It could make a huge difference when you retire.
Almost half a million Kiwis are behind on their payments.
A chunk of New Zealanders aren't saving a cent.
They're the two regions where people are struggling the most to pay off debt, and those on the frontline fear it's about to get worse.
The report found there is no change in the proportion of Kiwis who have savings or investments, sitting at 84 percent for the past three years.
Analysis suggests gender norms influence attitudes towards saving.
"It is credit and it is debt, and if you're not able to pay that back, that does incur fees."
These services currently fall outside of the law because they don't charge interest, only late fees.
The schemes can push people into financial hardship.
