The Dollars & Sense Podcast

Tim Ellis & Brodie Haggerty
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The Dollars & Sense Podcast: Smart Finance for Kiwis in Their Prime Tired of generic money advice that doesn't fit your life? Hosted by qualified NZ financial advisers Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty, this podcast cuts through the noise to deliver real-talk financial literacy for New Zealanders in their mid-30s to late-40s. Whether you're growing your wealth, protecting assets amid rising costs, or planning for family milestones like buying a home or prepping for retirement, we've got actionable strategies tailored to Kiwi realities—think IRD tax hacks, KiwiSaver tweaks, and recession-proof investing. With 50+ episodes packed with expert insights, listener Q&As, and no-BS breakdowns (from "Bulletproofing Your Super in Uncertain Times" to "Side Hustles That Actually Build Equity"), we're back from a quick hiatus with fresh weekly drops starting now. No jargon, just dollars and sense to help you thrive. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your fave app—join thousands of Kiwis leveling up their finances. Got a question? Email us podcast@foxplan.nz (or drop it in the show notes). Let's make your money work harder for you. #FinancialLiteracyNZ #WealthBuilding #AssetProtection #KiwiFinance

  1. 12H AGO

    When Financial Advice Fees Go Too Far

    Most financial advisers defend adviser fees. In this episode, Tim and Brodie do something different...... they challenge them. From ongoing fees on “set and forget” portfolios, to percentage-based charges that grow far faster than the actual work involved, this episode explores when adviser fees genuinely deliver value… and when they may not. Tim and Brodie unpack:  Why unclear fees are always a problem  Whether passive investment portfolios justify ongoing advice fees  The issue with commission clawbacks and conflicted incentives  Why some clients end up paying far more without receiving far more service  And how fees quietly compound against long-term wealth The episode also explores the origin story behind FNZ — a business now administering trillions globally — which reportedly began after its founder questioned the fairness of the fees his own parents were paying. This isn’t an anti-adviser conversation. It’s a transparency conversation. Because at the end of the day, clients deserve to know:  What they’re paying, why they’re paying it, and what value they’re actually receiving.  If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    27 min

  2. MAY 12

    Are Expensive Funds Delivering Better Results?

    A recent RNZ headline claimed all active fund managers underperformed over the last year — a bold statement that sparked plenty of debate across the investment world. But how accurate is that headline, and what does the underlying data actually show?  In this episode, Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty unpack the latest SPIVA report, break down the difference between active and passive investing, and explore why so many fund managers struggle to consistently beat the market over the long term. They also discuss survivorship bias, the impact of fees, why “top-performing funds” can be misleading, and what investors should really be paying attention to when reviewing their KiwiSaver or investment portfolio.  Whether you’re invested through a bank, adviser, or KiwiSaver provider, this episode is a practical look at the evidence behind one of investing’s biggest ongoing debates.  If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    30 min

  3. APR 27

    The Real Cost of S&P 500 ETFs (It’s Not What You Think)

    "Just buy a low cost S&P500 index tracking fund....." Most investors think buying a low-cost S&P 500 ETF is the smartest move they can make—but the 0.03% fee doesn’t tell the full story.  In this episode, I break down the hidden costs, missed opportunities, and structural limitations of passive investing.  If you’re relying on “cheap” as your strategy, this one might change how you think about it.  If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    28 min

  4. APR 20

    The Hidden Risks of Early Retirement — with Taylor Schulte

    In this episode, I’m joined by Taylor Schulte, founder of Define Financial and host of the Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast. We unpack why retirement, especially early retirement, is far more of a psychological challenge than a financial one. From identity loss to spending anxiety, this conversation highlights the real risks people overlook when planning their exit from work. As mentioned in this weeks episode, a link to Taylor's own episode that dives deeper into the 4% of stocks that have actually provided shareholder wealth can be found below, https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qmkmpwrfOpqTKamBD5c7Z?si=1ca3856e3a5440ea If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    47 min

  5. APR 14

    Q1 2026 Market Recap: What Actually Happened

    In this episode, Tim breaks down what actually happened across global markets, why investor sentiment has shifted, and how similar this year looks to past market cycles. More importantly, he explains why short-term volatility might not mean what you think it does for your long-term plan.  If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    18 min

  6. APR 7

    You Retire… Then Lose Half Your Money. Now What?

    This year, tens of thousands of Kiwis will reach retirement age — but how much does timing really matter?  In this episode, I break down three real retirement scenarios using the same $2M portfolio across very different market conditions. The results might surprise you — and challenge how you think about risk, timing, and what actually makes a plan successful.  If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    25 min

  7. MAR 30

    3 Ways Index Funds Make Gains in a Bear Market

    Index funds “don’t work” in bear markets… or do they? In this episode, I break down three powerful ways index funds can still create future gains when markets are falling From dividend reinvestment to rebalancing and dollar-cost averaging.  If recent market movements have you questioning your strategy, this is a must-listen reality check.  If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    31 min

  8. MAR 24

    The Key to a More Effective Financial Plan

    Most people excel in one part of their financial plan. Wither they are very proficient in budgeting, investing, or have sought out expert advice regarding their insurances. However, almost no one talks about how they actually work together. In this episode, I break down the hidden link between all three, and why being weak in one can quietly sabotage the others. The alignment of all three is a fundamental to a smart financial plan. If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz For More Dollars & Sense Content: Click Here Listen to all The Dollars & Sense Podcasts: Click Here The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Dollars & Sense exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. Tim Ellis (FSP778196) and Brodie Haggerty (FSP778174) are both Financial Advisers providing advice on behalf of FoxPlan Ltd. FoxPlan Ltd (FSP39630) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Important information can be found at www.foxplan.nz/disclosure

    26 min
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About

The Dollars & Sense Podcast: Smart Finance for Kiwis in Their Prime Tired of generic money advice that doesn't fit your life? Hosted by qualified NZ financial advisers Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty, this podcast cuts through the noise to deliver real-talk financial literacy for New Zealanders in their mid-30s to late-40s. Whether you're growing your wealth, protecting assets amid rising costs, or planning for family milestones like buying a home or prepping for retirement, we've got actionable strategies tailored to Kiwi realities—think IRD tax hacks, KiwiSaver tweaks, and recession-proof investing. With 50+ episodes packed with expert insights, listener Q&As, and no-BS breakdowns (from "Bulletproofing Your Super in Uncertain Times" to "Side Hustles That Actually Build Equity"), we're back from a quick hiatus with fresh weekly drops starting now. No jargon, just dollars and sense to help you thrive. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your fave app—join thousands of Kiwis leveling up their finances. Got a question? Email us podcast@foxplan.nz (or drop it in the show notes). Let's make your money work harder for you. #FinancialLiteracyNZ #WealthBuilding #AssetProtection #KiwiFinance

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Ellis & Brodie Haggerty
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dollars & Sense Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Dollars & Sense Podcast

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