The Prosperity Project

What if, instead of trying to stick to a budget yourself, you handed over your pay and let someone else manage it?

Australian budgeting service MyBudget has launched in New Zealand, offering to receive clients’ income into a trust account, pay their bills, put money aside for future expenses and savings, and transfer back an agreed amount for everyday spending.

It’s an unusual model — and not a cheap one.

On The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins asks whether outsourcing your finances can genuinely help people get out of debt and build savings, or whether paying someone thousands of dollars a year to manage your own money is a step too far.

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If you suddenly became unable to make your own decisions, would your spouse or family automatically be able to step in?

Not necessarily.

An enduring power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your finances or make decisions about your personal care and welfare if you can’t. Without one, your family could face an expensive and stressful court process at an already difficult time.

In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we look at how enduring powers of attorney work, who you should appoint, the risks of getting it wrong, and why it’s worth putting one in place long before you think you’ll need it.

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No new taxes. Free GP visits. Cheaper public transport. Solar subsidies. KiwiSaver changes.

The election promises are coming thick and fast — but what will they actually mean for your finances?

On The Prosperity Project, Katie Bradford joins Nadine Higgins to unpack how the major parties’ policies could affect your wallet, from tax and rates to KiwiSaver, student loans, solar panels, small businesses and the cost of funding New Zealand’s infrastructure.

Because however appealing the promises sound, there’s one unavoidable question: who ultimately pays for them?

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Buying a home used to mean checking the LIM, getting a builder’s report and sorting the mortgage. But natural hazards, insurance restrictions and increasingly complex property issues mean buyers now have much more to consider.

Solicitor and Landley Law director Sue Foley joins Nadine Higgins to explain the red flags buyers should look for, why insurance needs to be considered early, what sellers are required to disclose and why relying on someone else’s building report could leave you exposed.

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How often should you review your KiwiSaver — and what should you actually be looking at?

In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we talk through what matters when reviewing your KiwiSaver, from your retirement goals and contribution levels to fees, fund types and provider performance.

Financial commentator Russell Hutchinson explains why you shouldn’t just chase last year’s top-performing fund, how to think about active versus passive management, and why performance after fees is what really counts.

Plus, is checking your KiwiSaver balance every week helpful — or just a distraction?

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What happens when you simply can’t afford to pay your debts?

FinCap financial mentor Charlotte Whitakker joins The Prosperity Project to explain the options available when debt becomes overwhelming — from negotiating with lenders and hardship applications to KiwiSaver withdrawals, debt repayment orders and bankruptcy.

Plus, why buy now, pay later can fuel a debt spiral, when you should seek help, and why getting support earlier can make all the difference.

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Buying or selling a house is a complicated and often confusing process that real estate agents are smack in the middle of, and stand to benefit from. 

So what should we share when dealing with an agent, and what should we keep close to our chest?

Barfoot & Thompson real estate agent Ryan Harding joins Nadine Higgins to explain what you need to consider as a vendor or a buyer, the things agents are obligated to disclose, whether commissions are negotiable, how to spot an inflated appraisal and which sales method could get the best result.

He also reveals why conditional buyers may need to pay more, what really happens when an auction passes in, and which buyers won't reap the rewards of a 'buyer's market.'

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Moving into a retirement village can offer community, convenience and freedom from maintaining a family home — but the financial arrangement is very different from buying property.

Anthony Harper law firm partner Jenny Baldwin explains occupation right agreements, ongoing fees, capital gains, deferred management fees, exit delays and the potential cost of moving into aged care. Plus, what residents and their families should check before signing anything.

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Are you raising a child who thinks money just appears?

From pocket money and piggy banks to KiwiSaver, first jobs and the temptation to bail them out, the lessons start much earlier than many parents realise. So, should chores earn cash? When should children start investing? And when is it better to let them make a mistake?

Hayden Mulholland from Become Wealth joins Nadine on The Prosperity Project to explain how to raise kids who actually understand money.

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Buying your first home can feel impossible, but you may be closer than you think.

