Insurance, KiwiSaver, and money. In plain English.
Short, useful articles from the Smiths advisers — the same notes we share with clients when something changes in the NZ market or a common question comes up.
You've Received an Inheritance in NZ: What to Do With a Lump Sum in 2026
An inheritance is not taxed on receipt in NZ, but what you do with it matters. A clear 2026 plan for debt, mortgage, KiwiSaver, investing and keeping it separate.
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What to Do Financially When a Partner Dies in NZ: The First Steps for Money, KiwiSaver and Claims
A plain NZ adviser guide to the money side of losing a partner: what to do in the first 90 days, how to claim on life insurance, what happens to their KiwiSaver, who to notify, and the support available including the Funeral Grant and NZ Super.
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When Can You Retire in NZ? A Readiness Checklist (2026)
NZ Super starts at 65, but eligible and able to afford it are two different questions. Here is a 7-point readiness checklist plus how to bridge the gap if you want to stop work earlier.
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When Should You See a Financial Adviser in NZ? 12 Life Events That Trigger Advice (2026)
The 12 life events that should trigger a conversation with a financial adviser in NZ, what an adviser actually does, and when you can safely DIY.
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When to Switch KiwiSaver Funds in NZ (2026): Good Reasons and Bad Reasons
Switching KiwiSaver funds can be the right move or a costly reaction. The good reasons to switch, the one bad reason that locks in losses, and how often to review.
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Why Health Insurance Premiums Keep Rising in NZ (2026) and What You Can Do
NZ medical inflation hit 14.5% in 2025, and that flows straight into your renewal. Here is what actually drives a health insurance premium increase — claims inflation and age-banding — and the levers that can cut cost without losing the cover you have.
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The Women's Retirement Gap in NZ: Why Women Retire With Less and How to Close It
Women in NZ retire with materially less than men: KiwiSaver balances average $34,185 for women versus $42,664 for men, a gap of about 25%. Here is why it exists, where it is widest, and practical steps to close it.
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Working Past 65 in NZ: Can You Get NZ Super and a Salary at the Same Time?
You can draw NZ Super and keep earning a wage — Super is not income-tested, so a job does not reduce it. What changes is your tax code, your end-of-year position and your KiwiSaver. Here is how Super, salary and tax fit together past 65.
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Are You in the Wrong KiwiSaver Fund? Conservative vs Growth (NZ, 2026)
Conservative funds returned 4.1% a year over the past decade; growth funds 7.8%. For a long-horizon saver that gap compounds into six figures. Here is a 60-second self-check.
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The Importance of Medical Insurance in New Zealand
Rising healthcare costs and longer public wait times have made medical insurance more essential than ever.
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Why a Personal Risk Review Matters in NZ Right Now
With most New Zealanders still struggling with the cost of living, there will never be a better time to review your Personal Risk Covers. A lot can change in a year, let alone over several years.
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Holiday security checklist for your house, contents and vehicle insurance
With Christmas and the holiday period fast approaching, now is the time to make sure your covers are in place.
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The Real Risks of Switching Insurance Providers
Changing insurance providers can look simple on the surface. A new premium, a fresh policy document, and the promise of a better deal. But insurance is not just about price.
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Simple Adjustments to Build your Wealth with the Right KiwiSaver Fund
Selecting the right investment fund is crucial to achieving your financial goals. In KiwiSaver, the main question is not just how much risk you can handle, but how long the money can stay invested before you need it.
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Safeguard Your Business From Every Angle
If you are running your own business, you are not just trying to make sales and keep customers happy. You are also carrying legal, financial, and practical risks every day.
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Why Income Insurance Matters More Than You Think
Ask yourself a simple question: what is your biggest asset, your house or your earning potential? For most people, the house feels obvious because it is visible, it has a market value, and it is usually insured.
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House insurance is not about the land
Is your home insured correctly? Have you insured your house for what you paid for it, what you think the market value is, or what the Government Valuation says? If you did, then you most likely are overpaying your premium.
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KiwiSaver Government Contributions: Don’t Leave Free Money in Your Account
Remember the end of June is the deadline to contribute to your KiwiSaver account if you want to receive $260.72 of Government money. That is not a bonus, a prize, or a special offer from a fund provider.
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KiwiSaver: Don’t Leave the Government Contribution on the Table
Many New Zealanders leave real money on the table by not engaging with KiwiSaver, whether by sitting out of the scheme, not contributing regularly, or missing the annual Government contribution. The fix is simpler than most people think: make sure you claim the Government contribution every year.
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Trauma Cover and Personal Insurance, why the numbers matter in real life
Trauma cover is designed to pay a lump sum if you suffer one of the serious medical events covered by your policy, such as cancer, a heart attack, or stroke. It does not replace treatment, and it does not fix the health problem itself.
Read articleWhy home insurance under-insurance still catches too many NZ homeowners out
In New Zealand, under-insurance is still a common problem. Research has found a large share of homes are under-insured, often by a significant margin. Making sure your sum insured reflects today's rebuild costs is one of the most important checks you can do.
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