New Zealander's feelings about personal finances might not actually stack up

The Financial Services Council's latest Money and You survey revealed a 20-percent gap between people's feelings and actual understanding of their money.

CEO Richard Klipin says the perception gap is a concern because overconfidence in finances can lead to poor financial decision making.

He says being in control of everyday financial decisions helps put people back in the driver's seat with their finances.

Richard Klipin says step one is understanding where you're at, and step two is getting guidance and advice, and understand where your money is going.