Money Made Simple

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 episode is packed with insight and easy-to-understand tips to get your KiwiSaver settings right. This episode covers:

• Why KiwiSaver is an investment, not just a savings account
• How managed risk in KiwiSaver can lead to better long-term rewards
• Common misunderstandings about balances, fees and fund performance
• Why percentages (like fees) can be misleading without looking at the total dollar amounts
• How to set your fund type to match your risk profile and goals
• What to do at retirement - why you don’t have to (and maybe shouldn't!) take it all out at 65
• Tools that make comparing funds and planning your KiwiSaver future easier

Resources mentioned in this episode, all thanks to Sorted.org.nz:

- KiwiSaver projection calculator: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-calculator

- KiwiSaver fund finder: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/

- Sorted's Smart Investor tool: https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/

- A range of KiwiSaver guides: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver

- Your guide to KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/applying-for-a-kiwisaver-hardship-withdrawal/

 This episode should help you better understand the why behind your KiwiSaver settings, the how of choosing the right fund, and the importance of sticking with your plan for the long term. With insights from one of New Zealand’s leading financial educators, we're hoping to help you grow your financial confidence one podcast at a time! 

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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 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 evolved over time to where he is at today. This episode covers:

Rugved’s early memories of money, shaped by his parents’ immigrant experience and a strong culture of saving vs investing

• His transition from saving everything to building confidence with investing
• The importance of routine and "payday automation" for budgeting and long-term investing
• Why he switched KiwiSaver providers and how he feels about fund choice and contribution levels today
• His long-term financial goal of working by choice, not necessity
• Why home ownership isn’t currently part of the big plan
• The three lessons he’d give his younger self when it comes to money

This episode explores how your background influences your money habits, why early investing doesn’t have to be perfect, and how small, consistent actions (like automated investing and setting goals) can quietly grow your financial future over time. We're so grateful to Rugved for taking the time to open up and chat with us!

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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, 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 for our country's future. This episode covers:

• Where New Zealand’s government revenue comes from, including income tax, GST and other smaller sources
• What our taxes pay for, from superannuation and healthcare to infrastructure and public services
• The key difference between the govt's day-to-day spending and long-term investment
• When government borrowing makes sense – and when it doesn’t
• Why conversations about debt and deficits often confuse short-term costs with long-term value
• The trade-offs we face as a country: higher taxes vs fewer services, short-term fixes vs long-term gains

This episode aims to shed light on why and how debates about tax, spending and government borrowing affect everyone – and why no matter what’s promised, there are always trade-offs. Shamubeel explains how to cut through the noise, ask better questions, and understand the bigger picture behind political headlines.

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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 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 you're just trying to figure out what a PIR is, this episode is for you.

This episode covers:

• Where, when and how your KiwiSaver is taxed
• What PIE funds are (hint: nothing to do with food unfortunately) and how tax works inside them
• The difference between how NZ and international investments are taxed
• Why you still pay tax even when your fund has made a loss
• How your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) affects your tax bill – and how to check it’s right
• What happens when you move overseas or have a kids’ KiwiSaver fund or joint investment fund
• Why paying more tax could actually be a good thing!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• IRD’s PIR Calculator – work out your correct PIR
• Sorted – online resource for financial planning tools and information
• MoneyHub’s tax guide 
• Canstar's blog – Is KiwiSaver Taxed?
• Simplicity’s tax FAQ

At the time of year, tax is one of the most common topics our Investor Services team gets asked about – and for good reason. So tune in and get the lowdown on KiwiSaver tax (with a few very average tax jokes thrown in for good measure - sorry in advance).

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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 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, Shamubeel explores how growing inequality and distrust are slowly eroding the social glue that helps society function and progress. This episode covers:

• What social cohesion actually is, and how it differs from political or social uniformity
• How rising inequality, entrenched poverty, and declining trust in institutions are undermining cohesion
• Real-world examples from the US, UK, and NZ that show what happens when cohesion breaks down
• The difference between levels of social cohesion in Australia and New Zealand (you might be surprised!)
• Why a more united, cohesive society is essential to make big, future-focused decisions (like retirement reform and climate action)
• How KiwiSaver – if evolved thoughtfully – could support both retirement wellbeing and intergenerational fairness

This episode invites listeners to think more deeply about how social division affects not just politics, but everyday life – and what it will take to protect and rebuild the collective trust we're going to need to move forward. Shamubeel reminds us that New Zealand society isn’t broken, but the cracks are starting to show and need to be addressed. If we can strengthen our sense of shared purpose and empathy, we’ll be better equipped to tackle the big challenges ahead.

