5 simple money tips to teach kids

5 simple money tips to teach kids

by | 16 Sep, 2025 | Financial Planning, General, Investment, KiwiSaver

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.

Giving Our Young People a Strong Financial Start – Without Sacrificing Our Own Security

Giving Our Young People a Strong Financial Start – Without Sacrificing Our Own Security

by | 1 Sep, 2025 | Financial Planning, General, KiwiSaver

We all want the best for our children, nieces, nephews, and young people we care about. Watching them grow from toddlers to teens to independent adults is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s no secret that the journey can be expensive. While we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, there’s a fine balance between giving them a great start and protecting our own financial wellbeing.

So how do we support their future without putting undue pressure on our own finances? Depending on the age of your young ones, we have a simple strategy across the ages. These small steps don’t require deep pockets, and they’ll ease the financial pressure on you later on too.

👶 Under 5s
We can all get caught up buying endless toys, which are fun for a while, but then break or get passed on. Instead, consider starting a “parent and grandparent fund.”

Open a savings account and invite loved ones to contribute a small monthly amount. Over time, this can grow into a meaningful fund for school costs, a laptop, or even university fees. If you’re able, set up a KiwiSaver account for them and put in some money each month, for a powerful head start towards their first home.

🧒 Ages 10–14
Kids at this age crave independence. Channel that energy by encouraging small chores for pocket money. Let them help set the rates, to teach negotiation, build a good savings habit, and understand the value of effort. They’ll begin to understand that money doesn’t just “appear,” and that their time and skills have worth. In the years ahead, they’ll be grateful they began early and had the freedom to make thoughtful spending choices.

👦 Ages 14–16
Now’s the time to support their first job. Maybe dishwashing at a café or helping a neighbour with gardening. These experiences build confidence, teach workplace etiquette, and help them understand employment basics like contracts and pay. Early work experience also boosts their chances of landing jobs after school or uni. The’ll also love the ‘pay rise’ from their previous pocket money!

🧑 Over 16s
Before they leave school, help them master the basics of money management. Help them set up two bank accounts for themselves: one for spending, one for saving. Encourage goals like keeping a few hundred dollars in the spending account as a buffer, and to transfer a small amount to savings each month. Teach them to compare interest rates and understand compound growth. If they want a credit card, and you believe they are ready for one, start with a low limit and stress the importance of paying it off monthly.

💡 The Long View
These small steps may seem modest now, but they compound over time. By the time your young person is ready to leave home, they’ll be equipped with financial confidence, discipline, and a sense of independence, all without compromising your own financial future.

Let’s raise financially savvy young adults, together.

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).

Is Your Life Reflecting What Truly Matters?

Is Your Life Reflecting What Truly Matters?

by | 11 Aug, 2025 | Financial Planning, General, Life after 65

At any point in life, it’s natural to pause and question the rhythm of your days—how you spend your time, where your money goes, and whether those choices reflect your values. It’s easy to slip into autopilot, checking off tasks and chasing goals without asking: Is this the life I want to be building?

When you slow down long enough to ask that question, money inevitably enters the conversation. How you earn, spend, save, or give often mirrors deeper values and unconscious patterns. Understanding where your beliefs about money come from can be surprisingly empowering.

Money behaviours don’t emerge in a vacuum. They’re shaped by early experiences. Perhaps you witnessed financial hardship and vowed never to feel that stress again. Or maybe money was always available, and you came to see it as something that would never run out. These imprints influence how you make decisions today.

Exploring your money mindset isn’t about judgement, it’s about clarity. By uncovering the roots of your financial beliefs, you can reshape your relationship with money to better serve your life’s purpose.

A powerful read on this topic is The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist. She challenges the idea that fulfilment comes from endless abundance and introduces the concept of sufficiency, the quiet confidence that what you have is enough. That shift in mindset moves you from scarcity to purpose, making your spending a reflection of your values.

Ask yourself: If you won the lottery tomorrow, how would your life change? Would you need millions to be happy, or would a simpler sum bring the same joy and peace? If your answer leans toward “life would mostly stay the same, just with more choices,” you’re already aligning your values with your financial reality.

This perspective is valuable at any age, from young adults forging their path to retirees downsizing with intention. When you shift focus from chasing more to choosing what matters, life begins to feel lighter. You stop reacting and start creating.

This isn’t just financial advice, it’s life advice. Because meaning isn’t found in income brackets. It’s found in the quiet assurance that your choices, both with time and money, reflect what you truly care about.

The article above is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Please seek advice from a qualified financial adviser when making decisions about your financial situation.

