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This week kicks off with Sophie’s birthday (!!) - complete with surprise cake, a video montage, and a pair of speed-dealer sunnies that may or may not become her new personality. But once the candles are blown out, we get into friendflation: the growing cost of weddings, hens’ weekends, and keeping up with your mates when every catch-up seems to come with a price tag. We also dig into Soho House being taken private, the frustrating reality that the gender pay gap starts as soon as you graduate, and launch our brand-new Ask the Curve segment - tackling your big money questions. Got any to add? Leave a comment and we’ll get back to you in the next episode!

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

Friendflation – When hanging out with mates drains your bank account.

Going Private – Company leaves the stock market. No more public shares.

Takeover – One company buys another.

Hostile Takeover – The “we said no, they did it anyway” takeover.

Drag-Along – Big investors sell, you’re dragged along too.

Tag-Along – Big investors sell, you can join the sale.

Short Sellers – Betting a stock will crash.

Meme Stocks – Shares that go viral online.

Gender Pay Gap – Men get paid more than women (yep, still).

Roadshow – Company road trip to woo investors.

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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.

In part two of our chat with property coach Peter West, Sophie walks us through the real, messy, and surprisingly empowering process of pulling off her first BRRR deal - and making $125K in five weeks. From dodging catfish listings and surviving auction-day adrenaline, to underspending on renos (yes, really) and using equity to go again, this episode is full of gold for anyone dreaming of getting on the ladder. There’s talk of foam mattresses, flipping fails, rentvesting revelations, and one very smug WhatsApp group called ‘Property Moguls’.

Keen to work with Pete or learn more about what he does? Fill in this quick form and we'll connect you: ⁠https://crtfumnrsp0.typeform.com/to/y5GyHMcL

We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, because no two journeys to home ownership are the same. BNZ’s home loan experts are there to help you navigate the process with confidence - from search to signing.

To learn more, head here 👉 ⁠https://www.bnz.co.nz/personal-banking/home-loans/mobile-mortgage-managers

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.

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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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This week we’re kicking off with Vic’s childhood jazz ballet ambitions (complete with fake panting for dramatic effect) before diving into a very big week in tech. We unpack why Apple’s been oddly quiet on AI while quietly buying back billions in shares, what Perplexity’s $35B bid for Google Chrome even means, and why meme stocks like American Eagle can skyrocket for all the wrong reasons. Plus, the luxury brand–name-drop effect in music, Duolingo’s glow-up, Gregg’s woes, and why it’s definitely not too late to invest in AI.

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

Share Buyback – Company buys its own shares to boost value.
Dividend – Cash thank-you to shareholders.
Capital Gain – Profit from selling for more than you paid.
Laggard – Company that’s falling behind.
Meme Stock – Share hyped online, not by profits.
Short Seller – Bets a share price will drop.
Antitrust – Rules to stop companies getting too powerful.
Spin-Off – Company splits off part into a new business.
ETF – Bundle of shares in one go.
AI Value Chain – Companies powering AI, not just building it.

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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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So… Sophie bought an investment property. But instead of chasing a dream home, she flipped the script and went full BRRR (that’s Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat, btw). In this episode, we’re joined by property investor Peter West to unpack how this strategy works, why Soph teamed up with a flatmate she’d known for all of three weeks, and what rentvesting actually means (spoiler: yes, you can rent in the city and still own property). Whether you’re saving for a deposit or just nosy, this one’s for anyone rethinking the whole “get on the ladder” thing. And good news - Pete’s back next week to share exactly how they pulled it off, what the numbers looked like, and what they’d do differently.

Keen to work with Pete or learn more about what he does? Fill in this quick form and we'll connect you: https://crtfumnrsp0.typeform.com/to/y5GyHMcL

We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, because no two journeys to home ownership are the same. BNZ’s home loan experts are there to help you navigate the process with confidence - from search to signing.

To learn more, head here 👉 https://www.bnz.co.nz/personal-banking/home-loans/mobile-mortgage-managers

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.

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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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This week we’re bringing you two sizzling investment ideas that are turning heads - one’s riding a tech-powered boom you’ve definitely felt, and the other’s making serious moves in how we get from A to B (no, not Tesla). We also unpack the $500B private company quietly overtaking SpaceX, why Warren Buffett stepping down has markets spooked, and how Elon Musk just scored himself another jaw-dropping payday. Plus: Spotify’s price hikes, BP’s mega oil find, and the usual dose of financial gossip you didn’t know you needed.

