The Dollars & Sense Podcast

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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]

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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 In this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim sits down with lawyer Hannah Carter from Carter Chung Law to unpack the legal side of second marriages and blended families. They cover wills, trusts, and what happens if you don’t have a will in place — including who really gets what. A must-listen for anyone navigating family or estate planning in later-life relationships. 

For anyone wanting to get in touch with Hannah. Website details below.

https://www.carterchunglaw.co.nz/

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 

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Revolving mortgage accounts promise flexibility — but for many people, they quietly create financial frustration. 

In this episode, Tim Ellis breaks down why so many Kiwis feel “stuck” with revolving credit, how it impacts your money mindset, and the practical steps to get out of the loop. 

Learn how to take back control and start moving forward financially. 

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 

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This week on The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim and Brodie pull apart one of the most overused and misunderstood tools in investing — the risk assessment questionnaire.

These forms are meant to help investors understand their tolerance for risk, but in practice, they’re often a lazy substitute for real financial advice. The guys break down why they believe the questionnaire can lead to poor decisions, misaligned portfolios, and false confidence — especially for people using them online without guidance.

From confusing time horizons to emotional questions that change with your mood, Tim and Brodie show how these tools fail to capture what truly matters: your goals, behavior, and time frame.

They also discuss how good advisers should actually use risk profiles — not as an answer, but as a conversation starter to build understanding and trust.

💡 Key takeaways:

• Why risk questionnaires often miss the point
• How emotion and timing distort your “risk profile”
• The difference between risk tolerance and investment purpose
• How real advice connects your money to your goals

If you’ve ever wondered what your “balanced” score really means — or why your KiwiSaver fund might not fit your future — 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 

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It’s not the fees you see that hurt — it’s the ones you don’t.

Most investors think they understand what they’re paying for — a simple management fee and maybe a performance fee if things go well. But that’s only the beginning. In this episode, Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty unpack the hidden side of investing — the costs that quietly eat away at your returns without ever showing up on your fund statement.

From currency hedging and tax drag to behavioral biases and index front-running, we explore how seemingly invisible forces can have a real impact on your wealth over time. You’ll learn how exchange rate movements can distort your overseas investments, why trading frequency affects your after-tax returns, and how emotional reactions to market swings can sabotage even the best strategies.

Whether you’re managing your own portfolio or simply want to understand your KiwiSaver or managed fund better, this episode will help you see where the real money leaks happen — and what you can do to plug them.

You’ll learn:

• Why low advertised fees don’t tell the full story
• How currency movements can boost or crush your returns
• The tax traps hidden inside high-turnover funds
• How investor behavior can cost more than any management fee
• Why “front-running” the market can impact index fund performance

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