COMMENT: The proposed merger between NZME and Fairfax NZ is a further sign that media companies continue to look for viable business models.

COMMENT: NZME has "first mover" advantage when it comes to the shakeup of the New Zealand media industry.

COMMENT: The Reserve Bank was radiating signals this week that its next intervention in the housing market may well target debt-to-income ratios.

COMMENT: Two media giants into one? Changed market makes NZME-Fairfax tie-up a real prospect.

One thing is for sure - the technology that underpins Bitcoin has got stock exchanges, clearing houses, banks and central banks talking.

COMMENT: New data on foreign buyers in the housing market is not going resolve the big debate on the issue just yet, writes Liam Dann.

Every person and their dog seem to be using VPNs, or virtual private networking connections, these days, Juha Saarinen writes.

A great way to boost sales for many businesses is to make your product or service very easy to use, Graham McGregor writes.

COMMENT: Broadly the banks have strong balance sheets but New Zealand's private debt levels are high and rising.

COMMENT: Did you hear the one about the inheritance that went to the father's second wife's new husband's next-door-neighbour?

COMMENT: Mark Weldon may have been the smartest guy in the room but that's seldom enough.

COMMENT: Many foreigners living here agree that you really need $40,000 stashed away somewhere in case of emergencies.

COMMENT: The life of a CEO can be tough and Weldon's demeanour at the GeoOp meeting clearly showed that the MediaWorks job had got the better of him.

COMMENT: Radio New Zealand may sell some of its property portfolio to replenish its coffers.

COMMENT: 'The only genius I ever met," says Alan Bollard, the biographer of pioneering New Zealand economist Bill Phillips.

COMMENT: The New Zealand sharemarket has a global reputation as a lucrative source of dividends.

COMMENT: CEO Mark Weldon might be out, but MediaWorks radio operations are good earners and TV3 won't be going anywhere, writes John Drinnan.

Like many people I prefer to start Sunday's slowly, with a cup of good coffee and a read of the newspaper's business section, writes Brent Sheather.

When it comes to marketing there are literally hundreds of different places that you could spend your hard earned money on to improve your results, Graham McGregor writes.

COMMENT: Barry Ritholtz checks out a report that does something he likes the least - makes a forecast.

So much of what we say about money shows how we think about it, and of course how we think about it influences how we act with it.

Debbie Mayo-Smith writes. is it me being stupid or are the vast majority of small businesses just plain lazy when it comes to marketing?

Liam Dann was among the 40,000 shareholders and fans who braved freezing rain and 6am queues to attend the Berkshire Hathaway AGM in Omaha this weekend.

COMMENT: It's too easy to get judgmental about how others spend their money - although I suppose it's fair enough if they complain about their inability to save.

COMMENT: It doesn't pay to be a snob. Literally. Many people think they "need" the latest labels, whether or not they can afford them.

COMMENT: Juha Saarinen looks at a selection of accessories designed to be used with Apple products.

COMMENT: When Bill English delivers his next Budget a month from now, he will no doubt portray the Govt as a model of providence and fiscal responsibility.

COMMENT: MediaWorks owner Oaktree Capital is more closely overseeing TV3, Four and half the country's commercial radio stations.

Recent years haven't been kind to the former market star - or its investors.