Money Made Simple

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 in NZ (and globally), including recent trends and how the pay gap impacts women differently
• Insights into the systemic issues and biases that contribute to financial disparities for women (including the research to back it up!)
• Career breaks and their long-term effects on women’s finances, particularly regarding KiwiSaver and other savings
• Strategies for building financial confidence, from he importance of workplace negotiation to tackling the confidence gap in job applications
• How to better manage and optimise your KiwiSaver balance as a woman (including during mat leave type scenarios)
• Tips for investing outside of KiwiSaver in the current environment
• Of course, our own lessons/learnings around investing as Kiwi women!
• Some kick-ass women focused resources to help our fellow female listeners level up their financial knowledge and power

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Financial Services Council Research on the KiwiSaver gender gap

- SEEK's March 2023 Research on the gender confidence gap

- Money Talks for financial mentoring

- Mary Holm’s personal finance education site

- Making Cents, a personal finance podcast by Frances Cook

- One Up Project, our good friend Sarah Kelsey creating a community for self-improvement

- Money Made Simple book (and of course this same-named podcast!)

This episode not only sheds light on the financial inequities women face but also provides practical steps for overcoming these challenges. Whether you’re looking to negotiate a raise or better manage your investments, there’s something here to help you make informed, confident financial decisions. 

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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.

*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 personal insurances. Building on our "why" and "how" from Part One, this episode focuses on understanding the specific types of personal insurance and how they cater to different life stages and needs. This episode covers:

• Life insurance, its primary purpose and specifically what it covers
• Trauma and critical illness insurances, explaining how they provide lump sums for specific medical diagnoses
• A quick overview of Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance and how it differs based on one's ability to work post-incident
• Mortgage and income protection insurances, and their benefits in replacing income during periods of inability to work
• Clarification on health insurance and its role alongside public services like ACC (including what that covers)
• The advice process when it comes to insurance - how to choose an adviser, what their requirements are, what exactly they will do (and what's required from you)
• How to claim against your personal insurances (and how advisers can help)
• Ways to tackle affordability when it comes to paying for insurance among today's cost of living challenges

By the end of this episode, you’ll hopefully have a more comprehensive understanding of different insurance types, so that you can be better equipped to make informed decisions about your insurance needs. Whether you're looking to secure your family's future or ensure your income in case of disability, this discussion will take you through some of the main choices available to understand what protection is available for different circumstances.

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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.

*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 down the often-confusing world of insurance. Together, they explore why insurance matters, how it works, and the key terms you need to know - without too much jargon overload!

This episode covers:

• What insurance actually is and why it’s essential for protecting yourself financially
• The two main types of insurance – general insurance (covering your stuff like cars and houses) and personal insurance (covering your income, health, and life)
• How insurance works in terms of pooling money for those who need it
• Key terms explained – from premiums and underwriting to exclusions, loadings, and excess fees
• The importance of seeking financial advice from someone who fits your needs 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Seeking financial advice? Look for a qualified financial advisor to guide you through your options - Sorted have a great guide for what good advice looks like.

We hope that this episode helps demystify the complexities of insurance and provides you with a little more confidence to make informed decisions about your own coverage %)

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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 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 a second job
• A quick-fire list of practical side hustle ideas, from renting out spare rooms to selling online, freelancing, or dog walking
• The pros and cons of taking on a side hustle, including the potential for burnout, tax obligations, and managing multiple priorities
• Jennie and Liv’s personal experiences with side hustles, along with their top tips for success - whether it’s setting boundaries, marketing yourself, or choosing a hustle that fits your lifestyle!

Resources mentioned in this episode:
- MoneyHub: Offers comprehensive guides on side hustles and avoiding scams.
- Canstar: Provides a list of 25 side hustle ideas tailored for New Zealanders.
- Business.govt.nz: Includes helpful information on managing tax obligations for second job holders, contractors and side hustlers.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether a side hustle is right for you and how to hustle smarter, not harder %)

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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.