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://www.christiankiwisaver.nz/documents/ (Christian KiwiSaver Scheme).

Walking alongside you through serious illness

Walking alongside you through serious illness

by | 11 Aug, 2025 | Financial Planning, General, Investment, KiwiSaver

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.

KiwiSaver for teens. Small start, big future.

KiwiSaver for teens. Small start, big future.

by | 4 Aug, 2025 | Financial Planning, Investment, KiwiSaver

When you’re a teenager, retirement feels a lifetime away. And it is. But what if your future self could thank you for something you did today? That’s the power of starting KiwiSaver early.

If you’re a parent helping your teenager navigate their first part-time job and the start of financial independence, now’s the perfect time to talk about KiwiSaver. It could be one of the most meaningful financial decisions you make together.

Here’s what you need to know about starting young, and why joining a values-aligned scheme like Christian KiwiSaver Scheme can give your teen a powerful head start.

Yes, teenagers can join KiwiSaver, and many already have

Teenagers aged 13-17 can join KiwiSaver with a parent or guardian’s consent. It won’t happen automatically when they start a job (that only kicks in at 18), but with a simple application through a provider like Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, your teen can open their account and begin their savings journey.

There are around 190,000 people under 18 already in KiwiSaver. From 1 July 2025, there’s even more reason to join. Teens aged 16–17 will now qualify for the government’s annual top-up of $260, provided they contribute just over $20 per week.

And, from 1 April 2026, employers will also be required to contribute to KiwiSaver for 16–17-year-old employees, as long as the teen is enrolled and contributing. It’s a major step forward in helping younger Kiwis build lifelong saving habits.

“Whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” — from Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)

How compound interest works

Let’s break it down with a simple example:

According to Sorted, if 15-year-old Tui puts $10 a week into her KiwiSaver account and it earns an average return of 5% per year (after fees and tax), by the time she’s 65 she could have around $110,000.

If she waits until she’s 25 to start saving the same amount, she’d end up with only about $63,000.

That’s a $47,000 difference just by starting 10 years earlier. It’s not about how much you contribute at the start; it’s about how long your money has to grow.

That’s compound interest in action; Money earning money while you sleep. The earlier you start, the more you benefit – even if you only contribute a small amount.

If Tui is working and is over age 16 by April 2026, , her employer will also start contributing to her KiwiSaver account on top of her own contributions. She may also be eligible for an annual government contribution. That means even more money going in, growing over time, and boosting her future balance well beyond what she saved herself.

KiwiSaver can help buy a first home

One of the biggest motivators for young people joining KiwiSaver is the chance to use it for a first home deposit.

After just three years in KiwiSaver, your teen may be eligible to withdraw their savings to help buy their first home. For a teenager, that means joining now could make them eligible in their early 20s, just when many start thinking seriously about getting onto the property ladder.

With housing costs rising, giving your child a financial head start could make all the difference. It’s one of the most practical, empowering reasons to open a KiwiSaver account during the teen years.

Where does the money come from?

The good news is, there’s no required minimum contribution for under-18s. That means parents, grandparents or the teen themselves can contribute as much or as little as they like.

For teenagers earning money from part-time jobs, they can choose to contribute from their wages, even if employers don’t yet top it up. And with no fees for under-18s in Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, that money goes straight towards building their future.

Some families treat KiwiSaver like a long-term gift account, contributing birthday or Christmas money, or setting up a small weekly transfer. Even $5 a week, left to grow over decades, adds up.

Joining early builds financial confidence

KiwiSaver is a great learning opportunity. Having an account introduces teenagers to real-life financial lessons like making regular contributions, understanding investment growth, and reading account statements.

Research shows that growing financial literacy helps young people manage money “with confidence and without parental or other intervention.” And with financial literacy now becoming a standard part of the school curriculum, more and more teens are ready to get involved.

By starting early, KiwiSaver becomes normal. And that helps build strong financial habits for life.

Why Christian KiwiSaver Scheme?

At Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, we believe in supporting long-term financial wellbeing in ways that reflect our values. That’s why we:

  • Don’t charge fees for members under 18, so every dollar stays in their account
  • Offer a choice of funds to suit different needs and timeframes
  • Invest in ways that are values-aligned, and consistent with our Christian principles.

Then, when your teen becomes a first -home buyer, we can be there to support them with a competitive mortgage.

For many families, opening a KiwiSaver account is a practical expression of stewardship; a way to prepare for the future, make thoughtful decisions, and help the next generation thrive.

