Retirement can feel like something to worry about “later” - especially when you’re in your 20s or 30s. But every decade comes with opportunities to improve your financial future.

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv talk about what retirement planning looks like at different ages and stages of life. From making the most of KiwiSaver early on, to checking whether you’re on track in your 40s and 50s, to thinking about how you’ll actually use your savings in retirement, this episode is all about practical steps you can take now - whatever age you are.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why retirement planning matters at every age
• How money can create choices, independence and dignity later in life
• The important role KiwiSaver can play in helping New Zealanders save for their retirement
• The power of compounding returns, especially in your 20s and 30s
• How to make sure you’re getting the most from KiwiSaver, including contributing regularly, maximising the benefits and choosing the right fund for you (at the right time)
• What to review in your 40s and 50s, especially as your life priorities change
• How to think about the lifestyle you want in retirement - and what it might cost
• What to consider in your 60s as you move from saving to spending

Retirement isn’t just about accumulating money - it’s about independence, security and having choices later in life. And no matter your age, there is almost always something you can do to improve your future. The key takeaways are - start early if you can (but don’t panic if you haven’t), check your KiwiSaver settings regularly, take time to think about the retirement you actually want and make small adjustments as your life changes.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Simplicity KiwiSaver Fund Selector
• Simplicity KiwiSaver calculators
• Simplicity Future Projection Tool — available to members only in the Simplicity member app 
• Sorted retirement calculator and guides
• Massey University New Zealand Retirement Expenditure Guidelines 2025
• MMS podcast on Compounding Returns - The Money Makes Money episode 

Resource we should have mentioned but didn't (opps): 

• Simplicity Retirement Decumulation Tool (it helps you plan how to withdraw funds to ensure your nest egg lasts for your retirement years) available to members in the Simplicity member app.

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Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.