Financial Planning | Christian Kiwisaver Scheme

Why your KiwiSaver balance fluctuates, and why that’s OK!

by Stephen Williams | 5 May, 2025 | Editorials, Financial Planning, Investment, KiwiSaver

It’s easy to fall into the habit of checking your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme balance regularly, especially in an age where we can track everything instantly on our phones. However, if you find yourself refreshing your balance every day, you might be focusing on the wrong thing.

Investing is about building for the future, not reacting to the present. The key to growing your savings is trusting in a long-term plan and staying committed, even when markets fluctuate.

Market ups and downs are normal

Financial markets rise and fall constantly. This movement, known as market volatility, is a normal part of investing. Some days your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme balance might be up, while on others, it may drop. But unless you’re planning to withdraw your savings soon, these short-term changes don’t matter.

Proverbs 21:5 reminds us:

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

Making long-term, steady contributions is often wiser than reacting hastily to short-term changes.

Why reacting emotionally can hurt your savings

It’s human nature to feel uneasy when markets drop. Some people panic and switch funds, trying to avoid further losses. But making decisions based on short-term fear can lock in losses and prevent you from benefiting when the market recovers.

Instead of focusing on daily fluctuations, think about why you’re investing:

Growing long-term savings for retirement
Preparing for a first-home withdrawal
Contributing consistently for future financial security

KiwiSaver is designed as a long-term investment, not something that needs daily tracking.

Take advantage of market downturns

Instead of worrying about when to invest, many members follow a regular savings approach, contributing a set amount into their Christian KiwiSaver Scheme regardless of market movements. This strategy is called dollar-cost averaging and helps smooth out fluctuations over time.

Here’s how it works:

When the market is down, your contributions buy more of your chosen fund.
When the market is up, your contributions buy less, but your overall balance grows.
Over time, this reduces the impact of short-term market swings.

By staying consistent, you take advantage of market downturns rather than fearing them.

Patience pays off

Think of your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme like planting a tree. You wouldn’t expect it to grow overnight, but with time and steady care, it can become strong and fruitful. The same applies to your savings; the longer you stay invested, the greater the potential for growth through compounding returns.

Rather than checking your balance daily, ask yourself:

Am I contributing regularly?
Am I contributing enough to reach my goals?
Does my fund match my long-term goals?
Am I trusting in the process rather than reacting to short-term changes?

The key is consistency, not daily monitoring. If you ever have questions, our team at Anglican Financial Care is here to support you.

Set yourself up for financial success

Checking your KiwiSaver balance every day won’t make it grow faster. But sticking to a long-term strategy, investing with purpose, staying consistent, and keeping a long-term mindset, will help set you up for financial success, no matter what the market is doing.

If you want to learn more about how your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme savings work, get in touch – we’re always happy 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.

Navigating market volatility with faith and perspective

by Stephen Williams | 30 Apr, 2025 | Editorials, Financial Planning, Investment, KiwiSaver

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

If you’ve noticed your KiwiSaver balance shift recently, you’re not alone. Global markets have entered a period of volatility, largely in response to the tariffs introduced by the United States which have contributed to broader economic uncertainty.

While this volatility can feel unsettling, it’s important to step back and view these market movements through the lens of long-term investing.

Why are markets volatile right now?

The recent introduction of broad tariffs by the United States has impacted global trade and investor confidence, triggering declines in share markets across many countries. These fluctuations have also affected KiwiSaver funds, especially those with exposure to growth assets like shares.

While the United States tariffs are receiving significant media coverage right now, market corrections like this aren’t new. They help rebalance markets after long periods of upward performance. In fact, the markets had been performing strongly for quite some time, and this adjustment, though uncomfortable, is part of maintaining long-term health.

KiwiSaver is a long-term investment

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is designed for the long haul, helping members prepare for retirement or take their first step onto the property ladder. These are goals that often span decades, not days or weeks.

It’s normal for balances to rise and fall over time. What’s important is how we respond. During periods of uncertainty, keeping perspective can make all the difference. Patience and discipline are key when it comes to long-term investing.

Here are a few practical reminders:

Avoid checking your balance too often

It’s natural to want reassurance when markets feel unsettled, but checking your balance frequently, especially during periods of volatility, can lead to unnecessary stress. Daily fluctuations are normal and often don’t reflect the bigger picture. Reacting emotionally to these short-term movements can lead to hasty decisions that may not serve your long-term goals.

Expect fluctuations

Markets rise and fall over time, that’s part of how they work. Economic events, policy changes, and global developments can all cause short-term movements, but this doesn’t mean your investment is off course. Volatility is a natural part of long-term investing, and history shows that markets tend to recover and grow over time.

