Money Made Simple

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 to save” is almost never true
• The truth about credit cards: when they can be helpful, and when they become dangerous
• Why buying a house isn’t always better than renting, and how to think about what’s right for you
• Busting the belief that you need to be rich to invest (spoiler: you don’t!)
• How budgeting doesn’t kill your fun; it can actually make spending more enjoyable!

By the end of this episode, you’ll see that a lot of the financial “rules” we grew up hearing don’t stack up. We aim to provide you with a clearer view of how to make your money work better for you, no matter where you’re starting from.

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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!

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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 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 everyday New Zealanders.

Together, Shamubeel and Sam unpack what global capital flows mean for a small country like New Zealand, the unique opportunity being created by KiwiSaver, and how leadership, luck, and resilience shape both personal and national success stories. This episode covers:

• Sam’s journey from West Auckland to Goldman Sachs, and back home again
• How the global finance industry views New Zealand... and why we often get overlooked
• The role of KiwiSaver in reshaping capital flows and creating opportunities for local investment
• What New Zealand can learn from Australia’s superannuation model and strong infrastructure growth
• Why leadership, culture, resilience and curiosity matter for building great organisations - and great economies

By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on how global and local capital interact, why KiwiSaver could be a game-changer for New Zealand’s future, and what it takes to lead with resilience and humility in this tricky, rapidly changing world.

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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!

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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 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 realities, and practical ways to stress-test what’s right for you and your whānau. This episode covers:

• The latest NZ home-ownership and house pricing trends - and what they might mean for first-time buyers
• The upfront and ongoing costs of owning a house, vs renting it
• How to compare a “typical” mortgage on a $1m home with current rent levels in big centres 
• Lifestyle trade-offs: flexibility and predictability of renting vs stability and control of owning 
• A simple framework to help you decide what fits your budget, goals and season of life 

Resources included in this episode:

- REINZ monthly housing market data

- Statistics NZ Census data on home ownership

- CoreLogic's Housing Affordability report

- MoneyHub's guide to home insurance

- Sorted.org's Home Buying Guide

By the end of this episode, you'll hopefully have a clearer idea of the pros and cons of renting vs buying, along with a realistic view of the actual costs for each so you can make your own informed decision!

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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!

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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 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:

• Why “buying cheap” often costs more in the long run
• How to balance quality with affordability on everything from clothes to cookware
• Why and how spending on yourself is the smartest investment
• How to plan and nail big-ticket spending like upgrading your home
• Why it’s worth spending money on professional advice for the big decisions in life

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Sorted.org's great budgeting tool to get your spending under control

- The Sorted KiwiSaver fund finder

- MoneyHub's guide: Frugal decisions that backfire

- Sorted.org's savings calculator

- The list of independent Financial Advisers (thanks to MoneyHub!)

Whether it’s investing in your health, buying quality over quantity, or avoiding false savings, this episode encourages a more conscious approach to spending. We encourage you to look at your next purchase through a long-term lens - checking "Will this serve me in the long run?".

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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!

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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 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 trust. It’s an honest but also hopeful discussion that sheds light on what it takes to lead through uncertainty - and how we might rebuild a more resilient, empathetic society.

This episode covers:

• Sir Ashley's background, what led him to his Director-General role and where he's gone since
• What New Zealand did well (AND not so well) during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The link between public health and a strong economy
• How leadership, communication and trust matter in moments of crisis
• Lessons from the lockdowns that still apply today, from wellbeing to social cohesion
• Sir Ashley’s reflections on personal resilience and what drives him today

Whether you're interested in leadership, public policy or simply navigating uncertain times, this episode offers a timely perspective on what it takes to foster resilience — in ourselves, our communities, and our economy.

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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!

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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.

*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 money without sacrificing everything you love. From tackling big-ticket expenses like housing and insurance, to finding creative ways to earn a little extra or make the most of what you already have, this episode is packed with ways to help you think bigger and smarter when it comes to saving.

