Money Made Simple
Money Made Simple is a family of New Zealand-based financial literacy podcasts from Simplicity. The show aims to make Kiwis richer and smarter with money by simplifying financial jargon. It features two series: 'Money Made Simple with Jennie and Liv' covers basics like investing, KiwiSaver, and budgeting, while 'The Economy Made Simple with Shamubeel Eaqub' provides monthly economic updates and interviews.
Episodes
MMS #73 | The Self-Employed Guide to KiwiSaver, tax, and not getting caught out
In this week's episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie tackle a topic that deserves some airtime: the finances of self-employment. Nearly 1 in 5 Kiwis work for themselves - and the financial scaffolding that employees take for granted simply doesn't come with the territory. They break down what that means in practice, what to set up early, and how to make sure your future self doesn
Economy Made Simple #16 | Can we still trust the news? Bernard Hickey weighs in
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with journalist and publisher Bernard Hickey to talk about how economic stories are told, why trust in media matters, and what’s changed in journalism over the past few decades. Bernard reflects on the major economic shifts in NZ, how his own views on markets and capitalism have evolved, and why good reporting still matters in a wor
MMS #72 | Does ethical investing compromise your returns?
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie sits down with Barry Coates, CEO of Mindful Money, to unpack what ethical investing really means and how Kiwis can put their KiwiSaver and other investments behind the values they care about. Barry brings decades of experience from the UK and NZ ethical investment communities, and more recently founded Mindful Money as a charity to give New Zealanders f
MMS #71 | What's the right KiwiSaver contribution rate in 2026?
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv revisit one of the most important - and most overlooked - parts of your KiwiSaver: your contribution rate. With changes coming into effect in 2026, including a lift to the default minimum, now's the perfect time to check in and ask whether you're actually contributing enough. From what's changed and what it means for your take-h
Economy Made Simple #15 | Migration in NZ: Who will the next generation of Kiwis really be?
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Simplicity's Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub is joined by Money Made Simple host Liv to unpack one of the biggest quiet shifts happening in New Zealand right now: our rapidly changing ethnic make-up, and what it will take to turn that into something genuinely good for everyone.Drawing on his recent research for the Auckland Policy Office, Shamubeel walk
MMS #70 | What are asset classes? (and how they help you diversify)
The world feels a bit uncertain right now - headlines are full of market volatility, rising oil prices, and global tensions. In stories about investments, you might be hearing a lot about the importance of “diversification”… but what does that actually mean? And how do you put it in to practice?In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie break down the main investment asset classes - what
MMS #69 | The spending traps hurting your budget
Cost of living is spiralling higher and higher - but we're here to help you tackle it. In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie discuss the psychology of spending, the traps that make it easier to overspend, and how to (gently) retrain your brain so your money decisions feel more intentional and less impulsive. We unpack the “Want Monster” - that little voice in your head telling
Economy Made Simple #14 | Oil shocks and war: What it means for NZ now - and in the future
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down the recent surge in oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East - and what it means for NZ households, businesses and the wider economy.While price shocks like this are not new, the episode highlights why they may become more frequent and what we need to think about as a country, as we prepare for the future.This episode cove
MMS #68 | Side hustle tax? What you need to know (from a real accountant)
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Annè Lensink from Villa Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors to break down “Accounting 101” for everyday Kiwis. Whether you’ve got a side hustle, are freelancing, or just feeling a bit unsure about tax, this episode helps make sense of the basics in plain English.Annè is a Chartered Accountant based in Northland, known for helping p
Economy Made Simple #13 | Economic update: Signs of recovery (but risks ahead)
Note for listeners: This episode was recorded just before the recent escalation of conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran. While those developments are likely to influence the global and local outlook, the economic trends and data discussed here remain relevant to understanding the current state of the New Zealand economy. In this latest episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaq
MMS #67 | How to switch KiwiSaver providers (it's easier than you think!)
In this week's episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie tackle a surprisingly common KiwiSaver question: how do you switch providers, and is there a “right” time to do it? They break down what happens behind the scenes with your provider and the IRD, why switching can be a smart long-term move (without trying to time the market), and the most common worries that stop people from taking sm
MMS #66 | The gender gap: Why are men retiring so much richer than women?
