Spring is the season of renewal. Just as we open the windows, clear out clutter, and give our homes a fresh start, it’s also the perfect time to review your financial life. A simple “spring clean” can help you spot small changes that add up to a healthier financial future.

Here are some areas to consider:

Dust off your budget

Take a fresh look at where your money is going. Start by reviewing the last few months of bank statements to see patterns in your spending. Are there services, memberships, or subscriptions you no longer use? Could you change service providers for your internet or insurance to free up a little extra? Add up how much you really spend on café and takeaway food and drink—you might be surprised. Even small adjustments can release money you could direct toward savings or debt repayment. A budget isn’t about restriction — it’s about clarity and choice.

Review your KiwiSaver

Your KiwiSaver account is one of the most important tools for your financial future, whether that’s buying a first home or preparing for retirement. Take time this spring to check:

• Are you still in a default scheme and not contributing? You could be missing out on growth opportunities and employer contributions.
• Are your contribution settings right? Increasing from 3% to 4% or 6% could add up to thousands more over time, especially with employer and government contributions.
• Is your fund the right fit? Consider whether your fund type aligns with your stage of life, financial goals, and appetite for risk. For example, younger members may prefer a more growth orientated fund, while those nearing retirement may prefer to take a more conservative approach.

Build or boost your emergency fund

An emergency fund provides breathing space when life throws unexpected expenses your way, including car repairs, medical bills, or appliance breakdowns. If you don’t already have one, start small: saving up $500 over time can make a big difference. If you already do have an emergency fund, consider topping it up toward the common target of three to six months’ expenses. Try:

• Rounding up purchases into savings if your bank offers the feature.
• Adding an extra $10 to your power or rates payments to build a buffer.
• Automating a weekly transfer into a separate account labelled “emergency fund” so it’s less tempting to dip into.

“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” (Proverbs 21:20)

Refresh your goals

Financial goals work best when they’re clear and specific. Instead of “I want to save more,” try “I will save $2000 by Christmas” or “I will increase my KiwiSaver contributions by 1% this year.”

Writing them down and checking progress regularly keeps motivation high. Goals can also shift with life seasons – perhaps you’re focusing on debt repayment now, but will shift to first-home savings or retirement planning in future.

Tidy up paperwork and passwords

A financial spring clean isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s also about organisation. Gather important documents such as insurance policies, wills, and superannuation statements into one safe place (physical or digital).

Update your account passwords and ensure a trusted family member knows how to access key information in an emergency. This step may feel small, but it creates peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Fresh habits for a brighter future

Small, intentional steps can bring clarity and momentum to your financial life. This spring, take time to pause, review, and reset. You might be surprised at how much lighter and more in control you feel when your finances are in order.

The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board trading as Anglican Financial Care is the manager and issuer of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund and The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund. Product Disclosure Statements and Fund Updates are available on the Documents page of the AFC website (Pension Fund and The Retire Fund) and https://christiankiwisaver.nz/documents/ (Christian KiwiSaver Scheme).

Teaching children about money is just as important as teaching them to read or ride a bike. Financial wisdom is a life skill that will set them up for the future. As parents, grandparents, or mentors, we have the opportunity to give the next generation a head start. By weaving in Christian principles like stewardship and generosity, we can help kids develop not only good money habits but also important values.

Here are five practical tips to teach the young ones in your life about money:

1. Start a saving habit early

Encourage kids to save first before they spend. Younger children can still use a clear jar or piggy bank to see their progress, but you could also try a savings app designed for kids. Apps like SquareOne (New Zealand-based) let children set goals, track savings digitally, and learn in a way that feels natural in today’s world.

Help them set a goal – like saving for a toy or outing – and celebrate when they reach it. This shows that small, steady steps add up over time.

“Little by little, the bird builds its nest” French proverb.

The key is to make saving feel rewarding, not restrictive.

2. Teach the difference between needs and wants

Kids often think they “need” the latest gadget. Use that moment to talk about the difference between what’s necessary, like food or school supplies, and what’s optional.

A simple way is to list items under “Needs” and “Wants.”

For teens, this can lead to conversations about budgeting: making sure essentials are covered before spending on extras. These lessons guide children to make thoughtful choices and appreciate what they have.

3. Pocket money and budgets

Link pocket money to effort, such as helping with chores or small jobs. This teaches that money is earned, not just handed out.

Once kids have money of their own, introduce a simple budget method – like three accounts for Saving, Spending, and Giving. For example, a child might put $5 in savings, $4 in spending, and $1 in giving from a $10 allowance.  Tithing (giving one tenth of our earnings to church and charity) can be a guide to measure our generosity against.

