The Financial Capability Barometer 2018-2019 was a survey of 15,519 adult New Zealanders on their financial behaviours, attitudes and experiences. The data has provided valuable insights into the state of New Zealanders’ personal finances. Importantly, the survey is also a snapshot of New Zealand’s personal finances before the 2020 COVID-19 crisis which exposed the low financial resilience of many New Zealand households. 

Key findings:

1. Most people do not plan financially for retirement
2. People expect NZ Super and Kiwisaver to be the basis of their retirement income
3. Consumer debt is common and not limited to those on low incomes
4. Financial stress among mortgage holders is closer to that of renters than freehold owners.