Money Made Simple

In this (crowd-sourced) episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into the best money tips submitted by our lovely Simplicity community! From simple mindset shifts to clever day-to-day hacks, this episode brings together the collective wisdom of everyday Kiwis navigating saving, spending and investing during a pretty tough cost-of-living environment.This episode covers: Why starting small and starting early matters (and why it’s never too late to begin) How to get clear on where your money actually goes - both emotionally and literally The pros and cons of single shares vs managed funds, and why diversification matters Smart ways to avoid lifestyle creep and use pay rises intentionally How to build a realistic emergency fund and avoid guilt around spending Why automating your money can make all the difference Community-favourite tools and educators worth checking out Resources mentioned in this episode:- Mr Money Mustache – community-recommended financial education: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com- Frances Cook – personal finance books and podcast host: https://www.francescook.co.nz- Money King NZ – investment education and reviews: https://moneykingnz.com- Sorted NZ – tools, guides and calculators: https://sorted.org.nz- MoneyHub NZ – financial guides and comparisons: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz- NZ Government FamilyBoost (childcare subsidy): https://www.ird.govt.nz/roles/in-work/familyboost- Free Financial Mentoring (via MoneyTalks): https://www.moneytalks.co.nzThis episode provides stack of practical ideas you can try today - from making your budget actually work for you, to automating your investing, and finding fresh ways to save without sacrificing joy. Getting better with money isn’t about being perfect… it’s about being consistent, curious and willing to try new things!---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.

KiwiSaver has changed the way New Zealanders save - but with an ageing population and growing fiscal pressures, the current system won’t be enough to support future generations. In this episode, Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub lays out his vision for KiwiSaver 2.0: a bolder, more sustainable approach to retirement savings that draws inspiration from successful global models.He explains why New Zealand’s "pay-as-you-go" superannuation system is becoming increasingly unaffordable, what we can learn from Australia’s compulsory Super regime, and the simple changes that could transform KiwiSaver into a powerful long-term asset for both individuals and the economy.This month's episode covers:Why New Zealand’s ageing population makes our current public finances - especially Superannuation and healthcare - increasingly unsustainableHow KiwiSaver has shifted household saving behaviour, but why policy hasn’t kept paceThe case for compulsory employer contributions, modelled on Australia and other high-performing pension systemsHow smarter hardship rules and “sidecar” savings could help low-income earners build both resilience today and more security for retirementThe idea of “Baby KiwiSaver” - enrolling children at birth to harness the long-term power of compounding returnsWhy a stronger KiwiSaver system could meaningfully boost New Zealand’s investment capacity, infrastructure, and long-term productivityShamubeel breaks down complex retirement and fiscal challenges we're facing to show how a bigger, better KiwiSaver could give future generations more choices and help New Zealand shift from a capital-shallow economy to a capital-rich one.You should come away from this episode with a clearer understanding of why KiwiSaver needs to evolve, and what meaningful reform could look like in the years ahead.---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.

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into a topic that can make even seasoned investors nervous - market volatility. What causes the sudden ups and downs in your KiwiSaver or Investment Fund balance? And what should you do when markets are unsettled?From global news and investor emotion to algorithms and exchange rates, this episode explains what’s really behind those squiggly lines in your fund performance graph - and why they’re not always a bad thing.This episode covers:What volatility really means, and why it’s a normal part of investingThe big drivers of market swings - uncertainty, emotion, and new informationHow events like wars, elections, and interest rate changes ripple into KiwiSaver returnsWhy international markets and currency movements matter more than you might thinkReal-world case studies: the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 crashWhy staying calm and staying invested is the smartest long-term strategyTools to help you match your fund to your time horizon and risk toleranceHow volatility, while uncomfortable, can actually help long-term investors grow their wealthResources mentioned in this episode:Sorted's KiwiSaver fund finder - sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/ and for other managed fund investments smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/Simplicity Fund Sector - simplicity.kiwi/calculators/kiwisaver/fund-selectorJennie and Liv explain in plain English why markets rise and fall, and why keeping calm, staying invested, and focusing on the long game is the best approach - especially when things feel uncertain. Volatility is the price we pay for growth, and for those with time on their side, it’s worth it.---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.

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.

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.