Mortgage adviser Michelle Isemonger joins Nadine Higgins to explain how to prepare before applying for finance, what banks are looking for and whether you really need a 20% deposit.

They also cover pre-approval, KiwiSaver, auctions, insurance, buying with friends, credit card limits and the common mistakes that can derail a mortgage application.

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The OCR has risen, but does that automatically mean your mortgage rate will rise with it?

Economist and commentator Bernard Hickey explains what really drives fixed mortgage rates, why New Zealand’s banks remain exceptionally profitable, and whether the Reserve Bank has moved too soon while the economy remains weak.

He also decodes the jargon surrounding monetary policy — including hawks, doves, neutral rates, LVRs and DTIs — and considers whether New Zealand can build a functioning economy without relying on house prices to keep climbing.

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Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa says solar can now pay off faster than many households realise, but the biggest savings come from understanding how your home actually uses energy. From gas hot water to EVs, batteries and green loans, Mike and Nadine break down what to weigh up before going electric.

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Think back to 1996.

Dial-up internet, bulky desktop computers and no KiwiSaver.

Investing looked very different. And most New Zealanders had never even heard of Exchange Traded Funds.

In this special episode of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins sits down with PJ Harding to explore 30 years of investing in New Zealand, how access has changed, and how kiwis can get started on their investing journey to build wealth for the future.

For 30 years, Smart’s been helping New Zealanders invest and grow their wealth, including launching NZ’s first Exchange Traded Fund back in 1996.  Find out more at smartinvest.co.nz

This episode is brought to you by Smart.

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The government currently spends about a billion dollars a fortnight on superannuation payments, it's a growing problem that we're running out of time to address. So who shouldn’t be counting on getting the pension in future?

Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity chief economist and head of policy, joins Nadine Higgins with some hot takes about the future of NZ's pension scheme and his thoughts on proposed changes to KiwiSaver.

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Landlords, capital gains tax and the future of property investing. Owner of 43 properties and founder of Opes Partners, Andrew Nicol, joins Nadine Higgins to explain why he thinks mum-and-dad investors have become an easy political targe and why he still has faith in housing despite the market slump. 

He also shares his thoughts on what New Zealanders should be doing to prepare for retirement and where he stands on the idea of a capital gains tax.

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SpaceX has gone public in the biggest IPO in history, with OpenAI and Anthropic expected to follow.

Together, the three companies could be worth more than US$3 trillion. So are they the investment opportunity of a lifetime, or the next great tech bubble?

Fisher Funds portfolio manager Sam Dickie joins Nadine Higgins to break down the hype, the risks and what investors need to know.

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Could an old job be holding money you’ve forgotten about?

In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins speaks to NZBritannia founder Alun Rees-Williams about the UK pension money many Kiwis lose track of after working overseas. Some people discover multiple pension schemes from different jobs, and in rare cases, the amounts can be life-changing.

They discuss why these funds are so easy to forget, how UK pensions differ from KiwiSaver, what to consider before transferring money back to New Zealand, and why the worst mistake is simply losing track of what exists. Even if you’ve never worked in the UK, it’s a useful reminder to keep tabs on every retirement account attached to your working life.

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The IRD is ramping up crypto enforcement and some investors are discovering they owe tax on gains that have long since disappeared. Crypto tax specialist Tim Doyle joins Nadine Higgins to explain why even small investors are now in the IRD's sights, the mistakes that create nightmare tax bills and what to do if you've fallen behind.

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Most of us enter negotiations with a level of awkwardness and trying not to sound greedy. It's not the strongest tactic, but nor is making demands based on your perceived value. 

Negotiating expert and founder of Sheer Negotiations, Noa Sheer, joins Nadine to share her advice on how to handle everything from salary reviews to buying a house, The pair discuss the psychology behind successful negotiating and why women often undersell themselves before the conversation even starts.

There are simple mistakes that could cost you thousands, and a few tricks that could help you reach your negotiating goals.

Noa also explains why 'winning' isn’t always about money, and how understanding what really matters to both parties can completely change the outcome.

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New Zealanders owe 9.5billion dollars in overdue tax, with small business owners and the self-employed most likely to get behind.

