Major life events are when financial decisions carry the biggest long-term consequences. Getting married without understanding the Property Relationships Act, having a baby without applying for parental leave correctly, or losing your job without knowing your WINZ entitlements — these gaps can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
This section covers the financial side of New Zealand’s biggest life milestones. Each guide is a practical checklist of what to do, what to check, and what most people miss.
Life Events Financial Guides
| Life Event | What’s Covered |
|---|---|
| Getting Married — Finances NZ | Wedding budget, combining finances, Property Relationships Act, contracting-out agreements, KiwiSaver beneficiary |
| Having a Baby — Finances NZ | Paid parental leave ($712/week max), Best Start, Working for Families, first year costs, childcare subsidies |
| Changing Jobs — Finances NZ | Final pay, KiwiSaver continuity, 90-day trial periods, tax codes, income protection insurance |
| Separation or Divorce — Finances NZ | Property Relationships Act, KiwiSaver split, joint debts, urgent tasks after separation |
| Buying First Home — Financial Checklist NZ | Deposit, KiwiSaver withdrawal, hidden costs, pre-approval, home insurance, ongoing ownership budget |
| Retiring — Financial Checklist NZ | NZ Super application, KiwiSaver access at 65, health insurance, income sources, estate planning |
| Losing Your Job — Financial Checklist NZ | Emergency steps, WINZ Jobseeker Support, KiwiSaver holiday, mortgage hardship, income tax refund |
Why Life Events Are Financial Turning Points
Most financial mistakes don’t happen during normal months — they happen during transitions. A few reasons:
- Entitlements have deadlines. Parental leave applications, WINZ stand-down periods, and KiwiSaver opt-out windows all have time limits you can miss while distracted.
- Default settings are rarely optimal. Your KiwiSaver beneficiary stays as whoever you last nominated — even your ex — unless you change it. Your will doesn’t update itself.
- Costs cluster. A baby, a house purchase, or a separation involves multiple large, simultaneous expenses. Knowing what’s coming lets you plan the cash flow.
- Legal protections only help if you use them. The Property Relationships Act, redundancy clauses, and Employment Relations Authority processes all require you to act.
Where to Get More Help
- MoneyTalks — free financial mentoring: 0800 345 123
- Citizens Advice Bureau — free general guidance: cab.org.nz
- Community Law Centres — free legal advice: communitylaw.org.nz
- Sorted NZ — government-backed financial tools: sorted.org.nz
- WINZ — benefit eligibility and applications: workandincome.govt.nz
See also: Personal Finance hub · Budgeting guides · KiwiSaver guides