Economy Made Simple #6 | Ashley Bloomfield on leadership,health and the COVID-19 response
In this very special episode of the Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with Sir Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s former Director-General of Health, to talk about what we’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic - and how those lessons could help shape our collective future.This thoughtful conversation touches on the complex intersection between public health, the economy, leadership and trust. It’s an honest but also hopeful discussion that sheds light on what it takes to lead through uncertainty - and how we might rebuild a more resilient, empathetic society.This episode covers:Sir Ashley's background, what led him to his Director-General role and where he's gone sinceWhat New Zealand did well (AND not so well) during the COVID-19 pandemicThe link between public health and a strong economyHow leadership, communication and trust matter in moments of crisisLessons from the lockdowns that still apply today, from wellbeing to social cohesionSir Ashley’s reflections on personal resilience and what drives him todayWhether you're interested in leadership, public policy or simply navigating uncertain times, this episode offers a timely perspective on what it takes to foster resilience — in ourselves, our communities, and our economy.---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 #52 | Saving smarter: how to spend less without the sacrifice
*Please note that nothing in this podcast is personalised financial advice or recommendations. We recommend that people seek independent financial advice when it comes to making decisions around their mortgages, insurances and/or general financial situation.*As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze Kiwi wallets, Jennie and Liv are back with practical, real-world ideas to help you save money without sacrificing everything you love. From tackling big-ticket expenses like housing and insurance, to finding creative ways to earn a little extra or make the most of what you already have, this episode is packed with ways to help you think bigger and smarter when it comes to saving.This episode covers:Ideas around reviewing and renegotiating big costs like your mortgage, rent and insuranceThe benefits of switching providers for power, internet and mobile to save moneyWays to cut down on your transport costsMaking use of your home space to offset expensesThe benefits of micro-saving tools and building an emergency fundThe role of side hustles and time-based spending swapsResources mentioned in this episode:- Sorted.org.nz’s Guide to saving and investing- Sorted.org.nz's KiwiSaver calculator- MoneyHub’s Guide to saving money in NZ- MoneyHub’s Insurance comparison guide- Consumer NZ’s PowerSwitch tool- The changes being made to KiwiSaver announced in Budget 2025This episode is all about empowering you to make smart, intentional, enduring change - whether that’s trimming unnecessary costs or finding small, creative ways to save more in the long-term. With a little effort and some fresh thinking, you may just find that it's possible to spend less without feeling like you’re missing out!---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 #5 | Economic update: Global turmoil, local impact
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down what’s going on in the New Zealand economy - and what’s coming next. Are we still in a recession? Why has it affected people so differently? And what signs should we look for to know that a recovery is finally taking shape?From global wars and rising oil prices to interest rates and job ads, Shamubeel gives a clear-eyed update on the forces shaping our economy right now, and what might lie ahead. This episode covers:Why this recession has been different - with fewer job losses, but more business pressure and closuresThe surprising resilience of the labour market (businesses holding onto workers) and how it could speed up the recoverySigns of stabilisation (and optimism) after a year of economic declineWhy interest rates are expected to drive growth later this yearThe bright spot in the economy - the primary sectorHow wars, trade, inflation, migration and government spending cuts will continue to shape the outlookWhat to watch for next, including increase in job ads and lending activityIt’s a challenging time, but not without hope. Shamubeel shares why he’s cautiously optimistic about a stronger second half of 2025 - and what needs to happen for that to become reality.---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 #51 | KiwiSaver changes explained: What’s in, what’s out & what does this mean for you?
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie unpack the recent changes to KiwiSaver announced in Budget 2025 - what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could impact you both now, and in the long term.From personal contribution increases to government contribution cutbacks, it’s a mixed bag. Some changes are great, particularly for younger savers and long-term investors, but others (like the halving of the government contribution) may feel like a step backwards.This episode covers:The increase in compulsory KiwiSaver contributions from 3% to 4%, and why it’s being phased in slowlyWhat the drop in the government contribution from $521 to $261 means for your savingsThe new income cap - earn over $180,000 and you’ll no longer receive any government contributionGood news for younger workers - 16 and 17-year-olds will now receive government contributions and next year, employer contributionsWhat these changes could mean for self-employed KiwisHow to opt out of the increased contributions (and why that might cost you long-term)Why it might be time to revisit your KiwiSaver settings and contribution strategyWhether you’re just starting out, self-employed, or looking to retire one day with a decent nest egg, this episode helps make sense of the updates and how to make them work for you.Resources mentioned:Watch Shamubeel Eaqub's webinar on Budget 2025 & changes to KiwiSaverLatest blog on KiwiSaver changes---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 #50 | From Zero to Tax Hero: The inspiring journey behind Tax Traders and Taxi
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Josh Taylor — or JT — co-founder of Tax Traders and Taxi, two innovative businesses making waves in the world of tax. While tax might not sound like a glamorous industry, Josh’s entrepreneurial journey is packed with insight, hard-won lessons, and inspiring moments of resilience.From getting made redundant to selling the family home to start a business, JT shares what it really takes to build a company from the ground up, and why the best opportunities often come disguised as problems.This episode covers:Why JT never thought he’d work in tax - and how it ended up changing his lifeThe early days of Tax Traders and how cashflow challenges inspired their first productWhat tax pooling is (and why it matters for businesses of all sizes)How failure, uncertainty and grit shaped their approach to growthThe origins of Taxi and how Simplicity’s Private Equity Fund got involvedTop tips for entrepreneurs - including when to trust your gut and when just to let goThe power of listening to customers and solving real problemsWhat’s next for JT and his team, including their new product, ProvCheckWhether you’re dreaming of starting a business or just love a good story about determination and hard work, this episode is for you.Websites or resources mentioned in this episode:Tax TradersTaxiSimplicity Private Equity Fund---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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