A new newsletter explains basic financial concepts to ordinary New Zealanders in lively, jargon-free language.

It is suitable for financial planners, accountants or lawyers to send to clients; for employers to give to employees; or for superannuation scheme trustees to send to scheme members, perhaps with regular mail-outs.

Called Holm Truths, the newsletter is written by award-winning independent journalist Mary Holm, who writes the Money Matters column in the New Zealand Herald and The Investor column in 20 newspapers around the country. She holds a BA in economic history, MA in journalism and MBA in finance.

Holm Truths covers the non-controversial "home truths" of saving, investing and financial planning. Topics include:

• The relationship between risk and return.
• The importance of diversification.
• Gearing - how it raises returns and risks.
• Who needs what life insurance, and other types of insurance?
• Regular saving - compounding, dollar cost averaging etc.
• Entitlements to NZ Super and other state benefits.
• Investments that are too good to be true.

Each four-page issue features a cartoon, a crossword with relevant words, and quotes from famous people.

The newsletter costs 80c a copy (including GST) for up to 500, plus shipping charges, and then 70c a copy after that. There is a minimum charge of $50. Further discounts are available for large orders.

There is space on the front page for a corporate stamp or sticker, or a logo can be printed for an extra charge.

For a sample copy or to subscribe, contact Mary Holm at maryh@pl.net or on 09 480 2084.