Advanced Finance Planner
Expenses
Plan Smarter, Live Better
Managing your money shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re tracking everyday expenses, saving for your first home, or planning for a comfortable retirement, the NZ Finance Planner gives you the clarity and confidence to take control of your financial journey.
Built specifically for New Zealanders, our secure, easy-to-use tool helps you plan, track, and optimise your finances — all in one place, tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
How the Finance Planner Works
Our Finance Planner is designed to make managing money simple and empowering. In just three easy steps, you’ll go from uncertainty to a clear plan for your financial future.
1. Enter Your Income & Expenses
Start by entering your regular income — including salary, wages, and side gigs — along with your day-to-day expenses like rent or mortgage, groceries, transport, utilities, and entertainment.
The planner automatically calculates your cash flow, showing exactly how much you can save or invest each month.
2. Set Your Financial Goals
Next, set clear goals that matter to you. Whether you’re:
- Building a KiwiSaver nest egg,
- Paying off debt faster,
- Saving for your dream home,
- Planning a family holiday, or
- Creating an emergency fund,
the Finance Planner helps you turn intentions into actionable steps.
3. Track & Adjust Your Progress
Interactive charts and visuals make it easy to see where your money’s going — and how small changes can make a big impact over time.
As your circumstances change, you can tweak your plan anytime to stay aligned with your goals.
Why Use a Finance Planner in NZ
Here’s why thousands of Kiwis trust our Finance Planner to help them achieve more with their money:
✅ Made for NZ Dollars (NZD) – No conversions, no confusion. Everything’s tailored to local income, expenses, and lifestyle.
✅ KiwiSaver Integration – See how your contributions grow and how small adjustments today can make a big difference tomorrow.
✅ Visual Budget Insights – Colourful charts and breakdowns make it easy to spot trends and find savings opportunities.
✅ Goal Tracking – From short-term wins to long-term dreams, track every step towards your financial milestones.
✅ Privacy First – No banking connections or third-party data sharing. Your information stays completely secure and in your control.
Who Should Use This Tool
Our Finance Planner is perfect for anyone who wants to take charge of their money, including:
- Individuals looking to build confidence with personal budgeting.
- Couples managing joint expenses or saving for shared goals.
- First-home buyers preparing for KiwiSaver withdrawals and deposits.
- Families working toward long-term financial stability.
- Students learning how to budget and save independently.
Start Your Financial Plan Today
Your financial wellbeing starts with one simple step.
Use our free Finance Planner below to build your personalised roadmap — designed for Kiwis, by Kiwis. It’s quick, secure, and completely private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Finance Planner free to use?
Yes — it’s 100% free and requires no sign-up or login. Just open the planner and start budgeting.
Can I use it for business budgeting?
This version is designed for personal and household use. If you’re managing a business, try our Business Finance Planner for tailored tools.
Does it connect to my bank account?
No. We believe financial privacy is essential. You enter your own data, keeping everything secure and under your full control.
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting framework that helps you manage your income wisely:
- 50% for needs (rent, groceries, bills)
- 30% for wants (entertainment, dining out)
- 20% for savings or debt repayment.
It’s a great starting point for financial balance.
How much does a good financial planner cost?
In New Zealand, most financial planners charge either a flat fee (typically between $1,000 – $3,000) or an hourly rate of $150 – $400. Costs vary depending on your needs and goals.
Is it a good idea to use a financial planner?
Yes — especially if you have multiple goals, investments, or big life plans. A financial planner helps you create a clear roadmap, make informed choices, and avoid costly mistakes.
How to budget $3,000 a month?
Using the 50/30/20 rule:
- $1,500 for needs
- $900 for wants
- $600 for savings or debt payments
Adjust the numbers to fit your lifestyle while keeping savings consistent.
Does the 50/30/20 rule actually work?
Yes — it works well as a guideline for most people. If your housing costs are high, adjust the percentages but keep tracking your spending. Consistency matters most.
How much should I save if I make $3,000 a month?
Aim to save around 20% of your income — about $600 monthly. If that’s tough at first, start smaller and build up over time.
What is the 75/15/10 rule?
This approach allocates 75% for essentials, 15% for investments or savings, and 10% for giving or generosity. It’s a flexible alternative for people who value charitable giving.
What is the 50/30/20 rule with examples?
If you earn $4,000 a month, the rule would mean:
- $2,000 for needs
- $1,200 for wants
- $800 for savings or debt payments
What is the $27.40 rule?
If you save $27.40 a day, you’ll reach $10,000 in a year. It’s a simple, motivating way to visualise daily saving goals.
How much does Dave Ramsey say you should save?
Dave Ramsey recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement — after paying off debt and building an emergency fund.
Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?
Yes. Many advisors specialise in portfolios between $300,000 and $1 million. Others offer fixed-fee or hourly advice regardless of balance.
Is a financial planner worth the money?
For most people — yes. A planner can help you save more, invest smarter, and reduce stress, making the cost worthwhile.
What is a reasonable charge for a financial advisor?
A fair annual fee is about 1% of assets managed or a flat $1,000–$3,000 for a complete plan. Always ask for clear fee structures.
What is the 80/20 rule for financial advisors?
It means 80% of your financial success often comes from 20% of your decisions — like consistent saving and avoiding high-interest debt.
Can I retire at 62 with $400,000 in KiwiSaver or investments?
It depends on your lifestyle and expenses. $400,000 plus NZ Super may support a modest retirement, but working part-time or adjusting spending could help.
What are red flags for financial advisors?
Be cautious if an advisor:
- Promises guaranteed returns
- Hides or avoids discussing fees
- Pushes products you don’t understand
- Isn’t registered with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA)
What are the cons of using a financial planner?
The main downsides are cost and time. Some people prefer DIY budgeting, but expert guidance can often save more than it costs.
How much money should you have to see a financial planner?
There’s no minimum. Even with modest savings, a planner can help you set smart goals. Many people start seeking advice once they have $50,000+ in savings or investments.
Can a person live on $3,000 a month?
Yes, it’s possible — especially with careful budgeting. Where you live and your housing costs make the biggest difference.
What’s a realistic monthly budget?
A realistic budget covers needs first, sets aside savings automatically, and keeps wants to around 20–30% of income.
How much is $3,000 a month annually?
$3,000 per month equals $36,000 per year before tax.
Is saving $3,000 a month good?
Yes — that’s $36,000 a year, putting you well ahead of average savings rates. Consistency is key.
How much rent can I afford with $3,000 a month?
Aim to spend no more than 30% of income on rent — roughly $900 per month.
How much super do I need to retire on $70,000 a year?
To generate around $70,000 annually in retirement, you’d typically need $1.5 – $2 million invested, depending on returns and time horizon
