Money Made Simple

Simplicity
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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. MMS #65 | Your Financial Ins & Outs for 2026

    4D AGO

    MMS #65 | Your Financial Ins & Outs for 2026

    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 money admin easierThe power of celebrating small money milestonesWhy knowing your KiwiSaver fees matters more than you thinkHow to spend more intentionally - without cutting all the funWhy you don’t need to know everything (or have heaps of money) to start investingHow guilt and comparison can quietly derail your financial confidenceThe hidden cost of putting off financial adminWhy your money journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’sResource mentioned in this episode: Sorted NZ – Sorted’s Smart Investor tool lets you compare KiwiSaver and managed fund fees across providers. Filtering by fees helps identify lower-cost options, which can significantly improve long-term returns, as high fees can erode tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Whether your goal is to save more, stress less, or just feel a bit more on top of things, this episode is packed with simple ideas you can actually stick to. Because better money habits don’t come from being perfect - they come from small steps, taken consistently. --- 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
  2. MMS #64 | Compounding returns: The “money makes money” episode

    JAN 26

    MMS #64 | Compounding returns: The “money makes money” episode

    In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv unpack one of the most powerful, and not always well understood, ideas in personal finance -  compounding returns. They explain how money can make money itself over time, why the “snowball effect” is such a game-changer for long-term savings and investing, and how it can work not just for you, but also against you when it comes to debt. Using simple, relatable examples, they show why starting early really matters. This episode covers: What compounding actually means (in plain English)The difference between compounding interest and compounding returnsWhy time matters more than trying to perfectly time the marketA powerful example showing how starting earlier can beat investing more laterHow compounding works in KiwiSaver, managed funds and sharesThe flip side: how compounding can quietly grow credit card, loan and mortgage debtSmall, practical ways to make compounding work harder for you Helpful money resources: If this episode got you thinking and you want to learn more, these NZ based resources are a great place to start: Sorted NZ – Free tools, guides and calculators to help with budgeting, KiwiSaver and retirement planning MoneyHub NZ – Independent guides and comparisons on banking, investing, KiwiSaver and more MoneyTalks (Free Financial Mentoring) – Confidential, non-judgemental help if you’re struggling with debt or bills Whether you’re just getting started or need a refresher, this episode shows how tiny actions today can have a big impact on your future. Because when it comes to compounding, the best time to start was yesterday - and the second best time is today. --- 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 #11 | A look into the future: NZ's long term choices explained

    JAN 20

    Economy Made Simple #11 | A look into the future: NZ's long term choices explained

    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 than focusing on politics or short term headlines, this episode steps back to explore the big structural forces shaping NZ’s economy and society, and the trade offs we are going to have to confront - whether we like it or not. This episode covers:  Why NZ’s fiscal maths no longer stacks up as the population ages - why ratios of workers vs retirees matter The growing infrastructure deficit and the cost of decades of deferred maintenance How weak productivity growth limits our future choices The impact of climate change and geopolitics increase economic risk for a small trading nation The tension between equity and efficiency and between current and future generations Why governments struggle to move from short-term thinking to long-term resilience The role immigration and KiwiSaver could play as societal safety valves Why culture, institutions and social cohesion matter as much as economic policy doesResources and research referenced in this episode (Govt department Long Term Insights Briefing papers): - Treasury Long Term Insights Briefing - IRD Long Term Insights Briefing  - Ministry of Social Development Long Term Insights Briefing - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Long Term Insights Briefing This conversation helps you lift your gaze beyond the next budget or election cycle and understand the deeper forces shaping NZ’s future. You will come away with a clearer sense of the trade-offs ahead, why there are no costless solutions, and how greater awareness can inform both your personal preparation and your engagement as a citizen. It is an episode designed to make complex long-term challenges feel understandable, relevant, and worth thinking about. --- 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.

    29 min
  4. MMS #63 | How does venture capital work? The inside word on startups, scaling up and global impact

    JAN 13

    MMS #63 | How does venture capital work? The inside word on startups, scaling up and global impact

    In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to unpack how venture capital really works in New Zealand - and what it takes to build successful startups in a small, but globally connected market. From arriving in NZ as an unpaid intern to leading one of the country’s most influential venture capital firms, Robbie shares his journey, lessons learned, and why he’s more optimistic than ever about the future of Kiwi entrepreneurship.   This episode covers: What venture capital actually is, and how it differs from private equityHow Icehouse Ventures supports Kiwi founders from idea stage through to global growthWhy New Zealand’s startup ecosystem is stronger and more vibrant than everThe role KiwiSaver and institutional capital can play in funding high-growth companiesThe reality of startup success and failure, and why patience matters more than perfectionWhat successful founders tend to have in common, beyond just a good idea You’ll come away from this episode with a clearer understanding of how venture capital fits into the wider investing landscape, why startup success usually takes FAR longer than headlines suggest, and how Kiwi entrepreneurs are quietly building world-class companies from the bottom of the globe. It’s an optimistic, grounded look at risk, reward, and the long game... whether you’re curious about investing, startups, or how innovation actually gets funded.  --- 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 #62 | Real Kiwis share their top investing, saving and money hacks