Director of Future Focused Accountants, Catriona Knapp, joins Nadine to explain what can go wrong if you don't get on top of your tax obligations and why it's better to face the debt head-on than bury your head in the sand. 

With the IRD cracking down on collecting overdue tax, now is the time to school up on what you need to know to avoid a knock on your door from the taxman. 

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Interest rates are rising again, fuel prices are climbing and many homeowners are wondering what to do next. But according to Squirrel mortgage adviser Adam Clark, too many Kiwis are focusing on the wrong things.

In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Adam joins Nadine Higgins to unpack the psychology of mortgages, why obsessing over tiny rate differences can backfire, and the financial habits that quietly cost borrowers hundreds of thousands over the life of a loan.

They also dive into refinancing, cashback offers, fixing strategies, mortgage structures, EV lending and the dangerous temptation of “cheap debt”.

Plus:

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It's one thing to talk about money, and and something else entirely to talk to it. But for Rachel Davies, that shift changed everything.

Rachel and her Hi Money co-founder Angela Meyer join Nadine to unpack the emotional side of money. From avoidance and binge spending to deeply held beliefs about luck, scarcity and security, they argue most of us don’t have a knowledge problem, we have a relationship problem.

They share the therapy-style exercise that reframed their thinking, why so many people still rely on “it’ll work out somehow”, and the hidden costs women face, from the wage gap to the pink tax.

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Helping your kids get ahead financially sounds simple, but get it wrong and things unravel fast.

Wealth and succession lawyer Andrew Clements has seen what happens when it goes wrong, from family disputes to parents losing their homes. He joins Nadine Higgins to talk about why undocumented support can become a legal minefield, his one firm rule against guarantees, and why even advice from banks can put families at risk.

Plus, why treating support as a loan not a gift can protect both your money and your relationships, and the one conversation every parent should have before offering help.

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Imagine having a financial adviser in your pocket. With AI innovations transforming what finance apps are capable of, that reality might not be too far away.

Instead of just tracking your spending, saving and investments, advances internationally are increasingly seeing the apps able to do everything from scanning the market for better deals or returns, to making recommendations and then executing them on your behalf.

Josh Daniell, the co-founder of Akahu – which connects bank accounts to third-party tools like tracking apps – joins Nadine to talk through the rapidly evolving world of finance apps.

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Recent KiwiSaver changes were meant to strengthen the scheme, but one expert says they risk doing the opposite.

Mary Holm joins Nadine Higgins to break down why cuts to government contributions hit low income earners hardest, and how current settings could deepen inequality over time.

So who is KiwiSaver working for? Why are some workers are missing out on employer support altogether? And what are the unintended incentives baked into the system?

Plus, the changes Holm wants to see, from government contributions for beneficiaries to emergency “sidecar” savings designed to stop people falling into debt when life hits.

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Is property investing actually dead? Investor Ilse Wolfe doesn’t think so, but she says the old way of doing it is. Ilse joins Nadine to share her strategies for making property investment work in 2026.

From surviving negative equity early on to building strong cashflow, Wolfe argues it’s still viable, if you’re willing to be active and rethink the playbook.

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Now, more than ever, it might seem like a good idea to invest in an electric vehicle, but does it make sense financially?

Johnathan Sergel, the AA’s chief mobility officer, joins Nadine to dive into the costs involved with owning and running an EV, and how those costs compare to running a petrol vehicle.

With rising fuel costs and EV sales surging, now's the time to do the maths and figure out what makes the best sense for you. 

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Buying your first home is seen as a key milestone signifying success in your financial journey, while “just" renting is somehow seen as being behind.

But Luke Kemeys of the Keep the Change Podcast and Next Advisory sees it differently. For him, it’s a deliberate choice – and he thinks we need to look at renting differently.

Luke joins Nadine Higgins to explain why he thinks renting often makes more financial sense than owning your own home.

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Financial education is now embedded in maths classes for students in years 0-10, and from next year it will also form part of the social sciences curriculum. Until this year, financial education in schools has been haphazard, with research showing only 20 percent of students received it in some form.