“Every tithe of the land … is the Lord’s” Leviticus 27:30

This system builds planning skills and helps children experience the value of saving and sharing, while still enjoying some treats along the way.

4. Encourage generosity and gratitude

One of the most important lessons is that money can be used to help others. Encourage your child to set aside a small portion of their pocket money for church, a charity, or a cause they care about.

Talk about why we give: because God has given so much to us. Model generosity yourself and involve them where you can – whether it’s contributing to your church, or supporting a local appeal. These moments remind children that money is not just for ourselves but a tool to bless others.

5. Open a KiwiSaver account

Children can join KiwiSaver, and starting early gives their savings decades to grow. Even small contributions can turn into something significant thanks to the power of compounding.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is designed with families in mind – there are no fees for members under 18. That means every dollar invested works for your child’s future. It’s also an opportunity to talk about investing with values, since Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is managed according to Christian principles.

Opening a KiwiSaver account for a child is simple and can be one of the most meaningful gifts you give them – teaching stewardship and providing a head start for their adult years.

Growing wise stewards

Teaching kids about money doesn’t require big lessons or perfect timing. Everyday life offers plenty of opportunities – whether it’s pocket money, a shopping trip, or saving for something special.

Keep it positive and practical, and remember that children often learn most by watching us.

By passing on simple money skills and framing them with faith, we equip the next generation to become wise, generous, and responsible stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund, and the New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund is managed and issued by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (trading as Anglican Financial Care). The Product Disclosure Statement can be found here Documents | Christian KiwiSaver Scheme.

At Anglican Financial Care, our commitment to our members goes beyond helping them save for retirement. When life takes an unexpected turn, we aim to provide support as a way of walking alongside our members during times of illness, uncertainty, and change.

Every year in New Zealand, thousands of people are told: “You have cancer.” These words can turn life upside down. For those individuals and their whānau, the journey ahead can be challenging not only; medically and emotionally, but financially as well.

A serious illness can affect more than just your health. It can limit your ability to work, disrupt your daily routines, and create financial stress. In these moments, having options and knowing support is available can offer real peace of mind. How Anglican Financial Care supports members facing serious illness

For members of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and of other schemes through Anglican Financial Care, we offer several ways to help ease financial stress during a health crisis:

No matter which of our schemes you belong to, Anglican Financial Care is here to support you. We offer a range of options that may help ease financial pressure during a serious illness, because when life gets difficult, we believe no one should face it alone.

1. Accessing savings through ‘Serious Illness Withdrawal’

If you are facing a serious illness such as cancer or another condition, you may be eligible to apply for a Serious Illness Withdrawal from your account. This option is available to members of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and some members of the Pension Fund.

To be eligible, the condition or illness must either permanently affect your ability to work or pose a serious and imminent risk to your life.

If you qualify, this type of withdrawal may allow you to access some or all of your retirement savings early. These funds can provide vital breathing space when you’re unable to work or facing unexpected medical bills.

It’s important to know that this option is available only for those who meet strict criteria, as confirmed by a medical professional. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact our team – we’re here to guide you through the process.

2. Financial hardship withdrawal options

If your illness causes significant financial pressure, but you don’t meet the threshold for a Serious Illness Withdrawal, you may be able to apply for a Significant Financial Hardship Withdrawal. This can provide early access to your savings to help cover essential living costs or medical expenses.

3. Mortgage support

If you hold a mortgage through Anglican Financial Care, we can work with you to ease your financial commitments. Adjusting your repayment terms or exploring other options can provide much-needed relief when your focus needs to be on your health.

4. Financial assistance grants and loans

Financial assistance is available to eligible Anglican clergy, their widows, widowers, and dependents to help cover costs such as medical treatment, travel for healthcare, or essential living expenses during times of hardship.

Every request is handled individually, with compassion and confidentiality.

5. Guidance and support

While we cannot provide you with financial advice around your insurance needs, we can listen, understand, and help you navigate your options, within your personal AFC product.

At AFC, you’re never just a number. Our team is here to walk alongside you, providing care and someone to speak to, when you need it most.

Reflecting on community and care

Days like Daffodil Day, held annually in August by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, remind us of the importance of standing together. Daffodil Day makes us think how we can each show up for people facing serious illness, whether through donations, encouragement, or practical support.

At Anglican Financial Care, this belief in walking alongside others is woven into everything we do. Serious illness can feel isolating, but with the right support, no one has to face it alone.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund, and the New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund is managed and issued by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (trading as Anglican Financial Care). The Product Disclosure Statement can be found here Documents | Christian KiwiSaver Scheme.