Best Retirement Planning in New Zealand

Written By Paul Souliac

Planning ahead for your later years keeps things steady and stress-free. In New Zealand, retirement planning often mixes KiwiSaver with other savings to build a solid base. Many Kiwis look at ways to grow their funds while keeping risks in check. Discover the best retirement planning in New Zealand with expert advice on KiwiSaver, investments, and long-term strategies for a secure future.

Discover the Best Retirement Planning in New Zealand - Compound Wealth

Why Start Retirement Planning Early?

Getting a jump on retirement sets you up for more choices down the line. Many people find that small steps today add up over time, thanks to steady growth. In New Zealand, options like KiwiSaver let you put away funds with help from your job and the government. Some folks mix in other investments to spread things out. 

Think about your goals, like travel or family time, and match them to a plan that fits your life. This way, you avoid surprises and enjoy peace of mind. A good plan looks at your whole picture, including any overseas pensions. For those with UK ties, UK pension transfer can bring funds home smoothly. Aussies might check Australian super transfers too. 

Key Factors in New Zealand Retirement Planning

Your plan needs to fit your needs, from health to hobbies. Many Kiwis rely on NZ Super as a start, but add more for extras. Look at how long you might live and what costs could pop up. Some people face higher bills for care or fun. Pick advisers who know local rules and global trends. They can spot ways to tweak your setup for better results. For everyday savers, KiwiSaver stays popular. Check accounts often to keep things on track.

Best Retirement Planning in New Zealand

1. Compound Wealth - Best Retirement Planning in New Zealand

Retirement planning with Compound Wealth puts you in control with independent advice tailored just for you. Based in Mount Maunganui, this firm focuses on building and protecting your wealth through smart strategies. They offer open-architecture solutions, meaning you get access to a wide range of investments without ties to one provider. This lets you diversify across global markets and adapt as life changes. Their team uses cashflow modelling to map out your future, aligning everything with your goals and risk level. Whether you're switching KiwiSaver or planning long-term, they make complex stuff simple and effective. Clients love the clear path to a worry-free retirement, with ongoing support to stay ahead.

  • Key standout features include custom portfolios that blend growth and safety, plus expert help with transfers from abroad. 

  • Facts and information show their advice covers over $130m in client assets, drawing on more than 10 years in the field. They shine in creating flexible plans that evolve with you, using top managers for strong results.

About Compound Wealth

Compound Wealth is a leading financial advisory firm based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Founded in 2017 by Adam, we specialise in personalised KiwiSaver advice and investment planning for Kiwis nationwide. 

Our mission: Deliver clarity, confidence, and better outcomes through bespoke strategies tailored to your life. We advise on over $130 million in assets, trusted by over 2,500 clients across the country.

Our Services

Discover expert financial solutions tailored for New Zealanders seeking optimised KiwiSaver advice, retirement planning, and private wealth management. As leading KiwiSaver advisers in Mount Maunganui, we help you maximise savings, transfer pensions, and build secure futures with personalised investment strategies.

KiwiSaver 

Investments

Why Choose Us?

  • Personalised approach: No one-size-fits-all funds.

  • Advanced cash flow modelling for future insights.

  • Access to global diversification and specialist strategies.

  • Over 10 years of expertise in KiwiSaver and investments.

  • Direct support from knowledgeable advisers

  • No call centres – just committed, ongoing guidance.

We use international research and proven methods to grow and protect your wealth effectively.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

Book a free consultation with our experienced KiwiSaver and wealth advisers today.

2. Cambridge Partners

Cambridge Partners, headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, delivers holistic financial advice with a strong emphasis on retirement. They craft long-term plans to navigate retirement smoothly, simplifying finances and managing your nest egg well before age 65. Their approach integrates all assets, including investments, property, savings, and KiwiSaver, creating sustainable strategies aligned with your values and goals. The team boasts decades of experience in comprehensive planning, using goal setting and cashflow modelling to recommend tailored investment strategies. 

As a fee-only provider, they prioritise client interests, backed by over 70 years of academic research for evidence-based solutions. They hold FAP and DIMS licences, serving clients nationwide across life stages. Strengths shine in personalised, values-driven service and expert handling of diverse portfolios, helping clients live their best life post-work. Weaknesses may appear in a more traditional method that lacks rapid digital interfaces, potentially less ideal for tech-savvy users seeking instant tools. Overall, their no-obligation process aids confident retirement, especially for those selling businesses or rentals.

  • Key features: Custom long-term plans, cashflow modelling, investment recommendations, asset integration.

