As a self-employed Kiwi you have complete control over your KiwiSaver. This is a big responsibility, as your actions today can dictate how comfortable you will be in the future. Here’s how you can maximise your KiwiSaver, to buy your first home earlier and enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
As a self-employed worker in New Zealand, whether a freelancer, contractor or sole trader, you won’t receive the compulsory employer contributions that PAYE workers get, but you do enjoy a level of independence and control that traditional employees may not experience.
While self-employment may involve varied income streams and necessitate flexibility, you also have the opportunity to create an adaptable, long-term financial plan that is fine tuned to your specific goals and circumstances.
KiwiSaver – the NZ government’s retirement savings scheme – can help you build that all-important nest egg, which you can use at key moments of your life: not just retirement, but buying your first home too.
Self-employed KiwiSaver contributions may be voluntary, but they’re incredibly important for securing a better financial future, from buying a first home to retiring comfortably. Here are just a few compelling reasons to contribute.
KiwiSaver represents an opportunity to lock away money in your choice of investment fund, where it will gradually grow. You then gain access to those important and substantial savings when you most need them – when you’re buying your first home, or when you retire from the workforce.
Even self-employed Kiwis are eligible for the government KiwiSaver contributions! For every $1 you contribute to your KiwiSaver account (up to $1,042.86 per year), you’ll enjoy a government contribution of $0.50 (up to $521.43 per year). And the value of these extra contributions can grow as they accrue interest in your KiwiSaver account.
If you haven’t already joined KiwiSaver, you’ll need to do this yourself, and choose a KiwiSaver provider. With AMP you’ll enjoy healthy returns from sustainable investments, your choice of funds, and support and guidance from KiwiSaver experts.
Joining AMP KiwiSaver Scheme couldn’t be easier. Simply offer up a few details and we’ll do the rest, from informing Inland Revenue (IRD) to transferring your savings from any previous KiwiSaver account you may have held. We can even help you transfer over Australian superannuation.
While you don’t receive the 3% compulsory employer contribution as a self-employed worker, you can set up voluntary contributions easily. These voluntary contributions also grant you access to government contributions of up to $521.43 per year.
With the AMP KiwiSaver Scheme you can contribute whatever and however you like: an annual lump sum, regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly automatic payments, or ad hoc contributions when you have some spare cash, easily with MyAMP or with internet banking.
There are three ways you can make voluntary contributions through MyAMP online or via MyAMP mobile app:
1. Make a one-off voluntary contribution (up to $100,000).
2. You can set up regular direct debit voluntary contributions (no limit).
3. Change the percentage of voluntary KiwiSaver contributions by logging into MyAMP and selecting the amount you would like to contribute.
For contributions through your bank's online banking system, you'll need your KiwiSaver member number or policy number and your IRD number. After logging into your bank account online, select AMP as the payee and enter the required details.
Perhaps it’s your first time dealing with KiwiSaver. Perhaps you want more info on how you can get your retirement savings working for you. Our team of KiwiSaver experts is always on hand to offer guidance on how to secure your future – get in touch today.
We recommend speaking to a financial adviser when looking for financial advice. By speaking with a financial adviser, you can find out - how your plan is working (or not) for you, and they can provide guidance on some suggested changes if needed.
As an AMP KiwiSaver Scheme customer you have access to financial advice whenever you need it which can be obtained either through AMP or an external Adviser. The financial advice that can be provided by an internal AMP Adviser is limited to AMP products, whereas an external Adviser may be able to advise you on a broader range of financial matters.
It’s great news that you have so much control over your KiwiSaver savings as a self-employed Kiwi. But it’s also a significant responsibility – so we’ve created a few resources to help you manage your KiwiSaver account.
Planning for your first home deposit is the ideal time to check you’re in the right KiwiSaver funds. If you plan to buy in the next five years, for example, you might choose funds that aim to deliver modest, stable returns, as opposed to funds which could be more volatile. Our Fund Selector is designed to bring clarity to your choice of funds.
CHOOSE YOUR FUNDS
What level of savings will allow you to retire comfortably or buy the first home of your dreams? What contribution rate will ensure you realise this future? Our KiwiSaver calculator is designed to tell you all this and more.
KIWISAVER CALCULATOR
With one eye on your business, it can be difficult to save for your first home as a self-employed Kiwi. KiwiSaver can help. Head to our First Home Withdrawal guide to learn how to grow your savings and capitalise on annual government contributions.
KIWISAVER FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS