Money Made Simple

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 and starting early matters (and why it’s never too late to begin)
•  How to get clear on where your money actually goes - both emotionally and literally
•  The pros and cons of single shares vs managed funds, and why diversification matters
•  Smart ways to avoid lifestyle creep and use pay rises intentionally
•  How to build a realistic emergency fund and avoid guilt around spending
•  Why automating your money can make all the difference
•  Community-favourite tools and educators worth checking out 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Mr Money Mustache – community-recommended financial education: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com

- Frances Cook – personal finance books and podcast host: https://www.francescook.co.nz

- Money King NZ – investment education and reviews: https://moneykingnz.com

- Sorted NZ – tools, guides and calculators: https://sorted.org.nz

- MoneyHub NZ – financial guides and comparisons: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz

- NZ Government FamilyBoost (childcare subsidy): https://www.ird.govt.nz/roles/in-work/familyboost

- Free Financial Mentoring (via MoneyTalks): https://www.moneytalks.co.nz

This episode provides stack of practical ideas you can try today - from making your budget actually work for you, to automating your investing, and finding fresh ways to save without sacrificing joy. Getting better with money isn’t about being perfect… it’s about being consistent, curious and willing to try new things!

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 why New Zealand’s "pay-as-you-go" superannuation system is becoming increasingly unaffordable, what we can learn from Australia’s compulsory Super regime, and the simple changes that could transform KiwiSaver into a powerful long-term asset for both individuals and the economy.

This month's episode covers:

• Why New Zealand’s ageing population makes our current public finances - especially Superannuation and healthcare - increasingly unsustainable
• How KiwiSaver has shifted household saving behaviour, but why policy hasn’t kept pace
• The case for compulsory employer contributions, modelled on Australia and other high-performing pension systems
• How smarter hardship rules and “sidecar” savings could help low-income earners build both resilience today and more security for retirement
• The idea of “Baby KiwiSaver” - enrolling children at birth to harness the long-term power of compounding returns
• Why a stronger KiwiSaver system could meaningfully boost New Zealand’s investment capacity, infrastructure, and long-term productivity

Shamubeel breaks down complex retirement and fiscal challenges we're facing to show how a bigger, better KiwiSaver could give future generations more choices and help New Zealand shift from a capital-shallow economy to a capital-rich one.

You should come away from this episode with a clearer understanding of why KiwiSaver needs to evolve, and what meaningful reform could look like in the years ahead.

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 lines in your fund performance graph - and why they’re not always a bad thing.

This episode covers:

• What volatility really means, and why it’s a normal part of investing
• The big drivers of market swings - uncertainty, emotion, and new information
• How events like wars, elections, and interest rate changes ripple into KiwiSaver returns
• Why international markets and currency movements matter more than you might think
• Real-world case studies: the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 crash
• Why staying calm and staying invested is the smartest long-term strategy
• Tools to help you match your fund to your time horizon and risk tolerance
• How volatility, while uncomfortable, can actually help long-term investors grow their wealth

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Sorted's KiwiSaver fund finder - sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/ and for other managed fund investments smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/
Simplicity Fund Sector - simplicity.kiwi/calculators/kiwisaver/fund-selector

Jennie and Liv explain in plain English why markets rise and fall, and why keeping calm, staying invested, and focusing on the long game is the best approach - especially when things feel uncertain. Volatility is the price we pay for growth, and for those with time on their side, it’s worth it.

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 covers:
• How to set realistic expectations with friends and whānau around Christmas spending
• Creative ways to save money on food, gifts, and decorations
• Potluck dinners, Secret Santas and DIY gifts that still feel special
• Reframing the guilt around money and celebrating what really matters
• Why it’s okay to focus on “now” instead of “later” when times are tough

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Simplicity KiwiSaver & Investment Funds – gift a KiwiSaver or investment fund contribution this Christmas: https://simplicity.kiwi/gifting-funds

- Auckland Council – Movies & Music in Parks (free local experiences): aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

- City Mission Christmas Appeals – donate food or gifts: aucklandcitymission.org.nz

Christmas doesn’t have to mean chaos - or credit card debt. We're here to remind you that joy doesn’t come from spending big, but from connection, creativity, and community. Whether it’s a kindness advent calendar, a thrifted Secret Santa, or simply a beach breakfast in your togs and PJs, there are plenty of ways to make the season special (and stress-free) on any budget.

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 journey, business insights, and practical ways to make your money go further (and still enjoy the good stuff).