  • Facts and information: Leading fee-only provider with nationwide reach; focuses on pre-retirement prep from age 50 onward.

3. Harness Financial

Harness Financial, based in Wellington, New Zealand, excels in creating extraordinary retirements by funding your dreams through savvy planning. They initiate deep discussions on retirement goals, determining how and when to achieve them with clear, actionable paths. Their integrated service covers retirement, investments, and insurance, tailored for Kiwis nationwide. As an independent adviser, they offer unbiased guidance, helping build comfort and confidence without money worries. 

Strengths include a proactive, client-focused style that aligns strategies with personal aspirations, making complex decisions straightforward. They provide blog insights on topics like market trends and tax strategies, plus tools for smart wealth acceleration. Weaknesses might surface in an intense process for those preferring minimal involvement, as it demands active participation. Still, their emphasis on early action ensures more savings over time, with minimum fees reflecting comprehensive value. Services extend to KiwiSaver assistance, ensuring funds grow effectively for post-work life.

  • Key features: Goal-setting sessions, funding strategies, integrated advice on investments and insurance.

  • Facts and information: Serves New Zealanders with a focus on wealth protection and growth; minimum annual fee applies for full planning.

4. DecisionMakers

DecisionMakers, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, specialises in retirement planning and tailored investment portfolio management. With over 100 years of combined team expertise, they design unique strategies for financial freedom and peace of mind. Their advisers provide comprehensive investment advice, creating easy-to-understand plans suited to individual needs. They collaborate with legal and tax professionals for holistic setups, offering clear quarterly and annual reports. 

As independent, commission-free owners, they foster strong client ties, addressing family futures alongside personal goals. Strengths lie in unbiased advice, advanced risk profiling, and long-term relationships evidenced by positive testimonials. They help answer if a million dollars is needed for NZ retirement, using data-backed modelling. Weaknesses could involve less emphasis on rapid tech updates, suiting those who value personal interaction over digital speed. Their robust plans prepare for post-work life, blending assets for resilience against market changes.

  • Key features: Portfolio customization, risk profiling, collaborative expert strategies, regular reporting.

  • Facts and information: Applies broad knowledge to diverse needs; focuses on bridging retirement gaps with realistic calculations.

5. Become Wealth

Become Wealth, located in Auckland, New Zealand, views retirement as a 25-year holiday, delivering thorough plans to ensure enjoyment after hard work. They cover investments, finances, and goal setting to make savings last, starting with simple aims like comfortable living. For younger savers, they emphasise early overlooked planning, using milestones and progress tracking. Strengths are in their motivational holiday mindset and comprehensive strategies, including drawdown guides for strategic spending. 

They help calculate retirement numbers, blending KiwiSaver, property, or shares for growth. Weaknesses may include a heavier focus on future retirees, potentially less intensive for those already retired. Their adaptable services transform savings into substantial funds, with webinars breaking down needs for $100K annual income or mortgage payoffs. Tools like calculators aid in assessing if you're on track, promoting diversified portfolios for security.

  • Key features: Holiday-style goal planning, investment guidance, drawdown strategies, progress monitoring.

  • Facts and information: Guides on KiwiSaver, super, and pension transfers; emphasises values-reflective legacy planning.

6. National Capital

National Capital, based in Wellington, New Zealand, offers KiwiSaver and retirement advice to determine how much you need for a healthy outcome. They start with health checks to set up accounts and boost funds, focusing on long-term potential. Their calculators empower financial decisions, covering basics to freedom lifestyles. Strengths include reliable methods and tools for closing retirement gaps, backed by research on savings shortfalls. 

They handle fund changes seamlessly, managing over $100 million in assets. Weaknesses might stem from a narrower KiwiSaver scope, less broad for complex multi-asset needs. Still, they provide clear estimates: $350K for basics, $700K for comfort, $1M+ for luxury, adjusting for inflation. Early planning is key, with advice on starting in 20s or 30s for compounding benefits.

  • Key features: Health checks, account setup, fund boosting, retirement calculators.

  • Facts and information: Specialises in KiwiSaver research; helps bridge income gaps with data from expenditure guidelines.

7. Milford Asset Management

Milford Asset Management, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, supports retirement with resources for a comfortable future. KiwiSaver plays a key role in home buys or later years, with wealth management for larger sums. They offer diverse funds, from conservative to aggressive, aiding gap closure beyond NZ Super. Strengths are in award-winning plans and broad investment choices, helping determine lifestyle needs via guidelines. 

