Hi friends! We're back after a wee break, just in time to get you through the Christmas break (and give you something to do when you’re fed up with your families, #soznotsoz).

What better way to kick things off than with a Money Moments episode with us (Cat & Christine), getting you up to speed on what's been happening in our financial lives. The last one was in Feb 2024 - wow!

In this episode, we chat about:

• Cat's *very* specific balance sheet - she shares ALL the numbers 
• Why Cat isn't upsizing her home any time soon 
• Balancing enjoying the now whilst contributing to the future 
• How Christine is focusing on, well, the same thing...saving for travel 
• Christine's satellite investments are still down ~80%...so should she cut her losses?
• Changes we've made to our money buckets - following Ramit Sethi's "rich life" approach 
• The next steps in our financial journeys; what we plan to do next

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

Today on the podcast we are joined by Chelsea Traver, Founder & Investment Adviser at Evergreen Advice.

Chelsea brings over a decade of experience in the financial space and has a strong background in investment analysis, specialising in Fixed Interest and Socially Responsible Investing. After years of working as an investment analyst, she shifted her focus to working directly with clients, helping them reach their financial goals.

She's particularly passionate about helping women and new investors learn about investing. And is a big believer in the importance of putting financial concepts into plain language to give people peace of mind about how their money is being invested.

Specifically, we chat about:

• What money lessons she learnt from her family growing up 
• The key cultural differences with money specifically in the US vs NZ
• What it was like graduating with a degree in finance right after the Global Financial Crisis
• How Chelsea made the move from an investment analyst to an investment advisor
• Why she has chosen to specialise in ethical/sustainable investing and what factors she considers with investments

Learn more about Chelsea and Evergreen Advice: evergreenadvice.co.nz

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

What are the common money misconceptions you've heard before? In this episode, we're bunking a few that we believe don't always stand true.

It's #MoneyMonth in NZ during August; A yearly campaign run by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission (Sorted NZ). Money Month helps Kiwis maximise their money in a way that’s relevant in the current climate.

To celebrate, we're debunking the money myths that might be taking up valuable brain space. All so you can pause, and get your money sorted. 

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why you don't need to feel bad about your weekly treats, especially those $5.50 coffees!
• If investing in property is *really* the 'best' way to build your wealth in NZ
• Why old financial timelines that worked for your parents/grandparents probably won't work for you in this day and age
• Whether side hustles are worth the time investment or not 
• Why you don't need hundreds of thousands of dollars to get started investing

Check out the resources mentioned during the episode:

1. Stuff Article Price of Coffees
2. Evergreen Advice Article: Are Rental Properties Still Worth It?
3. PEW Research: Why People in Their 20s Aren't Reaching Financial Milestones as Fast as Boomers Did

For clarity, here are the specific stats mentioned in the podcast:

• Property Price Returns - 6.25% Price Returns (as at 31.07.23)
• S&P NZX 50 Index 10-year annualised return - 6.57% (as at 1.08.23)

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

As Kiwis, we’re savers at heart. Generally speaking, we tend to rely on savings accounts to grow your short-term money. But are there investment funds that might also be suitable for getting you to the same goals? 

*Cash Funds enter the room* 

The funds that Cat reckons are getting a glow-up in 2023. 

So what are these types of funds, why use them and how do they compare to savings accounts? We cover all this and more in this episode. 

Specifically, we chat about: 

• Differences in cash availability, fees, estimated returns and more, when looking at on-call accounts, notice-saver accounts, term deposits, and cash funds
• The relationship between the Official Cash Rate (OCR), interest rates and cash funds
• Whether conservative, cash and defensive funds are the same thing
• Why tax matters when deciding between cash funds & savings accounts

Check out the resources mentioned during the episode: 

• Interest.co.nz - interest rate comparison
• FMA - asset allocation within funds 

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

Recently, Kernel hosted an event in collaboration with Lighthouse Financial, Haigh Lyon, and Edwards & Co. all about the exciting world of investing for your family. And one of the panellists in this event actually happens to be our very own co-host, Cat!

Tune into this special episode as Cat adds her unique insights on how parents can set their families up for success. We were also lucky to have James Blair, the Wealth Director at Lighthouse Financial, and Shaun McGivern, the Principal Lawyer at Haigh Lyon, sharing their expert insights too. 

Specifically, we speak about:

• Why investing in a will is incredibly important for your children and loved ones, especially if something unexpected happens
• Ways for parents to encourage great money habits for their kids through using investing accounts and rewarding good money behaviours
• The importance of transparency with finances when it comes to your kids during good times and bad
• Why using simple money habits such as starting early and consistently can really go a long way when it comes to creating wealth for your family
• A few ideas and scenarios that you can think about when it comes to protecting and managing your wealth

Learn more from our partners:

• Lighthouse Financial: https://lighthousefinancial.co.nz/contact-us/
• Haigh Lyon Lawyers: https://haighlyon.co.nz/contact
• Edwards and Co: https://edwardsandco.nz/products/olive

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

On today’s podcast, we're back at it again with Insurance Specialist & Financial Adviser, Carley Ellis to dive into the financial side of all things unfortunate.

