What is Smart Steps?
A long-term approach that changes with age
When retirement is a long way off, you generally have more time to ride out the ups and downs of investment markets.
That's why Smart Steps starts with more of your money invested in growth assets, such as shares.
As you get older, your investment mix gradually changes. The proportion invested in growth assets reduces and the proportion in income assets, such as bonds and cash, increases.
The idea is simple: take more investment risk when you have more time, then gradually reduce it as your timeframe gets shorter.
Why choose Smart Steps?
Set and forget
Set it up once and your investment mix will automatically change each year, so you can set and forget.
Automatically changes with you
The balance between growth and income assets gradually shifts over time, reflecting the changing investment approach as you get older.
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How Smart Steps works
Your timeframe is an important part of deciding how much market movement you're comfortable with.
When retirement is further away
More of your money is invested in growth assets, giving it greater potential to grow over the long term. Your balance is also likely to experience bigger ups and downs along the way.
Getting closer to 65
Your investment mix gradually becomes more balanced between growth and income assets. The changes happen automatically as you get older.
65 and beyond
Smart Steps continues to adjust your investment mix after 65. This recognises that retirement can last for many years and you may choose to keep some or all of your savings invested.
Smart Steps at different ages
Smart Steps automatically adjusts the balance between growth and income assets each year from age 18.
The examples below show what the mix looks like at 10-year intervals.
Not what you're looking for? Explore Smart KiwiSaver Scheme funds.
