Rates As Highly As Mediterranean
The Mediterranean diet is facing competition from the “Nordic diet,” which, scientists say could be significantly healthier.
The popularity of the Mediterranean diet stems from …
Viognier Has Great Potential
Regular readers will know I see the future of red wine from Hawke’s Bay as being Syrah, rather than the more extensively planted Cabernet …
Know Your Redundancy Rights
The global economic crisis has sparked world-wide redundancies on an almost unprecedented scale.
Unemployment is also rising in NZ, and is predicted to climb steeply …
Six Strategies To Protect And Strengthen Your Portfolio
With the markets on a rollercoaster ride at present, it’s a good time to take stock and ensure your portfolio is both strong and …
NZ Syrah A Match For The Best
I was invited by the Royal NZ Ballet to the opening night of the Tutus on Tour show recently (it was great by the …
Change To Legal Status Of Property Titles?
Laws governing NZ’s property title system are in for an overhaul as the Govt moves to update the Land Transfer Act 1952.
The legislation …
Bright Spots In The Gloom?
We expect the RBNZ to have dropped the OCR by another 50 basis points by the time this is read.
This will take it …
NZ Syrah A Match For The Best
I was invited by the Royal NZ Ballet to the opening night of the Tutus on Tour show recently (it was great by the …
CD Aims To Make Life Easy For Landlords
The Department of Building and Housing has released an interactive CD-ROM to help landlords manage properties.
The CD gives landlords important advice and information …
Low-Fat Milk, Cheese And Yoghurts Help Fight Cancer
In a dairying nation like NZ, this is good news.
Women who consume the most calcium from dairy products or supplements are 23% less …
NZ Syrah A Match For The Best
I was invited by the Royal NZ Ballet to the opening night of the Tutus on Tour show recently (it was great by the …
Change To Legal Status Of Property Titles?
Laws governing NZ’s property title system are in for an overhaul as the Govt moves to update the Land Transfer Act 1952.
The legislation sets …
Take Control Of Your Shareholding
If you’re tired of seeing your money eroded by falling share prices, and the dividend being cut as well in some cases, you need …
Look To The Future When Buying Growth Shares
What makes a share price go up is the improving perception, by an increasing number of investors (especially institutional investors), of the company’s earnings …
Small Shareholders Get More Protection
Changes to amalgamations and schemes of arrangement involving changes of control of companies falling under the Takeovers Code are being recommended.
The Takeovers Panel …
Retirement Dream Gets More Distant
With an average expected retirement age of 64, high net worth individuals in NZ are anticipating working well into their 60s.
Research carried out …
Six Types Of Success
There are basically six unique ways of viewing success.
Each person probably cannot fit neatly into one category, rather we will each be a …
New Law Covers Inventors
A new Patents Bill is at present working its way through Parliament to update the current 1953 act. Patents are rights granted over inventions.
They …
Investors Ponder Strategy For 2009
If 2008 was a year investors wanted to forget, will 2009 be any better?
Some may already foresee a pattern of profit warnings, lower …
Pot Bellies A Serious Health Risk
New research suggests even the smallest of pot bellies may be a serious health risk.
US scientists examined more than 2700 men and women …
6 Steps To Fitness Programme Selection
Finding the right fitness programme may be your ticket to getting in shape.
Step 1: Assess your fitness level. To assess your aerobic and …
Do You Plan To Get Ahead?
Pause for a moment and consider how you would cope if you were suddenly faced with a crisis such as a major, but not …
