Are your finances in good shape?

Business Editor·NZ Herald·

29 Aug, 2015 11:19 PM2 mins to read

Today marks the start of Money Week - a week of events organised by the Commission for Financial Capability to help Kiwis look at their financial situation and get their money matters in order. The commission and the Financial Markets Authority have teamed up to produce a series of videos asking people about their plans for retirement. In the first of five videos people are asked about their expectations for retirement and whether they will be ready to do what they want when they want.

Money Week got off to a wet start with the official launch in Auckland today at Takutai Square in Britomart.

By-passing commuters were encouraged to get their money "fighting fit" as part of the annual event organised by the Commission for Financial Capability.

Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell said the week was a way of focusing people's attention on those things you keep saying you'll do but never get around to because life gets in the way.

"It also creates some talk around money, which we are often reluctant to do."

Paul Goldsmith, minister of commerce and consumer affairs, who was at the launch, said money week was designed to empower people.

"By building the financial capability of our families and communities we can help people better shape their lives, reduce debt and hardship, and achieve their goals."

"Getting people thinking about money and how to manage it, from day-to-day budgeting to long term planning are some of the things being discussed in events and activities across the country this week."

Those wanting to check their financial health can go to www.fightingfit.org.nz.

The Financial Markets Authority is also offering a KiwiSaver health check.

The full list of events is available at www.moneyweek.org.nz.