Getting KiwiSaver advice can help you feel more confident about your fund choice, contributions, and long-term goals – and take control of your financial future.
Why financial advice could be the best investment you ever make
When it comes to building a better future, one of the smartest moves you can make is getting professional financial advice.
A common misconception is that only wealthy people should talk to a professional adviser, but think of it the same way you think of a personal trainer – you don’t need to be fit to have one of those! They’re there to guide you and help you improve your financial situation, no matter where you’re starting from.
You don’t need to be wealthy or a finance expert to benefit – advice is for everyone. In fact, studies from New Zealand and around the world show that people who get financial advice end up more confident, more prepared, and often significantly better off financially over the long-term.
Here are five great reasons why.
Please note, footnote references are within the disclaimer section.
Advised people usually end up with more money over the long-term
Let’s start with the numbers.
Research shows that people who receive financial advice often build much higher balances in their retirement funds:
- 52% more in KiwiSaver accounts – according to New Zealand’s Financial Services Council, Kiwis who’ve had financial advice have over 50% more in their KiwiSaver account than those who haven’t (1)
- In Australia, members of Aware Super who received advice had around 22% more in their superannuation accounts – equal to about $150,000 AUD ($165,000 NZD) more by retirement (2).
At Generate, we see this phenomenon occur consistently. Ninety percent of Generate KiwiSaver Scheme members joined with the help of an expert adviser – and on average our members have higher account balances than the national average.
This trend is apparent across different age bands, but most notably in the 36-40 group, where Generate members have an average balance of $39,891 – a chunky $9,454 more than the average Kiwi’s balance in this age range, which sits at $30,437 (3).
Across all the age groups in total, the average KiwiSaver balance is $ 37,079, whereas for Generate members it’s still higher at $42,001.
This isn’t just luck. It’s the result of better fund choices, smarter planning, and avoiding common mistakes – like panicking during a market dip or sitting in the wrong fund for years.
Advised people maximise the benefits of their KiwiSaver account
At Generate, we pride ourselves on educating and empowering our customers to make smart KiwiSaver decisions. One example of this is how dedicated we are to ensuring our members don’t miss out on the annual Government contribution. Other KiwiSaver providers report that around 65% of their members get this annual top-up – but for Generate members it’s 85% (4). We think that’s due to 90% of our members having had communication with an adviser, who can explain the impact this additional bonus can have over the long term.
As another example, more than 80% of Generate’s KiwiSaver Scheme members are in growth funds (our Generate KiwiSaver Growth or Focused Growth funds), which provide a higher potential for long-term returns than default or conservative funds. This is well above the national average, where only 46% are invested in a growth fund (5).
Advice builds confidence and clarity
Money can be confusing. There’s a lot of jargon, decisions to make, and it can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re just starting out.
With the cost of living increasing, it’s no surprise that a Financial Service Council 2025 report found that only 44% of New Zealanders feel financially prepared for retirement. That’s down from 50% in 2024 (6). You may likely be feeling the same way.
That’s where advice makes a huge difference.
- A 2022 New Zealand study found that 74% of advised New Zealanders believe advice provided them with a clear understanding of how to achieve their financial goals (7).
- 94% of advised people said they feel confident making big financial decisions – like buying a home, switching funds, or planning for retirement, compared with 83% of unadvised people (8).
- In Australia, people who worked with an adviser were twice as confident about having enough for retirement compared to those who didn’t get advice (9).
Financial advice can give you the peace of mind to make informed financial decisions and stay on track (9).
Some advised investors can retire earlier
Planning for retirement might feel a long way off, but the choices you make now can shape what your future looks like.
Research from the UK shows that:
- People who got financial advice early ended up with £47,000 ($105,000 NZD) more wealth over ten years, including £31,000 ($70,000 NZD) more in their pension funds (10).
- They expected to retire at age 66, while unadvised people expected to retire at 69 – a three-year head start (11).
- 96% of advised retirees said they were enjoying retirement, compared to 72% of those who didn’t get advice (12).
That’s not just about money – it’s about confidence, preparation, and knowing how to make your money work for you.
The value adds up – globally
This trend isn’t just limited to one country. Around the world, the numbers tell the same story:
- In Canada, people who received financial advice from age 25 ended up with 55% more in retirement savings and could spend 23% more in retirement (13).
- Global studies from Morningstar and Vanguard show that good advice can boost investment returns by 2.5% to 3% per year – often by helping investors stay disciplined and avoid emotional decisions (14).
- For retirees, better financial planning can lead to 29% more income in retirement (15).
So, is it time you got advice too?
You don’t need to have thousands of dollars or deep knowledge about investing to get value from advice. At Generate, our advisers are here to help everyday Kiwis make smart choices for their KiwiSaver investment– whether you’re new to investing or getting close to retirement.
Our advisers can help you:
- Choose the right type of KiwiSaver fund for your goals
- Understand how much you might need for retirement – and how much you’re on track to have
- Stay on track through the ups and downs of investing
- And the sooner you start, the more you can benefit.
Ready to take the next step?
A quick conversation with a Generate adviser could be the best investment you make for your future. There’s no cost, no jargon – just helpful guidance. Talk to a Generate adviser today. Because getting advice now could mean a lot more later.