Why doesn't my KiwiSaver balance always go up?
Your money is invested, so your balance won't move in a straight line.
Depending on your fund, your money may be invested in shares, bonds, cash and other investments. Their values change as markets move, which means your KiwiSaver balance will too.
Funds with more shares generally have bigger ups and downs, but greater potential for growth over the long term.
Funds with more bonds and cash tend to have smaller ups and downs, but lower long-term growth potential.
Those short-term movements are a normal part of investing. What matters more is whether your fund suits when you'll need your money, your goals and how comfortable you are with seeing your balance move.
Not sure if your current fund is right for you?
Our Fund Finder asks a few simple questions to help you find a KiwiSaver fund that suits you.