Over half of New Zealanders say financial stress has impacted their wellbeing[1]. That’s not just a statistic. It means many of us are quietly worrying about our financial future, unsure who to turn to or where to start.
At Lifetime, we know financial advice is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about reducing worry, building confidence, and helping you feel more in control, both emotionally and financially.
The mental load of money
Money doesn’t just impact your bank balance. It affects your sleep, your relationships, your job choices and even your confidence. Maybe you’ve felt:
Guilty about dipping into savings
Unsure if you're doing enough with KiwiSaver or insurance
Frozen by the idea of retirement planning or investing
These are signs of the mental load that money can carry. But they don’t have to be permanent. With a little clarity and the right plan, the weight can lift. Often faster than you think.
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand highlights five key ways to support wellbeing at work[2], and one of them is taking notice; noticing how you’re feeling, what’s going on around you, and what might be causing you stress. If money is weighing on your mind, it could be time to take action. Not just for your finances, but for your wellbeing too.
Reducing the pressure, one piece at a time
Here’s how our financial planning can help ease that mental and emotional weight.
Retirement Planning That Feels Doable and Personal
The pressure:
Not knowing how much you’ll need to retire
Worrying about outliving your savings
Managing existing debt while trying to prepare for the future
How we can help:
We don’t use online calculators and call it a day. We sit down with you and look at your current situation, including income, savings, KiwiSaver, and any lingering debt. Then we help build a roadmap that’s realistic and tailored to your goals. Whether you’re decades away or close to retiring, we’ll give you the tools, structure, and support to take control of your future with confidence.
Insurance That Protects What Matters and Leaves Out What Doesn’t
The pressure:
Uncertainty about what you're covered for
Rising premiums, you’re not sure are still worth it
Worrying about "what if" scenarios, like health scares.
How we help:
We believe insurance is about peace of mind. We’ll help you understand the cover you already have through the Judiciary scheme, highlight any gaps or overlaps, and structure a plan that fits your life. As your life changes, we can review it together to make sure it still fits, without becoming a burden.
KiwiSaver and Investment Support That Keeps You Grounded
The pressure:
Watching your balance fluctuate
Not understanding which fund you're in
Moving to a cash or conservative fund without seeking advice may reduce long term returns
Worrying that you’re not doing enough for retirement
How we help:
We keep it clear and simple. We’ll review your current settings, talk through your goals and comfort with risk, and help make sure your investments are working as they should. If you’re ready to explore wider investment options, we’ll guide you through that too, using solid research and a long-term lens.
Start With a Conversation
You don’t need to have it all figured out. And you definitely don’t need to do it alone. – we are here if you need a helping hand.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held by the author as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.
References
[1] Financial Services Council NZ, Money and You Report, 2023
[2] Mental Health Foundation NZ, Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work Toolkit, 2022