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie unpack a stubborn and confronting reality: the retirement savings gap between men and women. While the gender pay gap has narrowed in recent years, the KiwiSaver gender gap remains - and in some age groups, it’s even widening.With International Women’s Day in mind, this episode dives into the data behind the gap, why it exists, and what it means
Economy Made Simple #12 | Inflation in 2026: What's next for NZ?
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down inflation in plain English, explaining what’s actually driving rising prices in NZ and what households can realistically expect in 2026.Inflation has dominated headlines and kitchen table conversations alike. From groceries and electricity bills to mortgage rates and job prospects, Shamubeel explores why the cost of living still f
MMS #65 | Your Financial Ins & Outs for 2026
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie jump on the popular “ins and outs” trend - but give it a practical money twist for 2026.They share realistic financial habits to bring in this year, and the common money mindsets and behaviours to leave out. This isn’t about perfection, restriction or hustle culture - it’s about small, sustainable tweaks that can make managing your money feel si
MMS #64 | Compounding returns: The “money makes money” episode
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv unpack one of the most powerful, and not always well understood, ideas in personal finance - compounding returns.They explain how money can make money itself over time, why the “snowball effect” is such a game-changer for long-term savings and investing, and how it can work not just for you, but also against you when it comes to debt. Using sim
Economy Made Simple #11 | A look into the future: NZ's long term choices explained
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down the Long Term Insight Briefings published by New Zealand’s key government agencies and explains why they matter far more than most of us realise. These reports look decades ahead and ask some uncomfortable but necessary questions about NZ’s future, including how we fund public services, care for an ageing population, respond to cl
MMS #63 | How does venture capital work? The inside word on startups, scaling up and global impact
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to unpack how venture capital really works in New Zealand - and what it takes to build successful startups in a small, but globally connected market. From arriving in NZ as an unpaid intern to leading one of the country’s most influential venture capital firms, Robbie shares his journey, lessons learned
MMS #62 | Real Kiwis share their top investing, saving and money hacks
In this (crowd-sourced) episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into the best money tips submitted by our lovely Simplicity community! From simple mindset shifts to clever day-to-day hacks, this episode brings together the collective wisdom of everyday Kiwis navigating saving, spending and investing during a pretty tough cost-of-living environment.This episode covers: Why starting small
Economy Made Simple #10 | KiwiSaver 2.0: Future proofing our golden years
KiwiSaver has changed the way New Zealanders save - but with an ageing population and growing fiscal pressures, the current system won’t be enough to support future generations. In this episode, Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub lays out his vision for KiwiSaver 2.0: a bolder, more sustainable approach to retirement savings that draws inspiration from successful global models.He explains
MMS #61 | Volatility: Why market ups and downs are a good thing (yes, really!)
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into a topic that can make even seasoned investors nervous - market volatility. What causes the sudden ups and downs in your KiwiSaver or Investment Fund balance? And what should you do when markets are unsettled?From global news and investor emotion to algorithms and exchange rates, this episode explains what’s really behind those squiggly
MMS #60 | Christmas on a budget - all the joy, without the stress of overspending!
The silly season is here! But, of course, so are the ongoing bills and cost of living crunch. In this festive episode, Jennie and Liv tackle one of the toughest challenges of the year: how to enjoy Christmas without blowing the budget. They share some practical, creative ideas for saving money, setting expectations with family, and finding fun in over summer even when times are tough.This episode
MMS #59 | Living boujee, but on a budget - yes, it's possible!
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv chats with the sassy but very savvy Sabby Jey, the creator of the viral series Boujee on a Budget. They discuss how she turned her upbringing, values, and financial smarts into a platform that helps thousands ok Kiwis live luxuriously without overspending. From second-hand fashion, to smart saving hacks and mindful money habits, Sabby shares her personal j
Economy Made Simple #9 | Why NZ keeps falling behind on infrastructure
In this special guest episode of the Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with Geoff Cooper, CEO of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, to unpack the country’s infrastructure crisis: why it exists, what keeps driving costs up, and how we can start fixing it. They explore why and how NZ keeps falling behind when it comes to maintaining essential infrastructure, the political and ge
MMS #58 | Hedged vs Unhedged: What's the difference?!
