We're saving more, but not shopping around: Report

We're saving, but Kiwis aren't shopping around, according to a banking service survey. Photo / Thinkstock

New Zealanders are saving more than they were less than two years ago but are missing out on deals by not shopping around, according to a online banking service.

The findings come ahead of the Budget announcement this month.

Seventy-three per cent of Kiwis have money put aside in a savings account or term deposit, up from 47 per cent in August 2010, RaboDirect's latest poll has found.

A random sample of 1000 New Zealanders took part in the survey last month.

But while cash savings are on the increase, 69 per cent either can't be bothered shopping around between banks or are indifferent to hunting for the best savings rates, the survey found.

The research showed a 'profound shift' in Kiwis' attitudes to saving, with more people seeing the value of putting money away, said RaboDirect general manager Mel Templeton.

The poll showed investment in shares and the property market are also on the rise.

In 2010, four per cent of Kiwis were investing in both shares and investment properties, which was now up to 15 and 13 per cent this year.

However, there were still too many people missing out on deals by not shopping around, she said.

"And with Reserve Bank figures showing Kiwi households have more than $80 billion in retail cash savings, there's a lot of money that could potentially be working harder."

Templeton said savers should make the most of a competitive market, and she advised looking for consistently high interest rates that deliver value and low fees.

"It's a great environment for savers who should be looking to maximise their savings by getting the best deals possible."