Now is a good time to review KiwiSaver decisions

If you’re using this time of year to review your finances, don’t forget to add KiwiSaver into the equation.

For many people, the start of the year is an ideal time to review your goals and budgets. The New Year is also often a time when people think about changing jobs.

If you aren’t already a member, both are opportunities for you to think about whether KiwiSaver is right for you.

It’s important to make an informed decision about KiwiSaver, and this is where Sorted's free and independent resources can help:

• The Quick KiwiSaver calculator will help you work out how much it will cost you each pay, what your employer would contribute and what you might save by 65.
• The Budget calculator will help you see if you can afford the contributions.
• The KiwiSaver fees calculator will compare what fees you’ll be paying for each fund.

If you are a member of KiwiSaver, this could also be a good time to review your fund and scheme – and to check that you are contributing at a level you can afford.

You can change funds within your current provider, for example from a low to a higher risk fund. You can also change KiwiSaver schemes at any time by contacting a scheme provider directly.

Note that you can only belong to one KiwiSaver scheme at a time, and you may be charged a transfer fee by your old scheme provider.

To change your contribution level to a lower or higher amount, either write to your employer indicating your new rate (2%, 4% or 8%) or complete a KiwiSaver deduction form (KS2). You can download this from the KiwiSaver website.

If you’re self-employed or not employed, you'll need to talk to your KiwiSaver provider directly to reduce or increase the contribution you make.

Published 9 February 2010