In this much-requested episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv (finally!) demystify hedging, the financial safety net that can help protect your KiwiSaver and investment balances from foreign currency fluctuations. They explain what it means in a general sense (outside and inside of investments), why fund managers use it, and when being “hedged” or “unhedged” can make a difference to your ret
MMS #57 | From $6k to success: The story behind startup Bear & Moo
In this inspiring episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie sits down with Hannah Porter - founder of baby and kids' brand Bear & Moo - to talk about building a successful startup from scratch, while juggling family life and financial realities. From starting with just $6,000 to growing into a thriving online and retail store, Hannah shares what it’s really like to take a calculated risk and c
Economy Made Simple #8 | Spring economic update - will this recession ever end?
Spring might be in the air, but the economy hasn’t quite joined the party yet. In this quarterly economic update, Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity’s Chief Economist, breaks down what’s really going on in New Zealand and across the globe. He explains why the economy still feels sluggish, what's happening re: the cost of living crisis, and what to watch for next.This episode covers:Why the New Zeala
MMS #56 | Index funds 101: Why they're simpler, smarter, better
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv unpack one of the most simple and powerful (yet often misunderstood) tools for building wealth: index funds. They explain what index funds are, why they’re so popular with investors worldwide, and how they actually stack up against actively managed funds. Using strawberries, gift hampers, and a couple of screw-ups along the way (we never said we
MMS #55 | Five big money myths holding you back financially
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv take on the top five money myths that keep holding Kiwis back from building financial confidence - and wealth! From saving when money is tight to whether credit cards are always “bad,” they tackle some of the most common misconceptions with real-life examples and practical advice you can actually use. This episode covers:Why “I don’t earn enough
Economy Made Simple #7 | Capital, leadership and NZ's future
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, to explore the intersection of personal journeys, global finance, and the future of New Zealand’s economy. From growing up in the depths of West Auckland to investment banking at Goldman Sachs, Sam shares lessons from his career and why he ultimately came back to try and build something for ev
MMS #54 | The great Kiwi housing debate: Renting vs. Owning (what's smarter?)
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv tackle the common Kiwi dilemma: Should you rent forever, or is it better to save up and buy your own home? They unpack the real-world costs on both sides (not just mortgage vs rent), discuss the lifestyle trade-offs, and how today’s market settings can tilt the decision either way. You'll get a run down of general ownership expenses, rent r
MMS #53 | Smarter spending tips for the (long-term) win!
In Part 2 of our “Save and Spend” series, Liv and Jennie are back to talk about the fun side of money: spend spend spend! But even spending can go sideways if you’re not intentional about it (cue: Jennie's fave Want Monster). This episode explores how to spend smarter, not harder - and how investing in the right things can save you money, stress and regret down the track! This episode covers:
Economy Made Simple #6 | Ashley Bloomfield on leadership,health and the COVID-19 response
In this very special episode of the Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with Sir Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s former Director-General of Health, to talk about what we’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic - and how those lessons could help shape our collective future.This thoughtful conversation touches on the complex intersection between public health, the economy, leadership and t
MMS #52 | Saving smarter: how to spend less without the sacrifice
*Please note that nothing in this podcast is personalised financial advice or recommendations. We recommend that people seek independent financial advice when it comes to making decisions around their mortgages, insurances and/or general financial situation.*As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze Kiwi wallets, Jennie and Liv are back with practical, real-world ideas to help you save mon
Economy Made Simple #5 | Economic update: Global turmoil, local impact
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down what’s going on in the New Zealand economy - and what’s coming next. Are we still in a recession? Why has it affected people so differently? And what signs should we look for to know that a recovery is finally taking shape?From global wars and rising oil prices to interest rates and job ads, Shamubeel gives a clear-eyed update on
MMS #51 | KiwiSaver changes explained: What’s in, what’s out & what does this mean for you?
