Bolster Risk Management -South Island

11/08/2026

Stepped vs. Level Insurance Premiums: What’s the difference? 📈⚖️

When setting up your insurance, how your premiums are structured makes a massive difference to your back pocket over time.

Stepped Premiums: Start lower, but increase every year as you get older. Great for short-term cover, but can get expensive down the track.

Level Premiums: Higher at the start, but locked in so they stay stable over time. Ideal for long-term protection, keeping costs predictable as you age.

The right choice depends entirely on your goals, budget, and how long you need cover for.

Want to see which structure fits your long-term plan best? Let’s chat—I offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you figure out what's right for you.

🌐 bolstertomorrow.com

📧 [email protected]

📞 027 277 5756

Call now to connect with business.

07/07/2026

Whether you're looking to lock down total peace of mind with the right insurance, or you're ready to get your money working harder for you through KiwiSaver and smart investment strategies—we have you covered.

At the end of the day, your business and your wealth are your biggest assets. We're just here to help you protect them today so you can truly thrive tomorrow. ✨

Ready to find what’s right for you?

🗓️ Get started with a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
It costs absolutely nothing to chat, but it could make all the difference for your future.

31/03/2026

📢 KiwiSaver Update: Changes Effective 1 April 2026
As of today, the default KiwiSaver contribution rates have officially increased. If you are an employee or an employer, here are the facts you need to know:

🔹 The Rate Change
The default contribution rate for both employees and employers has increased from 3% to 3.5%.
• Automatic: If you are currently on the 3% rate, this change happens automatically through payroll.
• 16 & 17-Year-Olds: Employers are now required to pay the 3.5% employer contribution for employees in this age bracket, provided the employee is also contributing.

🔹 Impact on Weekly Wages
For a person on a $70,000 annual salary the shift to 3.5% means:
• Employee Deduction: An extra $6.73 per week from your gross pay.
• Employer Match: gross extra $6.73 per week added to your account.
• Annual Total: Approximately net $595 extra invested in kiwisaver each year.

🔹 The "Cost" of Fund Choice
While contribution rates have risen, your fund type (Conservative vs. Growth) remains the largest driver of your final balance. For a 30-year-old on a $70k salary, the projected difference at age 65 can be significant:
• Conservative Fund (Avg. 4.3% return): Estimated $268,000 balance.
• Growth Fund (Avg. 8.3% return): Estimated $625,000 balance.
• The Gap: Remaining in the "wrong" fund for your timeline could result in a $357,000 difference in your retirement nest egg.
✅ Action Step
With the new rates in effect, today is the day to verify your settings.
1. Check your next payslip to ensure the 3.5% rate is applied.
2. Review your Fund Type to ensure it aligns with your retirement or first-home timeline.

If you would like a review of your current KiwiSaver provider, fees, or fund choice, send me a message for a 15-minute check up.