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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 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 supermarket prices are so high and what’s stopping real competition
• How power pricing works (AKA why it’s often unfair for everyday Kiwis)
• Your personal rights under the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees Act
• How to switch providers and negotiate better deals, especially for power!
• The "right to repair" movement and how it could reduce waste (and save you dollars)
• Why lodging complaints matters - and how it can lead to real change

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Consumer NZ – Independent consumer info, product reviews, and advice
• Powerswitch.org.nz – Compare electricity plans and providers
• Right to Repair Bill – Advocacy for better product longevity
• Commerce Commission – Government regulator for competition and consumer protection

Life can be bloody expensive right now – but we know that knowledge is power. So tune in to learn your rights and get practical tips to stretch your dollar further.

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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 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 closures, job applications and how these affect everyday Kiwis
• How to make yourself indispensable at work when redundancies may be on the horizon
• Strategies for effective job hunting, including how to optimise your CV (and how to use the various job platforms and networks you may not know of!)
• When to use AI, and when to avoid it - an important distinction when applying for jobs!
• The importance of building your personal brand - what, how, why
• Different ways you can network, whether you have a job or are on the hunt
• Tips on building your own financial resilience (aka safety net) to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)'s Labour market snapshot 2025 provides the statistics we quoted around unemployment, job seekers and business liquidations

- Statistics New Zealand has even more stats on the job market if you're hungry for more

- LinkedIn professional networking platform (also great for job hunting!)

- Zeil - Zuru's new job app/marketplace

- Digital Passport: Offers free online courses in digital skills, job readiness, and AI, provided by the NZ government

- NZ Polytechnic: Offers some fees-free courses including diplomas in various disciplines

- Sorted.org.nz for financial planning tools

- MMS episode #26 for more on Rainy Day Funds, and MMS episodes #7 and #8 for managing debt. Bonus - MMS #32 for budgeting (great for working out how to trim costs if your income gets reduced)

By the end of this episode, we hope that you'll feel a little more comfortable facing what is obviously quite a challenging economic time for NZ (and the world) right now! We want you to be confident in facing the uncertainty we're seeing, given you'll have an arsenal of skills, ideas and ways to network your way to your next great opportunity - whatever that may look like!

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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.

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 covers:

• The recent downturns in global financial markets, shedding light on the causes of current economic fears and how these are reflected in things like KiwiSaver accounts
• Insights into how old-school policies like tariffs are reintroducing geopolitical uncertainties that haven't been seen for decades, and what this means globally and for NZ
• The importance of a long-term perspective when it comes to retirement savings, and the worth of regular and consistent contributions despite market swings
• A discussion on New Zealand’s specific challenges and strengths in the global economy, including our geographical isolation and diverse trading strategies.

 In this episode, Shamubeel unpacks some complex economic trends to help you better understand how these might impact your investments and financial strategy. Armed with this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions, stay resilient in the face of economic fluctuations, and plan more effectively for the future. 

*This podcast contains Simplicity Research Hub’s economic and policy analysis, opinions, and commentary and is provided for general information only. It does not relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity NZ Ltd is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver and Investment Funds Schemes. For Product Disclosure Statements please visit our website simplicity.kiwi.

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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 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 covers:

• How retirement is changing both in New Zealand and globally, reflecting longer lifespans and economic shifts
• The concept of FORO (fear of running out) and strategies to mitigate this fear by planning for a potentially 30-year retirement
• The trend towards working past traditional retirement ages, and how this can sometimes be choice and for others necessity
• Challenges future retirees might face, especially those not owning their homes outright or dealing with escalating health costs as they age
• Tips n' tricks to ensure you're planning for retirement (no matter how far away it is!) with the right goals and plan in mind

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sorted: The Retirement Commission's very own (and world famous on this podcast) online resource for financial planning tools and information.
• Commission for Financial Capability: Offers guidance on retirement planning and financial security.

Through these discussions, listeners can gain valuable insights into preparing for a retirement that may look very different from today's standards. Whether you're just starting to think about saving or you're adjusting your existing plans, this episode provides insights and tips for navigating the complexities of retirement planning.

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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 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” stereotype doesn’t match the reality for many retirees
• NZ Super (the pension): What it’s designed for and the challenges it faces with rising housing costs
• KiwiSaver as a game-changer and why/how it’s one of the best tools for building long-term financial security
• The role of financial literacy and why educating young people about money is crucial
• How professional financial advice can help - and when to consider it

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sorted.org.nz – Financial education and tools
• Money Talks – Free financial helpline and mentoring

No matter how far away retirement is, the sooner you start preparing, the more options you’ll have. Tune in for a straight-talking conversation about what it really takes to retire well in New Zealand.

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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.