The start of a new year often comes with that little nudge to get the money side of life sorted. You’re not alone, plenty of Kiwis are thinking the same thing right now.

Saving has been tough across the motu (63% of us say it’s been hard to put money aside, according to Kiwibank’s 2024 Saving in Aotearoa report), so if you’re starting 2026 feeling a bit behind, you’re in good company.

This is your fresh start. And it only takes a couple of simple steps to feel more in control.

So, what’s the easiest way to get on top of your money in 2026?

Choose one financial goal, get clear on where your money went last year, and make one small decision that helps your financial future, including giving your KiwiSaver plan a quick tune-up.

A few small changes, done steadily, can make a surprisingly big difference over time. Let’s break it down.

1. Choose one financial goal for 2026

Not three. Not five. Just one.

Most financial resolutions fail because they’re vague or too ambitious. But picking one thing gives you focus, and a win early in the year goes a long way.

If you’re stuck, here are some real, everyday examples:

• Build a small emergency buffer
• Pay off a credit card
• Finally get your KiwiSaver investment sorted
• Save for a trip or a big life moment
• Reduce the stress of living week-to-week
• Put aside a weekly amount for Christmas
• Build a safety net for unexpected bills
• Save $XXX

Reflection prompt: What’s one money goal that would make life feel easier by the end of 2025? Use this to shape your goal. Write it down, stick it somewhere, try and keep it visible.

2. Understand where your money went last year

A full budget doesn’t need to happen on 1st January, but getting clarity can.

One of the biggest reasons Kiwis feel stuck is because unexpected expenses keep popping up. In fact, 34% of us say we’re hit with an unexpected cost at least once a month, and 37% don’t have money set aside to cushion those moments (according to Kiwibank’s 2024 Saving in Aotearoa research).

So instead of building a perfect spreadsheet, start with a simple snapshot.

Take 10-15 minutes to look at:

• Your last 2-3 months of bank transactions
• Your spending across key categories: essentials, bills, lifestyle, subscriptions, unexpected costs
• Any patterns or surprises
• Where your money is quietly slipping away

The goal isn’t to judge yourself, it’s to see things clearly.

Then choose one small change.

Maybe it’s cooking at home one extra night a week.
Maybe it’s pausing a subscription you forgot about.
Maybe it’s planning ahead for the bills that sneak up on you.

Even tiny adjustments matter. One small change is often enough to get some momentum going.

3. Make one decision that helps Future You

This is where things start to shift. You’ve set one goal; you’ve built clarity.
Now choose one decision that supports the version of you you’re aiming for this year.

Here are easy, practical options:

✔ Automate a weekly savings amount
Even $5 or $10 creates a habit.

✔ Pay a little extra toward a debt
The psychological lift is bigger than the number.

✔ Review your bills
Broadband, insurance, power, these often creep up quietly.

✔ Build a mini safety net
Right now, 30% of Kiwis couldn’t cover a $500 emergency without borrowing, so even a small buffer helps reduce stress.

✔ Give your KiwiSaver plan a quick check
Your KiwiSaver plan is one of the easiest ways to look after your financial future because it grows quietly in the background.

4. A simple KiwiSaver plan tune-up for the new year

You don’t need to be a financial expert to get this right.

Each year, it’s worth checking:

✔ Are you in the right fund for your goals?
Your age, timeline, and appetite for risk matter.
Being in the wrong fund can cost you thousands over time.

✔ Are your contributions right for you?
You might want to increase them if life allows.
Or keep them steady while focusing on other goals.

✔ Is your provider supporting your long-term outcomes?
Do they offer personalised advice?
Do you understand where your money is invested?
Do you feel informed?

If you’re not sure, Kōura’s personalised KiwiSaver advice tool can help you understand the mix of funds that best support your goals for 2026 and beyond in just a few minutes.

A quick note: go easy on yourself. Life throws unexpected costs at most of us, and you’re likely doing better than you think. You don’t need to fix everything at once. Just focus on one step that helps you feel more in control this year.

A simple takeaway for the year ahead

Getting on top of your money isn’t about cutting out all the joy or building the perfect budget overnight. It’s about making one clear choice, building awareness, and taking one action that sets up your financial future for something better. Small steps make a big difference over time.

If you want help understanding whether your KiwiSaver plan is supporting your goals, try Kōura’s personalised KiwiSaver advice tool, a simple way to get clarity and start the year confident.

*Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents