Earlier this year, a Christchurch businessman was found borrowing millions of dollars against his family trusts for his clothing company - racking up a $3-million dollar spend.

His sister prompted legal action, and two homes had to be sold as collateral.

But that brings up a question - what can we leave behind for our children and family that won't just be squandered or swindled?

Trusts and inheritance is a something most families will have to deal with when older-relatives pass, so how assured can we be that assets are protected?

Managing Director for New Zealand Family Trust Servicers, Janet Xuccoa joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money...

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This week's budget announcement had a focus on sorting out the books, and no straight sugar hits for individuals.
Infrastructure, healthcare and education seemed to be the clear priority of our fiscal plan, but three relief for the cost-of-living pressure many face.

Along with that, council rates have gone up for Auckland and the South Island's West Coast, and the Reserve Bank's signalled that there will be an increase to the OCR shortly - so the period we've seen of low interest rates on a mortgage is coming to an end.

So how can we prepare ourselves for a toughening economy? Was it good that we didn't have any government handouts?

Managing Director for the Private Office - Nick Crawford - joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money...

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Retirement is the time most people dream of, the days where you no longer need to work or study, and you can enjoy a slow and simple life. But what does it actually take to retire?

And, when Super is under threat, and the only stable thing about the global economic climate is its instability, can we rely on the pension being there when we're ready to retire?

Author of Money Matters Amanda Morrall chats to Tim Beveridge about how much money you really need to retire.

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The age of retirement is back in the forefront of news this week after a report from the OECD recommended means testing the age of eligibility for NZ Super or risk an unsustainable rise in public debt.

The agency says New Zealand's ageing population will continue to become a prevalent issue as the government tries to pull the economy out of the red.

But some finance experts say we shouldn't be relying on the government to fund our retirements, and super should be treated as a bonus rather than a survivable income.

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All investment accounts are a bit touch and go at the moment.

If you're checking your KiwiSaver more than a few times a year, the amount of movement could really start to get to your head.

But for those close to or at retirement age, or about to withdraw for whatever reason - a volatile market can make all the difference.

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Divorce is still one of those taboo topics we tend to avoid, but up to 40% of marriages end that way here in New Zealand, so it's probably about time we become a bit more comfortable with it.

It's not always a hostile end, some couples are even able to "DIY" their split in a sense - but is that really a good idea?

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We often think of trusts as a way to protect your assets, especially if you work in certain fields - but a surprising number of regular families use them for a range of reasons.

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The hot topic on everyone's minds right now is the price of petrol and diesel.

It seems to be impacting the price of just about everything else, and we're staring down the barrel of a major risk of high inflation.

The OCR remains steady for now, but it's only a matter of time before interest rates are on the up once again.

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