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Janine Starks is a Christchurch based financial commentator. She is also co-managing director of Liontamer Investments.

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Articles by Janine Starks


EQC's wall of land claim confusion

Janine Starks on the colour-coded land claim nightmare that is Christchurch. Your experience?

Trees, tooth fairies and Mummy’s purse

Janine Starks ponders the parental dilemma of pocketmoney and argues that "we are a bunch of irresponsible miserable gits."

What would Wellington do?

Janine Starks looks at liquefaction risk and rebuild prospects and insurance what ifs in the event of a quake in the capital. Your view?

All in the family; bypassing banks to save

Janine Starks explores some options for an asset rich, cash poor octogenarian couple in great nick but in need for a new car. 

Single in the city - with $400K banked

Janine Starks considers the case of a single female with $400k in the bank looking to buy a house without taking out a mortgage in an overpriced property market

A colour-coded nightmare in Christchurch

Janine Starks looks at the various shades of grey in a green-blue zoning conundrum and sees nothing but red-tape and trouble.

Leaving town with your equity intact

Opinion: Janine Starks takes a frank look at the cost risk of rebuilding in Christchurch and wonders whether skipping town might be the best way to preserve equity

Insurance cap sends a shudder

Janine Starks looks at the implications of a new insurance policy tweak that will put the pinch on homeowners forced to rebuild in the event of a new event. Your view?

Excessive excess on insurance?

Janine Starks reveals the added costs of builder's insurance (contrast risk by another name) and why you should care as a homeowner on the Shaky Isles. 

"I prefer drawing to talking...."

Janine Starks deconstructs insurer's policies for paying architects for Christchurch home rebuilds.Your experience?

Check your head, then check your policy

Janine Starks reviews a Red Zone riddle; two houses, same street, identical specs and similar damage but a gaping $200k difference between insurers.

Caught in a love/money trap

Columnist Janine Starks untangles a relationship property investment mess, brings some perspective to the fixed or floating conundrum, tells reader (politely) to pull their head in.

Red zone whiners or just cause for complaint?

Janine Starks takes a closer look at red zone buy out offers, the financial fish-hooks and the value proposition that will make or break the deal for homeowners.

How to spend $500K wisely

Janine Starks explains why a family of five on a single income should not regard a $500K inheritance as the ultimate ticket to financial freedom. Your view?

Red-zone pitfalls and insurance perils

Janine Starks offers a word of caution for red-zone residents and explains the importance of getting personalised professional advice.

Goodbye Christchurch, Hello Ireland

Janine Starks finds out how far accommodation allowances will stretch for earthquake rattled residents who are moving on.

How to challenge an insurance dispute

Janine Starks looks at some recourse for Canterbury homeowners at odds with their insurers over claim costs and valuations.

Insurance lock-downs and other insurance perils

Janine Starks looks at "lock-downs", indemnity policies and other insurance perils in earthquake-shattered Christchurch. What's your story?

Help! I lost my financial mojo

Janine Starks looks at the case of a family man weighed down by a mortgage, debt and lack of income; says it's important always to count one's assets.

Breaking down walls at EQC

Janine Starks tears down some walls around insurance rules on retaining walls to find out what is and isn't covered and how much you'll get. Tell us your story: