Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Increasing caution about savings

Updated at 5:42 am on 2 September 2011

Research for MasterCard shows that New Zealanders are increasingly cautious about their savings.

An annual survey of 626 consumers shows 78% of respondents believe they should keep between three months and six months of personal savings on hand in case of emergencies.

MasterCard says the finding suggests consumers are taking a closer interest in their financial well-being and becoming more cautious against a backdrop of global economic volatility.

However, just over a quarter say they have calculated the amount of retirement funds they will need.

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