Are You in the Right KiwiSaver Fund?

Investments KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver is often something we set up once and then leave running in the background. Contributions continue to go in, statements arrive, and it can be easy to assume everything is on track.

But the fund that suited you when you joined may not necessarily be the right fund for you today.

Your income, goals, stage of life and attitude towards investment risk can all change over time. KiwiSaver providers and funds also change, which is why it is worth reviewing your position regularly.

More Than Just Choosing a Provider

Being in the right KiwiSaver fund is not simply about finding the provider with the highest recent return.

The right choice depends on factors such as:

• How long you expect your money to remain invested
• Whether you are saving for retirement or a first home
• How comfortable you are with changes in your balance
• The mix of assets held by the fund
• The fees you are paying
• The fund manager’s approach and track record
• Whether the fund still aligns with your wider financial plans

Someone approaching retirement may have very different needs from someone with another 30 years to invest. Even two people of the same age may require different strategies depending on their circumstances and goals.

How We Compare KiwiSaver Funds

At Hallam Jones, we use Kiwimonster as part of our KiwiSaver research and advice process.

Kiwimonster is an independent research and comparison tool designed for financial advisers. It allows us to compare KiwiSaver funds across a range of information, including fees, performance, investment mix, and details about the fund and its manager.

This gives us a broader picture than looking at a single return figure or relying on marketing material from an individual provider.

The research helps us narrow down the available options, but the tool does not make the decision. We combine that information with what we know about you, including your goals, timeframe, circumstances and tolerance for risk.

Performance Is Only Part of the Picture

It can be tempting to choose a KiwiSaver fund based on whichever one performed best last year. The problem is that short-term performance can change quickly, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

A strong comparison considers how a fund has behaved across different market conditions, the level of risk taken to achieve its returns, the fees charged, and whether its investment approach suits you.

The aim is not to chase the latest top-performing fund. It is to make a considered decision that you can remain comfortable with through the normal ups and downs of investing.

When Should You Review Your KiwiSaver?

It may be time for a review if:

• You have never received personalised KiwiSaver advice
• You are unsure which type of fund you are in
• Your balance has grown significantly
• Your income or contribution level has changed
• You are planning to use KiwiSaver for your first home
• You are getting closer to retirement
• Your circumstances or financial goals have changed
• You chose your fund based mainly on recent performance

Even if nothing obvious has changed, a regular review can confirm whether your current fund remains appropriate.

A Better-Informed KiwiSaver Decision

KiwiSaver may become one of your largest financial assets, so it deserves more than a set-and-forget approach.

Good advice brings together independent research and an understanding of your individual circumstances. Tools such as Kiwimonster help us compare the market carefully, while our role is to help you understand the options and choose an approach that fits your life.

If you are unsure whether you are in the right KiwiSaver fund, talk to the team at Hallam Jones. We can review your current position and help you make a well-informed decision about what comes next.

This article provides general information only and is not intended as personalised financial advice. KiwiSaver returns can rise and fall, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

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