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie unpack the recent changes to KiwiSaver announced in Budget 2025 - what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could impact you both now, and in the long term.From personal contribution increases to government contribution cutbacks, it’s a mixed bag. Some changes are great, particularly for younger savers and long-term investors, but others (like
MMS #50 | From Zero to Tax Hero: The inspiring journey behind Tax Traders and Taxi
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Josh Taylor — or JT — co-founder of Tax Traders and Taxi, two innovative businesses making waves in the world of tax. While tax might not sound like a glamorous industry, Josh’s entrepreneurial journey is packed with insight, hard-won lessons, and inspiring moments of resilience.From getting made redundant to selling the family home to start
Economy Made Simple #4 | NZ's housing crisis - and how we might fix it
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down one of the most pressing challenges facing Aotearoa today - our ongoing housing crisis. Why are homes so unaffordable? How did we end up here? And what do we need to do to make things better? From historical policy shifts to the present day shortage, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the system’s failure... and how we mi
MMS #49 | MMS #49 | Getting your KiwiSaver SORTED with Tom Hartmann
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie is joined by Tom Hartmann, personal finance lead at Sorted and part of Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission. Together, they break down KiwiSaver in simple, practical terms to help you feel - and help you actually get - sorted when it comes to planning for your nest egg. Whether you're just starting out or have been contributing for years, this e
MMS #48 | Investor stories: Lessons from a second-gen Kiwi working toward financial freedom
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Simplicity member Rugved Deshpande to share his real-life finance journey. From childhood savings jars and pocket money to index funds, KiwiSaver choices, and building wealth his own way. As a second-generation Indian Kiwi and management accountant, Rugved reflects on how his upbringing shaped his money mindset, and how that mindset has evol
Economy Made Simple #3 | BUDGET 2025: Govt finances, explained
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub unpacks how government finances actually work – and why they matter to us all. From tax and spending to investment and debt, he breaks down the jargon we hear so often in political debates and media headlines, and explains how public finance is really just a larger version of household budgeting - with long-term consequences f
MMS #47 | From PIEs to PIRs: All your questions about tax and KiwiSaver answered
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into the not-so-sexy but super important topic of tax – specifically how it works inside your KiwiSaver.Tax might not be everyone’s idea of a good time (trust us, we get it), but understanding the basics can make a big difference to how confident you feel about your KiwiSaver. Whether you've noticed your balance dropping in March, or y
Economy Made Simple #2 | Social cohesion - the glue of a functioning society. Is it lost in NZ?!
In this thought-provoking episode of Economy Made Simple, Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub is joined by Liv to help unpack the very important but complex topic of social cohesion. They discuss what it means, why it’s under pressure, and how it underpins everything from economic stability to effective policymaking in Aotearoa. Drawing on global trends and New Zealand-specific data, Shamub
MMS #46 | Paying too much? A guide to smarter spending with Consumer NZ
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie chats with Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy about the real pressures New Zealanders are facing in today’s challenging economy – and what we can ALL do about it. From overpriced groceries to big power bills, Jon breaks down the biggest consumer issues and gives practical tips for navigating your way to smarter spending habits. This episode covers: Why supermark
MMS #45 | Navigating a choppy job market: how to keep (or find) your dream job
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into effective strategies for building job resilience during an economic downturn (like we're seeing right now). If you're worried about your job security or looking to secure a new job, this episode will arm you with the insights and strategies you may be seeking. This episode covers:Current trends in unemployment, business closu
Economy Made Simple #1 | APRIL 2025 State of the Nation
Welcome to the very first episode of the Economy Made Simple! Our host Shamubeel Eaqub delves into the current state of financial markets, the broader economy, and the impact of global volatility on the local environment. This episode offers a "State of the Nation" perspective, perfect for those who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the economy. This episode co
MMS #44 | Don't outlive your money: Rethinking retirement realities with Jane Wrightson
In this second episode of our two-part series with Jane Wrightson, New Zealand's Retirement Commissioner, we dive deeper into the future of retirement and how today’s choices can and will impact tomorrow's freedom. This episode, tackles some thought-provoking issues and projections, and could be a game-changer for those trying to secure a more comfortable future. This week's episode
MMS #43 | Plan now, chill later: Why retirement planning isn't just for the older generations!
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie sits down with New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner, Jane Wrightson, to discuss what retirement really looks like in New Zealand. We often think of retirement as something far off on the horizon but the reality is, the choices we make today shape our financial future.This episode covers:The true state of retirement in NZ—why the “rich boomer” stereotyp
MMS #42 | How to invest (better) like a woman. Happy IWD!
