Five easy KiwiSaver checks to help you review your contributions, investment settings and retirement savings during Money Month.
August is Sorted Money Month, an annual campaign led by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission that encourages New Zealanders to take stock of their finances. While it's easy to let everyday life take over, spending just a little time reviewing your financial position can help you feel more organised, more confident and better prepared for the future.
You don't need to make huge changes all at once. Often, it's the small steps – like checking your KiwiSaver account, reviewing your contributions or setting a financial goal – that can make a meaningful difference over time.
Here are five simple things to check this Money Month.
1. Make sure your KiwiSaver account is working for you
For many New Zealanders, KiwiSaver is one of their biggest investments. But after joining, it's common to leave it untouched for years.
Taking a few minutes to review your account can help ensure it still suits your circumstances. Ask yourself:
- Do you know which type of KiwiSaver fund you're invested in?
- Is your investment strategy still appropriate for your age, goals and comfort with investment risk?
- Are your contact details up to date?
- Is your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) correct?
Life changes such as changing jobs, buying a home, starting a family or getting closer to retirement can all affect whether your current KiwiSaver account settings are still right for you.
If you're unsure how KiwiSaver works or want a refresher, our guide What is KiwiSaver? explains the basics, including how contributions work, the different fund types and some of the benefits KiwiSaver offers.
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2. Check your contributions
Even a small increase to your KiwiSaver contributions can make a meaningful difference over time. Money Month is a great opportunity to check whether increasing your contribution rate by 1% or 2% is achievable for you.
Our KiwiSaver calculator can give you an idea of the difference tweaking your contribution rate can make.
If you're employed, your KiwiSaver contributions are usually deducted directly from your salary or wages. You can change your contribution rate with your employer using a KS2 Form – or by logging into myIR on the IRD website.
It's also worth checking whether you're on track to receive the maximum annual Government contribution if you're eligible. The government contribution (up to $260.72) can provide an extra boost to your retirement savings each year, provided you've contributed enough during the qualifying period.
Note: The cut-off date for the 2026 Government contribution was the end of June 2026, so you’ll now be working towards your eligibility for the 2027 Government contribution.
If you've recently changed jobs, reduced your hours or taken time away from work, it can be especially worthwhile checking your contributions to make sure you're still making the most of the benefits available.
3. Bring your Aussie super home (if applicable)
If you've worked in Australia, Money Month is the perfect time to bring your superannuation back across the Tasman and keep your retirement savings together.
Many Kiwis have worked across the Tasman at some stage, and it's not unusual to end up with more than one Australian super account. Multiple accounts can mean multiple fees, and over time it's easy to lose track of where your money is held. It’s also possible that your Aussie super may have been transferred to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) which means it’s not earning any returns.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to transfer your eligible Australian superannuation into your KiwiSaver account, helping to bring your retirement savings together in one place.
To learn more about how this works, read our guide on transferring unclaimed Australian super.
4. Set yourself a financial goal
One of the simplest ways to feel more in control of your money is to have a clear goal.
Your goal doesn't have to be complicated. It could be:
- building your retirement savings
- saving for your first home
- creating an emergency fund
- paying off debt
- saving for a holiday or another major purchase.
Having a goal gives your money purpose. It can also make every day financial decisions easier because you know what you're working towards.
Remember, progress doesn't have to be perfect. Small, consistent steps can help build momentum over time.
5. Have a KiwiSaver plan – and consider talking to an expert
Money Month is a great time to check whether your KiwiSaver investment still suits your goals. The fund that was right for you a few years ago may not be the best fit today, especially if your circumstances have changed.
If you're unsure whether you're in the right fund, or whether you're making the most of your KiwiSaver investment, talking to an expert adviser can help. A conversation with a Generate adviser can help you better understand your options, answer your questions and give you confidence in your next steps.
You don't have to figure it all out on your own – sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to feel more in control of your financial future.
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Ready for a KiwiSaver check-in?
If you'd like to better understand your KiwiSaver account or discuss whether your current investment strategy is right for you, book a no-obligation conversation with a Generate adviser.
Generate advisers are based throughout New Zealand and can meet with you in person, over the phone or via Zoom, making it easy to get advice in a way that suits you.
We're here to help you feel more confident about your financial future.