RNZ's money correspondent Susan Edmunds answers your questions. Photo: RNZ
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We'd love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but - even better - you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz
I was 35 when KiwiSaver began ... I was a full-time worker, wasn't receiving a benefit. It was like this until this year, when I was told by my doctor that I can no longer work as I have osteoarthritis halfway down my back to my legs.
The skills I had were as a cleaner and I ended as a customer service representative, so I was on my feet a lot. I am now just about 55, I've got 10 years until retirement.
No one out there now will employ me as I'm just hitting retirement age and I have health issues. My husband and I are now on a supported living benefit together, he hasn't worked for 19 years.
My KiwiSaver doesn't get any money from my wages any more.
Can I get all my KiwiSaver money out that is in there? It's all my hard work and I no longer work.
This is a really tough situation, and I can understand why it must be frustrating to have your KiwiSaver money there but untouchable!
You can't close a KiwiSaver account in the same way that you would a bank account.
When you first sign up, you can opt out if you do it quickly, but once you're in the scheme, you can only stop contributions.
You can withdraw in limited circumstances: When you hit 65, if you meet the criteria for financial hardship, if you're buying a first home or if you are leaving the country permanently, but not if you're going to Australia.
In your case, unless you're actually falling behind on your bills, you probably won't meet the hardship test.
I checked with Rupert Carlyon, who is the founder of KiwiSaver provider Koura.
He said: "Unfortunately, she is only allowed to withdraw for serious financial hardship if she can't meet her day-to-day living costs or if she has bills that she is unable to pay."
He said there was a category that allowed for withdrawals in cases of serious illness but if you're still able to do some types of work you might not qualify for that.
The KiwiSaver Act defines serious illness as something "that results in the member being totally and permanently unable to engage in work for which he or she is suited by reason of experience, education, or training, or any combination of those things; or that poses a serious and imminent risk of death". (You could always check with your provider to see what advice they could offer.)
Carlyon said he realised the situation was not ideal for you. "But the positive is that from the age of 65 they will be able to draw down and use the money to help the next phase of her retirement."
I have been with my partner 30 years, married 20 years. He has children from a previous marriage. In our wills we have left everything to each other, but upon death of us both, it is shared between his children and my siblings. He has one child that he is estranged from, but currently a very small percentage is left to them. Question: If he dies before me do I legally have to leave his children anything in my will?
I asked Public Trust principal trustee Michelle Pope to help with a response to your question.
She said the short answer was probably no, assuming the children were now adults.
"Legally, a stepchild would only have the right to make a claim if they were being maintained by their stepparent immediately before their death. The specific piece of legislation governing this is the Family Protection Act.
"However, there are circumstances where a stepchild may have a valid claim. One is where mutual wills are in place that provide for stepchildren, as these are legally binding. Mutual wills differ from mirror wills, which are simply similar wills made by two people - there can be a bit of confusion over these different types of wills.
"Another exception would be if your stepchild has provided a service to you and in return you promised to provide for them in your will. If that was the case, they may have a claim on your estate. Imagine a stepchild who gives up their job and life in another city to move in and care for an elderly stepparent on the understanding that they'll inherit the house, by way of example. It's a service that goes well beyond what's typically expected in family relationships.
"It's worth noting that your husband's estate could be subject to a claim from his children if they are not adequately provided for in his will."
She said estate planning could be complex for blended families.
"To clearly communicate your wishes and minimise the risk of future disputes, it's important to structure your will carefully. We strongly recommend seeking professional advice to explore your options and ensure your estate plan reflects your intentions. A well-considered will can help protect your assets, provide clarity for loved ones and reduce the likelihood of challenges later on."
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