Mike Bennett | Senior Adviser
Clear advice on life, trauma, disability, income protection and health insurance, plus managed funds and KiwiSaver. We start with your needs, compare suitable options and explain the trade-offs in plain English.
Who I help
Whether you are protecting a family, your income or long-term savings, the right solution depends on your priorities, budget and time horizon.
Insurance, KiwiSaver, managed funds and a clearer view of your priorities.
Typical situation
Whether you are protecting a family, your income or long-term savings, the right solution depends on your priorities, budget and time horizon.
Illustrative example, not a testimonial from a specific client. Click to go back ↩Income protection, insurance needs, KiwiSaver and long-term savings.
Typical situation
A family wants to protect household income, review existing insurance and keep building savings for future goals. The focus is on the risks that would have the biggest financial impact and on cover that fits the family budget.
Illustrative example, not a testimonial from a specific client. Click to go back ↩Protecting personal income and considering long-term investment options.
Typical situation
A self-employed person wants to protect their personal income while continuing to invest for long-term goals. The discussion can focus on suitable income protection, personal insurance, KiwiSaver and managed-fund options within Mike’s advice scope.
Illustrative example, not a testimonial from a specific client. Click to go back ↩What we can work on together
Insurance, KiwiSaver and managed funds often overlap with the same goals. I look at them together so each recommendation has a clear purpose.
We will review what you already have, clarify your priorities and identify which insurance, KiwiSaver or managed-fund decisions deserve attention first.
We will define the goal, time horizon and amount you can invest regularly. If you already invest, we will also review your current setup.
We focus on the personal risks that could have the greatest financial impact and compare suitable cover across life, disability, trauma, income protection and health insurance.
We will discuss your goals, time horizon and attitude to risk, then consider suitable KiwiSaver or managed-fund options within Mike’s authorised advice scope.
We will first review your existing contracts. I will only recommend a change if it brings a clear benefit in price, coverage or terms.
We can review your KiwiSaver and managed-fund options in the context of your time horizon, contribution level and attitude to investment risk.
Ongoing support
Your insurance and investment needs can be reviewed over time. If your circumstances, cover needs or investment goals change, the relevant arrangements can be revisited.
Discuss your situationAcorn uses industry research tools to compare suitable products and prices.
Acorn has agencies with many of New Zealand’s major insurance companies.
Options, trade-offs and policy terms are explained so you can make an informed decision.
Your insurance and investment needs can be reviewed as your circumstances change.
How the process works
Before every step, you know what we are addressing, why we are addressing it and what comes next.
We will get to know each other, I will explain how I work, and we will clarify what we both expect from the collaboration.
We will review the relevant insurance or investment information, your goals and the factors that matter to the advice.
Mike will explain the relevant options, the reasons behind any recommendation and the important trade-offs.
I will help you compare the relevant options, complete the required paperwork and coordinate the application with the selected insurer or investment provider.
Your insurance and investment arrangements can be reviewed when your circumstances, needs or goals change.
Use the calculator as a starting point only. Investment returns are uncertain and any recommendation should reflect your goals, time horizon and risk profile.
The calculators provide a useful first estimate. A specific plan, however, needs to be based on your full budget and goals.
Regular and lump-sum investing
Set the monthly amount, an optional lump-sum investment, the time horizon and an estimated return. The result updates instantly.
With a modelled return of 6% p.a., the final value could be higher.
Illustrative comparison only, not a guarantee of future returns.These calculations are estimates only. Investment returns are not guaranteed, and any recommendation should be based on your goals, time horizon, risk profile and the relevant product terms.
About Me
Mike Bennett entered the life insurance industry in 1985 after seven years in banking in New Zealand and London. He founded Acorn Insurance & Investment Ltd in 2001.
Acorn works with a broad range of New Zealand insurers and uses industry research tools to compare products and prices. Mike also advises on managed funds and KiwiSaver within his authorised scope.
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions before the first meeting.
I understand. I first look at your needs, goals and current situation. I explain every proposal, and the decision is always yours. Nothing changes without your approval.
Yes. The goal is not to cancel everything automatically. We will review costs, coverage, terms and how the contracts fit together, and I will recommend a change only when it brings a genuine benefit.
Yes. Contact Mike by phone or email and briefly explain what you would like help with. He can confirm whether the topic falls within his advice scope.
Mike’s authorised investment advice scope includes KiwiSaver and managed funds for lump sums and regular savings.
No. Mortgages and lending, legal matters, shares and cryptocurrencies, and general insurance such as car, house and contents are outside Mike’s advice scope.
Contact Mike
A few sentences are enough. I will get back to you and we will agree on the next step.