 This episode covers:

• How Sabby turned her refugee-family background and finance degree into a thriving content career
• The origins of Boujee on a Budget and how it went viral on TikTok
• Smart “savvy not stingy” spending habits that actually build wealth
• Avoiding lifestyle creep and the pressures of social media perfection
• Simple, realistic savings and budgeting hacks anyone can start today

Resources mentioned in this episode:
 - Sabby Jey’s Boujee on a Budget series on Instagram
- The Libby App (free access to ebooks and magazines via Auckland Libraries) 

Sabby’s story is a reminder that being “boujee” doesn’t mean breaking the bank. With the right mindset, creative money hacks, and a willingness to learn, you can thrive - even in a cost-of-living crisis! Learn how small, consistent savings can build confidence, how to find a little joy in frugality, and how financial empowerment starts with everyday habits that make you feel good about your money.

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 geographic challenges at play, and the practical steps we could take to build smarter for the future.

This episode covers:

• How New Zealand’s geography and spread-out population make infrastructure costly to deliver
• The long-term impacts of under-maintaining existing assets 
• How better asset management and smarter funding could (literally) save billions in the long run
• The political economy behind infrastructure decisions - why “taking the politics out” isn’t realistic
• Lessons from Japan and South Korea on adapting infrastructure to aging populations
• The importance of making infrastructure "boring" again - maintenance, transparency, and long-term planning

This episode goes beyond the headlines to explain why NZ’s infrastructure struggles aren’t just about money; they’re about priorities, planning, and people. You’ll learn how we got into this stiicky situation, and how a few smart, practical changes could set us up for a more resilient (and prosperous) future. 

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 returns.

Whether you’re investing for the long term or just want to sound smart next time someone mentions “hedged vs unhedged funds,” this one’s for you. This episode covers:

 • What hedging is and why it exists in the world of investing (and elsewhere)
 • Simple, everyday examples of hedging (like fixing your mortgage rate or locking in travel exchange rates)
 • How hedging works within global investments and KiwiSaver funds
 • The pros and cons of being hedged vs unhedged when it comes to investing
 • How Simplicity uses hedging to help protect members’ investments

By the end of this episode, you’ll hopefully understand how hedging helps manage volatility (but - plot twist - only in one area), why it's relevant to KiwiSaver members, and how it quietly works behind the scenes without you needing to lift a finger.

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 create something that works for your lifestyle, and helps build financial success.

This episode covers:

• How Hannah went from corporate jobs to launching Bear & Moo with only a small amount of savings
• The balance between family life, risk, and financial stability when starting a business
• The growth journey through COVID, supply chain issues, and economic slowdowns - it hasn't been easy!
• Why knowing your numbers and cashflow is vital for small business survival
• Tips on household budgeting, running multiple bank accounts, and teaching kids about money

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Bear & Moo website – https://bearandmoo.co.nz/
Tenancy Services (for household budgeting references): https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired (and maybe a little more organised!) to take control of your own finances - whether that’s starting a side hustle, improving your family’s budget system, or simply getting more confident about your money decisions. So go forth and conquer!

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 Zealand economy is experiencing one of its longest and deepest slowdowns in decades
• How global uncertainty - from wars to trade tensions and political instability - is shaping financial markets as well as household confidence
• What the Reserve Bank is doing with interest rates, how much time it might take to see the impacts of these levers
• The unusual signals in jobs, consumer spending, and business confidence that make this cycle different
• When Shamubeel sees (cautious) optimisim returning, and what that might mean for everyday Kiwis

Shamubeel is here to explain complex economic trends in plain language, helping you understand how global shocks and local policy decisions flow through to your wallet. Hopefully you’ll leave with a clearer picture of where we are in the cycle - and what to watch for as we (hopefully) move toward a strong recovery.

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

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 were perfect!), they strip back the jargon to make index investing easy to understand - and get started!

This episode covers:

• What an index fund actually is and what "mirroring a market" means
• Why index funds are generally lower cost than actively managed funds
• How diversification works in terms of owning “a little bit of everything” 
• The long-term performance data showing how index funds compare to actively managed funds over time
• The role of ethical screening and how one can align index funds with their personal values
• Downsides and risks of index funds compared to other investments

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Sorted.org guide to investment funds

- SPIVA (S&P Indices Versus Active) research reports

- Bogleheads investing community and information page

Index funds won’t promise a quick win or let you “beat the market,” but they’ve proven to be one of the simplest, lowest-cost, and most effective ways for everyday investors around the world to grow their wealth over the long term. So dive in to the podcast now!

---
Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!

Find us:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.