Often people who are doing “pretty well” still avoid financial planning, or they start and quietly drop off. In this episode, Tim Ellis and Sheldon Wu talk about why that happens, what it really costs over time, and why good planning is about a lot more than just returns. A practical, honest conversation based on what we actually see with clients. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

Gold and silver are back in the headlines—but do they actually belong in a long-term investment portfolio? In this episode, Tim and Sheldon unpack the data, the psychology, and the common arguments for holding precious metals, and explain why most professional portfolios don’t rely on them. A practical, no-hype discussion about volatility, diversification, speculation, and what really drives long-term outcomes. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

The reserve fund is the one strategy every financial adviser agrees on — and the one most people ignore. In the first episode of 2026, Tim Ellis and Sheldon Wu break down what a reserve fund really is (and isn’t), why credit cards and revolving credit don’t count, and how having real cash set aside changes the way you invest, work, and live. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

2025 gave us AI becoming mainstream, another turbulent year under Trump, surprising global market returns, and the end of Warren Buffett’s era as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. In this episode, we unpack what actually happened — from AI hype and capital flows to interest rates and market surprises — and then finish with the bigger question: why none of it really matters for long-term wealth. A grounded reminder of what financial advice is actually for.

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

This week, Tim breaks down one of the most common KiwiSaver misunderstandings: how two funds can show identical long-term returns on paper, yet deliver completely different balances for real investors. He explains why shifting asset allocations, volatility, and regular contributions can make a “better-looking” fund actually perform worse for you. If you’ve ever compared performance tables and felt confused, this episode will finally make the math make sense.

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

This episode is a follow-up to my earlier deep dive into New Zealand’s medical insurance shake-up — and a lot has changed since then. In this update, I break down how each major insurer has responded differently to rising claims costs, including Southern Cross, AIA and nib, and what these changes mean for your premiums, benefits and future options.

I also outline practical solutions to consider depending on which insurer you’re currently with, so you can make informed decisions rather than reacting to headlines. As always, this is general information only, but essential context for anyone reviewing their medical cover in 2025.

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

In this episode, we break down the tactics used by self-proclaimed investment “gurus” who sell overpriced courses, mentorships, and get-rich-quick schemes.

From seductive narratives to manufactured credibility and psychological manipulation, we unpack how these operators hook people in — and how to protect yourself. 

If you’ve ever wondered why these scams seem to surge during volatile markets, this episode is for you. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

In this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim sits down with Taraia Robin from Stewart Group and Finzo for an honest, practical discussion about evidence-based investing. Taraia breaks down why discipline beats prediction, how small-cap and value factors fit into a modern portfolio, and what investors often misunderstand when markets get noisy. A grounded, insightful conversation for anyone wanting to invest with confidence and clarity 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

Investors are nervous — AI stocks are soaring, valuations look stretched, and Trump’s back in the White House. In this episode, Tim breaks down whether we’re really on the edge of a market correction, what’s driving the fear, and why a solid, diversified plan still beats trying to time the market. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

In Part 2 of our conversation with Hannah Carter from Carter Chung, we dive deeper into the legal side of second marriages, trusts, and contracting out agreements. Building on last week’s discussion, this episode explores what really happens when documents aren’t reviewed, how blended families can protect their assets, and why proactive planning matters more than ever. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: [email protected]

For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here

Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here

The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure