The tools experts use to stay experts

By MAS Team

Think about the professionals you trust and the tools they use every day.

A radiologist doesn’t diagnose a patient armed with a torch and a good hunch. They use MRI machines, CT scanners and advanced imaging technology to get a clearer picture.

An architect doesn’t design a skyscraper on the back of a napkin. They use specialist software to model structures, test assumptions and solve problems before construction even begins.

Experts use tools designed by other experts because it makes their jobs easier, saves time and helps them focus on what they do best.

The same principle should apply to our finances.

Expert tools provide a level of precision, clarity and convenience that can make a big difference to our finances.

At MAS, we partner with many expert providers to give our Members access to tools and services designed to make their lives easier.

 

Feijoa: Small savings that happen automatically 

Putting savings aside regularly sounds simple in theory.  

In reality, every month can look a little different and when we aren’t saving as we go, it can be easy to not put anything aside at all.  

That's where Feijoa comes in. Available at no additional cost for MAS KiwiSaver Scheme members, Feijoa is a spend-to-save app that rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest $1, $2 or $5 and automatically contributes the difference into your KiwiSaver account. 

Buy a coffee. Fill up the car. Pick up groceries. 

The spare change from everyday purchases is invested into your future without adding another task to your to-do list. Members can choose their preferred round-up amount and adjust, pause or customise their savings settings at any time. 

It's a simple way to build a saving habit that works quietly in the background while you get on with life. 

Jacob Hattersley, Head of Growth (Investments) at MAS,  started using Feijoa after they partnered with MAS earlier this year.  

"I think what is so special about it is there is a great round-up system which is happening in the background but I simply forget it is happening."  

"Not many people would notice $1~per day, but this small amount accumulates over time." 

In their first year of roundups, Feijoa has seen $4.5m extra invested into KiwiSaver, a figure projected to grow to more than $200 million by the time users of Feijoa retire. It's a great example of how the right tools can help turn good intentions into meaningful action. 

House Estimator: Taking the guess work out of getting the right cover. 

If you had to rebuild your home from scratch, do you know how much timber you would need and what it would cost? What about replacing those twin sinks you installed last year?  

Most of us have a rough idea of what our home is worth, but calculating the rebuild costs or adding up the value of everything we own is a different exercise. For busy individuals, it's another calculation that can easily be pushed down the priority list. 

That’s why MAS has a House Estimator tool to help take the guesswork out of the process. Rather than relying on a rough estimate, the MAS House Estimator, powered by Cordell Sum Sure calculator, guides you through the process and helps you make informed decisions about your cover and potential premiums.  

In fact, between 1 January 2026 to 30 September 2026 the MAS House Estimator was completed almost 30,000 times highlighting how many Members are looking for greater confidence when thinking about their cover. 

"The cost to re-build your home can fluctuate due to factors such as inflation costs to building materials and changes to approved building practices, " David Saunders, General Insurance Manager at MAS points out. "The MAS House Estimator helps make more informed decisions by providing a practical starting point as it uses available property attribute information, including information you input or confirm, together with certain construction data to statistically derive a rebuild estimate. Whilst it cannot fully prevent it, this tool does help reduce the risk of underinsurance. "   

Like any good tool, it doesn't make the decision for you. It simply makes a complex task easier and helps you feel more confident that you've got the right details. 

Roadside Assistance: Help when you need it most 

Cars have a habit of choosing inconvenient moments to break down. 

Many of us keep basic tools on hand, whether that's a spare tyre or jumper cables. But sometimes the problem requires more than the tool in your boot and you need an expert on hand with the right equipment and experience to get you moving again.  

That's why MAS Roadside Assistance, provided by AA Roadservice, is included with eligible Comprehensive Motor Vehicle policies at no extra cost. 

If something goes wrong, Members can contact MAS and receive practical roadside support. From mechanical breakdowns and battery assistance to lockouts and tyre issues, help is available when it's needed. 

Between 1 April 2026 to 4 October 2026, MAS Roadside Assistance has responded to 934 call-outs from Members, helping with everything from flat batteries and punctures to lockouts and mechanical breakdowns. 

The service reflects a simple idea: you don't need to be an expert in everything. Sometimes the smartest solution is knowing who to call when something goes wrong. 

Even experts need experts 

The most successful experts don't try to do everything themselves. 

They rely on specialist knowledge, trusted advice and tools built by people who understand their craft. 

At MAS, we believe your financial life should work the same way. 

Whether it’s Feijoa helping you grow your savings automatically, understanding your insurance needs with the House Estimator,  or getting you back on the road through MAS Roadside Assistance, these tools are designed to help make life a little easier.  

Because when it comes to your financial future, even experts need experts. 

This article is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute financial or legal advice. MAS is a licensed financial advice provider. Our financial advice disclosure statement is available by visiting mas.co.nz or calling 0800 800 627. © Medical Assurance Society New Zealand Limited 2024. Before taking out any insurance product, you should carefully consider the terms and specific policy wording. Underwriting criteria will apply.   

Medical Funds Management Limited is the issuer and manager of the MAS KiwiSaver Scheme.  The Product Disclosure Statement for the MAS KiwiSaver Scheme is available at www.mas.co.nz. 

Eligibility criteria apply to MAS Roadside Assistance, provided by AA Roadservice, see terms and conditions for more information. There is no applicable excess to use MAS Roadside Assistance and the services provided by AA Roadservice. However, some of the services that require additional support or technical assistance outside of the standard services many require an up-front cost to be covered by the driver.

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