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. This episode covers:

• Why it's important to reflect on your past year, both the wins and the challenges (of course, we bare all in sharing our own!)
• How to set SMART goals in order to plan for financial success
• Innovative ways to tweak your budget and savings strategies to align with your New Year’s resolutions
• Your 2025 KiwiSaver check-in, with tips on optimising your retirement savings in a quick and easy way
• Tips for setting up your emergency fund to be prepared for the unexpected
• Some ways to put a bit of fun into goal-setting - it doesn't have to be all spreadsheets and retirement planning!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- Money Talks: Discover a wealth of options for financial mentoring and support
- MoneyHub: Our fave educational site with a range of financial guides, tools and more
- Sorted.org: Retirement planning, goal-setting, budget templates, you name it!
- PocketSmith: A comprehensive platform to track your budget and forecast your finances.
- Simplicity Investment Funds: Explore a range of managed fund options for hands-off, simple investing.

Whether you’re planning to overhaul your budget, save for a big trip, or just get a bit more organised with your money, this episode could be your first step towards a financially fruitful 2025 (and beyond!).

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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 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 is in a nutshell, and how it specifically affects your wallet - from your grocery bills to the gas pump to insuring your things
• The underlying causes of the inflation spikes in recent years, from global economic upheavals and war to local weather disasters
• Practical tips for adjusting your budget and saving strategies to weather the storm of rising prices
• How government and financial policymakers work to balance inflation with economic growth
• Tips on where to seek financial guidance and support to manage your money during the cost of living crisis

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
 - Find a raft of options for financial mentoring and support via Money Talks

Hopefully this episode will help you arm yourself a little better with a better understanding of inflation, and some tools you can use to maintain financial stability in what can be a scary time.

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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 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 from over-spending
• Creative and thrifty gifting ideas, from DIY wrapping paper to delightfully funny Dirty Santa games 
• How to make the most of the best annual sales (and the sneaky benefits of planning your shopping early - we promise it's a game-changer!)
• Ideas on how to create new, cost-effective holiday traditions that focus on spending time, not money

Resources mentioned in this episode
- The nifty Draw Names App, for organising Secret Santa gifts efficiently
- How to skip the plastic & provide your loved ones a better future via KiwiSaver or Investment Funds gifting

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the financial hurdles of the holiday season so you can focus on what truly matters - spending time with loved ones. So hopefully you'll walk away with at least one actionable idea to make your festive preparations smoother and more enjoyable!

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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 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 few lessons along the way. This episode covers:

• An overview of each generation (starting with Boomers), and the birth dates that each cover (yes, we know there will be debates!)
• What might characterise each generation's upbringing, influencing how they act and see the world
• How each generation tends to view and deal with work/the workplace
• How each generation tends to deal with money (and of course what influences these views)
• The unique challenges faced by different generations
• What we can learn from each generation in the way that they view the world and handling their finances

Now a caveat here that we have absolutely made some generalisations (and maybe a few stereotypes thrown in, too - guilty). But by the end of this podcast, hopefully you'll understand what makes those "other" generations around you tick, and you might even be inspired to take a couple of learnings from those people that previously raised your heckles in their different ways!

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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, 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's episode covers:

• A dive into Brad's background, journey and own money mindset (it's always great to learn from others, right!)
• How to identify your own values, and how these can drive better decisions - including financial best practice for your needs
• Brad’s top tips for tackling financial stress and avoiding burnout.
• Some powerful daily habits you can adopt that promote financial health and enhance overall well-being

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Dive deeper into resilience and well-being strategies via the Brad Hook website
- Brad's new book Start with Values - out Jan 2025 via Penguin

Tune in for an insightful discussion that may just shift your perspective on money, stress, and living a balanced life. Perfect for anyone looking to give their financial habits a lil' shake up!

Watch the full video on YouTube

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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 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:

• Liv's (drawn out) attempts to be a finance bro, playing the stockmarket (free guesses into how that went!)
• Jennie's first-hand experience of the dangers of treating loans like free money and the hangover of debt that follows
• The KiwiSaver mishaps that taught them the importance of paying attention to where their money was going (and not trying to game it!)
• Liv's sometimes flawed journey into property investment, hoping for big gains and ending up with big lessons instead
• Jennie's lack of interest in investing, property and all things finance for a wee bit too long - and how that's impacted her wealth

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only get a hearty financial reality check but also feel a bit better knowing that everyone makes mistakes - even (or especially!) those of us who work in finance.  So tune in to turn our lessons into stepping stones for your own financial success. 

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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.