We asked for your financial horror stories, and wow, did you deliver. In this episode, we read (and listen to) real money mistakes from our community, from missed investing wins to term-deposit disasters, stock-picking heartbreaks, property nightmares and everything in between. We break down what went wrong, what we can all learn from it, and why these stories will genuinely make you better with money. Huge thank you to everyone who sent theirs in. And while you’re here, drop your thoughts (or your own money mishaps) in the comments, we read them all.

🚗 Thinking about a new car but not ready to drop the cash all at once? Our mini-episode with Lexus explains car financing in plain English (and yes, we made it fun): ⁠https://youtu.be/klxsa-upYH4?si=mStDjeNaPWvERlt_

Credits:

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

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(00:00:00) Welcome to Raising the Curve(00:00:35) The Curve x Lexus(00:01:35) Your Stories Are In (Thank You!)(00:02:11) The Investment She Didn’t Make… and Still Regrets(00:03:44) The Term-Deposit Timing Mix-Up(00:07:12) The Stock Pick That Went Downhill Fast(00:10:23) The Property “Partnership” That Cost Her Big(00:17:56) When a Scammer Pretends to Be Your Son(00:21:49) The Ponzi Scheme That Wiped Out Generations(00:28:23) What We Learned From All This(00:28:41) Thanks for Listening(00:29:06) Financial Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

This week’s Curve Weekly starts with Soph’s financial dilemma of the month - a perfect storm of overspending, £5 left in the bank, and a 4% phone battery in Mayfair. Then, just as we got rolling, Vic’s mic cut out (classic), so yes… this is take two. Once the tech drama settled, Vic breaks down why the market is down 2%, what’s spooking investors, and how the AI bubble ties into it. We also dive into that viral “Did women ruin the workplace?” headline and unpack why the real problem is a system that was never built for women to thrive. Then it’s onto Trump threatening to sue the BBC for $1B - what happened, why it matters, and why the media world is slightly sweating. And finally, we look at what Brits are really using ChatGPT for… and let’s just say the answer might surprise you.

WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:

Market Drop – When the stock market has a tiny sulk.
AI Bubble – When AI stocks get too hyped.
Diversification – Don’t put all your money eggs in one basket.
S&P 500 – The 500 biggest US companies in one group.
CapEx – Big-ticket spending by companies.
Government Shutdown – When the US government can’t agree and… stops.
The Fed – The US interest-rate boss.
Defamation – Saying something untrue and getting sued for it.
Algorithm – The puppet master deciding what you see online.
50:30:20 Rule – A simple budget split: needs, wants, investing.

Credits:

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

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(00:00:00) Coming Up In Todays Episode…

Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

If AI still feels like a scary robot in the corner, this chat will calm your nerves and fire up your curiosity. Natalie Piucco (Google’s applied-AI whiz) breaks down where AI is really headed - think helpful life assistant that sorts your calendar, shopping and bills - and why that future could be worth backing with your pounds (or dollars). We cover simple ways to spot opportunities in everyday life (what are you and your mates actually using?), how to dip a toe in with an ETF before picking any “spicy” single stocks, and Nat’s golden rule: confidence comes after you start, not before. TL;DR: pop on your “investor glasses,” chuck in a tenner, and let AI’s next chapter work for you.

🚗 Thinking about a new car but not ready to drop the cash all at once? Our mini-episode with Lexus explains car financing in plain English (and yes, we made it fun): https://youtu.be/klxsa-upYH4?si=mStDjeNaPWvERlt_

Credits

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

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Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

Warren Buffett (aka the GOAT of investing) is sitting on a jaw-dropping $382 billion in cash. Yep, the man who literally buys companies is taking a breather, and Vic breaks down what that means for the rest of us (hint: things might be a tad overpriced). We also chat about bitcoin’s big dip (Soph’s thrilled), why AMD’s results weren’t enough to keep investors happy, and how gold’s having its main-character moment again. Plus, we celebrate the UK finally adding financial literacy to the school curriculum (goodbye, recorder lessons), unpack the mass Kiwi move to Australia, and somehow veer into royal neighbours, countryside dreams, and near-misses with Lorde.

WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:

Bear Market – When stocks fall and vibes are low.
Bull Market – When prices rise and everyone’s buzzing.
Valuation – What a company thinks it’s worth.
Cash Pile – A giant stack of money waiting for action.
Berkshire Hathaway – Warren Buffett’s money empire.
Revenue Growth – When sales go up. Yay, more money!
Correction – A market “oops” before it (hopefully) recovers.
Defensive Stocks – Boring-but-reliable companies.
Safe Haven – Where nervous investors hide their cash (hi, gold).
Bitcoin – The drama queen of digital money.
Crypto – Internet money. Risky but exciting.
IPO – A company’s stock market debut.

Credits:

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

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(00:00:00) Coming up In Today's Episode...

Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

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Part two gets spicy. We break down the four stages of the property cycle (recovery, boom, cool-off, slump), why interest rates and prices move like a seesaw, how different countries can be in totally different seasons, and the biggie: your time horizon (think 7-10 years) matters more than crystal-ball timing. You’ll learn how to spot where your market is, when using equity makes sense (and when leverage can bite), and why personal finances beat FOMO every time. Expect practical insights on how interest rates, human behaviour, and timing shape the market - plus the kind of friendly arguing that somehow makes economics feel like reality TV.

🔔 We’ve made you a FREE handy little Property Cycle PDF - it’s got all the key takeaways, tips, and what to watch for in the market. It’s totally free, grab it here.

We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, whose Home Loan Partners understand that no two journeys to home ownership are the same. With expert guidance, backed by BNZ’s research team, they’re here to help you make sense of interest rates, affordability, and timing - so you can navigate your property journey with confidence, no matter what stage you’re at.

👉To learn more, head here.

BNZ home loans are subject to BNZ’s lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply.

Credits:

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

⁠⁠⁠Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️⁠⁠⁠

For more from The Curve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Chapters:

0:00 – Welcome to part two!1:09 – BNZ x The Curve1:57 – Vic’s vibrating bracelet4:04 – Our first thoughts and different approaches to property7:24 – Why it’s key to understand the stages of the property cycle14:08 – Spotting the lull in the cycle19:15 – How property cycles differ around the world24:01 – The role of FOMO in property markets25:31 – The fear of overpaying26:13 – Recap of the stages of the cycle35:16 – Grab our free PDF summary!36:07 – Final thoughts42:08 – Thanks for tuning in43:43 – Financial disclaimer

Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

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Happy Halloween from the trading floor (aka our studio) where Steven and Victor break down this week’s AI mayhem. We chat the $5T milestone and what chip demand really means, why a certain chatbot’s rumored mega-IPO could suck oxygen (and cash) from the room, PayPal’s new ChatGPT checkout moment, and earnings tea from Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta. Big takeaway: excitement is high, portfolios can quietly get AI-heavy, and rebalancing is your best friend: S&P 500 girlies, you’re already getting plenty of exposure. It’s educational, a little unhinged, and very watchable.

WTF Does That Mean? A Guide to All the Jargony Bits:

AI Boom - Everyone’s losing it over artificial intelligence.

Chips - The brain of AI. Not the potato kind.

IPO - A company’s first day on the stock market.

Valuation - What we think something’s worth.

Earnings Season - When companies spill their financial tea.Diversification - Don’t bet it all on one shiny stock.

Correction - The market’s hangover.

Long-Term Investor - The chill one who doesn’t panic.

Credits

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

Chapters:

0:00 - Coming Up in Today’s Episode...

0:52 - Welcome to the Trading Floor!

4:06 - The First $5 Trillion Company on the Stock Market

9:54 - How AI Companies Are All Interconnected

23:19 - OpenAI Prepares for an IPO

35:31 - PayPal x ChatGPT

37:08 - It’s Earnings Season!

41:57 - Wrap-Up

43:21 - Thanks for Listening!

44:01 - Financial Disclaimer

44:29 - Outtake

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Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

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Ever wondered why the property market feels like it’s having mood swings? Soph and Vic break down the property cycle through the lens of the seasons - from the buzz of spring recovery to the chill of a winter slump - and explain how interest rates, supply, and demand shape each stage. You’ll learn how local “microclimates” impact prices, why you can’t really time the market, and how to read the signs of what’s coming next. Oh, and we’ve also designed a very professional seesaw diagram to explain the whole thing - let’s just say the art world isn’t calling. We’ll be back next month with part two, diving deeper into how long these cycles actually last, where we are right now, and what to watch for if you’re planning to buy or sell.

