Money Made Simple

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv kicks off a BRAND NEW podcast segment where we talk to real investors about their money journeys - the good, the bad and the ugly! Our very first investor guest is Te Wai Coulston, a long-standing member and huge advocate of Simplicity. Te Wai shares with us his personal finance experiences and insights, with plenty of learnings along the way. This episode covers:

• How Te Wai's family environment and early financial experiences shaped his approach to money - the nature vs nurture debate!
• His evolving strategy for achieving long-term financial stability and investing in line with personal values and goals
• The original foray into the world of investing (yes, trying to beat the market was a thing!) and how this approach has changed as he learnt more and had his epiphany moments
• How Te Wai discovered Simplicity, how he sees and treats his KiwiSaver in quite a unique way and how this has changed over time
• Te Wai's future plans and strategies when it comes to housing, providing for his whanau and overseas travel
• Thoughts around the role of KiwiSaver in NZ, and why we're not quite there yet

This episode provides a deep dive into a real investor's unique perspective. Tune in to get inspired and maybe even see some of your own experiences reflected in Te Wai's personal stories 

Keen to share your story?? We welcome members (and non-members) to come and be a guest on the MMS podcast! If you're keen to find out more, contact us via Instagram or email us [email protected] <3

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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 essentials of budgeting - exciting, we know! We discuss what a budget actually is in simple terms, how to get started, and different methods that can help you manage your money more effectively. This episode is packed with practical suggestions and tools to help you understand and implement budgeting in your daily life. This episode covers:

• Understanding what budgeting really entails — planning your income versus your expenditure to ensure financial stability
• Discussing why budgeting is crucial for everyone, not just those struggling financially, by providing clarity and control over your finances
• Various budgeting techniques like the 50/30/20 rule and the envelope system to find what might work best for your lifestyle
• A bunch of online tools and resources that can help streamline the budgeting process, from simple apps to comprehensive financial platforms.
• Tips on how to stick to your budget and adjust it to life’s unpredictable expenses and changes in income - we know that challenges pop up!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Sorted.org's Budgeting Tool: Helps users create detailed budgets to manage finances effectively.
- PocketSmith: A budgeting tool that offers expense tracking and financial forecasting, integrating with your banking and KiwiSaver
- Money Lover: A simple, free app for basic budgeting needs
- MoneyHub: Provides reviews and educational content on various financial topics, including budgeting tools
- YNAB: A great American website/app that provides a lot of video content to help motivate you around budgeting!

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to approach budgeting in a way that suits your needs, and hopefully you'll be equipped with the specific tools and knowledge to get you on your journey! So tune in, learn a bit about the essentials, and share on if you find it useful %)

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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 special, slightly extended episode of Money Made Simple, Liv is joined by Shamubeel Eaqub, renowned Kiwi chief economist, for a deep dive into the current state and future of New Zealand's economy. This episode offers an insightful yet easy-to-understand breakdown of the drivers, challenges, potential solutions, and future projections that concern everyday Kiwi. This episode covers:

• An overview of the current economic landscape, and how it's been influenced by recent global disruptions including the pandemic and rising interest rates
• How key economic factors have impacted the job market and businesses (and what's likely to happen in the next 12 months around these)
• Explaining the ongoing issues with inflation, its impact on the cost of living, and how interest rates are used as a tool to manage them
• Trends we're seeing in the housing market, recent price changes, and what future movements might look like
• How long-term economic challenges like climate change, demographics, and the housing crisis will shape New Zealand's future

Resources we mention in this episode:

- Simplicity's website: Provides tools and information related to financial planning and KiwiSaver - https://simplicity.kiwi
- Generation Rent: Shamubeel's book co-authored with his wife Selina, discussing the housing crisis and potential solutions. Available on all major book retail platforms.

This episode not only tackles the current state of the economy but also provides a hopeful outlook on how New Zealand can navigate the major future challenges which are likely to come. Shamubeel is an absolute pro at that simplifying complex economic issues, making them accessible and understandable to all Kiwis. So tune in for a comprehensive yet simple look at the 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.