Ready to start? It’s simple

Here’s how to get going:

  1. Talk about the benefits with your teen or as a family
  2. Choose a provider that aligns with your values (like Christian KiwiSaver Scheme)
  3. Open an account and start small, even a few dollars a week makes a difference.

The sooner you start, the more time you give your money to grow. And when it comes to KiwiSaver, time really is the greatest gift.

Now is the perfect time to begin

Joining KiwiSaver is about learning, growing, and preparing for the future. Whether you use it to buy your first home, build long-term wealth, or simply form good money habits, the benefits of starting early are clear.

Start your journey with Christian KiwiSaver Scheme today and help your teen lay a foundation shaped by faith, purpose, and possibility.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme 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.

5 KiwiSaver myths and why it pays to stay in

5 KiwiSaver myths and why it pays to stay in

by | 7 Jul, 2025 | Financial Planning, Government Contributions, Investment, KiwiSaver

With recent changes to KiwiSaver now in effect as of 1 July 2025, it’s natural to feel uncertain. The halving of the annual Government Contribution has left many asking: Is KiwiSaver still worth it? For members of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and beyond, it’s an important question – especially for those who want to make wise, values-aligned decisions about their long-term financial wellbeing.

The truth? While the Government Contribution may be smaller now, KiwiSaver remains one of the most effective and empowering tools we have to prepare for retirement.

Let’s unpack some of the myths circulating right now and set the record straight.

1. “KiwiSaver isn’t worth it now that the Government Contribution is halved.”

We hear this one a lot. Yes, the annual Government Contribution has dropped from $521 to $260 from 1 July 2025. But it hasn’t disappeared entirely and $260 is still a meaningful boost, especially when you consider the compounding effect over time.

Using the Sorted calculator, we can calculate how much this can add up to over time.

For a person aged 18 today, only contributing $1,042 per year (i.e. the minimum required to be eligible for the Government Contribution) and the government adding $260 per year, their balance could be around $146,000 by age 65. This assumes the money is invested in a growth type fund.

If we move the age forward to 30, and they only contribute the minimum (no extra contributions from working), the total at age 65 could be around $87,000.

Use the Sorted KiwiSaver calculator, to check your goal at https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-calculator/

It’s not as generous as before, but it still adds up and that matters.

2. “You can’t trust KiwiSaver; the rules keep changing.”

Changes to the system can feel frustrating, especially when they affect your long-term plans. One thing still hasn’t changed: your KiwiSaver account is legally yours.

Your savings are held in trust and invested on your behalf by your scheme provider. While the government can alter settings like contribution thresholds, it cannot take your money. Your balance remains yours and growing for your future.

As with any investment, adaptability is key. While incentives may shift, the core benefits of KiwiSaver, including structured saving and employer contributions, remain constant.

3. “I might as well save in a bank account instead.”

It’s tempting to think that if government support is reduced, you’d be better off saving elsewhere. But the benefits outweigh the changes that were made.

Why? You will still receive the employer contributions, if you are working and contributing too. If you are aged 16 or 17, this will also apply to you from April 2026.

Unlike a bank account, KiwiSaver investments also benefit from long-term market growth. Over time, even small contributions add up, as the markets rise over the long term, which turns even modest regular contributions into a significant nest egg.

4. “I’m self-employed, so KiwiSaver isn’t worth it for me.”

If you’re self-employed, you don’t receive employer contributions, but that doesn’t mean KiwiSaver isn’t worthwhile.

By contributing just over $20 a week (around $1,042 per year), you still qualify for the $260 Government Contribution (until the income threshold applies). And if you can contribute more, even better. You’ll benefit from the same compounding investment growth as any other member, and the discipline of regular saving.

For many self-employed people, KiwiSaver is their only structured retirement savings plan. It’s a way to put something aside for the future, consistently and purposefully.

5. “The government should provide for my retirement.”

This is one of the biggest myths of all. While New Zealand Superannuation will likely continue in some form, it’s not designed to fund a comfortable retirement on its own.

Relying solely on government support puts your future lifestyle at risk. KiwiSaver helps bridge the gap through intentional investment. It’s a way of stewarding the resources entrusted to you today so they can provide for you tomorrow.

And that’s what Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is all about: empowering members to align their faith and finances through investment choices that reflect Christian values.

We believe in the power of personal responsibility. When you contribute to your KiwiSaver account, you’re not just saving money – you’re expressing faith in the future and taking ownership of your financial wellbeing.

Still not sure? We’re here to help.

Whether you’re adjusting your contributions or checking your fund type our team is here to help.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme 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.