Sorted in Schools learning lead Yasmin Frazer joins Nadine to discuss what our kids are being taught about money and why we need to be careful around money conversations at home. 

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When news of events like the war in Iran hit share markets – everyday investors often act on instinct, but what do professional investors do? This week, Nadine is joined by Sam Dickie, a senior portfolio manager at Fisher Funds. Together they talk through what happens to investing when the world is on fire.

The Prosperity Project is now available on video! Watch now on nzherald.co.nz or YouTube

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Financial mentor David Very joins Nadine Higgins to unpack why 2025 hit so many New Zealanders so hard—and whether 2026 will bring any real relief. From high-income earners stretched by huge mortgages to pensioners squeezed by rising costs, he explains why financial stress is now cutting across every part of society. David breaks down where to start when you’re underwater, what actually works when tackling debt, the traps in consolidation and balance transfers, how to negotiate with lenders, and why KiwiSaver hardship should stay a last resort. If this year knocked you around, this episode helps you map a realistic way back to stability.

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BusinessDesk journalist Maria Slade joins Nadine to discuss her new investigative podcast, The Fall of the House of Du Val, which details how the company collapsed and what it reveals about the country’s investment rules.

Listen to The Fall of The House of Du Val on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

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We hear a lot about how we need to save for retirement, but less is known about how to make that money last once you need to start drawing on it. 

Tom Hartmann from the Retirement Commission joins Nadine to talk about Sorted's Retirement Navigator. The new tool processes customisable values in order to help those nearing retirement (or already there) figure out how much they have to live on and for how long.

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Think paying off the family home will have you sorted for retirement? That might have been a solid plan once upon a time, but times have changed and and perhaps your retirement plan should change too. 

Michael Vincent, mortgage director at Lighthouse Financial, joins Nadine to talk the dangers of relying on your house to look after you in later life, and what you should be doing instead. 

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AI stocks have exploded, with Nvidia soaring past a $5 trillion valuation. But is this growth justified, or are investors repeating the mistakes of the dot-com era?

Mark Lister, investment director at Craigs Investment Partners, joins Nadine to talk about whether AI’s rally is a genuine revolution or a sign of market froth. Together they unpack the risks of over-exposure, the importance of diversification, and why hype doesn’t always equal profit.

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Bitcoin has cracked six figures in US dollars, but does all the hype mean it's a good investment.  Janine Granger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joins Nadine to demystify the wild world of digital currency. From Bitcoin versus blockchain to meme coins, stablecoins, and the rise and fall of NFTs, they unpack what crypto really is, how it works, and how to invest without getting scammed (or losing your digital wallet). Whether you’re a true believer or still think it’s all Monopoly money, we hope to leave you better equipped to answer that eternal barbecue question: “so, what do you reckon about crypto?”

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Funerals have become one of the most expensive life events in New Zealand — and for families already stretched, the cost of saying goodbye can add real financial strain. Brent Ruru, founder of Everything Funeral, joins Nadine Higgins to share how Kiwis can plan meaningful farewells without the heavy price tag, and why simpler, more personal options are on the rise.

If you have a question for Nadine, email nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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Recent cuts to the Official Cash Rate and the potential for more to come will be a relief for many borrowers, but the real game changer in getting mortgage free faster isn’t the interest rate.

Shelley Palman, financial advisor at enableMe, joins Nadine to share the tips that could see you saying goodbye to your mortgage sooner. 

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We like to think about money in terms of simple maths: earn more, spend less, invest the difference. But the main influence on your bank balance goes beyond just whats coming in and going out.

The Money Mentalist, financial coach Lynda Moore, joins Nadine to discuss how our money mindset is what sets the tone for our entire relationship with finance.

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The best way to get the most out of your credit card? Cut it up. That’s the advice from Luke Kemeys, accountant and host of the ‘Keep the Change’ podcast. Luke joins Nadine to share the reasoning behind his controversial opinion. 

