08/03/2026
Since joining the finance industry, my feeds have been flooded with advice from NZ financial experts.
Initially, I thought, "The market is saturated - everyone must be informed by now."
I was wrong. The gap is massive.
Many Kiwis aren't informed. Of those who are, few take action.
I often hear: "I know it’s important, but I haven't looked at it yet," or "I’d rather invest myself" but never do.
For those who have KiwiSaver, it’s always surprising how many have money deducted for years without knowing where it’s going, what their fund type is, or who their provider is.
If we had to manually transfer that money every week, we’d be asking a lot more questions.
Susan Edmonds’ article this morning is a reminder of a story that happens far too often and one I've seen myself.
With the long-term sustainability of Superannuation being a constant point of concern, taking ownership of your KiwiSaver is an increasingly important tool.
I understand that everyone has their reasons for not signing up or contributing. whether it be financial hardship or lack of interest however, having a healthy conversation around it could go a long way and be the start people need.
4 key Times to Review Your KiwiSaver:
Pay Increase: The perfect time to consider increasing your contribution rate and "paying your future self" first. There are great tools available to forecast the benefit this small change can have over time.
Post-Home Purchase: Once the deposit is paid, the strategy should usually shift from "short-term savings" to "long-term growth." Don’t let a low starting balance discourage you; you have a long runway ahead.
Annual Statement: Don’t ignore the email. Compare your fees against your returns and ensure your fund type still aligns with your goals. Providers are always innovating with new funds and initiatives - get advice on what these could mean for you.
Market Volatility: Many switch funds in a panic when markets dip. Remember, KiwiSaver is a long-term investment. Speaking to an adviser can help you determine if a switch is actually best for you.
Disclaimer: This post provides general information only and does not constitute personalised financial advice.
