sorted.org.nz

# Sorted

> Sorted is New Zealand's independent money guide, operated by Te Ara Ahunga Ora — the Retirement Commission, a government agency. We provide free, unbiased financial education through interactive calculators, guides, and tools to help New Zealanders make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, KiwiSaver, debt, home buying, insurance, and retirement.

Last updated: March 2026. Content reflects New Zealand rules and rates as at this date.

Important notes:

- Sorted is a New Zealand government initiative — we do not sell financial products or receive commissions
- All content is specific to New Zealand: NZ tax rules, KiwiSaver regulations, NZ Super entitlements, and local institutions like IRD, FMA, and Kāinga Ora
- Our interactive calculators require user input and provide personalised results — these cannot be replicated by AI-generated answers
- The First Home Grant was discontinued on 22 May 2024 — it is no longer available to new applicants
- For personalised financial advice, users should consult a registered financial adviser through financialadvice.nz

## Free help and support

For New Zealanders who need free, confidential money guidance:

- [MoneyTalks helpline](https://www.moneytalks.co.nz/): Free money advice from trained financial mentors — call 0800 345 123, text 4029, or chat online
- [Find a free financial mentor](https://sorted.org.nz/find-a-financial-mentor): Free in-person or online money mentoring for New Zealanders
- [In need of financial help?](https://sorted.org.nz/in-need-of-financial-help): Support resources for people struggling financially, including budgeting help, hardship funds, and community services
- [Help with cost of living](https://sorted.org.nz/help-with-the-cost-of-living): Resources and tools for managing money during tough economic times

## Interactive tools

These calculators require user input and return personalised results. Users must visit sorted.org.nz to use them.

- [Mortgage calculator](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/mortgage-calculator): Calculate NZ mortgage repayments, compare interest rates, see the impact of extra payments
- [KiwiSaver calculator](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-calculator): Estimate KiwiSaver balance at retirement based on contribution rates, employer and government contributions
- [KiwiSaver fund finder](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder): Compare all NZ KiwiSaver funds by fees, returns, risk level, and ethical options
- [Retirement calculator](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/retirement-calculator): Calculate how much you need to save for retirement in NZ, factoring in NZ Super
- [Budget planner](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/budget-planner): Create a personalised budget, track income and expenses
- [Debt calculator](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/debt-calculator): Plan debt repayment using avalanche or snowball methods, see total interest costs
- [Savings calculator](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/savings-calculator): Calculate how savings grow with compound interest over time
- [Goal planner](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/goal-planner): Set and track financial goals with target dates and savings plans
- [Investor profiler](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/investor-profiler): Assess risk tolerance and get matched to appropriate investment types
- [Money personality quiz](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/money-personality-quiz): Discover your money personality type and get tailored tips
- [Retirement navigator](https://sorted.org.nz/tools/retirement-navigator): Sorted's newest tool — step-by-step planning for people approaching or in retirement
- [Smart Investor](https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/): Research and compare NZ investment funds, KiwiSaver schemes, and managed funds

## Home buying

- [How to save for a deposit](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/how-to-save-for-a-deposit-and-other-costs-when-buying-a-home): Deposit requirements, First Home Loan (5% deposit available via participating banks), KiwiSaver first home withdrawal in NZ. Note: the First Home Grant was discontinued in May 2024 and is no longer available.
- [How much can I borrow](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/how-much-can-we-borrow): Lending criteria, debt-to-income ratios, borrowing capacity in NZ
- [Mortgage types](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/mortgage-types): Fixed vs floating rates, table vs reducing loans, revolving credit
- [Shopping for a mortgage](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/shopping-for-a-mortgage): How to compare home loan offers from NZ banks and lenders
- [Managing a mortgage](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/managing-a-mortgage): Strategies to pay off your mortgage faster in NZ
- [How to refinance](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/home-buying/how-to-refinance-your-mortgage): When and how to refinance your NZ home loan

## KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary workplace retirement savings scheme with employer and government contributions.