Changing funds in a downturn can turn a movement into a loss

Switching funds when markets are down might feel like a way to avoid further losses, but it can have the opposite effect. When you move your investment to a lower-risk fund during a downturn, you may be turning a change on paper into a permanent loss of money, and you may be missing out on a future recovery. Staying invested in a fund that matches your long-term goals and risk appetite allows your savings the chance to grow over time. Watch out for our next blog which will explain this concept further.

As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us:

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

How Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is managed

At Anglican Financial Care, we take a careful, values-led approach to managing Christian KiwiSaver Scheme.

Here’s how that translates into action:

Risk-aware investing: Our team continuously monitors the markets and makes thoughtful decisions to support members’ long-term goals, even in times of uncertainty.
Diversified portfolios: Each of our Funds – Growth, Balanced, and Income, includes a mix of local and global assets, which helps reduce the impact of any single event or market dip.
Active management: We don’t take a ‘set and forget’ approach. Our funds are actively managed, allowing us to respond to changing conditions while staying aligned with our values.
Ethical stewardship: Our equity investments are screened against our Ethical Investment Policy. We focus our investments on the entities that produce more good than harm and make deliberate investments in entities making the transition to clean technology and sustainable infrastructure.

A message of reassurance

Market downturns are a normal part of the investment journey. What matters most is the path forward. By staying the course, focusing on what you can control, and trusting in the process, you give your investment the time it needs to recover and grow.

If you’re unsure about your fund choice or want to understand more about your options, we encourage you to speak to a financial adviser. You’re also welcome to contact our member services team for general support.

In times of uncertainty, keep your focus on what truly matters: your long-term goals, your community, and your faith. It’s here that you’ll often find clarity and peace.

Making the most of your KiwiSaver savings after 65

by Chris | 21 Mar, 2025 | Financial Planning

Turning 65 is an important milestone, not just in life but also in your financial journey. For Christian KiwiSaver Scheme members, it marks the point where you can access your retirement savings. However, this doesn’t mean your KiwiSaver membership has to come to an end.

Many members choose to keep their accounts open beyond 65, continuing to manage their savings in a way that aligns with their long-term financial needs. At Anglican Financial Care, we know that planning for retirement is personal, which is why we send a letter to our Christian KiwiSaver Scheme members the month before they turn 65. This is an opportunity to start the conversation about your options, ensuring you have the information you need to make decisions that are right for you.

Here are the options available to you once you reach 65:

Keeping your account open

Reaching 65 does not mean you have to close your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme account. Many of our members choose to keep their funds invested beyond this age, giving them the flexibility to access their savings when needed while continuing to benefit from our faith-aligned investment approach.

Keeping your account open also allows you to continue adding to your savings, should you wish to do so. If you’re still working, you can continue your contributions to grow your balance further.

Making regular withdrawals

If you would like to supplement your retirement income while keeping your remaining savings invested, you can set up regular fortnightly or monthly withdrawals from your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme account. This option allows you to access your money gradually, while your remaining balance continues to work for you.

A $200 minimum applies to each regular withdrawal.
The minimum withdrawal amount may change in the future.

This approach can provide a steady stream of money while maintaining long-term investment potential.

Occasional one-off withdrawals

If you prefer more flexibility, you can make one-off withdrawals when needed. This option allows you to leave your savings invested while accessing funds at times when you need them – whether it’s for an unexpected expense, a special occasion, or a larger financial commitment.

A $1,000 minimum applies to each one-off withdrawal.

This option gives you the ability to manage your savings in a way that fits your lifestyle and financial needs.

Full withdrawal

If you decide to take out all of your savings, you can make a full withdrawal from your Christian KiwiSaver Scheme account. This means you will no longer be a member of KiwiSaver.

While some members choose this option, others prefer to leave their funds invested, ensuring they can access their savings gradually over time.

Making the right decision for you

Only you can decide how to manage your KiwiSaver savings after 65. Whether you continue investing, make partial withdrawals, or withdraw your full balance, it’s reassuring to know that Christian KiwiSaver Scheme gives you flexibility in managing your retirement funds.

As you approach this important milestone, we’re here to help. Our team at Anglican Financial Care is committed to supporting you in making informed decisions that align with your needs. If you have any questions about your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Finding Support with Christian KiwiSaver Scheme in Tough Times: How to Apply for Significant Financial Hardship

by Chris | 11 Feb, 2025 | Financial Planning

Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges your way, and managing everything on your own can feel overwhelming. If you’re a member of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and are facing Significant Financial Hardship (SFH), we want you to know that you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process and the help available.

What Is Significant Financial Hardship?