We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, whose Home Loan Partners understand that the housing market moves in complex cycles and global trends. With access to economic insights, local market knowledge, and years of experience, they’re here to help you navigate your own property journey with confidence - no matter what stage you’re at.

👉To learn more, head here.

BNZ home loans are subject to BNZ’s lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply.

Credits:

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

⁠⁠Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️⁠⁠

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Chapters:

0:00 – What’s Coming Up This Episode...

1:00 – BNZ x The Curve

1:49 – Welcome to the Property Series

3:52 – How Market Cycles Really Work

10:16 – The Property Seasons: From Summer Booms to Winter Slumps

16:21 – How Property Cycles Differ Around the World

26:36 – Recap: Seasons, Supply & Demand, and What Shapes the Market

39:59 – Wrapping Up + See You Next Month for Part Two

41:04 – A Big Thank You to BNZ!

42:39 – Financial Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

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Why are fashion giants breaking up with beauty? This week, we dig into Kering’s $4B “it’s not you, it’s me” moment as it sells its beauty division to L’Oréal - and what that says about the state of luxury right now. Then we jump from catwalks to Korean skincare as Kylie Jenner’s casual TikTok shout-out turns a niche LED mask brand into a $6B sensation (seriously, one post!). There’s also gold’s not-so-glam fall (its biggest drop in a decade) and the return of meme-stock madness with Beyond Meat’s wild week on Wall Street. Plus, a sisterly lesson in latte logic, and a PSA on scams that proves: even the smartest among us can get duped.

🎧 Listen to our latest episode on Gold

🎧 ⁠Listen to our episode with Tracy Hall

Credits

Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright

Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby

Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro

Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️⁠⁠

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Chapters

0:00 – Coming up…

1:03 – Catch up & financial check-in

4:50 – Gold takes a tumble

11:48 – Beauty’s big breakup

20:17 – The return of the meme stock

29:32 – Warner Bros for sale?!

33:52 – Soph’s bonus story

39:12 – Before we go…

40:20 – Thanks for listening!

40:58 – Financial disclaimer

Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

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Something in the market is heating up fast - and everyone from central banks to everyday investors is taking notice. Prices have surged to record highs, headlines are everywhere, and FOMO is creeping in. In this episode, we unpack what’s driving the spike, why timing matters, and what this moment could mean for your portfolio. We’ll talk strategy, risk, and whether it’s a smart move to get involved… or sit it out. This one’s big - and moving quickly.

💡 Curious how we’d actually invest in it? Join the Curve Investing Club for our strategy and picks.

🎧 Listen to 'SARAH WILSON: Are We All F***ed? Systems Collapse Explained'

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Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

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LVMH just put the champagne back on ice (in a good way) with a monster jump that hints luxury is officially out of its slump (handbags up, spirits high, clutches… still impractical). In other news, the US-China tariff tit-for-tat that spooked markets, pushed safe-haven gold even shinier, and could make your next smartphone pricier. Vic explains why volatility can be a sneaky gift for long-term investors, Strava is stretching for an IPO (run clubs, assemble), and the UK is eyeing a trim to cash ISAs to nudge more of us into investing -smart if you diversify, smarter if you don’t blindly go all-in on the FTSE. Plus, a tiny Taylor Swift sales flex and a very important programming note: should Curve Weekly land on Monday or Tuesday? Vote in the poll or leave a comment!

🎧 Watch our emergency episode on Gold ⁠here.⁠

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WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:Tariffs – A tax on imports. Governments love this drama.Trade War – Countries throwing tariffs at each other.Rare Earth Metals – Power your phone and EV.Volatility – Market mood swings. Big ups and downs.Active Management – Pros trying to beat the market.IPO – Company’s stock market debut.Market Cap – What a company’s worth.ISA – UK tax-free savings/investing account.S&P500 - Top 500 U.S. companiesFTSE 100 – Top 100 UK companies.Dollar Cost Averaging – Invest little by little, every month.ETF – A basket of shares in one.

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Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.