In celebration of International Women's Day on the 8th March, this episode of Money Made simple sees Jennie and Liv discussing women and money. Something we should know a bit about! We discuss the unique challenges as well as opportunities women face in terms of earning, saving, spending and investing money - both here in NZ and globally. This episode covers:An overview of the gender pay gap
MMS #41 | Insurance 101: Mastering the basics PART TWO
*Disclaimer: This podcast material is for information purposes only. Simplicity does not provide financial advice or offer insurance products. Simplicity is not affiliated with Partners Life or any other insurer, and we do not provide recommendations or referrals.*In this second episode of our insurance 101 series, Liv welcomes back Mark from Partner's Life to get into the nitty gritty of per
MMS #41 | Insurance 101: How to master the basics & secure your future (part one)
*Disclaimer: This podcast material is for information purposes only. Simplicity does not provide financial advice or offer insurance products. Simplicity is not affiliated with Partners Life or any other insurer, and we do not provide recommendations or referrals.*In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv is joined by Mark Banicevich, an insurance expert from Partners Life, who helps her break dow
MMS #40 | Side hustle or hassle? Your quickfire guide to making money on the side!
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie dive into the world of side hustles - exploring whether they’re a hustle worth pursuing or a hassle to avoid! With rising living costs, more Kiwis than ever are turning to side gigs for financial support, new skills, or to explore passion projects.This episode covers:The rise of hustle culture in NZ and why nearly half of Kiwis are considering
MMS #39 | New Year, New Me? Your financial health check for 2025
We're back, baby! Liv and Jennie kick off 2025 with a brand new podcast season, and an episode dedicated to making your 2025 as kick-ass as possible - both personally and financially. As we all shake off the cobwebs of 2024, they share insights on crafting New Year's resolutions that stick, and a bunch of strategies to help you manage your money better, both over the short and long-term.
MMS #38 | Navigating inflation with Shamubeel Eaqub (the what, why, and how it all works)
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv is excited to welcome (back!) Shamubeel Eaqub, well-respected author, commentator and Simplicity's new Chief Economist and Head of Policy. He helps explain inflation in simple terms, discusses its impact on everyday Kiwis, and how we can manage our finances more smoothly in what is a highly inflationary environment. This episode covers:What inflation
MMS #37 | Christmas spending hacks for a stress-free silly season!
In this slightly festive episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv tackle the easier-to-avoid but very relevant topic of Christmas spending. They share their top tips and tricks for managing holiday expenses without sacrificing the joy of the silly season. This episode covers:The benefits (and how-to guide) of setting a budget for gifts, food, and festivities which can lower the stress levels f
MMS #36 | From Boomers to Zoomers - the differences between each generation
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv get cozy on their new podcast couch (very exciting!) to tackle a topic that affects us all: generational differences in mindset and money habits. From bearish Baby Boomers to easy-go-lucky Gen Z's, they explore the unique challenges, triumphs, and quirks of each generation's approach to life and finance, sharing a few digs but also a f
MMS #35 | From Burnout to balance: Tips for a healthier, wealthier life with Brad Hook
In this episode of Money Made Simple, join Liv as she chats with well-being and resilience guru Brad Hook. He provides a bunch of insight and tips on mastering your money mindset and aligning your spending with your values. They dive into ways to mange stress and prevent burnout, and the link into how this can actually boost your financial wellbeing (a win-win, as we like to say!). This week'
MMS #34 | Money oopsies: Learn from our biggest financial faux pas
In this rather lively episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into our individual financial facepalms! We share the lessons we've learned since our early investing days, the hard way. Grab a cuppa and join us as we laugh (and maybe cry) about our top money blunders. And maybe you'll get the chance to turn our mistakes into your opportunities! This week's episode dives into
MMS #33 | Investor stories: Te Wai Coulston on family finances, timing the market and home ownership
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv kicks off a BRAND NEW podcast segment where we talk to real investors about their money journeys - the good, the bad and the ugly! Our very first investor guest is Te Wai Coulston, a long-standing member and huge advocate of Simplicity. Te Wai shares with us his personal finance experiences and insights, with plenty of learnings along the way. This episode
MMS #32 | Make your money work for you: Budgeting 101 for the busy Kiwi
