Insurance

Top 3 small financial moves that paid off for Kiwi families last year

2 MIN READ 21/01/2026
Peter Franklin, one of our Haven advisers, worked with many Kiwi families last year.

So we asked him: “What small steps actually made a big difference for people in 2025 that can it be applied in 2026?”

Here’s what Peter shared with us…

1. Reviewing financial goals for the new year

Most people set up their finances once, then never look again until something breaks. The families who felt confident put an action for the new year to check:

Does my insurance still match my life?
Is my mortgage working for me?
Is my KiwiSaver fund right for how far I am from retirement?

Why it worked: These small check-ins help you stay on track – and avoid surprises later in the year. Drop an email to your Haven adviser today and book a meeting to chat through your financial goals for the new year.

2. Plan for “What if?

Before making any big financial decisions, ask: What if things don’t go perfectly? Can I afford my mortgage if rates increase? What if I got sick and couldn’t work for nine months? What if I lose my job?

Write down three scenarios:
Best case
Most likely
If things get tough

If your plan still works in all three, you’re in a good spot. If not, that’s where a quick chat with your adviser can make a big difference. This takes 20 minutes and changes everything!

3. Stay connected to your financial adviser

Some of the best outcomes came from clients just staying in touch – instead of meeting your Haven adviser once, keep the conversation going. Mention when life changes, a new job, looking to upgrade your house, planning for another child.

Top tip: Reply to those adviser check-ins. Even a short update can lead to a smart tweak that saves you money or protects your future.


If you’d like to chat through these small financial moves to kickstart your financial goals for the new year, get in touch with your Haven adviser or email us at contact.us@haven.co.nz.


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