    12/14/2025

    MMS #62 | Real Kiwis share their top investing, saving and money hacks

    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 where your money actually goes - both emotionally and literally The pros and cons of single shares vs managed funds, and why diversification matters Smart ways to avoid lifestyle creep and use pay rises intentionally How to build a realistic emergency fund and avoid guilt around spending Why automating your money can make all the difference Community-favourite tools and educators worth checking out Resources mentioned in this episode: - Mr Money Mustache – community-recommended financial education: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com - Frances Cook – personal finance books and podcast host: https://www.francescook.co.nz - Money King NZ – investment education and reviews: https://moneykingnz.com - Sorted NZ – tools, guides and calculators: https://sorted.org.nz - MoneyHub NZ – financial guides and comparisons: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz - NZ Government FamilyBoost (childcare subsidy): https://www.ird.govt.nz/roles/in-work/familyboost - Free Financial Mentoring (via MoneyTalks): https://www.moneytalks.co.nz This episode provides stack of practical ideas you can try today - from making your budget actually work for you, to automating your investing, and finding fresh ways to save without sacrificing joy. Getting better with money isn’t about being perfect… it’s about being consistent, curious and willing to try new things! --- 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.

    18 min
  6. Economy Made Simple #10 | KiwiSaver 2.0: Future proofing our golden years

    12/04/2025

    Economy Made Simple #10 | KiwiSaver 2.0: Future proofing our golden years

    KiwiSaver has changed the way New Zealanders save - but with an ageing population and growing fiscal pressures, the current system won’t be enough to support future generations. In this episode, Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub lays out his vision for KiwiSaver 2.0: a bolder, more sustainable approach to retirement savings that draws inspiration from successful global models. He explains why New Zealand’s "pay-as-you-go" superannuation system is becoming increasingly unaffordable, what we can learn from Australia’s compulsory Super regime, and the simple changes that could transform KiwiSaver into a powerful long-term asset for both individuals and the economy. This month's episode covers: Why New Zealand’s ageing population makes our current public finances - especially Superannuation and healthcare - increasingly unsustainableHow KiwiSaver has shifted household saving behaviour, but why policy hasn’t kept paceThe case for compulsory employer contributions, modelled on Australia and other high-performing pension systemsHow smarter hardship rules and “sidecar” savings could help low-income earners build both resilience today and more security for retirementThe idea of “Baby KiwiSaver” - enrolling children at birth to harness the long-term power of compounding returnsWhy a stronger KiwiSaver system could meaningfully boost New Zealand’s investment capacity, infrastructure, and long-term productivityShamubeel breaks down complex retirement and fiscal challenges we're facing to show how a bigger, better KiwiSaver could give future generations more choices and help New Zealand shift from a capital-shallow economy to a capital-rich one. You should come away from this episode with a clearer understanding of why KiwiSaver needs to evolve, and what meaningful reform could look like in the years ahead. --- 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
  7. MMS #61 | Volatility: Why market ups and downs are a good thing (yes, really!)

    12/01/2025

    MMS #61 | Volatility: Why market ups and downs are a good thing (yes, really!)

    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 covers: What volatility really means, and why it’s a normal part of investingThe big drivers of market swings - uncertainty, emotion, and new informationHow events like wars, elections, and interest rate changes ripple into KiwiSaver returnsWhy international markets and currency movements matter more than you might thinkReal-world case studies: the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 crashWhy staying calm and staying invested is the smartest long-term strategyTools to help you match your fund to your time horizon and risk toleranceHow volatility, while uncomfortable, can actually help long-term investors grow their wealthResources mentioned in this episode: Sorted's KiwiSaver fund finder - sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/ and for other managed fund investments smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/ Simplicity Fund Sector - simplicity.kiwi/calculators/kiwisaver/fund-selector Jennie and Liv explain in plain English why markets rise and fall, and why keeping calm, staying invested, and focusing on the long game is the best approach - especially when things feel uncertain. Volatility is the price we pay for growth, and for those with time on their side, it’s worth it. --- 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 #60 | Christmas on a budget - all the joy, without the stress of overspending!

    11/16/2025

    MMS #60 | Christmas on a budget - all the joy, without the stress of overspending!

    The silly season is here! But, of course, so are the ongoing bills and cost of living crunch. In this festive episode, Jennie and Liv tackle one of the toughest challenges of the year: how to enjoy Christmas without blowing the budget. They share some practical, creative ideas for saving money, setting expectations with family, and finding fun in over summer even when times are tough. This episode covers: • How to set realistic expectations with friends and whānau around Christmas spending • Creative ways to save money on food, gifts, and decorations • Potluck dinners, Secret Santas and DIY gifts that still feel special • Reframing the guilt around money and celebrating what really matters • Why it’s okay to focus on “now” instead of “later” when times are tough Resources mentioned in this episode: - Simplicity KiwiSaver & Investment Funds – gift a KiwiSaver or investment fund contribution this Christmas: https://simplicity.kiwi/gifting-funds - Auckland Council – Movies & Music in Parks (free local experiences): aucklandcouncil.govt.nz - City Mission Christmas Appeals – donate food or gifts: aucklandcitymission.org.nz Christmas doesn’t have to mean chaos - or credit card debt. We're here to remind you that joy doesn’t come from spending big, but from connection, creativity, and community. Whether it’s a kindness advent calendar, a thrifted Secret Santa, or simply a beach breakfast in your togs and PJs, there are plenty of ways to make the season special (and stress-free) on any budget. --- 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.

    19 min
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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
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Money Made Simple
  • Show Website
    Money Made Simple

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