MMS #60 | Christmas on a budget - all the joy, without the stress of overspending!
The silly season is here! But, of course, so are the ongoing bills and cost of living crunch. In this festive episode, Jennie and Liv tackle one of the toughest challenges of the year: how to enjoy Christmas without blowing the budget. They share some practical, creative ideas for saving money, setting expectations with family, and finding fun in over summer even when times are tough.This episode covers: • How to set realistic expectations with friends and whānau around Christmas spending • Creative ways to save money on food, gifts, and decorations • Potluck dinners, Secret Santas and DIY gifts that still feel special • Reframing the guilt around money and celebrating what really matters • Why it’s okay to focus on “now” instead of “later” when times are toughResources mentioned in this episode:- Simplicity KiwiSaver & Investment Funds – gift a KiwiSaver or investment fund contribution this Christmas: https://simplicity.kiwi/gifting-funds- Auckland Council – Movies & Music in Parks (free local experiences): aucklandcouncil.govt.nz- City Mission Christmas Appeals – donate food or gifts: aucklandcitymission.org.nzChristmas doesn’t have to mean chaos - or credit card debt. We're here to remind you that joy doesn’t come from spending big, but from connection, creativity, and community. Whether it’s a kindness advent calendar, a thrifted Secret Santa, or simply a beach breakfast in your togs and PJs, there are plenty of ways to make the season special (and stress-free) on any budget.---Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!Find us: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.
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MMS #59 | Living boujee, but on a budget - yes, it's possible!
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv chats with the sassy but very savvy Sabby Jey, the creator of the viral series Boujee on a Budget. They discuss how she turned her upbringing, values, and financial smarts into a platform that helps thousands ok Kiwis live luxuriously without overspending. From second-hand fashion, to smart saving hacks and mindful money habits, Sabby shares her personal journey, business insights, and practical ways to make your money go further (and still enjoy the good stuff). This episode covers:How Sabby turned her refugee-family background and finance degree into a thriving content careerThe origins of Boujee on a Budget and how it went viral on TikTokSmart “savvy not stingy” spending habits that actually build wealthAvoiding lifestyle creep and the pressures of social media perfectionSimple, realistic savings and budgeting hacks anyone can start todayResources mentioned in this episode: - Sabby Jey’s Boujee on a Budget series on Instagram - The Libby App (free access to ebooks and magazines via Auckland Libraries) Sabby’s story is a reminder that being “boujee” doesn’t mean breaking the bank. With the right mindset, creative money hacks, and a willingness to learn, you can thrive - even in a cost-of-living crisis! Learn how small, consistent savings can build confidence, how to find a little joy in frugality, and how financial empowerment starts with everyday habits that make you feel good about your money.---Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!Find us: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.
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Economy Made Simple #9 | Why NZ keeps falling behind on infrastructure
In this special guest episode of the Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with Geoff Cooper, CEO of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, to unpack the country’s infrastructure crisis: why it exists, what keeps driving costs up, and how we can start fixing it. They explore why and how NZ keeps falling behind when it comes to maintaining essential infrastructure, the political and geographic challenges at play, and the practical steps we could take to build smarter for the future.This episode covers:How New Zealand’s geography and spread-out population make infrastructure costly to deliverThe long-term impacts of under-maintaining existing assets How better asset management and smarter funding could (literally) save billions in the long runThe political economy behind infrastructure decisions - why “taking the politics out” isn’t realisticLessons from Japan and South Korea on adapting infrastructure to aging populationsThe importance of making infrastructure "boring" again - maintenance, transparency, and long-term planningThis episode goes beyond the headlines to explain why NZ’s infrastructure struggles aren’t just about money; they’re about priorities, planning, and people. You’ll learn how we got into this stiicky situation, and how a few smart, practical changes could set us up for a more resilient (and prosperous) future. ---Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!Find us: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.
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MMS #58 | Hedged vs Unhedged: What's the difference?!
In this much-requested episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv (finally!) demystify hedging, the financial safety net that can help protect your KiwiSaver and investment balances from foreign currency fluctuations. They explain what it means in a general sense (outside and inside of investments), why fund managers use it, and when being “hedged” or “unhedged” can make a difference to your returns.Whether you’re investing for the long term or just want to sound smart next time someone mentions “hedged vs unhedged funds,” this one’s for you. This episode covers: • What hedging is and why it exists in the world of investing (and elsewhere) • Simple, everyday examples of hedging (like fixing your mortgage rate or locking in travel exchange rates) • How hedging works within global investments and KiwiSaver funds • The pros and cons of being hedged vs unhedged when it comes to investing • How Simplicity uses hedging to help protect members’ investmentsBy the end of this episode, you’ll hopefully understand how hedging helps manage volatility (but - plot twist - only in one area), why it's relevant to KiwiSaver members, and how it quietly works behind the scenes without you needing to lift a finger.---Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!Find us: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.
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MMS #57 | From $6k to success: The story behind startup Bear & Moo
In this inspiring episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie sits down with Hannah Porter - founder of baby and kids' brand Bear & Moo - to talk about building a successful startup from scratch, while juggling family life and financial realities. From starting with just $6,000 to growing into a thriving online and retail store, Hannah shares what it’s really like to take a calculated risk and create something that works for your lifestyle, and helps build financial success.This episode covers:How Hannah went from corporate jobs to launching Bear & Moo with only a small amount of savingsThe balance between family life, risk, and financial stability when starting a businessThe growth journey through COVID, supply chain issues, and economic slowdowns - it hasn't been easy!Why knowing your numbers and cashflow is vital for small business survivalTips on household budgeting, running multiple bank accounts, and teaching kids about moneyResources mentioned in this episode:- Bear & Moo website – https://bearandmoo.co.nz/Tenancy Services (for household budgeting references): https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired (and maybe a little more organised!) to take control of your own finances - whether that’s starting a side hustle, improving your family’s budget system, or simply getting more confident about your money decisions. So go forth and conquer!---Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!Find us: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.
Welcome to Money Made Simple, a family of NZ-based financial literacy podcasts from Simplicity which keep it simple and get straight to the point. We want ALL Kiwis to have dignity, and a dignified life is one with choices. What can help with more choices? More money. So we're here to make Kiwis richer and smarter with money.MONEY MADE SIMPLE WITH JENNIE AND LIV:Join co-hosts Liv and Jennie on a fortnightly basis to help you understand the basics around money, finances, investing, KiwiSaver, and planning for a better future. We aim to provide information in a bite-sized, easy-to-listen way that simplifies the jargon. 'Cos who's got time for that! We want you to feel empowered and confident when thinking about money and investing - whether that be via KiwiSaver, investment funds, the share market, property, or whatever suits you.THE ECONOMY MADE SIMPLE WITH SHAMUBEEL EAQUB:Join Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity's Chief Economist, on a monthly basis to help you understand what's happening in the economy, job market, politics and financial markets. Tune in to get economic updates, interviews with NZ's key movers and shakers, and deep dives into topics you might want to understand better.You can join the Simplicity community via the following channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplicity_kiwi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplicitykiwiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplicity-kiwi/Or check out our website: https://simplicity.kiwi/Cheers for listening - we appreciate each and every one of you %)
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