by Metropol | March 18, 2026 8:33 am
Turning 40 or 50 can feel a long way off. And 65? That can seem almost unimaginable for people still in early or mid-career. Yet the day you decide you’re ready to take steps towards retirement, the next phase of your life will arrive sooner than you think, says Shiree Hembrow, financial adviser at phwealth.
“When it does, the choices you made many years earlier will matter more than you realise,” Shiree says. “Women, in particular, need to think carefully about retirement planning. On average, women live longer than men and often earn less over their working lives. That combination can mean funding a longer retirement with lower lifetime savings invested across a range of assets.”
For many women aged over 50, Shiree says, the biggest concern is simple and personal: ‘Will I have enough? Will I be a burden on my family?’
MONEY MATTERS
In December 2024, research from Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission highlighted how reliant many New Zealanders are on NZ Super. Thirty-nine per cent of respondents reported having no other savings, investments or KiwiSaver, while 36 per cent of older workers said they continue working primarily because of financial pressure.
With more than 30 years of experience in financial planning, phwealth support clients with all aspects of wealth management, from retirement and investment planning to estate planning and budgeting. “Our focus is helping people build confidence around money and make informed decisions for the long term,” Shiree says.
“The earlier you start, the more options you create. Someone who begins saving in their 40s will be in a very different position from someone trying to build retirement funds in the five years before they stop work. Time in the market matters.”
Owning your home can make retirement more manageable. Without it, a significant portion of superannuation may go towards rent. Maintaining your lifestyle typically requires an additional source of income.
RISK APPETITE
For long-term investors, a higher allocation to growth assets, such as shares, can provide stronger returns over time than fixed-interest investments, despite their level of volatility. The key is aligning your investment mix with your goals, timeframe and tolerance for risk.
“Retirement planning isn’t just about numbers. It’s about securing your lifestyle for a lifetime; creating the freedom, security and peace of mind you deserve. The question isn’t whether retirement is coming; it’s whether you’ll be ready.”
Regardless of where you are in your career, there’s no better time to make an appointment with the phwealth team to discuss your situation. Call 03 925 8584, email either Shiree or Unicia on shiree.hembrow@phwealth.co.nz and unicia.veer@phwealth.co.nz, or make contact through the website below.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/ready-steady-retirement-phwealth/
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