There are opportunities to improve the understanding that New Zealanders have of a wide range of financial concepts. Improving knowledge will help people to manage their money day-to-day and for the future. This is particularly important in relation to the introduction of legislation to establish a workplace savings scheme. Education will also enable people to make sound, well informed decisions in the context of their entire financial situation.

Key areas for improving knowledge include the management of debt through consolidating loans, the effect of compound interest on savings over a long period, choice of mortgage and managing mortgage debt, New Zealand Superannuation - particularly whether it is affected by private wealth, investment and stock market investment, and effective use of credit cards.