Are you a regular Lotto player? Think you’re in with a chance of being the next millionaire? Let’s have a look at the numbers..

The NZ Lotteries Commission estimate your chances of winning first division Lotto at one in 3.8 million (or one in 38 million for Powerball) ie. – not likely!

What about the minor prizes? Your odds of winning 6th division Lotto with an average winning prize of $22 (probably the amount you spent on the ticket in the first place) are one in 363. So if you spent $20 on a ticket each week for a year ($1,040) - you are unlikely to win enough to cover your costs, let alone make any profit. Sure the potential rewards are huge, but the likely outcome is probably closer to zero (the house always wins, right!).

So what else could you get for your $20 / week? About 10 litres of 91 petrol – enough to drive around 100-120km for the average car. Or 5 takeaway coffees – great for instant gratification but once they’re gone, they’re gone.

How about KiwiSaver? Well, if that same $20 went into KiwiSaver each week, at the end of a year you would have $1,040 tucked away (excluding any investment returns, losses or management fees). If you qualify for member tax credits the Government will also have added a further $520. So far, so good.

And it gets even better if you are an employee - although your minimum contribution is set at 3% of gross income, in addition to member tax credits your employer will also top this up by a further 3% gross contribution (less a withholding tax). Those savings will be growing in no time!

KiwiSaver can also help you build a deposit towards a future first home purchase or plan ahead for a comfortable retirement.

So which is better? If you like the thrill of the unknown then the prospect of becoming a millionaire is exciting. However, to set yourself up for the future and some extra incentives for saving, you could consider KiwiSaver.

Give us a call to discuss your options.  

Notes:

  • Lotto odds via NZ Lotteries Commission 
  • KiwiSaver eligibility – you must be a New Zealand citizen, or entitled to live in New Zealand indefinitely, and living or normally living in New Zealand (with some exceptions), and below the age of eligibility for NZ Super (currently 65).
  • To qualify for the maximum member tax credits, you need to be between the ages of 18 – 65 and contribute at least $1,042.86 during a full tax credit year 1 July – 30 June.
  • This article is of a general nature only and should not be considered personalised advice.