The three levers
A useful KiwiSaver review starts with the provider, the fund setting, and the contribution rate. The right answer depends on timeframe, comfort with ups and downs, and whether first-home use is likely.
- Provider and fund type explain how the money is invested.
- Contribution rate controls how quickly the balance compounds.
- First-home and retirement goals decide how much risk is sensible.
Preferences matter too
Some clients care about responsible investing, a strong app, fund choice, large-provider comfort, or New Zealand ownership. Those preferences should be captured without overwhelming the fact find.
- Capture preferences as simple sliders or choices.
- Show trade-offs clearly before advice is issued.
- Reuse the same risk profile for investment conversations where appropriate.