Young Kiwis are open to Financial Advice – but not taking it

A new report has revealed something we’ve noticed ourselves – younger Kiwis want financial advice, but most aren’t taking that next step to actually get it.

The Financial Services Council’s Money & You: The Financial Lives of Young New Zealanders looked at how 18–25-year-old Gen Z Kiwis are managing money. Nearly 70% said they’d consider professional advice, but only 18% have ever actually received it. That’s a big gap.

On the positive side, Gen Z are engaged with KiwiSaver, almost everyone is enrolled, and most have checked their fund in the last year. They’re also natural savers, with many saying they’d put away extra money if they got a pay rise.

But when it comes to making financial decisions, confidence is low. Only 13% feel extremely confident with money choices, and insurance is an even bigger blind spot, less than a quarter have life cover, and only a third feel comfortable making insurance decisions.

That’s where advice makes a real difference. A chat with a financial adviser isn’t just about insurance or KiwiSaver – it’s about building confidence, understanding your options, and setting yourself up for the future.

At Castle Trust, we know the earlier you get advice, the stronger your financial foundation will be. Whether it’s making the most of KiwiSaver, learning how to invest, or protecting yourself with the right cover, good habits in your 20s can change your whole financial future.

So if you’ve got kids or grandkids in this age group, motivate them to come and see us. We’d love to help and with a team of advisers across the decades, we’re built for their future. Our advice and support will last as long as they do.