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Understanding KiwiSaver: A Complete Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about KiwiSaver - how it works, choosing funds, and maximizing your returns for retirement.
24 Feb 20263 min read
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Fat Pocket Blog
Financial education and insights for New Zealand investors.
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Personal Finance
Why the big banks have stopped competing on mortgage rates
New Zealand's major lenders have converged on almost identical fixed mortgage rates, with little incentive to undercut each other while the housing market sits in its winter quiet period.
1 Jul 20264 min read
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IRD's debt collectors are getting more active. What you need to know
Inland Revenue is collecting more overdue tax than it was a year ago, with a crackdown on PAYE, GST and student loan debt. The consistent advice from IRD and tax advisers alike: if you owe money, make contact first.
1 Jul 20264 min read
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Can the government take your KiwiSaver? What the rules actually say
A reader asked whether New Zealanders should worry about the government accessing their KiwiSaver savings in a financial crisis. The short answer is no — but the conversation raises a few other things worth understanding about the scheme.
30 Jun 20264 min read
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Who is actually poor in New Zealand? The numbers behind the headline
A new report from NZ's social service charities puts the number of people in material hardship at 473,000 — and shows how the structure of the benefit system can sometimes keep people trapped. Here is what the data actually says.
30 Jun 20264 min read
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Why pocket money is one of the best financial lessons a child can get
Children often spend their pocket money within minutes of receiving it. That frustration parents feel is understandable — but financial educators say it may actually be one of the most useful things that can happen.
30 Jun 20264 min read
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Fixed mortgage rates: why the gap between short and long terms has widened
One-year rates have dropped to around 4.65% at major banks, while four-year terms sit near 5.39%. Here's what is behind the divergence — and why some economists say short-term fixing may offer better value right now.
29 Jun 20264 min read
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Student loan interest: how $30,000 becomes $120,000 over 20 years
New Zealand student loans charge 5.6% interest per year, with penalties of 9.6% compounded daily when borrowers fall behind. Here's how the numbers work.
29 Jun 20263 min read
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Supermarket loyalty data: what Consumer NZ's warning means for shoppers
Consumer NZ is raising concerns that supermarket loyalty programmes collect enough data to enable personalised pricing. Here's what the watchdog is worried about — and what the supermarkets say in response.
29 Jun 20264 min read
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First-home buyers now the largest cohort in NZ's soft property market
While property sales fall nationwide, first-home buyers are increasingly active, making up a record 27.7 percent of all purchases as competition from investors and upsizers eases.
26 Jun 20263 min read
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How KiwiSaver can give children a significant financial head start
Starting KiwiSaver early for children can leverage compounding growth to build a substantial nest egg, with experts highlighting the benefits of time and consistent contributions.
26 Jun 20263 min read
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National's proposed solar loan scheme: how it compares to what banks offer
National is promising a Home Energy Fund to help homeowners install solar without upfront costs — but how does it stack up against the green loans already available from banks?
26 Jun 20263 min read
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KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals: why the process itself adds to the stress
Over 5000 KiwiSaver members withdrew their savings for hardship in May — but those navigating the process say the paperwork and lender negotiations themselves become an additional source of strain.
25 Jun 20263 min read
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