No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds

Who charges GST, who doesn't and why?

Everyone loves a good garage sale. But if you're running one, should you be charging GST on the things you sell? They're all goods, after all. Who actually needs to charge GST? And is there a case for and against taking it off essential household purchases? In this episode, Susan answers questions about:Why does my business pay GST when we’re not registered to collect it?Why aren’t we taking GST off our power bills?Should New Zealand issue $200, $500 or $1000 notes?I want to work overseas. How do I balance interest versus earnings on my student loan?Will my bank accept cheese as security on a loan?If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Why have Ooshies taken over my house?

Do you have kids? If so, are they bugging you to get them Ooshies, those tiny, plastic figurines they’re giving away at one of the supermarkets? Or maybe you’re more in the mood for some stylish new kitchen knives, so you shop at a different supermarket? Either way, does giving stuff away for ‘free’ really drive your decision on where to buy your groceries? The answer - and the business plan behind these promos – is all in this week’s episode of No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds. In this episode, Susan answers questions about:Could solar power buybacks ever become taxable income?What are the pros and cons of income protection insurance?I'm struggling to pay tax on my freehold investment property. What are my options?Can the age of eligibility for KiwiSaver be changed?Why do some supermarkets offer giveaways like Ooshies?If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Do I have to buy that extended warranty?

What should you do if you’re offered an extended warranty when you’re buying an appliance? Isn’t that what the Consumer Guarantees Act is for? That’s just one of the questions that we’re looking into on this week’s episode of No Stupid Questions, which is a dive into some of the niggly questions that annoy people in their everyday lives. In this episode, Susan answers questions about:Are extended warranties worth it?Why do I need to declare personal goods over $700 when I enter the country?Why are fuel prices at discount brands different across my town?Can I opt out of biometric account validation?Why do some teachers have an extra tax bill?If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What's good debt, what's bad debt and how do I tell the difference?

Most of us have debt. And we've all heard about good debt versus bad debt, even if we don't always understand what that means or always make a wise choice if we do. But does the good debt/bad debt divide also apply to the country as a whole? Or are there different ways of weighing it up? In this episode, Susan answers questions about:Does the thinking about good debt vs bad debt also apply to government debt?Which KiwiSaver provider is best for me?Is the Public Trust funeral fund still going?How much has the cost of insurance risen in the last 25 years?Can I be insured against alien abduction?If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What if you don't want a slice of the AI hype?

Not everyone is entranced by the promise of AI That includes potential investors - and might include you. Perhaps you're unconvinced by the property market? Maybe you can't make your mind up between pumping up your KiwiSaver balance or paying off more of your mortgage? Don't worry. We've got you, because on this episode of No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds, we're answering your queries about investing.In this episode, Susan answers questions about:How do I de-invest from big AI?Am I better off to stick with my rental properties, or sell them and invest in a managed fund?Should I increase my contribution to KiwiSaver or pay off more of my mortgage?Another investment fund is looking good; should I swap to it from my current fund?I cant see how I'm going to have a comfortable retirement. Help!If you have a money question you'd like Susan to answer, put it in an email or voice memo, then send it to questions@rnz.co.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details