Economy Made Simple #4 | NZ's housing crisis - and how we might fix it
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down one of the most pressing challenges facing Aotearoa today - our ongoing housing crisis. Why are homes so unaffordable? How did we end up here? And what do we need to do to make things better? From historical policy shifts to the present day shortage, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the system’s failure... and how we might fix it. This episode covers:Why house prices have risen from 3x to 8x the average household incomeThe long-term supply issues stemming from the reforms of the 1980sThe rise of Generation Rent, and the growing unaffordability of home ownershipHow poor-quality, insecure housing is impacting health and wellbeingWhat needs to change - from better zoning and infrastructure to more social and affordable housing stockThe role organisations like Simplicity and other KiwiSaver providers can play in housing solutionsShamubeel explains in simple terms how housing went from a basic right to a national crisis, and the growing inequality between those who own and those who rent. And while we can't fix this overnight, progress is possible - let him tell you how and why. ---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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17:32
MMS #49 | MMS #49 | Getting your KiwiSaver SORTED with Tom Hartmann
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie is joined by Tom Hartmann, personal finance lead at Sorted and part of Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission. Together, they break down KiwiSaver in simple, practical terms to help you feel - and help you actually get - sorted when it comes to planning for your nest egg. Whether you're just starting out or have been contributing for years, this episode is packed with insight and easy-to-understand tips to get your KiwiSaver settings right. This episode covers:Why KiwiSaver is an investment, not just a savings accountHow managed risk in KiwiSaver can lead to better long-term rewardsCommon misunderstandings about balances, fees and fund performanceWhy percentages (like fees) can be misleading without looking at the total dollar amountsHow to set your fund type to match your risk profile and goalsWhat to do at retirement - why you don’t have to (and maybe shouldn't!) take it all out at 65Tools that make comparing funds and planning your KiwiSaver future easierResources mentioned in this episode, all thanks to Sorted.org.nz:- KiwiSaver projection calculator: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-calculator- KiwiSaver fund finder: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/- Sorted's Smart Investor tool: https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/- A range of KiwiSaver guides: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver- Your guide to KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals: https://sorted.org.nz/guides/kiwisaver/applying-for-a-kiwisaver-hardship-withdrawal/ This episode should help you better understand the why behind your KiwiSaver settings, the how of choosing the right fund, and the importance of sticking with your plan for the long term. With insights from one of New Zealand’s leading financial educators, we're hoping to help you grow your financial confidence one podcast at a time! ---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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18:13
MMS #48 | Investor stories: Lessons from a second-gen Kiwi working toward financial freedom
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Simplicity member Rugved Deshpande to share his real-life finance journey. From childhood savings jars and pocket money to index funds, KiwiSaver choices, and building wealth his own way. As a second-generation Indian Kiwi and management accountant, Rugved reflects on how his upbringing shaped his money mindset, and how that mindset has evolved over time to where he is at today. This episode covers:Rugved’s early memories of money, shaped by his parents’ immigrant experience and a strong culture of saving vs investingHis transition from saving everything to building confidence with investingThe importance of routine and "payday automation" for budgeting and long-term investingWhy he switched KiwiSaver providers and how he feels about fund choice and contribution levels todayHis long-term financial goal of working by choice, not necessityWhy home ownership isn’t currently part of the big planThe three lessons he’d give his younger self when it comes to moneyThis episode explores how your background influences your money habits, why early investing doesn’t have to be perfect, and how small, consistent actions (like automated investing and setting goals) can quietly grow your financial future over time. We're so grateful to Rugved for taking the time to open up and chat with us!---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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16:57
Economy Made Simple #3 | BUDGET 2025: Govt finances, explained
In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub unpacks how government finances actually work – and why they matter to us all. From tax and spending to investment and debt, he breaks down the jargon we hear so often in political debates and media headlines, and explains how public finance is really just a larger version of household budgeting - with long-term consequences for our country's future. This episode covers:Where New Zealand’s government revenue comes from, including income tax, GST and other smaller sourcesWhat our taxes pay for, from superannuation and healthcare to infrastructure and public servicesThe key difference between the govt's day-to-day spending and long-term investmentWhen government borrowing makes sense – and when it doesn’tWhy conversations about debt and deficits often confuse short-term costs with long-term valueThe trade-offs we face as a country: higher taxes vs fewer services, short-term fixes vs long-term gainsThis episode aims to shed light on why and how debates about tax, spending and government borrowing affect everyone – and why no matter what’s promised, there are always trade-offs. Shamubeel explains how to cut through the noise, ask better questions, and understand the bigger picture behind political headlines.---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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10:40
MMS #47 | From PIEs to PIRs: All your questions about tax and KiwiSaver answered
In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv dive into the not-so-sexy but super important topic of tax – specifically how it works inside your KiwiSaver.Tax might not be everyone’s idea of a good time (trust us, we get it), but understanding the basics can make a big difference to how confident you feel about your KiwiSaver. Whether you've noticed your balance dropping in March, or you're just trying to figure out what a PIR is, this episode is for you.This episode covers:Where, when and how your KiwiSaver is taxedWhat PIE funds are (hint: nothing to do with food unfortunately) and how tax works inside themThe difference between how NZ and international investments are taxedWhy you still pay tax even when your fund has made a lossHow your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) affects your tax bill – and how to check it’s rightWhat happens when you move overseas or have a kids’ KiwiSaver fund or joint investment fundWhy paying more tax could actually be a good thing!Resources mentioned in this episode:IRD’s PIR Calculator – work out your correct PIRSorted – online resource for financial planning tools and informationMoneyHub’s tax guide Canstar's blog – Is KiwiSaver Taxed?Simplicity’s tax FAQAt the time of year, tax is one of the most common topics our Investor Services team gets asked about – and for good reason. So tune in and get the lowdown on KiwiSaver tax (with a few very average tax jokes thrown in for good measure - sorry in advance).---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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