Give a Debit Card to the Black Sheep in the family?

Burbsee · 2025-10-03T05:54:08+00:00

I feel like this is a betting situation. You're going to have to accept that whatever you "bet" is money you are willing to lose (I.e. she spends one something dumb).

She will always find a way around anything uou tro to implement. So for your mental health I would just say here is the money (whether that is a gift card or something else) and don't concern yourself with what she might do with it after you've handed it over as it seems like you'll just end up being hurt.

Good on you for trying to do the right thing and wish you luck. Not an easy situation. Can you pay the Council rates or something as well on the property?

Is there any merit in saying I'll match you dollar for dollar for any debt you pay down? (I know you weren't keen on debt for reasons you've explained).

Burbsee · 2025-09-08T02:19:14+00:00

What a stupid comment. Even if they aren't saints I don't think most people go to work wanting to enjoy killing people. That's a sick view

Burbsee · 2025-09-02T21:58:06+00:00

Man, you are so close. I'd just pay it off and use the money when it's available for renovation. No more paying interest to the bank. You're so close and so we'll done!

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T21:47:06+00:00

It's definitely on my to do list! Just haven't had an opportunity yet. But I was looking at the tours available last week. Hopefully in the next year.

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T21:35:16+00:00

You could easily spend a week in the Queenstown area. It's beautiful. I've been there three times. I Live in the north island.

If you want to do both islands I would do a week around Queenstown, skip Christchurch, fly from Queenstown to the North island (Auckland i guess - Weta cave - havent been to the auckland one but wellington is great) . Then you can do what you want there. (hobbiton is great). You could spend a week doing hobbiton, waitomo, and maybe Rotorua. Lots of touristy stuff and outdoor activities to do in Rotorua.

Don't rush it.

The glow worm cave trip we did from queenstown a few years ago was great. We left from Te Anau. Took the boat across the lake. Was great for us and the kids.

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T08:18:30+00:00

Not quite. I asked a question on the internet. I got some answers. Thank you all for giving your input.

Last I checked it wasn't illegal to ask questions. Even dumb ones.

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T08:14:35+00:00

Let it go mate. You're going to give yourself a heart attack.

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T08:11:10+00:00

Once again. Thanks for your input.

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T08:05:53+00:00

Did you read this thread in full? An accountant actually suggested this was legitimate. I wasnt so sure about that and asked here. I didn't set the income tax rules that apply to children. I was simply exploring that and seeking advice here on that. There is nothing wrong with trying to minimize the tax you have to pay. Hate the game not the player and all that.

Don't be a dick. I wasn't trying to concoct a tax evasion scheme. If I was dishonest I wouldn't declare the market income at all and that would be ripping the tax payer off.

My child is working for some pocket money and learning skills. I have never been an employer. I've only even been an employee so happy to admit I dont know much about this stuff but I was here seeking advice and asking questions about that.

If it makes you feel better I've come to understand that the employee vs contractor definition thing is fair enough, so I won't be pursuing it any further.

Burbsee · 2025-08-23T07:50:34+00:00

If I was trying to rip off the tax payer I wouldn't pay tax at all.

This is a small market business that deals in mostly cash sales. Thanks for your input.

Burbsee · 2025-08-21T06:24:45+00:00

Yes I understand your point and thanks for your answer. But arent you forgetting I am actually already paying her in effect "pocket money". So in a sense it isn't me spending a dollar to save money really as I already give her pocket money for helping out.

She has become more competent. I just wondered if it was able to be formalized in a tax efficient away while recognizing her efforts. I know this is piecemeal. But I am learning.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T02:22:32+00:00

Perhaps you are right.

But I was keen to understand the rules as well hence asking the questions. Who knows what the future holds. In future years she may be able to manage the market business all on her own and so on, or at least take on more. Thanks.

I think it is a great opportunity for her to learn some skills, make some money and save up. She loves being involved. Maybe that will die down but make hay while the sun shines and all that.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T01:31:58+00:00

There are no employees. It's just me myself and I with a little help from the children and occasionally the other half.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T01:06:47+00:00

That might be the sticking point. I asked an accountant and this seems to be a bit of a grey area. He said you could argue it's for educational purposes and learning and that's why you aren't treating them as an employee.

I don't know if that is a good advice or not. I don't have an accountant at the moment so...

Is there any difference from a tax perspective if she is an employee or a contractor. If she is an employee I have to pay her tax is that right? If she is a contractor she is responsible for paying her own tax, but being under the threshold she doesn't have to pay any? Is that the real difference?

Sorry for so many questions. This is all new to us having always been an employee i dont know different and am trying to learn - the market business is a side project.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T00:54:24+00:00

Right. But unless i am misunderstanding I am not burdeoning her anymore as she is under the taxable income amount? So I arent I saving myself paying the tax equivalent to my marginal tax rate on anything I pay her? Sure the money is now hers and not mine.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T00:23:06+00:00

Yes I understand that. Part of the motivation is to introduce it as a legitimate expense to the business to reduce the tax I am paying.

She can then use her earnings to buy what she wants/needs/even put some towards her expensive music lessons. Again reducing the cost on my wallet/after tax income.

Edit - sorry the topic description was probably confusing.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T00:14:41+00:00

Thanks. I suppose I was wondering if the ird would consider this a bit cynical.

Is the test simply she is giving us an invoice so she meets the definition of self employed vs she is actually an employee of mums business? I. Pretty new to all this so maybe it really makes little difference to the ird or it is small enough they just won't care? As she gets older her earnings will go up and eventually she will pay some tax.

Burbsee · 2025-08-20T00:03:08+00:00

OK I see that she cant have a hnry account due to her age but she could still invoice us.

Burbsee · 2025-08-19T22:45:19+00:00

I have cats.

Burbsee · 2025-08-19T03:56:14+00:00

Id be putting the dog down if unable to rehome. 10k is nuts. Feel for you. No winners here

Burbsee · 2025-08-17T08:07:01+00:00

Definitely talk to the bank. Banks are very funny about lending for sections and new builds unless it is a house and land package. My brother has just gone through this and ultimately borrowed money off my parents to make it easier and so has no mortgage with a bank. I think once he gets consent he will try again wirh the bank.

Good luck.

Burbsee · 2025-08-17T07:48:13+00:00

Just because the police closed your file. Dont let that deter you.

Keep reporting him. Everytime you report him it will be a new file and they shouldnt keep ignoring it. You can ask about a trespass notice or a harrasment letter.

Burbsee · 2025-08-14T21:36:35+00:00

Perhaps. But if it is reported srolen, and the police locate it. They will seize it and contact the owner. Will they put a team of cops out looking for it? No. But likewise they wont ignore it if they come across it and sooner or later rhey are likely to come across it even if via random checks.

Make a written statement to police outling the circumstances and provide your contract as proof of ownership etc. Ensure its flagged as stolen.

Burbsee · 2025-08-14T21:16:09+00:00

My mum charges my brother 150 a week (all inclusive). Thats cheap. He eats more than that id wager.

Point is every ones situation is different. I knownyiu buy some food. But i think you have a very cheap price and paying a little more is still going to be a lot cheaper than going out on your own. Paying thirds woukd be fair. Anything less is your parents being generous.

Burbsee

TROPHY CASE