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Asset-rich but cash-poor? You’re not alone. Cam Bagrie, founder of Equity Release NZ,  joins Nadine to talk about the growing range of ways retirees can unlock money tied up in their homes. Covering reverse mortgages and home reversion schemes, Cam explains how each option works, the financial trade-offs, and why family arrangements should also be part of the conversation. Join us for a practical look at how to ease the squeeze of rising costs and make retirement more comfortable.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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When a business fails, it’s not just owners and staff who feel the impact. Customers can be left out of pocket, without products, or fighting to recover deposits. PWC’s John Fisk joins Nadine to explain why more Kiwi companies are likely to collapse, the industries most at risk, and the red flags to look out for before handing over your money. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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Sudden money can feel life-changing, or like a trap. Financial planner Liz Koh joins Nadine to discuss how to handle a windfall without blowing it, from clearing debt to protecting relationships and securing your future.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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It’s one of those jobs many of us put off - but dying without a Will can leave your loved ones in legal and financial chaos. In fact, if you die without a will, your estate is divided under New Zealand’s Administration Act and there's not much your loved ones can do about it. 

Holly Edgerton, founder of online will-planning service Succession joins Nadine to explain why it's so important to have a will, what that will should include, and what happens if you never get around to writing one. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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Overflowing wardrobe? It might be worth more than you think. Aidan Bartlett, CEO of Designer Wardrobe, joins Nadine to talk about the booming second-hand fashion market. From unlocking the $1000 sitting idle in your closet to sellers making tens of thousands, resale is growing five times faster than traditional retail. Aidan reveals the secrets to getting the best price for your clothes, the role of AI in making selling easier and why buying pre-loved is set to overtake fast fashion by the end of the decade. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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You got into your first home unscathed, so buying again will be a breeze, right? Wrong. 

When it comes to moving up the property ladder, going from your first home to your second introduces a whole new level of stress to a homeowner's journey. 

Squirrel mortgage adviser Kat McInnes joins Nadine to talk through what can go wrong, and how to avoid sabotaging yourself on the next rung of the ladder.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

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Tax deductions can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what you can and can’t claim if you're running a business or are self-employed.

So, what’s a legit deduction and what’s not? How do you make the most of what you can claim without crossing the line? And what happens if the IRD think you've crossed that line?

Catriona Knapp, director at Future Focused Accountants ,joins Nadine Higgins to share practical tips, clear up common misconceptions and help you feel confident come tax time.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

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Amid the soaring cost of everything from butter and cheese to rates and insurance, tips on how to trim your budget abound. But once that budget's cut to the quick, the only alternative is to earn more.

While the need for side hustles can be controversial, Tracy Hemingway – who used them to escape $94,000 of debt and buy her first home in just four years – says they can serve a purpose short term. Now a financial advisor and mortgage broker known as the Debt Free Diva, Tracy joins Nadine Higgins to talk about her side hustle experience and share tips for those wanting to bring in some extra cash.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

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Private Equity is starting to become part of the asset mix for an increasing number of KiwiSaver providers, with Fisher Funds the latest to ramp up their Private Equity offering. 

Many people may think of corporate raiders when it comes to private equity - the type that sell the business off for parts - but how does that image fit with these new changes? And what are the opportunities, and the risks, for KiwiSavers? 

This week, Nadine is joined by Fisher Funds’ Chief Investment Officer Ashley Gardyne to discuss how what you need to know about the changing investments. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

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Trusts are billed as a way to protect your assets and pass your wealth on to the next generation, and they’ve become a common thing for a family to set-up.   

But the rules around them have changed significantly over the years – so are they still useful, or more hassle than they’re worth?

Henry Stokes is a trust specialist and Perpetual Guardian’s General Council, and joins Nadine to discuss the ins and outs of trusts, and why most of the 400,000 trusts in New Zealand probably serve no purpose at all.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

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We all know that ‘til death do us part’ doesn’t always end up that way, even if we don't like thinking about it. But divorce can be financially devastating, and some simple errors can make that process even more costly and difficult than it needs to be. 

