Are you set for the new year ahead?
If your life has changed, but your plan hasn’t… it’s probably not working as well as it should
Over the past year, have you experienced some kind of change?
A new home or property A new job. A shift in income. A family milestone. A home project. Or maybe just a feeling that you want some more clarity heading into 2026.
Your mortgage, insurance and KiwiSaver shouldn’t be “set and forget”. Small changes in your life can have a big impact on whether your financial setup is still working for you.
Here is your simple 3 Step Big Picture Check to help you feel confident heading into the New Year.
👉 Get Your 2026 Reset Checklist Here
(It’s a simple one-page guide you can save or print.)
PART 1 – Your Mortgage
Is your lending still the right fit for life?
As your goals, income, living situation and market condition change, the lending structure that once worked for you, may no longer be the best fit. A quick check in can help ensure you’re saving where you can, your lending is structured for success and you’re in the best position for the year ahead.
Ask yourself:
- Goals & Future plans: Have your goals changed for the new year in a way that your lending should too? Are you planning to sell, renovate, or make changes to your property or loan structure in the next few years?
- Flexibility: Would splitting your lending across different terms give you more certainty or options?
- Ownership: Is the ownership of your property likely to change?
(e.g – moving into a trust or company structure) - Timeframe: How long do you expect to hold the property?
Short term (1-3 years), medium (3-5 years), or long term (5+ years) - Extra funds: Do you have savings or surplus funds you’d like to use to reduce your loan balance before refixing?
- Financial changes: Has your income, expenses, or financial commitments changed (or is it likely to soon)? Do you know if you are eligible for a cash contribution?
- Other needs: Do you need new lending, or would consolidating other debts make things easier?
👉 If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to book in your mortgage review.
Let’s make sure your set up is still the smartest one for you.
PART 2 – Your Insurance
Is your cover a true reflection of your life?
If your circumstances look different from when your cover was first set up, there may be gaps, overlaps, or opportunities to improve your protection. A simple review can make sure everything still lines up.
Check in on:
- Assets & Property: Have you purchased, upgraded, sold, or changed any assets (home, contents, vehicles, business equipment) that may need cover?
- Property & Lending: Have you bought, sold, or renovated a home – or increased or decreased your mortgage or other debt levels?
- Family: Have there been any family changes – like having a child, getting married, separated, or blended families?
- Work & Income: Have you started or expanded a business, become self-employed, or had changes to your job or income?
- Health & Lifestyle: Have you (or your partner and family) had any health changes, stopped smoking, improved fitness, or started planning for retirement?
- Wealth & Goals: Have you received an inheritance, new assets, or investments that may change your financial position?
👉 If any of these changed this year, it’s time to review your cover.
Let’s make sure you’re protected properly without paying for things you don’t need.
PART 3 – Your KiwiSaver
Are you on track for the future you want?
Your KiwiSaver plays a major role in your long-term financial wellbeing, and your fund type, contributions and investment strategy should shift as you move through life. An annual check in helps ensure your money is working hard for you, and you’re on track for the future you want.
Check in on:
- Fund Type: Do you know what fund you are in? Has your life stage or risk comfort changed? Are you in a conservative fund when you should be in balanced or growth?
- Contributions: Are you contributing enough for the retirement you want? Could a small increase make a big difference to help you meet your retirement goals? Are you getting the full $260.72 government contribution?
- Fees & Plans: Is your return after fees competitive? Are you getting good value from the provider and fees you’re paying? Are you planning to buy in 2026 or 2027? And is your fund aligned with that timeframe?
👉 If you’re unsure on any of these, it’s time to book in a KiwiSaver review.
Let’s make sure your future wealth is growing in the smartest way possible.
A lot can change in a year – your situation, your goals, plans, your income, your family. A quick Big Picture Check now can set you up for a stronger, clearer start to 2026.
👉 If anything here made you pause or think, our team is here to help. A conversation with one of our advisers can give you clarity, confidence and a plan.
Ready to start the new year a foot ahead? Get in touch with our team for a zero-obligation chat and review