This episode covers:

• Ideas around reviewing and renegotiating big costs like your mortgage, rent and insurance
• The benefits of switching providers for power, internet and mobile to save money
• Ways to cut down on your transport costs
• Making use of your home space to offset expenses
• The benefits of micro-saving tools and building an emergency fund
• The role of side hustles and time-based spending swaps

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Sorted.org.nz’s Guide to saving and investing

- Sorted.org.nz's  KiwiSaver calculator

- MoneyHub’s Guide to saving money in NZ

- MoneyHub’s Insurance comparison guide

- Consumer NZ’s PowerSwitch tool

- The changes being made to KiwiSaver announced in Budget 2025

This episode is all about empowering you to make smart, intentional, enduring change - whether that’s trimming unnecessary costs or finding small, creative ways to save more in the long-term. With a little effort and some fresh thinking, you may just find that it's possible to spend less without feeling like you’re missing out!

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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!

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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 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 the forces shaping our economy right now, and what might lie ahead. This episode covers:

• Why this recession has been different - with fewer job losses, but more business pressure and closures
• The surprising resilience of the labour market (businesses holding onto workers) and how it could speed up the recovery
• Signs of stabilisation (and optimism) after a year of economic decline
• Why interest rates are expected to drive growth later this year
• The bright spot in the economy - the primary sector
• How wars, trade, inflation, migration and government spending cuts will continue to shape the outlook
• What to watch for next, including increase in job ads and lending activity

It’s a challenging time, but not without hope. Shamubeel shares why he’s cautiously optimistic about a stronger second half of 2025 - and what needs to happen for that to become reality.

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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!

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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 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 the halving of the government contribution)  may feel like a step backwards.

This episode covers:

• The increase in compulsory KiwiSaver contributions from 3% to 4%, and why it’s being phased in slowly
• What the drop in the government contribution from $521 to $261 means for your savings
• The new income cap - earn over $180,000 and you’ll no longer receive any government contribution
• Good news for younger workers - 16 and 17-year-olds will now receive government contributions and next year, employer contributions
• What these changes could mean for self-employed Kiwis
• How to opt out of the increased contributions (and why that might cost you long-term)
• Why it might be time to revisit your KiwiSaver settings and contribution strategy

Whether you’re just starting out, self-employed, or looking to retire one day with a decent nest egg, this episode helps make sense of the updates and how to make them work for you.

Resources mentioned:

• Watch Shamubeel Eaqub's webinar on Budget 2025 & changes to KiwiSaver
• Latest blog on KiwiSaver changes

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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!

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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 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 a business, JT shares what it really takes to build a company from the ground up, and why the best opportunities often come disguised as problems.

This episode covers:

• Why JT never thought he’d work in tax - and how it ended up changing his life
• The early days of Tax Traders and how cashflow challenges inspired their first product
• What tax pooling is (and why it matters for businesses of all sizes)
• How failure, uncertainty and grit shaped their approach to growth
• The origins of Taxi and how Simplicity’s Private Equity Fund got involved
• Top tips for entrepreneurs - including when to trust your gut and when just to let go
• The power of listening to customers and solving real problems
• What’s next for JT and his team, including their new product, ProvCheck

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a business or just love a good story about determination and hard work, this episode is for you.

Websites or resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tax Traders
• Taxi
• Simplicity Private Equity Fund

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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!

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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 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 might fix it. This episode covers:

• Why house prices have risen from 3x to 8x the average household income
• The long-term supply issues stemming from the reforms of the 1980s
• The rise of Generation Rent, and the growing unaffordability of home ownership
• How poor-quality, insecure housing is impacting health and wellbeing
• What needs to change - from better zoning and infrastructure to more social and affordable housing stock
• The role organisations like Simplicity and other KiwiSaver providers can play in housing solutions

Shamubeel explains in simple terms how housing went from a basic right to a national crisis, and the growing inequality between those who own and those who rent. And while we can't fix this overnight, progress is possible - let him tell you how and why. 

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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!

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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.