Your Money, Your Morals: A No-Nonsense Guide to Ethical Investing and your KiwiSaver
When you invest in a KiwiSaver scheme, do you actually know what your money is funding? We break down exactly what ethical investment means and expose the uncomfortable truth about passive index funds: by buying the whole market, you might unintentionally be funding the global military-industrial complex and ongoing conflicts.
We look at the "greenwashing" marketing trap of low-fee providers, how to use independent tools like Mindful Money, and the very real risks of sector concentration when you exclude major industries. We also provide a guilt-free off-ramp: why it is completely okay if ethical screening just isn't a priority for your retirement strategy.
Emptying Your KiwiSaver to Zero: The Pros, Cons, and Rebuilding Strategy
When you are scraping together every last cent for a house deposit, withdrawing your KiwiSaver balance can feel like the perfect solution. But before you act, you need to know a few crucial rules.
We explore why you must leave a $1,000 minimum balance, how you can choose to leave a larger "buffer" to protect your retirement, and weigh up the long-term pros and cons.
We also explain the "Two Snowballs" concept—why stopping your KiwiSaver to pay down your mortgage means missing out on the new 3.5% employer match. Discover clear, actionable strategies to rebuild your KiwiSaver after settlement day, and how Home Loan Factory guides your overall financial journey
Returning to NZ? Why Your Australian Super Can’t Be Used for Your First Home Deposit
Transferred your Aussie Super to KiwiSaver and want to buy a house? Find out exactly what funds are eligible for your deposit, and what stays locked.