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into the essentials of budgeting - exciting, we know! We discuss what a budget actually is in simple terms, how to get started, and different methods that can help you manage your money more effectively. This episode is packed with practical suggestions and tools to help you understand and implement budgeting in your daily life. This episod
MMS #31 | What's up with NZ's economy? Shamubeel Eaqub helps us break it down
In this special, slightly extended episode of Money Made Simple, Liv is joined by Shamubeel Eaqub, renowned Kiwi chief economist, for a deep dive into the current state and future of New Zealand's economy. This episode offers an insightful yet easy-to-understand breakdown of the drivers, challenges, potential solutions, and future projections that concern everyday Kiwi. This episode covers:An
MMS #30 | Help!! Top 5 FAQs that we get on investing, KiwiSaver and more
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv address the most frequently asked questions by our KiwiSaver and Investment Fund members. With insights from across the Simplicity team, this episode aims to help troubleshoot common issues and queries, and provide practical tips to help you navigate your KiwiSaver and Investment Fund accounts more efficiently and effectively. We cover the follo
MMS #29 | Changing the future of food: the story behind The Pure Food Co
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie is joined by the impressive Sam Bridgewater, co-founder and director of the Pure Food Co., a company revolutionising nutrition for seniors around the globe. Simplicity has invested in Pure Food Co. via our Private Capital business, and today, Sam shares his own story and the inspiring journey behind the company's mission to nourish the world's
MMS #28 | Knowledge = Power! Simplifying the language of investing (step aside, finance bros)
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv address the often intimidating and complex world of investing, breaking down the finance-bro jargon! Gaining a deeper understanding around some of these tricky terms is super useful for anyone looking to make informed investment decisions and manage their finances effectively. Today, we break down key investment terms into simple, easy-to-unders
MMS #27 | Tips n' tricks to tackle the cost of living crisis PART TWO
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv continue their discussion on how to beat the cost of living crisis. This is part two of our (hopefully super practical and helpful!) two-part episode. While part one focused on smart cost-cutting strategies, part two shifts to exploring ways to potentially increase your income, as well as outlining the resources where you can find immediate, add
MMS #27 | Tips n' tricks to tackle the cost of living crisis PART ONE
In this episode of Money Made Simple, join Jennie and Liv as they dive into the hot topic of the cost of living crisis, offering insights and practical suggestions to help you navigate what can feel like ever-increasing expenses. This episode covers:An exploration of the factors contributing to the cost of living crisis, including the pandemic, supply chain issues, labour shortages and geopolitica
MMS #26 | The Rainy Day Fund, your financial umbrella for life's nasty little surprises
In this episode of Money Made Simple, join Liv and Jennie as they dive into the essentials of setting up a rainy day AKA an emergency fund. With the current economic climate bringing uncertainty for many of us, having a financial safety net is more crucial than ever. This episode covers:What a rainy day fund is and why it's critical for our financial securityPractical steps about how to get s
MMS #25 | WTF is Private Capital? What it means and why it's great for investors
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv is joined by Simplicity's (quietly) kick-ass Head of Private Capital, Matt Houtman, to delve into the intriguing but sometimes confusing world of Private Equity and Venture Capital. Get ready to understand why a KiwiSaver and Investment Fund manager would invest in private companies (rather than just the share market), and how it specifically benefit
MMS #24 | I'm breaking up with you: Opting out and withdrawing early from KiwiSaver
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie welcomes Liv back after a bit of a hiatus (all is explained!) to chat about what is a highly searched, but often misunderstood topic: Opting out of KiwiSaver, as well as making early withdrawals. We explain how and why someone might choose to opt out once they're automatically enrolled, and the (several) reasons you can take some or all your KiwiSa
MMS #23 | To Will or not to Will: That is the question. Getting your affairs in order 101
50% of New Zealand adults don't have a will(!) In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie invites Glenys Talivai, CEO of Public Trust, to tell us all about wills - why so many don't have them, why they're so very important, and how you go about making yours. Many people think everything will automatically go to their partner or next of kin when they die, but this is not always th
MMS #22 | Nest eggs for little Kiwis: Is KiwiSaver the best way to save for your child's future?