Enable.me financial adviser Shelley Palman, who has been through divorce herself and coached countless clients through the process, joins Nadine this week to discuss the simple do's and don't's when it comes to getting divorced that could help avoid unnecessary costs - and could even help you with your current relationship!

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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It’s one thing to decide to move on from a job or career, but what happens when you’re at the top of your game and your job just... evaporates? 

After many years as a television journalist, Melissa Chan-Green was co-hosting The AM Show on Three when Warner Bros. Discovery announced it was closing Newshub and its associated shows.  

So how do you navigate the financial side of redundancy, and then find your feet again in a shrinking industry? 

Melissa Chan-Green joins Nadine this week on The Prosperity Project to talk about her approach to money in the media industry, how redundancy allowed her to redefine herself, and how she went about finding a new purpose. 

You can find School Shorts - Melissa's new podcast for parents - wherever your get your podcasts. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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When it comes to investing, we all know the usual suspects – shares, bonds, property, gold. 

But the latest Financial Services Council report found 7% of people have ‘collectables’ among their investments. 

So what makes something you like to collect an investment ... and how do you make money out of it? 

Gertjan Verdickt is a finance expert at the University of Auckland, who has written a book about ‘passion’ investing, The Passion Portfolio, and he joins Nadine this week to explain how it all works. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton is a young wahine on a mission to change not just her own money mindset and financial trajectory, but that of her people. 

At just 21, she is a podcaster, entrepreneur and now the author of Māori Millionaire – A Beginner’s Guide to Building Better Money Habits.

She joins Nadine this week to talk her journey, how close she is to becoming a millionaire, and why prioritising her health is a key part of that journey. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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New Zealanders are among the most underinsured in the OECD, according to the Financial Services Council.  

We insure our cars, our houses and our other stuff, but not what is arguably our biggest asset - ourselves. 

Givealittle fundraisers for families that have hit hard times and need help have become increasingly common. But is insurance the answer, and if so, why don’t more of us have it? 

Today, Nadine is digging into the specifics of insurance, and our avoidance of it, with insurance adviser Willie Moala.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder than others.  

Morgan Penn is a somatic sexologist, and co-host of the multi-award-winning juggernaut of a podcast, Sex.Life.  

But before that, she spent 15 years in the media – so this was not just your regular run-of-the-mill career change.

She joins Nadine to talk about her financial journey - what motivated her career change, how she made the finances work, and how she has handled turning herself and her own story into a brand. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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Sharemarkets have been like the wild west this year. We’re told to ‘buy the dip’ because that’s when shares are on a big briscoes-esque sale, but before you know you’ve blinked, and the dip is done

So if you’re just getting started dabbling in investing and have been thrown by the year's events so far, what do you need to know about the mechanics of it? How do you invest internationally, and can you invest in some of the biggest companies imaginable? 

Nadine is running through the lot with co-founder, director and 3EO of Sharesies, Leighton Roberts. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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Owning a pet can bring aso much joy to your life - but it can also bring some big expenses. 

Some people can spend a fortune on their pets, and as they get older, those costs often increase. And that's before you factor in breeds and how that can impact what you spend. 

To talk about some of the costs that you need to be prepared for, this week Nadine is joined by Michelle de Long, chief operating officer at PD Pet Insurance

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

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The Government has unveiled the latest Budget, and it is full of things that are likely to affect your back pocket in one way or another – with changes to KiwiSaver, Best Start, JobSeeker benefits, and Working for Families. 

If all the headlines sent you a bit cross eyed, don’t worry - today we’re going to step you through the detail so you know what you’re dealing with. 

To help us do that, Nadine is joined by the NZ Herald's Wellington Business Editor, Jenée Tibshraeny, to discuss the big changes and how they impact you.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and in this country, it can be really difficult to achieve.  

For most of us, the most important first step is to qualify for a mortgage. 

So, how do you improve your chances of getting the lending you need to be in the market, and what do you need to know about what you’ve signed up for? 

This week, Nadine talks with director of The Loan Market and senior advisor Cam Marcroft to get all the tips and tricks you need to get on the property ladder. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average wedding in New Zealand is on the rise - once thought to be around $30,000, that cost for higher-end weddings has doubled in recent years.

