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Tips for starting off 2023 on the right (financial) foot

Happy New Year - we hope you feel relaxed and recharged, and ready to tackle 2023. As a new year begins, here are some financial tips to get off to a great start.While we only provide advice on investments, KiwiSaver and UK Pension Transfers, if you have questions about other key aspects of your financial life, we can point you in the right direction. We know and work with experienced mortgage and insurance advisers who, just like us, are committed to clients’ best interests.In the meantime, r...

The best cities for UK ex-pats in New Zealand

Ours may be a small country, population-wise, but when it comes to choosing a place to live, it’s not lacking in variety.From the lush green pastures and golden beaches of the North Island, down to the rugged mountains and pristine lakes of the South Island, there’s a lot for UK ex-pats to enjoy, in and outside our biggest centres. So, if you’re considering moving to New Zealand from the UK, here are some insights from our friends at PSS International Removals and others*, to help you...

Do you know your risk profile?

All investments come with a risk-return trade-off: the higher the potential risk, the higher the potential long-term returns. But while you simply cannot avoid risk with your investments, you can manage it by choosing investments that are suitable for your needs, goals, and risk profile.So, what’s a risk profile and how can you find yours? Here are some key things to consider.It’s about time and emotionsThere are essentially two components to your risk profile: Your emotions: how you fe...

How inflation is affecting retirement planning in New Zealand

Last month, Massey University Fin-Ed Centre published its latest annual Retirement Expenditure Guidelines. Each year, this report provides an overview of New Zealand retirees’ spending levels relative to NZ Superannuation payments. And once again, data shows that living costs continue to exceed NZ Super - with high inflation now widening the gap even faster.If you’re planning to enjoy your future retirement in New Zealand, this is a timely reminder of the importance of having a plan in ...

Normal minimum pension age to rise to 57 by 2028

Here’s a top-level summary to get you started, but if you have any questions at all, we welcome you to contact us. Our Pension Transfers team will be happy to walk you through your options.What’s changing?In short, the NMPA is the age at which most private pension savers can start accessing their pension funds without incurring an unauthorised payments tax charge. The NMPA is usually 10 years lower than the state pension age.In 2014, the UK Government announced it would increase the NMPA to ...

Is a UK Pension transfer for you?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some key advantages and potential pitfalls. And if you have any further questions, keep us in mind. Our team have 20-plus years of experience in helping returning Kiwis and UK ex-pats transfer their UK pension to New Zealand.It all starts with youHave you moved or returned to New Zealand on a permanent basis? If so, a UK pension transfer is worth considering. But before moving forward with it, there are a lot of implications to take into account.On the sur...

Making your retirement funds go the distance

Are you on track for the retirement lifestyle you’re envisioning? Retirement is a marathon, not a sprint – so planning for your ‘golden years’ is an important part of your financial strategy.In this quick guide, we’ll look at the key things to consider, to ensure your retirement savings last as long as you do. Remember, the earlier you start preparing, the more options you will have when the time comes.What kind of retirement are you dreaming of?Retirement means different things to dif...

Time to review your investments?

Has it been a while since you transferred your UK Pension to New Zealand? Now may be a good time to check that your investments are still aligned with your needs and goals. And our team at Pension Transfers can assist you with that. Read on to learn about some key things to consider.Have your investment needs changed?Over time, as your life progresses, your investment goals and horizon are likely to evolve. For example, it can be a good idea to revise your plans based on how close you are to ret...

Is 2022 the year you move to New Zealand?

It looks like New Zealand’s international borders will progressively reopen to the world in 2022 (new Covid variants permitting, of course). So if you’re planning to move to New Zealand from the UK, and have never lived here before, here are some key things to know.First of all, check if you can travelIn November 2021, the New Zealand Government announced that, as of 30 April 2022, fully vaccinated foreign travellers will be allowed into the country, with all visitors needing to self-isolate...

UK Pension Transfer: How do I choose a ROPS fund?

Have you recently moved or returned to New Zealand from the UK? If you’re planning to retire here, you may be considering transferring your UK Pension to New Zealand, and specifically into a Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (or ROPS).But what is a ROPS, and how do you choose one that’s appropriate for your needs and goals? Here’s a summary of the key things to consider.First of all, what is a ROPS fund?UK ex-pats who move to New Zealand, and Kiwis returning from the UK, have essentially ...

Can I switch to another ROPS?

So, you transferred your UK pension years ago and now you’d like to move your funds to another pension scheme.It’s a question that our Pension Transfers advisers hear quite often, and just like any other financial decisions there are pros and cons to consider, depending on your circumstances.As always, we’re here to help you make a well-informed choice about the future, and welcome you to contact us if you’d like to explore your options. In the meantime, here’s a summary of some key th...

Who are the Kiwis returning home?

Returning Kiwis in a snapshotSo, what is prompting New Zealanders to return home, in many cases after several years spent building a life overseas? A recent MBIE survey, published on 21 October 2021, provides some interesting insights.The survey was conducted among those arriving in New Zealand between 1 August 2020 and 1 April 2021, to get a better understanding of the impact of returnees on the New Zealand economy, housing, and labour market. A total of 9,553 people responded – mostly K...

Quick Guide - UK Pension Transfers

Our Quick Guide is packed full of helpful information for UK expats and returning New Zealanders: The benefits and potential risks to be aware of, how the UK Pension transfer process works, choosing an appropriate ROPS (Registered Overseas Pension Scheme) for your needs, key things to know about KiwiSaver and more. Click below to view our quick guide, and get in touch with the team at Pension Transfers, if you have any queries. ...