Significant Financial Hardship means you’re struggling to meet essential living costs or are facing unexpected financial challenges. If this sounds like your situation, you may be able to apply to access some of your KiwiSaver funds to help you get back on track. Examples of expenses you might claim for include:

Mortgage or rent arrears that will result in losing your home
Overdue utility bills like power or phone
Medical and dental expenses for you or your family
Essential repairs to your car or home
Funeral costs for a loved one

While accessing SFH funds is meant to provide temporary relief, it’s important to note that it’s a last resort after exploring other financial assistance options.

How the SFH Process Works

We aim to make the application process as straightforward and supportive as possible. Here’s how it works:

Get in Touch
If you’d like to make an SFH application, contact us.
Working with Debtfix
We partner with Debtfix, a registered charity, to handle the application process. Debtfix specialises in supporting people during tough financial times and ensures the process is handled with care and confidentiality.
Complete the online form
Debtfix provides an online form for you to fill out. This helps them understand your financial situation and we also rely on this information to make the final decision on your application.
Support from Debtfix
Once you’ve completed the form, Debtfix will reach out to you. In addition to helping you complete the Significant Financial Hardship application process, they can provide helpful information about other community or government support you might be eligible for. They can also offer free budgeting advice to help you manage your finances.
Application Review
After you complete the process with Debtfix, they will send your application to us for review. We will then carefully consider your situation and make the final decision.
Our Response
We’ll contact you to let you know our decision on your application. If your application is approved, we’ll confirm the amount we’ve approved and when the payment will be made to you.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Applying for SFH can feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone. This process is designed to provide support and guidance when you need it most. Accessing your KiwiSaver funds early should only be considered as a last resort, so we encourage you to explore other financial assistance options that are available to you. Debtfix can help point you in the right direction.

We’re Here to Help

At Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, we’re committed to supporting you in your retirement savings journey. Whether you’re facing financial challenges or saving for your future, we’re here to help you.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your KiwiSaver account.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is managed and issued by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (trading as Anglican Financial Care).

National Pizza Day: A Tasty Lesson in Investment Diversification

by Chris | 5 Feb, 2025 | Financial Planning

National Pizza Day is just around the corner—on Sunday, February 9th! It’s the perfect time to get your friends together and decide on your favourite pizza toppings. Whether you’re into classic pepperoni, adventurous pineapple, or something spicier, there’s a pizza for everyone. But here’s a fun twist: did you know your pizza can teach you something important about managing money? Let’s chew into how pizza is connected to investment diversification.

What is Diversification, Anyway?

Imagine your pizza is an investment portfolio. Instead of a plain cheese pizza or one with only pepperoni, think about a pizza with a variety of toppings: cheese, pepperoni, veggies, BBQ chicken. Each slice adds something unique, making the whole pizza more exciting.

In investing, diversification works the same way. Instead of putting all your money into one thing (like a single stock), you spread it across different investments—stocks, bonds, real estate, private equity etc. This helps reduce risk and opens more opportunities for growth.

Why Is Diversification Like Pizza?

Lower Risk, More Flavour: If you only have one topping on your pizza and you’re not in the mood for it, you’re stuck with a pizza you might not enjoy. But with multiple toppings, you’ve got options. Similarly, in investing, putting all your money into one stock is risky. If that stock drops, you could lose a lot. But by spreading your money across different investments, you’re less likely to be hurt by one bad choice.

Finding Balance: A great pizza is all about balance—too much cheese, and it’s overwhelming; too little, and it’s dry. The same goes for your investments. Some investments grow quickly, while others grow slowly. But together, they balance each other out, helping your portfolio to handle market ups and downs.

Taking a More Active Approach: Sometimes, you can take a more active approach to your investments, just like ordering your favourite pizza with the toppings you want. For example, having a direct ownership of investments like forests can be a good way to diversify. While forests may not grow as fast as some stocks, they offer a sustainable option that may align to your ethical values.
Actively choosing investments like these, along with other options, can help lower your risk and provide another level of diversification.

Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck: Diversifying your investments isn’t just about picking random things—it’s about getting the most value. Like when you buy a pizza combo that has the right mix of pizza and sides, you feel more satisfied and are not overloaded on one thing. By carefully choosing where you invest and mixing things up, you ensure a good value, like ordering a pizza in a meal deal.

Why It Matters

Just like Grandma’s advice— “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”—diversification helps reduce risk and increase the potential for rewards. By spreading your money across different areas, you’re better prepared for market changes, just like you’re better prepared for anything when your pizza has more variety.

But remember, diversification isn’t foolproof. If all your investments are too similar (like too many slices with the same topping), you might miss out on the full benefits. You need to make sure your investments are well-balanced and fit your financial goals.

