A new governor has been appointed for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand - all the way from Sweden. 

Dr Anna Breman has already received criticism from economists who find themselves concerned that someone with such little knowledge of the New Zealand economy will hold such a high stakes position. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy had a worse than expected drop in the June quarter, shrinking 0.9%. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has blamed it on global turmoil, but the Reserve Bank of New Zealand says there's a need to provide more stimulus to the economy by cutting the OCR. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced plans to campaign for compulsory KiwiSaver at the next election, and increase the minimum contribution from 4% to 12%. 

He said there would be tax cuts alongside these changes to help fund the increase in contributions. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are two different types of employees - one who stays low profile, gets what they need to get done, done, and goes home. 

Then there's the other, who complains about anything they feel inconveniences them.

Is it true that the squeaky wheel get the grease? Or is this a great way to get yourself ruled out when it comes to opportunities and promotions? 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that the cost of living has gone a bit crazy these past few years, but insurance seems to be one of the hardest hit.

Insurance prices have increased 900% since 2000 - almost triple the increase of tobacco products. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR got another cut this week, now down to 3%. 

While there have been questions for a while around whether banks are passing the cuts down to consumers, the real question is whether the cuts will actually solve anything at all. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wills are some of the most painstaking things you need to do as an adult. They remind you of your mortality, and of all the familial issues you may have had throughout the years. 

But they must be done - so how can you write an airtight will?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most New Zealanders consider themselves only “average” with money. 

In fact, a new study from Partners Life finds less than a quarter of New Zealanders rate their financial knowledge as "excellent".

Nearly 60 percent find it tough to pay monthly expenses, and just over half reported stress or losing sleep due to money concerns. 

At the same time, many are reportedly using credit and afterpay services to make ends meet.

How do we improve financial literacy? What can we put into practice now?

Banqer CEO Simon Brown joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money... 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of mortgage holders refinancing their loans is the highest ever recorded. 

More than 3,500 borrowers refinanced in June, and experts are expecting to see the trend continue through to the end of the year. 

Finance specialist Amanda Morrall joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Consumer Price Index over the June quarter was lower than expected at 2.7%, and it could mean a rate cut by the Reserve Bank next month. 

So is the New Zealand investment winter over? 

Shane Solly is a director at Harbour Asset Management and he joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.