News & Articles: KiwiSaver

Stay up to date with the latest news and happenings with the Lifetime blog. A library of thought-provoking articles to inform and enlighten on all things loans, insurance, investments and planning. 

preview image - Facing a cash crunch? Let's go back to the drawing board...

Facing a cash crunch? Let's go back to the drawing board...

In the face of rising interest rates and the increasing cost of everyday items at the supermarket, more and more households are finding it harder to get by.

Many New Zealanders are finding themselves back at square one, redesigning their personal budgets in hopes that they can free up some funds. While this task may appear daunting, it also provides an opportunity to weed out some unnecessary spending and shed a light on areas where improvements could be made.

preview image - Three KiwiSaver Decisions For Greater Financial Certainty

Three KiwiSaver Decisions For Greater Financial Certainty

Out of the many questions I answer for my clients about their KiwiSaver, three key questions often seem to do the rounds. Though these three questions seem very simple, the answer one gives can make a lot of difference to their financial wellbeing. This is because these questions shape three crucial decisions Kiwis make about their KiwiSaver savings. Regrettably, the reality is, Kiwis often fail to get them right.

27 January 2023 by Khanin Saikia in KiwiSaver
preview image - What should I do with my KiwiSaver investment when the market "wobbles"?

What should I do with my KiwiSaver investment when the market "wobbles"?

It’s been impossible to avoid the daily headlines in the media recently about the impact that the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine and raising inflation is all having on market stability and KiwiSaver investments.

These are certainly bumpy times, and as a result, the market “wobbles” (as we’ve been calling them) may be a bit unnerving if you’re planning to use your KiwiSaver savings as a deposit to buy your first home in the next six months or so.

20 October 2022 by Lifetime in KiwiSaver
preview image - Becoming an ethical investor

Becoming an ethical investor

A recent survey highlighted that ethical investing is a growing area of interest for many Kiwi investors.

The survey, by RIAA and Mindful Money, revealed that over 75% of KiwiSaver investors expect their KiwiSaver funds to be managed responsibly and ethically1. And, more and more New Zealanders are considering becoming ethical investors so they know exactly where their money is being invested2.

But what exactly does ethical investing mean? And is it something you can do with your KiwiSaver savings?

22 September 2022 by Lifetime in Investments, KiwiSaver
preview image - More Help For First Home Buyers

More Help For First Home Buyers

At Lifetime, we believe strongly in the financial benefits of homeownership. We also support the old rule of thumb ‘the sooner you own the better!’ That is why we were interested to note the new eligibility rules for the Kainga Ora First home grant. These changes could help you or someone you know, achieve that important life stage sooner than expected.

24 August 2022 by Lifetime in KiwiSaver
preview image - KiwiSaver - Resist The Itch To Switch

KiwiSaver - Resist The Itch To Switch

As we navigate a rather turbulent time in the market, many of us are wondering what impact this will have on our KiwiSaver come retirement, and what, if anything, we should do. Lifetime Adviser Michael Heriot explains.

preview image - Happy 12th Birthday KiwiSaver

Happy 12th Birthday KiwiSaver

This month marks the 12th anniversary of KiwiSaver. Over that time, we have seen many changes, but the greatest achievement is that almost 3 million Kiwis so far have enjoyed the benefits of what KiwiSaver offers.

1 July 2019 by Steve Doyle in KiwiSaver
preview image - Teaching Your Kids About Money

Teaching Your Kids About Money

I decided when my boys were young that I would teach them both about money and investing. I opened KiwiSaver accounts for them when they were only months old. They also have non-KiwiSaver investment accounts to help fund the cost of university. My wife and I add to the accounts when we can and so do the boy's Grandparents.

preview image - A Beginners Guide To KiwiSaver

A Beginners Guide To KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver is a long-term investment scheme that the government has put in place to help Kiwis save for retirement. Joining KiwiSaver is voluntary and currently, more than 2.7 million Kiwis belong to the scheme.

