MMS #46 | Paying too much? A guide to smarter spending with Consumer NZ
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie chats with Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy about the real pressures New Zealanders are facing in today’s challenging economy – and what we can ALL do about it. From overpriced groceries to big power bills, Jon breaks down the biggest consumer issues and gives practical tips for navigating your way to smarter spending habits. This episode covers: Why supermarket prices are so high and what’s stopping real competitionHow power pricing works (AKA why it’s often unfair for everyday Kiwis)Your personal rights under the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees ActHow to switch providers and negotiate better deals, especially for power!The "right to repair" movement and how it could reduce waste (and save you dollars)Why lodging complaints matters - and how it can lead to real changeResources mentioned in this episode:Consumer NZ – Independent consumer info, product reviews, and advicePowerswitch.org.nz – Compare electricity plans and providersRight to Repair Bill – Advocacy for better product longevityCommerce Commission – Government regulator for competition and consumer protectionLife can be bloody expensive right now – but we know that knowledge is power. So tune in to learn your rights and get practical tips to stretch your dollar further.---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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21:41
MMS #45 | Navigating a choppy job market: how to keep (or find) your dream job
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into effective strategies for building job resilience during an economic downturn (like we're seeing right now). If you're worried about your job security or looking to secure a new job, this episode will arm you with the insights and strategies you may be seeking. This episode covers:Current trends in unemployment, business closures, job applications and how these affect everyday KiwisHow to make yourself indispensable at work when redundancies may be on the horizonStrategies for effective job hunting, including how to optimise your CV (and how to use the various job platforms and networks you may not know of!)When to use AI, and when to avoid it - an important distinction when applying for jobs!The importance of building your personal brand - what, how, whyDifferent ways you can network, whether you have a job or are on the huntTips on building your own financial resilience (aka safety net) to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the bestResources mentioned in this episode:- Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)'s Labour market snapshot 2025 provides the statistics we quoted around unemployment, job seekers and business liquidations- Statistics New Zealand has even more stats on the job market if you're hungry for more- LinkedIn professional networking platform (also great for job hunting!)- Zeil - Zuru's new job app/marketplace- Digital Passport: Offers free online courses in digital skills, job readiness, and AI, provided by the NZ government- NZ Polytechnic: Offers some fees-free courses including diplomas in various disciplines- Sorted.org.nz for financial planning tools- MMS episode #26 for more on Rainy Day Funds, and MMS episodes #7 and #8 for managing debt. Bonus - MMS #32 for budgeting (great for working out how to trim costs if your income gets reduced) By the end of this episode, we hope that you'll feel a little more comfortable facing what is obviously quite a challenging economic time for NZ (and the world) right now! We want you to be confident in facing the uncertainty we're seeing, given you'll have an arsenal of skills, ideas and ways to network your way to your next great opportunity - whatever that may look like!---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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19:59
Economy Made Simple #1 | APRIL 2025 State of the Nation
Welcome to the very first episode of the Economy Made Simple! Our host Shamubeel Eaqub delves into the current state of financial markets, the broader economy, and the impact of global volatility on the local environment. This episode offers a "State of the Nation" perspective, perfect for those who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the economy. This episode covers:The recent downturns in global financial markets, shedding light on the causes of current economic fears and how these are reflected in things like KiwiSaver accountsInsights into how old-school policies like tariffs are reintroducing geopolitical uncertainties that haven't been seen for decades, and what this means globally and for NZThe importance of a long-term perspective when it comes to retirement savings, and the worth of regular and consistent contributions despite market swingsA discussion on New Zealand’s specific challenges and strengths in the global economy, including our geographical isolation and diverse trading strategies. In this episode, Shamubeel unpacks some complex economic trends to help you better understand how these might impact your investments and financial strategy. Armed with this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions, stay resilient in the face of economic fluctuations, and plan more effectively for the future. *This podcast contains Simplicity Research Hub’s economic and policy analysis, opinions, and commentary and is provided for general information only. It does not relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity NZ Ltd is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver and Investment Funds Schemes. For Product Disclosure Statements please visit our website simplicity.kiwi.---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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16:25
MMS #44 | Don't outlive your money: Rethinking retirement realities with Jane Wrightson
In this second episode of our two-part series with Jane Wrightson, New Zealand's Retirement Commissioner, we dive deeper into the future of retirement and how today’s choices can and will impact tomorrow's freedom. This episode, tackles some thought-provoking issues and projections, and could be a game-changer for those trying to secure a more comfortable future. This week's episode covers:How retirement is changing both in New Zealand and globally, reflecting longer lifespans and economic shiftsThe concept of FORO (fear of running out) and strategies to mitigate this fear by planning for a potentially 30-year retirementThe trend towards working past traditional retirement ages, and how this can sometimes be choice and for others necessityChallenges future retirees might face, especially those not owning their homes outright or dealing with escalating health costs as they ageTips n' tricks to ensure you're planning for retirement (no matter how far away it is!) with the right goals and plan in mindResources mentioned in this episode:Sorted: The Retirement Commission's very own (and world famous on this podcast) online resource for financial planning tools and information.Commission for Financial Capability: Offers guidance on retirement planning and financial security.Through these discussions, listeners can gain valuable insights into preparing for a retirement that may look very different from today's standards. Whether you're just starting to think about saving or you're adjusting your existing plans, this episode provides insights and tips for navigating the complexities of retirement planning.---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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17:19
MMS #43 | Plan now, chill later: Why retirement planning isn't just for the older generations!
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie sits down with New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner, Jane Wrightson, to discuss what retirement really looks like in New Zealand. We often think of retirement as something far off on the horizon but the reality is, the choices we make today shape our financial future.This episode covers:The true state of retirement in NZ—why the “rich boomer” stereotype doesn’t match the reality for many retireesNZ Super (the pension): What it’s designed for and the challenges it faces with rising housing costsKiwiSaver as a game-changer and why/how it’s one of the best tools for building long-term financial securityThe role of financial literacy and why educating young people about money is crucialHow professional financial advice can help - and when to consider itResources mentioned in this episode:Sorted.org.nz – Financial education and toolsMoney Talks – Free financial helpline and mentoringNo matter how far away retirement is, the sooner you start preparing, the more options you’ll have. Tune in for a straight-talking conversation about what it really takes to retire well in New Zealand.---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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