2. Protection from the big risks

What the experts say: Retirees face uncertainties: How long will your money need to last? What happens if inflation rises? What if markets get rocky? Good retirement solutions help protect you from long-term risks such as these. 

How Lifetime measures up: NZ Super provides a good base for retirement income, but most people will need more to have a comfortable retirement. Unfortunately, most KiwiSaver providers focus on growing savings – not helping you turn them into lifelong income. 

But that’s our specialty. We focus on managing retirement-specific risks. And each year, we check in to review things like your longevity projections, to make sure your money is on track to last as long as you need it to. Our investment approach is purpose-built for retirees, with a focus on reducing the impact of market ups and downs. We’re keeping an eye on the risks out there, so you don’t have to.

3. Planning for cognitive decline

4. Flexibility when life changes

What the experts say: Complicated financial decisions get harder to make as we age. It’s unrealistic to expect the same financial capability in your 80s and 90s as you might have had in your 60s and 70s.  

How Lifetime measures up: The Lifetime Retirement Income Fund is designed to remove complexity for retirees. It’s built as a lasting solution with simple annual check-ins. And for couples, joint accounts mean the surviving partner can keep receiving income without needing to deal with admin during a difficult time.

Get a Free Info Pack: Request Pack

What the experts say: Everyone’s retirement looks different. People need options – access to capital, the ability to adjust income, or perhaps a financial cushion. Providers should offer options to suit these different circumstances, needs and objectives.

How Lifetime measures up: Your retirement plan should reflect your life, and our product range has been designed to provide solid options for this. It includes:

• A drawdown fund (the Lifetime Retirement Income Fund)
• A home equity option – that doesn’t involve taking on debt (Lifetime Home)
• Managed funds across cash, conservative, balanced, and growth (Lifetime Invest)

Want more income early on? Need inflation adjustments? Have a longer or shorter projected lifespan? The Lifetime Retirement Income Fund can be tailored to your needs. And if something comes up and you need to access your funds, they’re there for you without penalty.

Project your income: Here

5. Providers who understand retirement

What the experts say: Retirement providers should offer the right product options, be able to meet different needs and risk preferences, communicate well with members, and support people on an ongoing basis – not just at the start. They need to provide strong outcomes for retirees.

How Lifetime measures up: Retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it isn’t static. That’s why we specialise in this stage of life. Our product range (as detailed above) is designed to fit differing retirement needs. And then every year on your birthday, we review your plan to make sure it still fits properly. We stay engaged and travel through retirement alongside you. 

6. Guidance and support that's easy to access

What the experts say: Retirement decisions are some of the most important you’ll ever make – but also some of the hardest. Retirees need accessible, affordable guidance. However, most retirement systems haven’t reached this level yet.

How Lifetime measures up:  Managing money over 20–30 years of retirement is more complex than many expect; we know that. So we make sure we’re doing all we can to help you navigate retirement with confidence. This includes:

• Clear educational resources and newsletters
• Popular in-person workshops around New Zealand
• A friendly, local Kiwi customer service team – we’re just a phone call or email away
• Ongoing support throughout your retirement journey
• Advocacy for retirees whenever we can

We don’t see our job as stopping once you sign up with us. We see that as just the beginning – we like to walk retirement with you.

Sound like Lifetime Retirement Income could help you create the retirement you want? Join us at one of our upcoming seminars, being held in June and July, from Auckland through to Christchurch. You can find out more and register below.

Project your retirement income.