17 April 2019 by Lifetime in KiwiSaver, Financial Planning, Home Loans
preview image - How millennials can overcome barriers to getting into their first home

How millennials can overcome barriers to getting into their first home

Buying your first home is undoubtedly one of the biggest financial steps you can take, but not completely out of reach for the millennial generation, writes Josh Martin.

12 March 2019 by Lifetime in Home Loans, Financial Planning, KiwiSaver
preview image - Four crucial conversations you need to have with your financial adviser

Four crucial conversations you need to have with your financial adviser

The support of an expert financial adviser can make a real difference to your financial health. Lifetime’s Emily Wheatley advises on the four most important questions you should ask your adviser.

preview image - A millennial’s guide to financial freedom

A millennial’s guide to financial freedom

OPINION:  As millennials, there’s often a gap between what we think will make us financially free versus what actually does. My story is testament to that.

By 23, I was working full-time running a business, studying full-time at university, and proudly took out a loan for my first home in a bid to grow my wealth and ultimately gain financial freedom. 

17 December 2018 by Lifetime in Home Loans, Financial Planning, Financial Literacy, KiwiSaver
preview image - What AMP's changes in New Zealand mean for you

What AMP's changes in New Zealand mean for you

Over 10,000 of our Lifetime clients have AMP policies and investments. Lifetime Group’s Managing Director Peter Cave explores the impact AMP’s New Zealand disinvestment is likely to have on you.

31 October 2018 by Lifetime in AMP, Insurance, Investments, KiwiSaver
preview image - Seven clever ways to maximise your KiwiSaver

Seven clever ways to maximise your KiwiSaver

If you’re keen to get the best out of your KiwiSaver Investment take heed of these expert tips from financial adviser Ian Stewart.

preview image - 5, of many, reasons why you need a Will

5, of many, reasons why you need a Will

Research has shown, time and time again, that Kiwis are more likely to get their Wills set up after a life changing event. From getting married to having your first child or buying a house, these are the occasions that often prompt us to think about the future. Think these are the only reasons to get a Will? Find out why you might just want to consider protecting your future now.

29 May 2018 by Lifetime in Financial Planning, KiwiSaver
preview image - Six financial resolutions to make in 2018

Six financial resolutions to make in 2018

Make it your year to get your finances in order and use your money goals to guide through the next twelve months. Lifetime financial adviser Allan McNaughton reveals the most beneficial resolutions to make.

The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your financial situation and plan for greater success in the year to come. Each year I set aside time to review my current financial portfolio and map out my next steps in becoming more financially fit. Whether you want to tackle your debt or start building a wealth portfolio, it’s never too late to start improving your financial bottom line.

8 January 2018 by Lifetime in Financial Planning, KiwiSaver, Investments, Insurance
preview image - Gender Gap - The retirement impact

Gender Gap - The retirement impact

Looking at some recent research, I found a study that outlined that women in the EU receive 40% less in pension payments than men do. What alarmed me with this is that this is a much bigger gap than the often talked about gender pay gap, but it is the gender pay gap that is the main cause for the pension pay gap in Europe. 

24 November 2017 by Lifetime in Retirement, Financial Planning, KiwiSaver
23 September 2016 by Lifetime in KiwiSaver, Home Loans
preview image - Free lunch? Make sure you get yours

Free lunch? Make sure you get yours

In today’s busy and complicated world, there are not too many free lunches available but if you look carefully, you may be able to find one!

15 September 2016 by Joe Byrne in Investments, KiwiSaver
preview image - Happy 10th Birthday KiwiSaver

Happy 10th Birthday KiwiSaver

Well, 10 years on and KiwiSaver is still here! Not only is it here, but it is in a strong position. KiwiSaver now has over $40 billion funds under management with over 2.5 million investors. $40,000,000,000 looks and sounds impressive, right?

22 January 2016 by Joe Byrne in Investments, KiwiSaver