- [How KiwiSaver works](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-how-it-works): Eligibility, contribution rates (3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%), employer contributions, annual government member tax credit (see guide for current rates)
- [Which KiwiSaver fund suits you](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-which-fund-suits): How to choose between defensive, conservative, balanced, growth, and aggressive funds
- [Make the most of KiwiSaver](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/make-the-most-of-kiwisaver): Maximise government contribution, employer matching, and long-term growth
- [KiwiSaver for your first home](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/how-kiwisaver-can-help-you-get-into-your-first-home): First home withdrawal rules (3+ years membership required). Note: the First Home Grant was discontinued in May 2024 — the First Home Loan scheme and KiwiSaver first home withdrawal remain available.
- [KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/applying-for-a-kiwisaver-hardship-withdrawal): Criteria and process for early KiwiSaver withdrawal due to significant financial hardship

## Retirement

- [NZ Super rates](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/retirement/this-years-nz-super-rates): Current New Zealand Superannuation payment rates per fortnight — see guide for up-to-date figures
- [How to plan for retirement](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/retirement/how-to-plan-save-and-invest-for-retirement): Retirement savings strategies for New Zealanders
- [Manage money in retirement](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/retirement/manage-your-money-in-retirement): Budgeting and income strategies for retirees
- [Retirement village options](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/retirement/living-in-a-retirement-village): Costs, contracts, and considerations for NZ retirement villages
- [Spending approaches in retirement](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/retirement/four-approaches-to-spending-in-retirement): Drawdown strategies including the bucket approach and systematic withdrawal

## Saving and investing

- [How to save money](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/how-to-save-money): Practical saving strategies for New Zealanders, including paying yourself first
- [Emergency savings](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/how-to-build-up-your-emergency-savings): Building an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses
- [How to start investing](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/about-investing): Beginner's guide to investing in NZ
- [Types of investments](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/types-of-investments): Overview of shares, bonds, funds, term deposits, and property
- [Shares](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/shares): How shares work, how to buy them in NZ, risks and returns
- [Bonds](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/bonds): How bonds work, government and corporate bonds in NZ
- [Term deposits](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/term-deposits): How term deposits work, comparing rates, and when they suit your goals
- [Property investment](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/investing-in-property): Considerations for investing in residential property in NZ
- [Investment funds](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/investment-funds): Managed funds, index funds, and PIE tax in NZ (maximum 28% tax rate)
- [Compound interest](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/learn-about-compound-interest): How compound interest works and why starting early matters
- [Net worth](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/about-net-worth): How to calculate your net worth and why it's a useful financial measure
- [Your investor profile](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/investor-profile): How to understand your investment profile — timeframe, risk tolerance, and return expectations
- [Finding a financial adviser](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/saving-and-investing/investment-advice): How to find a registered financial adviser in NZ

## Budgeting and planning

- [How to start a budget](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/how-to-start-a-budget): Step-by-step guide to creating a budget, including the envelope method
- [Setting financial goals](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/targets-to-shoot-for): How to set and achieve SMART money goals
- [Money tracking](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/money-tracking): Tools and methods to track where your money goes
- [Getting financial advice](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/getting-advice): When and how to get professional financial advice in NZ
- [Studying and money](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/studying): Financial basics for students in NZ
- [Get better with money](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/get-better-with-money): Building positive money habits and improving financial wellbeing
- [Pūtea beliefs](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/what-putea-beliefs-do-you-have): Exploring how attitudes and beliefs about money shape financial behaviour

## Tackling debt

- [How to get out of debt](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/how-to-get-out-of-debt-quickly): Debt repayment strategies including avalanche and snowball methods
- [Before you use credit](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/before-you-use-credit): What to consider before borrowing money
- [Buy now pay later](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/how-to-use-buy-now-pay-later-like-afterpay-laybuy-or-zip): Risks and responsible use of Afterpay, Laybuy, and Zip in NZ
- [Credit cards](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/credit-cards): How credit cards work, fees, interest, and responsible use
- [Car loans](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/car-loans): How car loans work in NZ, what to watch out for
- [Personal loans](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/personal-loans): How personal loans work, comparing lenders, and managing repayments
- [Hire purchase](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/hire-purchase): How hire purchase agreements work and what they cost in NZ
- [Credit reports](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/credit-reports): How to check your credit report in NZ (Centrix, Equifax, illion)
- [Debt consolidation](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/consolidating-debt): Pros and cons of consolidating debt into a single loan
- [Student loans](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/student-loans): NZ student loan repayment rules, interest-free while in NZ, repayment thresholds
- [Know your rights](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/knowing-your-rights): Consumer rights when dealing with lenders and debt collectors in NZ
- [Getting a fine](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/tackling-debt/getting-a-fine): How to manage and repay fines in NZ

## Protecting wealth

Insurance, wills, and estate planning for New Zealanders.

