Money & Mental Health - Let's Talk About The Link

Over half of New Zealanders say financial stress has impacted their wellbeing[1]. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a signal. It means many of us are quietly worrying about our financial future, unsure who to turn to or where to start.

At Lifetime, we know financial advice is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about reducing worry, building confidence, and helping you feel more in control, both emotionally and financially.

The Mental Load of Money

Money doesn’t just impact your bank balance. It affects your sleep, your relationships, your job choices and even your confidence. Maybe you’ve felt:

• Guilty about dipping into savings
• Nervous checking your bank account
• Unsure if you're doing enough with KiwiSaver or insurance
• Frozen by the idea of retirement planning or investing

These are signs of the mental load that money can carry. But they don’t have to be permanent. With a little clarity and the right plan, the weight can lift. Often faster than you think.

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand highlights five key ways to support wellbeing at work[2], and one of them is taking notice; noticing how you’re feeling, what’s going on around you, and what might be causing you stress. Do you avoid your balance? Feel anxious when you spend? If money is weighing on your mind, it could be time to take action. Not just for your finances, but for your wellbeing too.

How We Can Support You: Reducing the Pressure, One Piece at a Time

We offer advice that looks at your whole life, not just your bank balance. Here’s how our services help ease that mental and emotional weight.

Retirement Planning That Feels Doable and Personal

The pressure:

• Not knowing how much you’ll need to retire
• Worrying about rising living costs and outliving your savings
• Feeling behind or unsure whether you’ll ever “catch up”
• Managing existing debt while trying to prepare for the future

How we help:

We don’t use online calculators and call it a day. We sit down with you and look at your current situation, including income, savings, KiwiSaver, and any lingering debt. Then we help build a roadmap that’s realistic and tailored to your goals. Whether you’re decades away or close to retiring, we’ll give you the tools, structure, and support to take control of your future with confidence.

Insurance That Protects What Matters and Leaves Out What Doesn’t

The pressure:

• Uncertainty about what you're covered for
• Rising premiums you’re not sure are still worth it
• Worrying about "what if" scenarios with no clear safety net
• Life changes, like babies, business or health scares, that haven’t been factored in

How we help:

We believe insurance is about peace of mind, not paperwork. We’ll help you understand the cover you already have, highlight any gaps or overlaps, and structure a plan that fits your life. This includes reviewing life, trauma, income protection, and health cover. As your life changes, we’ll review it together to make sure it still fits, without becoming a burden.

KiwiSaver and Investment Support That Keeps You Grounded

The pressure:

• Watching your balance fluctuate and not knowing what to do
• Not understanding which fund you're in or why
• Worrying that you’re not doing enough for retirement

How we help:

We keep it clear and simple. We’ll review your current settings, talk through your goals and comfort with risk, and help make sure your KiwiSaver or broader investments are working as they should. If you’re ready to explore wider investment options, we’ll guide you through that too, using solid research and a long-term lens.

Employee Benefits: For Employers and Employees Alike

The pressure (for employers):

• Attracting and keeping top talent in a competitive market
• Building a workplace culture that genuinely supports wellbeing

The pressure (for employees):

• Not understanding your workplace benefits
• Needing support but unsure where to find it

How we help:

We design benefit plans that actually benefit people. From group insurance to KiwiSaver matching and wellbeing workshops, our plans are tailored for both sides. Employers get a strong value proposition. Employees get real support for their financial lives, not just a list of entitlements.

Start With a Conversation

You don’t need to have it all figured out. And you definitely don’t need to do it alone.

At Lifetime, we listen without judgement. We explain things in plain English. And we guide you through the next steps, with clarity and confidence.

Book a free, no-pressure chat with us today. Let’s put a plan in place that fits your life and your peace of mind.

Get in touch today and we can help you take the next step with confidence.

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held by the author as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.

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