In the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme’s Balanced Fund and Growth Fund, we balance investments across bonds and other fixed interest assets, shares, private equity, and even a forest. We also follow our own Ethical Investment Policy, working to align our investment choices with Christian values, while aiming to grow our members’ money.

So, this National Pizza Day (or any day!), while you’re enjoying a well-balanced pizza, think about how diversifying your investments can help make your financial future just as satisfying. More slices, more flavours, more chances for success!

Financial Health Check for 2025

by Chris | 16 Jan, 2025 | Financial Planning

A fresh start!
Your financial health check for 2025.

As the new year begins, many of us take time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. This fresh start isn’t just about health or career aspirations; it’s also an opportunity to focus on your financial well-being. Do you believe that wise stewardship of your resources is an integral part of living faithfully? At Anglican Financial Care, we do! Starting the year with a financial health check can help you plan for the future, achieve your goals, and ensure that your resources are aligned with both your needs and the principles of good stewardship.

One essential part of your financial health is your KiwiSaver. The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is designed to help you grow your retirement savings in a way that reflects your faith and values. Whether you are just starting your KiwiSaver journey or are already drawing on your savings, it’s vital to make sure your plan is working for you.

Reflecting on the past year

Before looking ahead, it’s important to take stock of where you’ve been. Here are some questions to help focus your reflection:

Are you happy with how you managed your finances over the past year?
Did you stick to your budget?
Were you able to save or meet your financial goals?
Were there any unexpected expenses, and are you comfortable with how you handled them?

When it comes to your KiwiSaver, ask yourself:

Did I make regular contributions?
Were there any changes in my life that might affect my savings needs?
Is my KiwiSaver fund still aligned with my long-term goals?

Reflecting on these factors helps you understand what worked and what didn’t, so you can adjust your approach in the year ahead.

Planning for the year ahead

Once you’ve reflected on the past, it’s time to plan for the future. Set clear, achievable financial goals for the year. These might include paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a specific purpose such as a home, holiday, or electric bike. Maybe it’s time to start, or to increase, a monthly donation to a cause close to your heart. For many, a key goal will be maximising KiwiSaver contributions to ensure you’re making the most of the government contributions and preparing well for retirement.

The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is more than just a financial tool; it’s a way to grow your savings in a manner consistent with your values. Take this opportunity to review your KiwiSaver settings:
Are you contributing enough to meet your retirement goals?
Are you in the right fund (Growth? Balanced? Income?) for your stage of life and risk appetite?
Check out the Our Funds page on our website to help you answer these questions, ensuring your KiwiSaver planning is aligned with your circumstances and aspirations.

The importance of budgeting

A solid budget is the foundation of financial health. As you plan your finances for the year, create or revisit your budget to ensure it reflects your priorities. To start the year strong:

List your income and fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and essential bills.
Allocate funds for savings, including your KiwiSaver contributions, and for giving back to causes or communities you care about.
Plan for discretionary spending while ensuring it fits within your overall financial picture.

Remember, a budget is a tool, not a restriction. It allows you to focus your resources where they matter most, freeing you from financial uncertainty and aligning your spending with your goals and values.

Preparing for the unexpected

Life is full of surprises, and part of being a good steward is preparing for the unexpected. Building or maintaining an emergency fund is an essential step in financial planning. This fund can provide peace of mind and prevent you from needing to dip into your KiwiSaver savings for unexpected expenses. The best step to take is to decide on an amount to save each month and set up an automatic transfer from your normal account to your emergencies/savings account. Just do it!

In addition, review your insurance policies to make sure they meet your current needs. Whether it’s health, home, or life insurance, having the right coverage is another way to protect yourself and your loved ones in times of uncertainty. If you have an insurance broker or financial adviser, they can help you work out whether you have too much or too little insurance cover for your needs.

Making the most of KiwiSaver

Your KiwiSaver is one of the most powerful tools for long-term financial planning. For members of the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, it also offers the added benefit of aligning your investments with Christian values. By regularly reviewing your KiwiSaver settings, you can ensure you’re making the most of this opportunity. Is it time to increase your contribution level, or are you able to make a one-off extra contribution? Your future self might thank you!

Anglican Financial Care’s Christian KiwiSaver Scheme team is here to help. Our team is dedicated to supporting you as you plan for a secure and meaningful financial future.

Moving forward with faith and confidence

As you step into the new year, take the time to reflect, plan, and seek guidance where needed. By doing so, you can approach the months ahead with confidence, knowing that you are taking thoughtful steps to secure your financial future.

Anglican Financial Care is here to help. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of purpose, growth, and wise financial choices.

Learn more about the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and view our Product Disclosure Statement: https://christiankiwisaver.nz/documents/

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