Protecting your future
Investment
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ with investments because everyone has different aspirations for their money, whether it’s saving for retirement, generating cash flow or buying a new home.
At Total Life, we take the time to talk to you so we can understand your individual circumstances and goals. We consider your attitude to risk and investment timeframe so we can provide personalised advice and recommendations, then implement the right investment strategy for you to meet your future objectives.
Helping you to achieve your financial goals
Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll need in life. Investing is putting your money to work to create income or grow your wealth. It’s about developing a plan (or investment strategy) that will help you move through different life stages.
And it starts with setting some goals
Before you invest, it’s important to set realistic goals. Take the time to work out why you’re investing, how much you have to invest, and when you need a return. Once you have these foundations in place, it’s easier to make decisions about your investment strategy.
We can help you choose investment options that fit with the direction you’ve set, and start on the path to achieving your financial goals.
As things change, we can help you
You will have different financial needs at different life stages. Marriage, a baby, a move, an inheritance or a divorce can have a major impact on your lifestyle and financial goals.
We can help you work out the most effective investment strategies so you can:
- Establish your goals and financial plan
- Build wealth and accumulate assets
- Maximize and protect your wealth
- Consolidate wealth for the future
Need help? Contact us today
KiwiSaver
What is KiwiSaver?
KiwiSaver is a long-term savings scheme, designed to help you to save for your retirement. For most people, it’s work based, with contributions from you and your employer deducted from your pay. These contributions are invested into the fund(s) of your choice to deliver a return that could help lift your savings
Once you join KiwiSaver your savings are locked in until you reach the age of eligibility for New Zealand Superannuation – currently 65.
KiwiSaver offers a range of benefits which change from time to time. These may include:
- an annual member tax credit contribution of 50 cents for every dollar you save, up to a maximum of $521.43 per year (if eligible)
- compulsory contributions from your employer (if eligible)
- flexibility to respond to changes in your situation
- help with buying your first home
Who can join?
You can join KiwiSaver if you’re
- A New Zealand citizen, or entitled to live in New Zealand indefinitely,
- A New Zealand or Australian residence permit holder
- An Australian citizen
Enrolment in KiwiSaver will be automatic for all those starting a new job (with some exceptions), although employees automatically enrolled will have the chance to opt out within a specified timeframe.
Government contributions
One of the main benefits of KiwiSaver is the annual Member Tax Credit, where the government contributes 50c for every $1 you save, up to a maximum of $521.43 per year (if eligible). All you have to do to take advantage of this, is to ensure you are contributing to your KiwiSaver plan before 30 June. It is paid into your KiwiSaver account in late July or early August.
How do you contribute and top up?
You can choose to contribute 3, 4, 8 or 10% of your gross (before tax) salary or wages to KiwiSaver and in most cases your employer must contribute a minimum of 3% of your gross salary or wages to KiwiSaver
The KiwiSaver scheme is designed to be flexible around the way you contribute. So whether you’re in a permanent job, freelancing, running your own business, or not working at all, there are options for ways to contribute.
There are a number of options for you to Top Up your KiwiSaver account so you don’t miss the boat on your $521.43 Government contribution
Top up now
You can top up securely online through your KiwiSaver provider.
Online banking payment to your provider
Log into your internet banking and select your KiwiSaver provider under bill payments. Then enter your surname, IRD number and member number. (If your provider has this option or you can save them as a bill payment)
Online payment to IRD
Log into your internet banking and choose ‘Tax Payment’. Then select ‘KiwiSaver member account (KSS)’ as the tax or payment type. You will need your IRD number.
When can you withdraw your savings?
Although KiwiSaver is designed to help you save for your retirement, it’s flexible enough to keep up with other changes that could happen in your life.
You can make withdrawals when you reach your qualifying date, however, you may also have other opportunities to use your savings before you retire. Provided you meet the criteria, this might apply to you in the case of:
- Purchase of your first home
- Serious Illness
- Significant Financial Hardship
- Permanent emigration
Why review your KiwiSaver?
New Zealand has a number of KiwiSaver providers available and it is hard to know which one is right for you. At Total Life our KiwiSaver advisers are able to work with you to assist in making an informed decision about which KiwiSaver provider and their fund options is going to deliver the results that you are after.