Looking for a home in New Zealand? Your guide to RENTING

Are you a Kiwi re-pat returning from the UK, or a UK expat moving to New Zealand? Then, finding a home is probably one of the (many) items on your to-do list.In the first of our three-part series on Looking for a home in New Zealand, we share some top-level tips about renting (with helpful links to other resources). And of course, watch this space for our second and third guides, where we’ll focus on first homes and investment properties.Remember, we’re here to help: While our team...

Covid-19: 'Very high-risk' country list announced

The Government has created a new 'very high-risk country' category, including India, Papua New Guinea, Brazil and Pakistan. The new category means that - effective 11.59 pm 28 April - only NZ citizens, their partners, children and parents are allowed to travel from said countries.Also, all travellers from very high-risk countries will require evidence of a negative PCR test from an accredited laboratory within 72 hours priors to travel. All other travellers, including residents, will be req...

How does the quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble work?

Our ‘team of five million’ have joined forces with Australia, to form a team of 30 million.In a world-first ‘two-way bubble’ announcement, and for the first time since March 2020, borders between our two countries are now open for quarantine-free travel. But before you pack your bags and head to the airport, here are some important things to know.You’re not required to be vaccinatedTo fly between Australia and New Zealand, you don’t need to be immunised. However, you’d be unable to...

Returning Kiwi looking for a job in NZ?

If you’re a Kiwi returning to your home country after a stint overseas, you may be looking forward to getting back in the workforce.Now, depending on how long you’ve been away, the job hunt may be different from what you’re used to – or perhaps, you just need a refresher of the basics. Here are some quick tips to get you started.What job opportunities are available?Job opportunities vary by region, so it’s a good idea to find out what job positions are on offer and where.If you’re pl...

How to prepare for success when you relocate to NZ

Have you decided to move (or move back) to New Zealand? Check out this great read from our partners Mobile Relocation Experts.You’ve decided to move to New Zealand, whether for the first time or as a returning Kiwi, but you probably have some anxiety about whether your relocation will work out. While there’s no guarantee, there are certainly some steps you can take to set yourself up for success in your new life. Define success for yourselfJust like you would expect to set specific benc...

Cost of living: How do the UK and New Zealand compare?

Looking at moving to New Zealand from the UK? Cost of living is one of the most important factors to consider when planning your relocation. Knowing a couple of ballpark figures can help you better understand your budget and plan your next moves with confidence, like choosing a city or town that best suits your desired lifestyle.Here’s how the cost of living in the UK and in New Zealand compare*, keeping in mind that a lot depends on where in the UK you come from, and where in New Zealand youâ...

Key benefits and risks of UK pension transfers to New Zealand

Are you a UK expat planning to move to New Zealand? Or perhaps, an expat Kiwi returning home from the UK? There are many valid reasons to consider transferring your UK pension to New Zealand – but there are also a few things to be aware of.Over 20-plus years, our team at Pension Transfers have helped hundreds of clients transfer their UK pension, and we can assist you in making an informed decision for your financial needs. Here’s a helpful summary to get the conversation started.What is a R...

NZ ‘brain gain’: What returning Kiwis are looking for

After several decades of ‘brain drain’, 2020 marked a turning point for expat Kiwis living abroad. According to a new survey by the Kiwi Expatriates Association (KEA), more and more New Zealanders are considering returning home and being part of the recovery.Whether you’re already planning to return to our shores or just weighing your options, here’s what other NZ expats think about it. Half of expat Kiwis surveyed are planning to returnAs part of their ‘Unleashing the P...

Five top tips for expats and migrants renting property in New Zealand

The Kiwi lifestyle has an enviable international reputation. But just how accessible is it to rent a property and move to New Zealand? If you’re ready to relocate and set up home, here are some insider tips on how to do it:Location, location, location. New Zealand’s cities are pretty stunning – beachside village vs hillside suburb with views, or even living on an island like Waiheke and commuting by ferry!  Thinking about your lifestyle is a good place to start when choosing...

336 hours in MIQ: True tales from a Kiwi expat family

By guest blogger Amanda SadlierAfter the third check of our passports, Aviation Security officers pushed aside two layers of metal barrier that we had entered a fortnight prior, and we were met with cool dawn air. As my family and I left the hotel and joined the public, we urgently untied the cotton masks from our faces and breathed deeply. We’d made it through our managed isolation experience. Just about 15 days before this magical moment, I’d boarded a plane in Seattle with my Kiwi pa...

UK Pension: Access to savings postponed to age 57 by 2028

The minimum pension age will increase from 55 to 57 by 2028, UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen has confirmed. So how does this impact your transferred pension?UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen confirmed earlier this month that the minimum pension age will increase from 55 to 57 by 2028, in line with the ‘trends in longevity’ and the rise in the state pension to 67. And this could have an impact on the age your transferred pension becomes accessible, too.An exact...

Emigration checklist: From passports to emergency numbers

All the vital info – passports, travel documents, and visas. These might be the most obvious items to cover, but it’s important to keep them close by for the first few weeks of your move. You might find that customs and other institutions will request them, so save time hunting through lots of boxes and keep them somewhere safe.Get your family covered - medical insurance. This can be a very easy aspect of a move to forget, but it’s worth researching the healthcare of your chosen count...