Money Made Simple

Simplicity
  • 0.0 (0)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 Lewis-Long and Jennie O'Donovan 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 your general finances. 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.kiwiCheers for tuning in - we appreciate each and every one of you %)

  1. 40 MIN AGO

    Economy Made Simple #13 | Economic update: Signs of recovery (but risks ahead)

    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 ahead over the next 12 months. After several tough years marked by the pandemic, high inflation and rising interest rates, there are *early* signs that the economy may be stabilising. But recovery is likely to be slow and uneven. This episode covers: Why the last few years have felt like SUCH a grind for households and businesses following pandemic stimulus and a sharp rise in the cost of living The mixed picture in NZ right now, with businesses becoming more optimistic while many households are still feeling financial pressure The role migration plays in the economic cycle, and the opportunities and pressures it creates for infrastructure and housing What the job market is signalling, including stabilising employment but continued challenges in particular groupsAreas and sectors of strength in the economy which are looking promisingWhy inflation is still being felt strongly in essential costs, even as overall inflation moderatesWhat to watch from the Reserve Bank in terms of interest rates over the coming 1-2 yearsHow the upcoming election, government spending decisions and the Budget could influence the economic outlook  By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of why the economy still feels tough today, but also why there are early signs that conditions could gradually improve. Shamubeel unpacks the signals economists watch most closely so you can better understand what’s happening in the wider economy and what it might mean for New Zealand households and businesses over the coming year. --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    15 min
  2. MMS #67 | How to switch KiwiSaver providers (it's easier than you think!)

    5 DAYS AGO

    MMS #67 | How to switch KiwiSaver providers (it's easier than you think!)

    In this week's episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie tackle a surprisingly common KiwiSaver question: how do you switch providers, and is there a “right” time to do it? They break down what happens behind the scenes with your provider and the IRD, why switching can be a smart long-term move (without trying to time the market), and the most common worries that stop people from taking smart action. This episode covers:  What “switching providers” actually means (and how that’s different to switching funds)  The main reasons people change provider (over and above just performance and fees!) What actually happens 'behind the curtain' when it comes to the transfer process The typical timeframe it takes to switch providers, and how long your money might be “out of the market”  The 5 biggest worries around switching between providers, and which worries are valid vs. not so worth dwelling on... Resources mentioned in this episode:  -  Compare KiwiSaver funds using Sorted’s Smart Investor tool: https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/kiwisaver-and-managed-funds/?managedFundTypes=kiwisaver - Sorted's Fund Finder tool: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/ -  IRD’s list of KiwiSaver providers: https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-individuals/joining-kiwisaver/kiwisaver-providers -  myIR help info: https://www.ird.govt.nz/myir-help/logging-in/find-username By the end of this episode, you’ll know what the switching process actually looks like (spoiler: no awkward breakup call required), what matters most when choosing a provider, and how to make the decision based on long-term fit instead of trying to pick the “perfect” day, week or year.  --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    20 min
  3. Economy Made Simple #8 | Spring economic update - will this recession ever end?

    01/10/2025

    Economy Made Simple #8 | Spring economic update - will this recession ever end?

    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 - from wars to trade tensions and political instability - is shaping financial markets as well as household confidenceWhat the Reserve Bank is doing with interest rates, how much time it might take to see the impacts of these leversThe unusual signals in jobs, consumer spending, and business confidence that make this cycle differentWhen Shamubeel sees (cautious) optimisim returning, and what that might mean for everyday KiwisShamubeel is here to explain complex economic trends in plain language, helping you understand how global shocks and local policy decisions flow through to your wallet. Hopefully you’ll leave with a clearer picture of where we are in the cycle - and what to watch for as we (hopefully) move toward a strong recovery. --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    16 min
  4. MMS #56 | Index funds 101: Why they're simpler, smarter, better

    21/09/2025

    MMS #56 | Index funds 101: Why they're simpler, smarter, better

    In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv unpack one of the most simple and powerful (yet often misunderstood) tools for building wealth: index funds. They explain what index funds are, why they’re so popular with investors worldwide, and how they actually stack up against actively managed funds. Using strawberries, gift hampers, and a couple of screw-ups along the way (we never said we were perfect!), they strip back the jargon to make index investing easy to understand - and get started! This episode covers: What an index fund actually is and what "mirroring a market" meansWhy index funds are generally lower cost than actively managed fundsHow diversification works in terms of owning “a little bit of everything” The long-term performance data showing how index funds compare to actively managed funds over timeThe role of ethical screening and how one can align index funds with their personal valuesDownsides and risks of index funds compared to other investmentsResources mentioned in this episode: - Sorted.org guide to investment funds - SPIVA (S&P Indices Versus Active) research reports - Bogleheads investing community and information page Index funds won’t promise a quick win or let you “beat the market,” but they’ve proven to be one of the simplest, lowest-cost, and most effective ways for everyday investors around the world to grow their wealth over the long term. So dive in to the podcast now! --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    20 min
  5. MMS #55 | Five big money myths holding you back financially