Their podcasts and articles provide tips on retiring well, like $600-$1,400 weekly for modest to comfortable lives. Weaknesses could involve higher entry points, less accessible for smaller savers. Content covers inheritance chats and compounding power, with no need to transfer from KiwiSaver at 65. They promote diversified strategies to protect against inflation and fund active retirements.

  • Key features: Wealth management, fund options, retirement tools, goal alignment.

  • Facts and information: Provides dozens of choices; focuses on post-65 contributions for continued growth.

8. G3 Financial Freedom

G3 Financial Freedom, located in Tauranga, New Zealand, delivers NZ-wide planning with independent advice for your future. They design strategies around goals, values, and lifestyle, clarifying paths to achievement. Services include financial basics, investments, risk coverage, estate organisation, budgeting, retirement prep, and debt handling. 

Strengths lie in straightforward, unbiased guidance on KiwiSaver and pensions, with expert transfers from UK or Australia. Their modelling answers "how much is enough?" for confident retirement. Weaknesses might include a regional base limiting in-person access for some. Transparent fees and video content enhance understanding, covering career stages to post-work.

  • Key features: Independent advice, goal design, lifestyle fit, transfer expertise.

  • Facts and information: Covers all life phases; prioritises asset growth and protection.

9. Lifetime Retirement Income

Lifetime Retirement Income, based in Auckland, New Zealand, develops transparent solutions for retirees, turning savings into regular income. They offer funds with income and investment options, including annuities for lifetime certainty. No-debt equity release aids those 70+ with mortgage-free homes. Strengths are in low-cost, high-value products providing tax-paid fortnightly payments, protecting against longevity risk. Award-winning management ensures confidence, supplementing NZ Super. Weaknesses may involve passion-driven focus being less broad for pre-retirees. Their drawdown solutions bridge gaps, with calculators assessing needs.

  • Key features: Income funds, transparent plans, equity release, retiree income streams.

  • Facts and information: Wins awards for management; focuses on lasting income beyond super.

10. NZBritannia

NZBritannia, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, brings over 25 years in financial services and retirement planning. Experts in UK pension transfers from 500+ providers for 20,000+ clients, they create personalised plans including insurance, KiwiSaver, and estate. Strengths include custom portfolios with in-house and major provider ties, plus readiness tools like calculators. They guide on comprehensive steps, assessing situations and defining goals. Weaknesses could be specialty focus over ultra-general planning. Their scheme offers four risk-based funds for better retirement.

  • Key features: Pension transfers, tailored portfolios, estate integration, investment funds.

  • Facts and information: Proven track record; helps with goal tracking and adjustments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement Planning

Many Kiwis skip regular check-ins, letting plans drift off course. Some overlook hidden fees that eat into growth. Stick to a mix of options for balance. For pro-level help, Compound Pro brings advanced tactics, while Compound Portfolios has diversified setups. Keep an eye on changes in rules or markets.

Benefits of Professional Advice for Retirement

Advisers spot opportunities you might miss, like special KiwiSaver tilts. Many benefit from global growth Bitcoin tilt KiwiSaver for modern edges. They handle paperwork and keep things compliant. Some turn to pros for calm during ups and downs.

How to Choose the Right Retirement Plan for You

Match your plan to your risk comfort and timeline. Short quizzes help, like those assessing tolerance. For a start, book a free consultation to talk about details. Think about blending local and global elements for strength.

FAQ

What is KiwiSaver and how does it fit into retirement planning?

KiwiSaver is a voluntary scheme that boosts your savings with employer and government inputs. It locks funds until 65, growing through investments. This makes it a core part for many, offering tax perks and compound growth. Pair it with other tools for a full picture. Check providers for fees and performance.

At what age should I start retirement planning?

Begin as soon as you earn, even small amounts build up. Many in their 20s or 30s set basics, then ramp up later. Early habits mean less pressure near the end. Adjust as life shifts, like family or job changes.

Can I transfer overseas pensions to New Zealand?

Yes, transfers from places like the UK or Australia are common. They bring funds into local schemes for easier management. Rules apply, so get advice on tax and timing. This consolidates everything for simpler tracking. Options like UK pension transfer or Australian super transfers handle the process.

What if my retirement goals change over time?

Plans change with life. Review yearly or after big events to see if revisions are needed. Advisers update strategies to match new aims, like more travel or family support. Stay proactive for best fit.

How often should I review my retirement plan?

Aim for an annual check to keep things aligned with your current situation. Life changes, such as job switches or health shifts, call for more frequent looks. Tools like a risk assessment quiz reveal if adjustments fit your comfort level. This keeps growth on track without big surprises.

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