When it comes to KiwiSaver, you want to make the most of your investment for a secure future. Choosing the right adviser to help guide you is crucial - after all, your savings are a long-term commitment. While KiwiSaver advice is accessible to everyone, it's an often under-serviced area in New Zealand, and selecting the right adviser can make all the difference.

Here are some key factors to consider when choose the best KiwiSaver adviser for your needs:

1. Working With a Variety of Providers

A good KiwiSaver adviser should work with a range of the leading KiwiSaver providers. This is important because each provider has different expertise, investment strategies, fees, and ethical investment options. This allow the adviser to give you unbiased advice, tailored to what’s most important for you - whether that's maximising returns, ethical investing, low fees, or other factors.

Having access to a broad spectrum of options allows your adviser to recommend what’s best for you, not what’s best for them.

2. Reputation and Client Reviews

Before committing, take some time to research your potential adviser’s reputation. A good adviser should have positive reviews from past clients - look for Google reviews and testimonials to see if clients are satisfied with their service.

Look for an adviser with a solid track record. They've likely built up a portfolio of happy clients over time, which reflects their reliability and expertise. Reputation is one of the most powerful indicators of an adviser’s capability.

3. Qualifications and Registration

It’s important to ensure that the adviser you're working with is qualified to give you the best advice. To be a KiwiSaver adviser in New Zealand, they must hold the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) (Investment Stand). This qualification ensures they understand key areas, including:

• Legal, ethical, and professional obligations in investment advice.

• The ability to analyse financial products.

• How to develop personalised investment strategies based on your unique situation and market conditions.

You can check if your adviser is qualified through the Financial Service Providers (FSP) Register. This provides transparency, ensuring they meet industry standards and regulations.

4. Team of Advisers

It may be beneficial to choose an advice business that employs a team of advisers. In a collaborative environment, advisers can learn from one another, share insights, and hold each other accountable. You’ll also have security in case your adviser leaves - your advice will continue seamlessly under the guidance of the business.

A team approach provides backup, diverse perspectives, and collective knowledge, all of which help you make more informed decisions.

5. No Direct Fees

Generally, a good KiwiSaver adviser won’t charge you a direct fee. Instead, they’re compensated by the providers they recommend. All KiwiSaver providers charge you a management fee, part of which covers ‘service and advice.’ A dedicated adviser takes on that role and gets paid for it, ensuring you're in the right fund and provider, and staying in touch with you over time.

That said, some advisers do charge a direct fee. If you prefer not to pay extra beyond the provider’s management fee, choose an adviser who doesn’t charge you directly, so you get expert advice without additional costs.

6. Dedicated Focus on KiwiSaver

Many financial advisers offer a range of services, from mortgages to insurance, but the best KiwiSaver advisers focus exclusively on KiwiSaver. They stay on top of market trends, regulatory changes, and new investment opportunities. Their expertise is finely tuned to this area, meaning they’re equipped to provide up-to-date, specialist advice tailored to your goals.

In Summary

Choosing the right KiwiSaver adviser means more than just picking someone to help you make investment decisions. It’s about finding a qualified, experienced professional who understands the wide range of options available and who can give you unbiased advice to help you make informed choices. Look for an adviser who works with a variety of providers, has a strong reputation, and is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends in KiwiSaver.

Remember, your future self will thank you for making an informed decision today. Happy investing!