Finance companies often feature pictures of weddings when touting their high-interest loans, but debt is no way to start your life of wedded bliss. So how can you avoid financial stress when planning your big day? 

This week, Nadine is joined by Astrid Braid, wedding planner at PS I Love You Events, to talk through what costs you should look at cutting on your big day, and which ones are worth investing the big bucks in. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are pretty familiar with the idea of investing in property, but more often than not, it’s in houses, apartments, or other types of residential property. 

But more and more people are asking if they should instead consider commercial property.

This week, Nadine talks with CEO of property investment firm Rethink Group, and commercial property investor, Scott O’Neill, to discuss the ins and outs of commercial property. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How long could you last if your income stopped tomorrow? Culd you handle a big, unexpected bill without going into debt? And how often do you worry about money? 

Those are all metrics in the Financial Resilience Index, a survey on Kiwis’ money habits and stability - so what does it tell us, and crucially, what should we do with that information? 

This week, Nadine is talking with the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council, Kirk Hope, about what his organisation's survey tells us about Kiwis and their money. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The path to becoming a social media influencer or content creator is one a lot of people aspire to these days - in fact, one survey suggested 57 percent for Gen Zers want that career path. 

But how easy it is to get into this path, and make it pay? 

Julian Sewell is a Kiwi who’s made it big on Instagram and TikTok, although you may know him as his silver haired alter ego, Paloma Diamond.  

His first video parodying the Hollywood awards season in 2023 now has over 23 million views on TikTok, and he has 3 million followers across that platform and Instagram. He joins Nadine this week to discuss how his career blew up, and how one actually makes money from social media.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the US President Donald Trump announced a pause on reciprocal tariffs last week, prompting a massive rally on the markets - he admitted he did so after watching the bond market. 

So, why is the bond market so significant, and what do you need to know about how it works - especially given you likely own some in your KiwiSaver fund!

Today, Nadine is joined by Matt Logan from Fisher Funds to discuss what the bond market is, how it all works, and how you can invest in it. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 3.3 million New Zealanders are in KiwiSaver, and they now have more than $110 billion invested  - but too many of us are not making the most of the scheme. 

So this week, Nadine is joined by finance expert, columnist and author Mary Holm, who has just revised and updated her 8th book, Rich Enough, to get some guidance on how to ensure you are making the most from the scheme.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

To compare KiwiSaver funds, Mary recommended the Sorted calculator: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, the price of gold has been hovering near record highs at over NZ$5000 an ounce - that’s less than 30 grams for those of us only versed in the metric system!

It’s commonly thought of as a ‘safe haven’ asset, but why is that? How does it help your investments when the world is an uncertain place? How do you make money out of it? How do you own it? And does your jewellery count.

To help us answer those questions, today Nadine is joined by two guests. First, Mark Lister, investment director at Craigs Investment Partners to discuss why people are buying gold And then she talks to financial advisor Louis Boulanger, on the practicalities of owning gold. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 31st marks the end of the financial year, and while that doesn’t mean much for the average employee, it does mean that you are probably due for a pay review.  

Salaries are a big topic of discussion right now – specifically, how salaries in New Zealand compare to those overseas, with so many Kiwis leaving the country.  

So if you are booked in for a pay review in the coming weeks, what can you do to try and improve your pay?  

This week, Nadine is joined by Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand chief executive Shay Peters to discuss what employees and employers are expecting this year, advice for getting that pay boost, and what employers can offer beyond salary increases.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve peeked at your KiwiSaver or other investments lately - it might have given you a bit of a rude shock. 

With the US introducing tariffs, withdrawing them, threatening to double them, and other countries starting to retaliate, there’s a lot of uncertainty out there, and that's one thing market really don’t like. 

So what do you need to know, and what – if anything – should be doing about it?

Mark Riggall, a portfolio manager for Milford Asset Management, joins Nadine this week to discuss what you need to know.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Owens has grim personal experience of adversity and financial insecurity – from sleeping in her car, feeling trapped by domestic violence, and becoming a widowed single mother at age 20 when her son was just 5 weeks old.

