retirement.org.nz

The shift from retirement planning to lifetime financial planning, announced recently by Social Services Minister Steve Maharey, is called Sorted, and will be launched on 30 September 2001.

Sorted public education manager Liz Read said that international research showed a clear link between financial education early in life, and financial well-being in retirement.

“So while the short term focus of Sorted is on improving people’s money skills, the Retirement Commission’s long term focus remains firmly on helping New Zealanders plan for their retirement,” she said.

Sorted is centred around a website, covering goal setting, saving, managing debt, investment and retirement. Special sections look at financial planning at work, and financial skills education for young people.

Television and bus advertising will inform people of the site and how it can help them with their money management.

The online focus is the result of careful planning and research from the Retirement Commission.

“Our research shows that New Zealanders want personalised financial skills information from an independent source. The Retirement Commission’s experience over recent years also shows that many people prefer to find financial skills information on the internet, rather than by calling a free phone line or booklets and pamphlets. Sorted has been designed to respond to these preferences.

“We also know from the latest AC Nielsen Net Ratings (June 2001) that nearly one million New Zealanders are actively surfing the internet from home.

“Add to that the number of people with internet access through work, and public access through libraries, internet cafes and other public terminals, and it’s clear that the internet is the ideal way to really help New Zealanders get their money sorted.”

For those who prefer to get their money management information in printed form, a set of publications called Sorted Offline will be distributed through public libraries from early November.

Other Sorted initiatives include:

• Development of a series of activities which will deliver financial planning information and education in a relevant and culturally appropriate manner for Maori – particularly young Maori.
• A programme to promote Sorted to employers as a way for them to support staff to plan their financial future at work.
• Information is being developed to help those who are in retirement to better manage their financial assets through their retirement years. This programme will be launched in early 2002.

To get sorted, go to www.sorted.org.nz

For further information:
Liz Read
Sorted Public Education Manager
Tel: 0-4-494 6242, Mob 021 118 5292

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Financial skills for life: helping New Zealanders get Sorted