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv address the most frequently asked questions by our KiwiSaver and Investment Fund members. With insights from across the Simplicity team, this episode aims to help troubleshoot common issues and queries, and provide practical tips to help you navigate your KiwiSaver and Investment Fund accounts more efficiently and effectively. We cover the following FAQs we see almost err' day:

• Should I lump sum it, or do regular investment contributions? Exploring the benefits of both investment strategies and how they impact your long-term savings (including our fave, compounding returns)
• What's the right fund type for me? Discussing ways you can select the most suitable fund for your financial goals and risk tolerance
• How do I go about switching providers/funds? A step-by-step guide on how to switch providers or funds easily and what to consider before making a switch
• Why haven't I received the govt contribution?! Detailing how government contributions work, eligibility criteria, and how to maximise these benefits
• HELP!! I can't login! Tips on resolving super common issues related to logging into your KiwiSaver or Investment account and (the dreaded) 2FA

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Simplicity's KiwiSaver tools - including a fund selector tool, fees calculator and retirement planning tool
- Sorted.org's Fund Finder Tool - helps you find the best KiwiSaver fund that matches your risk profile and investment goals.
- IRD website - for comprehensive details on KiwiSaver rules, regs and guidelines. 

By the end of this episode, we hope that we will have answered at least one of those burning questions you may have had (or will have) at some point when it comes to your KiwiSaver! And if not, hopefully it's helpful anyway - and feel free to get in touch with us via our socials (linked below!) and we'll do another FAQs episode soon :)

*Editor's note: Simplicity is not licensed to provide financial advice and that also applies to the tools that we provide - they are not financial advice or a substitute for seeking such advice.*

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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 is joined by the impressive Sam Bridgewater, co-founder and director of the Pure Food Co., a company revolutionising nutrition for seniors around the globe. Simplicity has invested in Pure Food Co. via our Private Capital business, and today, Sam shares his own story and the inspiring journey behind the company's mission to nourish the world's seniors with nutrient-rich, enjoyable food. This week's episode covers:

•  How personal family experiences led Sam to leave banking and start Pure Food Co. to address the nutritional challenges faced by seniors.
• Discussion on how Pure Food Co. aims to improve seniors' quality of life through better nutrition, and the broad impact of their products in aged care and healthcare facilities.
•  Insights into the development of Pure Food Co.’s specialized nutritional foods, which combine great taste with high nutritional value.
•  Sam talks about overcoming industry challenges to create a scalable business model that delivers effective nutritional solutions.
•  Exploration of Pure Food Co.'s plans for growth, particularly their expansion into international markets like Australia and France.

Resources we mention in this episode:
- Simplicity’s website: https://simplicity.kiwi

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn all about how Pure Food Co. is not just changing the way we think about food for seniors but also setting new standards in healthcare nutrition. Tune in to discover how innovation in food technology is making a tangible difference in the lives of elderly populations around the world. And of course, is paving the way for a better future for us all!

NEW: Check out our YouTube channel (Simplicity KiwiSaver) for the full video version of this episode!

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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 address the often intimidating and complex world of investing, breaking down the finance-bro jargon! Gaining a deeper understanding around some of these tricky terms is super useful for anyone looking to make informed investment decisions and manage their finances effectively. Today, we break down key investment terms into simple, easy-to-understand language to help you navigate the investment landscape confidently. This episode covers:

• Definitions of need-to-know investment terms such as "investment" and "assets," and how they relate to your financial growth
• Clarifications on stuff like shares, bonds and dividends, including their roles in personal finance and how they impact investment portfolios
• Insights into investment funds - how they work and the benefits they offer to individual investors vs DIY investing
• The concepts of diversification and asset allocation, explaining why they are critical for risk management in investments
• The significance of understanding investment risk and return, and how to balance the two to suit your own goals, timing, and the "sleep test"
• A very quick intro to hedging strategies and their relevance in protecting investments from currency fluctuations

Resources we mention in this episode:

- Sorted.org: https://www.sorted.org.nz
- Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com
- MoneyHub: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz

By the end of this episode, you'll hopefully have a solid grasp of essential financial terms and concepts... which will empower you to make smarter, more strategic investment choices. Whether you're a novice looking to start investing or seeking to deepen your existing knowledge, this episode is your guide to demystifying the complex language of finance. So tune in to tune up your financial literacy (and maybe take the plunge you've been putting off!).

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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!