If you haven't listened to part one, stop right now and go back to our previous episode. It's one not to miss. Plus this podcast will probably make a little more sense after listening to the first one.

Specifically, we cover:

• The different types of insurance that are available for you to consider and which cover specific events
• Why thinking from the insurer's point of view can help you better understand how the insurance system works
• Which lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking) and events are considered in insurance premiums and how much more this can cost you if you're getting insurance
• The green and red flags you should watch out for when partnering up with a financial advisor for insurance
• Things to consider when you are moving to a different financial advisor

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

On today’s podcast, we're joined by Insurance Specialist & Financial Adviser Carley Ellis to dive into the financial side of death. 

As a topic that isn't often openly talked about, today we have an honest chat about ensuring the cost of death - those around you, and yours - don't lead to having a large impact on your situation, particularly in a time of grieving.  

Specifically, we speak about:

• Why we're not talking about money and death, but need to! 
• What happens to your assets when you pass away
• Why having a will and enduring power of attorney (EPA) is so important
• Life insurance: What's the right type, the right amount to insure for, and what parties involved - policy owner vs the insured
• How ACC can help in the case of death by accident and the type of assistance available to the surviving spouse and kids
• Funerals – how much do they cost and what are the options?
• Things to consider and questions to ask when it comes to life insurance and how a financial advisor can help.

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

Today on the podcast we are joined by Daphne van der Oord, Head of Australia and New Zealand at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

Daphne has an impressive career spanning 20 years, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and History and a Master’s Degree in Applied Finance. Daphne has worked at many international financial institutions you may have heard of; Man Investments, ING, Credit Suisse and Citibank.

Daphne manages S&P Dow Jones Indices business in the Aus/NZ region, including their relationships with the ASX and NZX.

She’s also a huge advocate for getting more women into in the financial services industry. As you may be able to tell by her name, Daphne hails from a Dutch background, however currently lives in Sydney with her daughter. 

In the episode, we chat with Daphne about: 

• How growing up in a diverse range of locations and environments influenced her choice in choosing to work in finance, with this contributing to her not being put off by it being a male-dominated industry 
• Why education can shift your whole trajectory in life 
• The point at which Daphne realises she was starting to gain momentum with your finances 
• The 101 of how S&P Dow Jones Indices works 
• Why horses are a bad investment and need plans B & C
• Why there is value in putting money into investments you don't entirely understand, as a way to learn about investing 
• Managing work-life balance particularly coming out the pandemic 

And lots more, so get listening! 

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

You might've noticed that there is a new KiwiSaver provider on the block, this time offering a unique opportunity to DIY your KiwiSaver. 

On today's podcast we chat about what this entails, the pros and cons and whether DIY'ing your KiwiSaver is something you might like to consider. 

Specifically, we speak about: 

• Finding the sweet spot with how engaged you are with your KiwiSaver; is there a point at which we're too engaged? 
• Considerations to make BEFORE you think about choosing the investments within your KiwiSaver 
• What the Sharesies KiwiSaver scheme will offer, based on announcements made to date - including fees, specific funds etc. 
• Whether the responsibility of choosing individual investments within what could be your largest asset at retirement, might be too much to carry (especially if young) 
• How as reactive, emotive humans it’s hard to operate in the same way that fund managers do, particularly with buying and selling stocks/assets 
• The challenges with benchmarking DIY KiwiSaver schemes' returns 
• How switching in and out of the KiwiSaver scheme might work 
• Whether KiwiSaver balances should be a part of the “core” of your portfolio, vs the “satellites” 
• Why Australia established self-managed Superannuation funds, and how they differ to NZ's offerings 
• Why understanding fees matter with KiwiSaver 

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz

After reflecting on our episodes this year so far, we wanted to pick out what we feel are our favourite moments so far. 

In this episode, we chat about: 

• Reframing how we think about "living pay cheque to pay cheque"
• Whether side hustles are worth it or not, especially in tech 
• Modeling financial behaviour for your kids, particularly as a couple 
• Tips for job hunting in today's climate - marketing yourself 24/7, plus looking beyond job ads
• Juggling contentment vs ambitions 
• Cash funds vs savings accts - why cash funds have had a glow-up
• Why we overestimate how much we can do in 6 months, and underestimate how much we can do in 10 years
• How setting benchmarks and tracking progress can help get you to your goals
• Testing and learning...and testing and learning until you find what works for you! 
• Vulnerability is the key to having open convos about money 

And so much more! 

If you enjoyed today's show, we'd LOVE for you to rate & review it on Apple Podcasts and share your favourite episode with a friend.

SUBSCRIBE to It's No Secret, wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts - Spotify

Follow us for fun chat & financial tidbits on IG: @itsnosecretnz
Got questions? Get in touch: www.itsnosecret.co.nz

Disclaimer:
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

Any information we provide is general only and current at the time of writing.

Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at www.kernelwealth.co.nz