    07/09/2025

    MMS #55 | Five big money myths holding you back financially

    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 when they become dangerousWhy buying a house isn’t always better than renting, and how to think about what’s right for youBusting the belief that you need to be rich to invest (spoiler: you don’t!)How budgeting doesn’t kill your fun; it can actually make spending more enjoyable!By the end of this episode, you’ll see that a lot of the financial “rules” we grew up hearing don’t stack up. We aim to provide you with a clearer view of how to make your money work better for you, no matter where you’re starting from. --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    15 min
  6. Economy Made Simple #7 | Capital, leadership and NZ's future

    02/09/2025

    Economy Made Simple #7 | Capital, leadership and NZ's future

    In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, to explore the intersection of personal journeys, global finance, and the future of New Zealand’s economy. From growing up in the depths of West Auckland to investment banking at Goldman Sachs, Sam shares lessons from his career and why he ultimately came back to try and build something for everyday New Zealanders. Together, Shamubeel and Sam unpack what global capital flows mean for a small country like New Zealand, the unique opportunity being created by KiwiSaver, and how leadership, luck, and resilience shape both personal and national success stories. This episode covers: Sam’s journey from West Auckland to Goldman Sachs, and back home againHow the global finance industry views New Zealand... and why we often get overlookedThe role of KiwiSaver in reshaping capital flows and creating opportunities for local investmentWhat New Zealand can learn from Australia’s superannuation model and strong infrastructure growthWhy leadership, culture, resilience and curiosity matter for building great organisations - and great economiesBy the end of this episode, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on how global and local capital interact, why KiwiSaver could be a game-changer for New Zealand’s future, and what it takes to lead with resilience and humility in this tricky, rapidly changing world. --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    30 min
  7. MMS #54 | The great Kiwi housing debate: Renting vs. Owning (what's smarter?)

    24/08/2025

    MMS #54 | The great Kiwi housing debate: Renting vs. Owning (what's smarter?)

    In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv tackle the common Kiwi dilemma: Should you rent forever, or is it better to save up and buy your own home? They unpack the real-world costs on both sides (not just mortgage vs rent), discuss the lifestyle trade-offs, and how today’s market settings can tilt the decision either way. You'll get a run down of general ownership expenses, rent realities, and practical ways to stress-test what’s right for you and your whānau. This episode covers: The latest NZ home-ownership and house pricing trends - and what they might mean for first-time buyersThe upfront and ongoing costs of owning a house, vs renting itHow to compare a “typical” mortgage on a $1m home with current rent levels in big centres Lifestyle trade-offs: flexibility and predictability of renting vs stability and control of owning A simple framework to help you decide what fits your budget, goals and season of life Resources included in this episode: - REINZ monthly housing market data - Statistics NZ Census data on home ownership - CoreLogic's Housing Affordability report - MoneyHub's guide to home insurance - Sorted.org's Home Buying Guide By the end of this episode, you'll hopefully have a clearer idea of the pros and cons of renting vs buying, along with a realistic view of the actual costs for each so you can make your own informed decision! --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    20 min
  8. MMS #53 | Smarter spending tips for the (long-term) win!

    10/08/2025

    MMS #53 | Smarter spending tips for the (long-term) win!

    In Part 2 of our “Save and Spend” series, Liv and Jennie are back to talk about the fun side of money: spend spend spend! But even spending can go sideways if you’re not intentional about it (cue: Jennie's fave Want Monster). This episode explores how to spend smarter, not harder - and how investing in the right things can save you money, stress and regret down the track! This episode covers: Why “buying cheap” often costs more in the long runHow to balance quality with affordability on everything from clothes to cookwareWhy and how spending on yourself is the smartest investmentHow to plan and nail big-ticket spending like upgrading your homeWhy it’s worth spending money on professional advice for the big decisions in lifeResources mentioned in this episode: - Sorted.org's great budgeting tool to get your spending under control - The Sorted KiwiSaver fund finder - MoneyHub's guide: Frugal decisions that backfire - Sorted.org's savings calculator - The list of independent Financial Advisers (thanks to MoneyHub!) Whether it’s investing in your health, buying quality over quantity, or avoiding false savings, this episode encourages a more conscious approach to spending. We encourage you to look at your next purchase through a long-term lens - checking "Will this serve me in the long run?". --- 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: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Disclaimer: 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.

    14 min
See All (83)

About

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 Lewis-Long and Jennie O'Donovan 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 your general finances. 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.kiwiCheers for tuning in - we appreciate each and every one of you %)

Information

  • Creator
    Simplicity
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Money Made Simple
  • Show Website
    Money Made Simple

You Might Also Like