Live at the Nut Bar

Hosted by Squirrel Group

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Squirrel Founder John Bolton and CEO David Cunningham's weekly podcast to discuss all things finance, economy, investing, mortgages and current events. Things like, 'what's going on with mortgage interest rates' and 'how the banks have got away with $2.3b of Kiwi money'. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz . The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel . As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 2, 202625 min

Is first home ownership achievable in 4 years?

In this episode David Cunningham is joined by Squirrel Head of Advisory Callan Wayne-Bowles and Squirrel Adviser Kat McInnes to explore the reality of first home ownership in 2026, revisiting Callan’s headline-making claim that “anyone can buy a house in four years.”The team breaks down:how KiwiSaver can accelerate your depositwhat banks are really looking forthe impact of credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Laterwhether 10% deposits are enoughwhy more buyers are teaming up with partners, siblings, or friendsapartments vs townhouses vs standalone homeswhy today’s market conditions may actually favour first home buyersPlus, they share practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or convinced home ownership is out of reach.If you’re wondering whether buying your first home is still possible, you might want to check this out.If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz.The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 3, 202632 min

Wealth-destroying habits (and the first home buyer blindspots you can’t ignore)

Why do we make financial decisions that feel right… but cost us in the long run?In this bonus episode of Live at the Nut Bar, Chief Squirrel David Cunningham is joined by Katie Wesney (enable.me) and Squirrel mortgage adviser Emma Wallace to unpack the behavioural habits quietly holding New Zealanders back from building wealth.From “well-intentioned waiting” to first home buyer blindspots, they dive into the real cost of delaying decisions — whether it’s investing, insurance, KiwiSaver, or paying off your mortgage faster.You’ll learn:Why “later” almost never comes (and what that’s costing you)The biggest mistakes first home buyers make after getting the keysHow small changes (like higher repayments or automation) can shave years off your mortgageWhy KiwiSaver timing matters more than you thinkThe simple systems that help you stay on track — without giving up the fun stuffIf you’ve ever thought “I’ll sort that later”… this one’s for you.If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz.The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 10, 202531 min

From survival mode to (finally) some stability

In the season finale, JB and DC pull up a stool at the Nut Bar to chat about the final OCR cut of 2025, why house prices haven’t boomed, what’s tugging the housing market in different directions, and why 2026 should feel better—though still a bit weird in an election year.Happy holidays everyone!If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 12, 202524 min

Cashbacks and curve balls - how to manage your home loan

This time DC is joined by Kat McInnes and Dave Tyrer to dive into better ways to manage your home loan. They talk cashbacks, clawbacks and what to watch out for. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 1, 202519 min

How property developers can connect with buyers

Jessica James talks to JB and Sarah Hahn from TRA about exactly property how developers can use hard facts obtained in our research to connect with the hearts and minds of buyers. Particularly important in today's competitive market.If you're a property developer, there are actionable insights in this ep so it's a must listen! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 28, 202540 min

Delving into the research: what buyers REALLY want

This week JB is joined by Sarah Hahn from TRA and Nathan Miglani from Squirrel's Christchurch office to talk all about the recent research that we undertook to find out all about what home buyers are really looking for in a new home. If you're a property developer, builder or architect you won't want to miss this! If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 28, 202544 min

Is the NZ housing market stuck in the mud?

The NZ housing market has been...sluggish at best. Let's dig into the dirt and discuss what's going on. DC and JB are joined by Mary Jo Vergara, Senior Economist at Kiwibank for this discussion.If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 18, 202535 min

The one for First Home Buyers

Calling all first home buyers - DC describes this moment as the "Goldilocks time" for getting into your first home. Conditions are JUST RIGHT. In this episode DC is joined by the fabulous Mortgage Adviser Emma Wallace, and Cotality's Nick Goodall to get their valuable insights into the property market.Listen for the state of the market, insights from other buyers and not-to-be-missed tips to help you get your foot on the ladder during this perfect moment. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 202528 min

Should we brace for impact?

How US tariffs affect NZ homeowners and savers - should we all be concerned? JB and DC weigh in to the ongoing debate and dig into how we might be affected here in New Zealand by events elsewhere. If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 16, 202521 min

Surviving not thriving

Is there light at the end of this loooong tunnel? We're all feeling it, the economic relief that's been promised just hasn't quite eventuated. JB and DC get philosophical and talk about how thing are coming right, but we're just not quite there yet.If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at david@squirrel.co.nz or John@squirrel.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.