Am I in the right fund?

It depends on your age, your goals and when you'll need the money. Someone saving for a first home in two years may need a different fund from someone saving for retirement in 30. We can review yours and talk you through your options.

Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home?

In most cases, yes. If you've been a member for at least three years, you may be able to withdraw most of your savings, leaving a small amount in your account. Other conditions apply, so talk to us before you start house hunting.

How much should I be contributing?

There's no one right answer. It depends on your budget and your goals. We'll help you find a level that works for you now and sets you up for later.

Can I change my KiwiSaver provider or fund?

Yes, you can switch at any time. We'll help you compare options so you can make an informed decision.

Do you charge for KiwiSaver advice?

We don't usually charge for our advice. We're paid by the KiwiSaver provider. You can find full details in our disclosure statement.

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KiwiSaver Mortgage Insurance Retirement

Redefining retirement: Planning for the in-between years

September 11, 2026

Retirement is often thought of as a single moment.

One day you are working, and the next you are retired. For some people, that is still the case. But for many, retirement is becoming more gradual.

Instead of stopping work all at once, people may reduce their hours, shift into consulting, start part-time work, volunteer, or take on different responsibilities.

This creates an in-between stage that can be just as important to plan for as retirement itself.

Retirement can happen gradually

A gradual transition can offer flexibility.

Some people continue working because they enjoy it. Others do so to maintain income, stay connected, or ease into a different lifestyle.

This can affect when savings are accessed, how much income is needed, and how long retirement funds may need to last.

Income may come from several places

During the in-between years, income may come from a mix of sources.

This could include employment income, part-time work, NZ Super, KiwiSaver, personal investments, rental income, or savings.

Each source may have different timing, tax, investment, and access considerations.

Spending may also change

Spending in this stage can be different from both full-time working life and full retirement.

Some costs may reduce, such as commuting. Others may increase, such as expenditure on travel, hobbies, home improvements, or supporting family.

Because spending patterns can change, it can be useful to revisit assumptions rather than relying on a fixed retirement budget.

Investment decisions still matter

Retirement planning does not end when someone stops full-time work.

Investment settings, withdrawal rates, timeframes, and risk levels can all remain important.

For those still partly working, there may be more flexibility around when and how investment funds are used. For others, investment income may become more important sooner.

Planning for flexibility

The in-between years can be positive, but they can also be uncertain.

Health, employment, family needs, and market conditions can all change. A plan that allows for some flexibility may help people adjust as circumstances evolve.

This may include thinking about how much cash to keep available, when to access KiwiSaver, how investments are structured, and how spending may change over time.

A transition, not just a date

Retirement is not always a single date on the calendar.

For many people, it is a transition made up of several decisions about work, income, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

A financial adviser can help provide structure around these decisions and help people understand how different choices may affect their wider retirement plan.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.