Find us:
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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 continue their discussion on how to beat the cost of living crisis. This is part two of our (hopefully super practical and helpful!) two-part episode. While part one focused on smart cost-cutting strategies, part two shifts to exploring ways to potentially increase your income, as well as outlining the resources where you can find immediate, additional support. This episode covers:

• A list of ways to boost your income through freelancing, side gigs, and part-time jobs
• Opportunities to monetize hobbies and craft skills, potentially turning your passion into profit
• How to turn your household clutter into cash
• If you're a homeowner, how you could explore additional ways to help cover the deathly high mortgage costs 
• Longer-term ways to increase your income for future wealth
•  A look at the government assistance available to Kiwis that are doing it particularly tough right now (including accommodation support, KiwiSaver withdrawals and family help)
• Community resources that can offer additional help for anyone in need in the short-term

Resources we mention in this episode:

- Upwork: https://www.upwork.com
- Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com
- Freelancer: https://www.freelancer.com
- Felt: https://felt.co.nz/
- Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ): https://www.workandincome.govt.nz
- Citizens Advice Bureau: https://www.cab.org.nz
- Community Law Centers: http://communitylaw.org.nz
- Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz
- Auckland City Mission: https://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz
- New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services: https://www.familybudgeting.org.nz

By the end of this two-part episode, we hope that you'll have a full suite of practical options to help you both cost-cut and increase your income during these extremely challenging times. And remember - you don't need to do everything all at once; baby steps are the way to go! So maybe start with one small change/step and see how you go %)

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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 Jennie and Liv as they dive into the hot topic of the cost of living crisis, offering insights and practical suggestions to help you navigate what can feel like ever-increasing expenses. This episode covers:

• An exploration of the factors contributing to the cost of living crisis, including the pandemic, supply chain issues, labour shortages and geopolitical tensions
• A look at how the impact on everyday expenses in New Zealand, from housing to groceries, bills and beyond
• Discussion on practical cost-cutting strategies, such as smart grocery shopping, optimising household bills, and managing non-essential spending
• Personal experiences around how we've adjusted own spending in response to the cost of living increases
• Some great tips from other reliable sources
• Creative solutions for reducing expenditures while still enjoying your life, like entertaining at home and making the most of free communities activities

Resources we mention in this episode:

- Money Hub's guide on lowering your power bill
- Sorted.org for budgeting tools
- Genesis Energy’s advice on reducing hot water costs
- Repair Cafe

By the end of part one of this two part episode, you’ll gain some valuable insights into some of the drivers of the current economic situation and discover practical ways to stretch your dollar further during these challenging times.

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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 and Jennie as they dive into the essentials of setting up a rainy day AKA an emergency fund. With the current economic climate bringing uncertainty for many of us, having a financial safety net is more crucial than ever. This episode covers:

• What a rainy day fund is and why it's critical for our financial security
• Practical steps about how to get started, including how to determine how much you need in your emergency fund
• Tips for setting up and managing your fund to keep it accessible yet secure
• Insights on adjusting your fund over time to adjust to life changes
• And a few thoughts about ways to get your emergency fund working harder for you, while there is no emergency

Resources we mention in this episode:
- The Barefoot Investor
- Money Made Simple book by Sam Stubbs
- Sorted.org savings calculator

By the end of this episode, you'll understand the importance of an emergency fund, how to calculate your needs based on your lifestyle, and smart strategies for growing and maintaining your fund over time. Tune in to gain the knowledge and confidence to build a financial buffer that ensures peace of mind and preparedness for any unexpected expenses.

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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 joined by Simplicity's (quietly) kick-ass Head of Private Capital, Matt Houtman, to delve into the intriguing but sometimes confusing world of Private Equity and Venture Capital. Get ready to understand why a KiwiSaver and Investment Fund manager would invest in private companies  (rather than just the share market), and how it specifically benefits investors. This week's episode covers:

• Matt's journey from investment banking, to raising $500 million in funds, to joining the Simplicity team
• The key differences between private and public investments
• What jargon such as private capital, private equity, and venture capital ACTUALLY mean
• Simplicity's strategies and criteria around this type of investing
• A look at the relative size of our private capital - and the outsized returns-to-date
• The long-term benefits of private capital investments for investors
• Insights into how Simplicity balances fundamentally passive investment strategies with more active private capital investments

Resources we mention in this episode
- Simplicity's Responsible Investment Policy
- Venture capital via Icehouse Ventures
- Private equity businesses Simplicity invests in

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how private capital investments work, and why they are an exciting and beneficial addition to an otherwise predominantly passive portfolio. You'll discover how these investments drive exciting potential returns for members while supporting NZ's economic growth. Win-win!

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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.