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KiwiSaver, explained properly

Evergreen guides to the questions Kiwis ask most. No jargon, no sales pitch – just the things worth understanding about your KiwiSaver.

Basics 5 min read

How KiwiSaver actually works

KiwiSaver made simple – contributions, the employer and Government top-ups, your fund, and when you can take the money out.

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Funds 5 min read

How to choose the right KiwiSaver fund

Conservative to aggressive, and how your timeframe and your nerve decide which KiwiSaver fund is right for you.

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Funds 4 min read

Are you stuck in a default KiwiSaver fund?

If you were auto-enrolled and never chose a fund, you might be in a default fund that doesn't suit your goals. Here's how to tell – and what to do.

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Top-ups 4 min read

The Government contribution explained

Each year the Government tops up your KiwiSaver if you contribute enough. Here's who qualifies and how to make sure you claim the full amount.

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Fees 5 min read

KiwiSaver fees explained – price, value and the after-fees test

What KiwiSaver fees actually pay for, why cheap isn't automatically better, how performance fees work, and the one habit that matters most – always judging returns after fees.

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First home 5 min read

Using KiwiSaver to buy your first home

Who qualifies, how much of your KiwiSaver you can withdraw, the First Home Grant, and the fund trap to avoid before you buy.

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Contributions 4 min read

KiwiSaver when you're self-employed

No employer match doesn't mean KiwiSaver isn't worth it. How self-employed Kiwis and contractors can set contributions, claim the Government top-up, and stay on track.

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Contributions 4 min read

Choosing your KiwiSaver contribution rate

3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% – what your KiwiSaver contribution rate actually changes, and how to pick a rate that's ambitious but still liveable.

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Funds 4 min read

Switching KiwiSaver providers – what actually happens

Switching KiwiSaver funds or providers is usually free, takes minutes to set up, and your money stays invested. Here's the step-by-step and the traps to avoid.

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Retirement 4 min read

KiwiSaver at 65 – your options

Turning 65 doesn't mean cashing out. Your choices at 65 – withdraw, stay invested, or draw a regular income – and how to make your balance last.

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Funds 5 min read

How KiwiSaver funds invest – asset classes and fund types explained

What's actually inside a KiwiSaver fund? The four main asset classes – cash, fixed interest, property and shares – and how conservative, moderate, balanced, growth and aggressive funds typically combine them.

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Contributions 4 min read

Understanding your PIR – the tax rate on your KiwiSaver returns

Your prescribed investor rate (PIR) decides how much tax you pay on KiwiSaver investment returns. The current rates and income thresholds, how to work yours out, and why the wrong PIR costs you money.

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Let's sort your KiwiSaver

No pressure and no jargon – just a friendly conversation about your KiwiSaver, your goals, and whether you're in the right fund.

Auckland-based · independent KiwiSaver advice