Compare actual uplift if you pause KiwiSaver vs if you keep KiwiSaver.
The KiwiSaver Reality Check
Your base contribution (3.5%) is your money whether it sits in KiwiSaver or reduces your mortgage. This calculator compares the actual uplift that money earns in both scenarios.
Salary (Before Tax)$85,000
Mortgage Rate7.0%
Pause Duration3 Years
If you PAUSE KiwiSaver
Annual Yield (Per Year)
Cash available to redirect
Your 3.5% stops going to KiwiSaver, landing in your pocket instead.
$0
Mortgage Interest Saved
The actual financial gain of putting that cash against your home loan.
$0
Total Annual Gain:
$0
If you KEEP KiwiSaver
Annual Yield (Per Year)
Employer Match
Their 3.5% match, minus ESCT tax.
$0
Government Match
Max $260 a year.
$0
Est. Fund Growth (5%)
Assumed 5% return across your cash, employer match, and govt match.
$0
Total Annual Gain:
$0
Total Wealth Missed Out On
-$0
This is the estimated total uplift you miss out on over 3 years by pausing your KiwiSaver. Redirecting cash to your mortgage feels safe, but the interest you save rarely beats the combination of free matches and compounding fund growth.
*Mathematical illustration based on a standard 3.5% employee/employer rate. Excludes compounding growth across multiple years to maintain visual simplicity. This assumes your contract is NOT a Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) package where your employer deducts their match from your base salary.
Category
Budgeting
Refinancing
Information
Your base contribution (3.5%) is your money whether it sits in KiwiSaver or reduces your mortgage. This calculator compares the actual uplift that money earns in both scenarios.
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