But she’s channelled that experience into a meaningful career focused on helping others make good financial decisions.

She shared her story of survival and finding purpose with Nadine this week to mark International Women’s Day, and to offer hope to those struggling.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is for anyone who’s looked at the price of houses in this country and felt a bit depressed - for many, it seems like that particular dream out of reach, so why bother trying?

While housing is expensive, there are other ways to get onto the housing ladder – but there’s a fair bit you need to know to ensure it doesn’t go pear-shaped. 

To help everyone navigate some of the options, and the fishhooks with them, Nadine chats with Amy Stevens, the founder of Slice – a platform that helps people achieve the home ownership dream. 

And then she talks to Ali Ventura, who teamed up with two friends alongside her husband to buy a home together and how that's working - especially now that she has a baby in the mix. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

if you have a mortgage, you’re likely weighing up your next move after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 4.25% to 3.75%. 

More than 80% of mortgages are due to refix this year, because most people have been opting for floating rates or short terms,  waiting for the right time to pounce as interest rates fell. 

So is that time now or should you continue to wait? 

This week, Nadine looks at what you should do with the founder of Squirrel Mortgages, John Bolton.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word ‘Retirement’ can prompt a range of reactions. Some yawn, because it’s ages away and there’s heaps of time to sort it. Some people feel a little uncomfortable because it’s not ages away, and they’re not sure if they’re sorted - and some panic because it’s just around the corner they knowthey’re not sorted.  

Listener Sandra is in one of the latter two stages. She wrote in to Nadine with the following concern: 

I am 57, have been single for 20 years, and most of that time I have been self employed. 

I have struggled watching my friends over the years with two incomes traveling, upgrading their homes, new cars etc. 

I work long hours and don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere. I realize that I actually lack focus. My relationship with money has not been great and as I get closer to retirement age, I’m starting to realize it’s now or never to start turning that around but am so confused at how to do that. 

To get the answers for people like Sandra, this week Nadine is joined by Tom Hartman, the personal finance lead at the Retirement Commission. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

For the tools mentioned by Tom in the episode, visit here: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a baby is life-altering in every respect - and your finances are no exception.  

But there are ways to navigate how much growing your family can turn your finances upside down.  

Stephanie Pow is the founder of Crayon. She’s on a mission to make it easier for parents to effectively manage the dollars and cents alongside the nappies and sleepless nights. 

She joins Nadine this week to discuss what people need to know about parental leave, including some 'quirks' in the law that can be surprising - and costly - for parents. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If every time you have holiday at the beach you think ‘how can I just stay here fulltime and escape the rat race in the city’ - today’s episode is for you. 

Dallas and Donna Gurney were two corporate high fliers hustling hard and enjoying city life – when a major life curveball prompted them to re-think everything. 

They chucked in their Auckland jobs to take on a bold new adventure as the new owners of the General Store in Whananaki, an idyllic spot in Northland with a regular population of about 500 people 

They join Nadine today to discuss why they made the move, what they've learned from it, and how a big change isn’t without its challenges.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If feel like you’re done working for ‘the man’, and you want lexibility, autonomy, to be the master of your own destiny - you might be considering chucking in your job and working for yourself. 

But behind the romantic ideal of self employment, there is a bit to get your head around if you’ve only ever been an employee.

This week, Nadine is joined by James Fuller, the co-founder of Hnry – a platform that helps sole traders and freelancers sort their taxes - to discuss what you need to know about different taxes, ACC, claiming personal expenses and whether you need to register your company.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

Links for more information:
https://www.tools.business.govt.nz/choose-business-structure/ https://www.nataliecoombe.com/nail-your-pricing 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your enthusiasm to maintain your “New Year, new me” financial goals is starting wane already, you’re not alone – most resolutions are abandoned by February!

But experts in finance and psychology say there’s both art and a science to setting financial goals and adopting the behavioural change that helps you stick to them.

Join Nadine this week as she discusses how to stick to your financial goals in 2025 with EnableMe's Hannah McQueen and clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire. 

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.