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Watch the Annie Stafford (Ford Wardrobe) Youtube Ep

WTF Does That Mean? A Guide to All the Jargony BitsS&P 500 – Top 500 US companies. Big deal.Valuation – What a company’s worth (on paper).Private Company – Not on the stock market.Share Sale – Employees cashing in their shares.Buyback – Company buys its own shares.Price Inelasticity – Prices go up, we still buy.Data Centre – Giant buildings powering the internet.

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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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It’s not the most romantic topic - but it is one of the most important. In this episode, Soph and Vic sit down with licensed financial adviser and author Helen Baker to talk about what really happens when a relationship ends - emotionally, practically, and financially. Whether you’re navigating a split, supporting a friend through one, or just want to make sure your future self is protected, this conversation is packed with essential info. Helen walks us through the key financial steps to take before and after a separation, what to do if you're suddenly left picking up the pieces, and why being informed doesn’t mean being pessimistic - it means being empowered. You’ll learn about asset splitting, the importance of financial visibility, and how to set yourself up to thrive after a major life shake-up. This episode is all about giving you the tools to feel confident, calm and in control - no matter what life throws your way.

On Your Own Two Feet: https://onyourowntwofeet.com.au/

Want the step-by-step guide we put together with Lexus on how to actually afford a big-ticket item (like a car that makes you feel as sleek as you look)? Grab the free PDF ⁠⁠⁠here.

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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.

With Vic off the grid (literally) on a Greek island, Soph calls in some brilliant backup - enter first-time podcaster Sophie G, a financial whizz and all-round legend. The duo dives into the unexpected fallout (or lack thereof) from Trump’s tariffs, why Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk just lost billions (lol ouch), and what Denmark’s retirement age hike says about your financial future. Oh, and there’s also a juicy story about a prenup gone rogue (Simon wants how much for flights?!). Plus, we celebrate the Lionesses’ win and the unstoppable rise of women’s sport. GO THE GIRLS!

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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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Emily’s back from Europe with a stolen backpack, a £500 fine, and a newly converted love for travel insurance (turns out it isn’t just a scam after all). Meanwhile in the finance world, meme stocks are doing the rounds again - meet the DORKS (yes, that’s what they’re calling them) and why everyone’s suddenly investing in Krispy Kreme, Rocket, and GoPro like it’s TikTok for stocks. We also explore how unusual banking behaviour could be an early sign of dementia, why Starbucks’ CEO is earning 6,000 times more than your local barista (yes, really), and which country officially ranks as the richest in the world right now. Hint: it’s chilly, efficient, and very into recycling.

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👉 Chloe Swarbrick ep

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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.

We weren’t sure if we should release this episode. Some told us it wasn’t appropriate, others said it was exactly the conversation we need right now. And honestly… both sides make a good point.

In this wide-ranging chat with politician Chlöe Swarbrick, we dig into the uncomfortable stuff - dogmatism (we’ll explain, don’t worry), capitalism, inequality, power, and why politics often feels like an exhausting mess. Chlöe breaks down how the systems around us shape everything from the price of electricity to who gets heard (and who doesn’t), and why staying out of politics doesn’t mean politics stays out of your life.

This episode doesn’t have all the answers, but it will make you think - and probably text your group chat afterwards. If you’ve ever felt politically lost, financially frustrated, or just sick of the noise... this one’s for you.

Want the step-by-step guide we put together with Lexus on how to actually afford a big-ticket item (like a car that makes you feel as sleek as you look)? Grab the free PDF ⁠here⁠: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=RkwjHW&g=Uvwei5

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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.

It’s our last week UNEDITED (promise). Emily’s back next week thank goodness. Please excuse any brain farts, or unusually long tangents in this one... The first 20 minutes are not your usual headlines. Soph shares a personal realisation that led her to book a very last-minute flight to Turkey, if you want to skip straight to the headlines, head to 20:00.

This week in money news:

• 💸 Crypto is soaring - what’s behind the latest spike?

• ☕ Coffee prices might be going up (crying)

• 🌮 And the investing trend everyone’s watching: TACO (spoiler: not snack-related)

Want to get ahead of the curve with investing ideas that we don't talk about on the pod? Join us inside ⁠⁠⁠The Investing Club⁠⁠⁠.

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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.