In this episode, Jennie sits down with Simplicity superstar Sebastian Neubrandt to delve into the topic of kids and KiwiSaver. Should Kiwis under 18 have a KiwiSaver? What's the best time to set up an account? What are the key benefits and are there any disadvantages?Jennie and Seb both admit that they don't have KiwiSaver set up for their own kids yet, but they're definitely consid
MMS #21 | Are my investments safe?! Understanding regs in the finance industry
Colin Magee from Catalist is back, baby! Last time he demystified stock exchanges with Liv, and in this episode of Money Made Simple he helps explains financial regulations to Jennie... Don't worry, it's more interesting than you may imagine! As an ex-lawyer and previous FMA exec, Colin is a fountain of knowledge on the topic and is here to explain the basics so you can feel confident in
MMS #20 | KiwiSaver Government Contributions: FREE money you shouldn't ignore
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv is joined by Simplicity's Deputy Head of Investor Services Emma Ryan to get the goss on why getting KiwiSaver government contributions is SUCH a no-brainer. (Caveat - that's if you're eligible!). This episode covers:A quick explainer on the three main types of KiwiSaver contributions and how they all work togetherHow the KiwiSaver year works
MMS #19 | Wanna work remote? Exploring the Digital Nomad Visa with Sarah from OneUp Project
In this episode of Money Made Simple, we're stoked to invite our good friend Sarah, host of the OneUp Project podcast to chat all about the Digital Nomad Visa. Not familiar?! Listen in, and you will be in 20 minutes!! Sarah explains to us how this relatively new type of visa tends to work, and we discuss the financial/budgeting side of embarking on a "remote work trip of a lifetime"
MMS #18 | PART TWO | A match made in heaven? Choosing the right KiwiSaver provider for you
In this episode of Money Made Simple, we're back on the topic of choosing the right KiwiSaver provider for YOU. In Part two of two, we look at a couple more factors to consider when choosing a KiwiSaver provider, some would say having saved the best for last.... Jennie and Liv talk about how you might like think about things like a provider's performance, fees and the concept of value f
MMS #18 | A match made in heaven? Choosing the right KiwiSaver provider for you PART ONE
After mastering the stock market in our last episode, we're going back to basics - how to choose a KiwiSaver provider. This is possibly one of the more important and long-term relationships you’ll have in your life - so you want to get it right! Liv and Jennie discuss why you might want to switch, the key factors to consider when evaluating different providers, and the practical steps involve
MMS #17 | Wall Street demystified: A beginner's guide to how stock exchanges work
In this episode of Money Made Simple brought to you by Simplicity, we attempt to demystify and "dejargonise" the behemoth known as the Stock Exchange! And 'cos we're not actually share market aficionados, this week we've wrangled in a special guest who actually is. We welcome Colin Magee, founder of Catalist, to the show to explain to us what we mean when we throw the term
MMS #16 | The Passive vs Active Debate: What's the better investment approach?
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv tackle one of our favourite topics - the age-old passive vs active investing approach! We explain (in simple terms, of course) what these terms actually mean, and go into a little detail around some of the key differences between the two styles, both for an individual and a fund manager like Simplicity. We provide our own take on which approach
MMS #15 | Choosing the right KiwiSaver fund for you & why this is such an important decision!
In this second episode for 2024 - where has January gone! - Liv and Jennie dish the dirt on KiwiSaver fund types, and why being in the right fund for you is so damn important. Hint: it can make a BIG difference to how much money you end up with at 65 (we're talking potentially tens of thousands of dollars or more!). We take a look at the five basic KiwiSaver fund types, explain the basics ar
MMS #14 | Diversification for the win! How to invest for long-term success
In the very first episode of Money Made Simple for 2024, Jennie and Liv discuss a very important topic which savvy investors will be all over... diversifying your portfolio! For both KiwiSaver and non-KiwiSaver investments, it's super important not to put all your eggs in one basket. We explain how diversification works, why you should do it and how to make sure your investments have the best
MMS #13 | My loved one lost their life savings: How to avoid scams and spot the red flags
In our 13th and final episode of the year, Money Made Simple hosts Liv and Jennie chat about what has become a hugely problematic part of modern life: financial scams. Scams are becoming more and more prolific, as well as increasingly sophisticated - fooling even the most vigilant people. We provide guidance on how to avoid scams and scammers, the 'watch outs' and how to keep your online