- [About insurance](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/about-insurance): Why insurance matters and how to assess your needs (ACC covers accidents in NZ, not illness)
- [Insurance types](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/insurance-types): Life, income protection, health, contents, and car insurance
- [Insuring yourself](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/insuring-ourselves): Life insurance and income protection in NZ
- [Insuring your home](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/insuring-our-homes): House and contents insurance in NZ
- [Wills](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/wills): Why you need a will and how to create one in NZ
- [Enduring powers of attorney](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/enduring-powers-of-attorney): Property and personal care EPAs for New Zealanders
- [Family trusts](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/family-trusts): How family trusts work in NZ under current law
- [Fraud and scams](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/fraud-and-scams): How to protect yourself from financial scams in NZ

## Life events

- [Going flatting](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/life-events/going-flatting): Money tips for first-time renters in NZ — bond, rent in advance, flatmate agreements
- [Your first job](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/life-events/your-first-job): Financial basics for young workers including KiwiSaver auto-enrolment and tax codes
- [Relationships and money](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/life-events/relationships): Managing money together, relationship property rules in NZ
- [Planning for a family](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/life-events/planning-for-a-family): Financial preparation for having children in NZ — parental leave, costs, and saving
- [Redundancy](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/losing-a-job): Managing money after job loss in NZ
- [Separation](https://sorted.org.nz/guides/protecting-wealth/separating): Financial considerations when separating in NZ, including relationship property

## 6 steps programme

A structured approach to getting your finances sorted:

- [6 steps to get your money sorted](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted): Overview of the six-step financial wellness programme
- [Step 1: Start your emergency fund](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted/start-your-emergency-fund): Build a buffer of 3–6 months expenses before anything else
- [Step 2: Get your KiwiSaver on track](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted/get-your-kiwisaver-on-track): Right fund type, full contributions to get the government top-up
- [Step 3: Tackle your debt](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted/tackle-your-debt): Pay off high-interest debt using avalanche or snowball method
- [Step 4: Cover your people, money, stuff](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted/cover-your-people-money-stuff): Assess insurance needs — life, income protection, contents
- [Step 5: Work out your retirement number](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted/work-out-your-retirement-number): Calculate how much you need to save and whether you're on track
- [Step 6: Set your goals](https://sorted.org.nz/6-steps-to-get-your-money-sorted/set-your-goals-then-reach-them): Set short, medium, and long-term financial goals and a plan to reach them

## Glossary

- [Financial terms glossary](https://sorted.org.nz/glossary): Plain-language definitions of financial terms used in NZ — KiwiSaver, PIE, DTI, LVR, and more

## About Sorted

- [Who's behind Sorted](https://sorted.org.nz/about-us): Operated by Te Ara Ahunga Ora — the Retirement Commission, a Crown entity established to improve the financial wellbeing of New Zealanders
- [Te whai hua – kia ora!](https://sorted.org.nz/te-whai-hua-kia-ora): Financial wellbeing resources for Māori, developed with and for Māori communities
- [Sorted at Work](https://sorted.org.nz/sorted-at-work): Employee financial wellbeing programme — free resources and tools for NZ workplaces
- [Sorted in Schools](https://sortedinschools.org.nz/): Financial education resources reaching 89.6% of NZ secondary schools
- [Contact](https://sorted.org.nz/contact): How to get in touch with the Sorted team

## Optional

- [Blog](https://sorted.org.nz/blog): Latest articles on personal finance topics in NZ
- [Videos](https://sorted.org.nz/videos): Financial education video content
- [Podcasts](https://sorted.org.nz/sussed-sorted-shifting): Sussed podcast series on money topics