Money Made Simple

The world feels a bit uncertain right now - headlines are full of market volatility, rising oil prices, and global tensions. In stories about investments, you might be hearing a lot about the importance of “diversification”… but what does that actually mean? And how do you put it in to practice? In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie break down the main investment asset classes - what they are, how they work, and why spreading your money across them is one of the simplest and mo...

In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down the recent surge in oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East - and what it means for NZ households, businesses and the wider economy. While price shocks like this are not new, the episode highlights why they may become more frequent and what we need to think about as a country, as we prepare for the future. This episode covers: What’s behind the current spike in oil prices, and why conflict in the Middle East has gl...

Note for listeners: This episode was recorded just before the recent escalation of conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran. While those developments are likely to influence the global and local outlook, the economic trends and data discussed here remain relevant to understanding the current state of the New Zealand economy. In this latest episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub takes a step back to look at where the NZeconomy sits right now, and what might lie ahea...

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie unpack a stubborn and confronting reality: the retirement savings gap between men and women. While the gender pay gap has narrowed in recent years, the KiwiSaver gender gap remains - and in some age groups, it’s even widening. With International Women’s Day in mind, this episode dives into the data behind the gap, why it exists, and what it means for women’s financial security in retirement. Most importantly, Jennie and Liv share practical,...

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie jump on the popular “ins and outs” trend - but give it a practical money twist for 2026. They share realistic financial habits to bring in this year, and the common money mindsets and behaviours to leave out. This isn’t about perfection, restriction or hustle culture - it’s about small, sustainable tweaks that can make managing your money feel simpler and less stressful. This episode covers: What to automate (and what to review) to make mon...

In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down the Long Term Insight Briefings published by New Zealand’s key government agencies and explains why they matter far more than most of us realise. These reports look decades ahead and ask some uncomfortable but necessary questions about NZ’s future, including how we fund public services, care for an ageing population, respond to climate and geopolitical risks, and balance today’s needs with those of future generations. Rather ...

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...

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 cov...

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 ...

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 me...

Spring might be in the air, but the economy hasn’t quite joined the party yet. In this quarterly economic update, Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity’s Chief Economist, breaks down what’s really going on in New Zealand and across the globe. He explains why the economy still feels sluggish, what's happening re: the cost of living crisis, and what to watch for next. This episode covers: Why the New Zealand economy is experiencing one of its longest and deepest slowdowns in decadesHow global uncertainty...

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv take on the top five money myths that keep holding Kiwis back from building financial confidence - and wealth! From saving when money is tight to whether credit cards are always “bad,” they tackle some of the most common misconceptions with real-life examples and practical advice you can actually use. This episode covers: Why “I don’t earn enough to save” is almost never trueThe truth about credit cards: when they can be helpful, and ...