Money Made Simple

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

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/simplicitykiwi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplicity-kiwi/ Or check out our website: https://simplicity.kiwi Cheers for tuning in - we appreciate each and every one of you %)

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 16, 2026Episode 7820 min

MMS #78 | Dark patterns: the tricks websites use to make you spend more

Ever felt pressured to hit Buy now by a countdown clock, struggled to cancel a subscription, or been told there is “only one left” while shopping online? You may have encountered a dark pattern. In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie is joined by Chandni Gupta from the Consumer Policy Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia and Jon Duffy from Consumer NZ to unpack the design tricks businesses use to steer our choices online - often encouraging us to spend more, stay subscribed longer or hand over more personal information than we intended. They look at where the line sits between legitimate marketing and manipulation, why these techniques are so effective even when we know they exist, and whether consumer protection laws in New Zealand and Australia are keeping up. From fake urgency and hard-to-find cancellation buttons to "drip pricing", data collection and personalised prices, Chandni and Jon explain why dark patterns can be so difficult to resist - and what consumers can do to protect themselves. This episode covers: What dark patterns are and how they influence our decisions online Where the line sits between persuasion, marketing and coercion Scarcity cues, countdown clocks and other tricks designed to create urgency Why cancelling subscriptions can be deliberately difficult How drip pricing can make something look cheaper than it really is Why businesses want so much of our personal data, and how it can be used The rise of personalised pricing and why two customers may not always see the same price Why dark patterns work even when we know what to look for What Australia is doing to strengthen consumer protection, and where New Zealand sits Practical ways to avoid unwanted subscription renewals and other online traps Why making it easy for customers to leave can actually help businesses build trust Resources mentioned in this episode: Consumer NZ – consumer advice, research and a report on dark patterns: Invisible influence: Dark patterns and digital deception in Aotearoa New Zealand Consumer Policy Research Centre – Australian consumer research, including Duped by Design and Let Me Out Office of the Privacy Commissioner – for concerns about how your personal information has been collected or used Commerce Commission – for complaints about potentially misleading or deceptive conduct You’ll come away from this episode much more aware of the subtle ways websites and apps can influence your behaviour, and with some simple strategies for slowing down, questioning the urgency and keeping more control over your money and your data. --- 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.

August 2, 2026Episode 7713 min

MMS #77 | How much should be in your emergency fund?

It's officially Sorted's Money Month - and we have a special guest in to celebrate! In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Kate Hannah from Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission - the team behind Sorted.org.nz, to unpack what financial resilience really means, and why it's about much more than just having enough money. With cost-of-living pressures still biting, Kate explains why an emergency fund is the foundation for getting your finances sorted. She shares the research on how Kiwis are feeling, why young people are being hit hardest, and how small, achievable steps are the real key to building a buffer. They also talk through Sorted's brand new Buffer builder app, launching for August's Money Month - linked below! This episode covers: What financial resilience actually means, and how it's more than just having enough cash Why an emergency fund is the foundation everything else is built on The research on how Kiwis are really feeling about their finances right now Why young people are among the hardest hit, and how to start when money is already tight Whether the "$1,000 rule" is a good, genuine goal to start with The power of small, achievable steps and building a "saver" identity How Sorted's new Buffer builder app uses open banking to make saving almost automatic Resources mentioned in this episode: - Sorted Buffer builder app – free emergency savings app to make saving automatic, available on Android and Apple - Sorted – free, independent tools, guides and calculators from the Retirement Commission: https://sorted.org.nz - Sorted Retirement Navigator – helps you plan how to draw down your savings in retirement: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/retirement-navigator/ - Sorted Mortgage Calculator – includes a first-home-buyer mode for planning your first mortgage: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/mortgage-calculator/ - Sorted Smart Investor – compare KiwiSaver and Managed Funds on fees, returns and more: https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz - Money Matters 2025: The Power of Emergency Savings ( Retirement Commission research paper ) You will come away from this episode armed with the small steps you can take to start building your financial safety net. Whether you are just starting out or topping up an existing buffer, there are free, independent tools to help you meet money where you are at. --- 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.

July 28, 2026Episode 198 min

Economy Made Simple #19 | Can you still afford to insure your home?

In this episode of Economy Made Simple , Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub unpacks why insurance has become one of the fastest-rising costs in NZ, and what that means for the assets we most need to protect. Insuring everything you own would now swallow close to 15% of the average income, and with disasters growing more frequent, Shamubeel argues the days of leaning on a government bailout may be numbered. He explains how to keep meaningful cover as premiums climb. This episode covers: Why insuring everything could now cost close to 15% of your income How and why home insurance has risen over the last 20 years The disasters that made reinsurers decide NZ is riskier than they thought The rise in natural disaster costs as a percentage of total GDP Why the government backstop we've been seeing come into play after floods and cyclones may not last Which types of cover people tend to drop first when money is tight Three practical ways to keep insurance affordable without losing protection How auto-renewing your policy could be quietly costing you By the end of this episode, you'll understand why insurance costs keep climbing, and three practical moves to keep the cover you actually need: knowing your sum insured, adjusting your excess, and shopping around every 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.

July 12, 2026Episode 7615 min

MMS #76 | Can I trust TikTok for financial advice?

There’s no shortage of money info out there. Everyone seems to have something to say about budgeting, investing, mortgages, KiwiSaver and more. But how do you know what’s helpful, what’s marketing, what’s just someone’s opinion, and when you might actually need personalised financial advice? In this episode of Money Made Simple , Liv and Jennie unpack the surprisingly important question of who to trust when it comes to money. They look at the difference between general financial information, education, marketing, opinions and personalised advice - and why understanding the difference can help you make better financial decisions. This episode covers: The difference between general education, marketing, opinions and personalised financial advice Why social media can be a great place to learn about money, but not always the best place to rely on for making big financial decisions The rise of “finfluencers” - and what to watch out for when it comes to social money content When it may be worth paying for financial advice rather than relying on general financial information How to find a financial adviser, including where to start and why it’s worth checking their credentials Why fee-based, independent advice can be very different from the “free” advice that dominates the NZ finance industry The red flags to watch for when it comes to financial information and advice (warning - it's getting easier and easier to get taken for a ride!) Resources mentioned in this episode: - Sorted – independent money guide with comparison tools and calculators: https://sorted.org.nz/ - Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) – adviser directory: https://financialadvice.nz/FANZ/FANZ/Consumers/Find-an-Adviser.aspx - Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) – check if an advisor is licensed: https://fsp-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/ - MoneyHub – list of independent, fee-based financial advisers: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/advisers-list.html - The Barefoot Investor (Scott Pape): https://www.barefootinvestor.com/ This episode is a reminder that good money decisions don’t usually come from one hot tip, one viral video, or one confident opinion. They come from taking your time, asking questions, understanding who or what is influencing you, and knowing when a decision matters enough to get proper advice. Simplicity does not hold a financial advice provider licence, so this podcast provides educational information only. --- 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.

July 5, 2026Episode 1815 min

Economy Made Simple #18 | Is New Zealand's economic recovery back on track?

In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub takes a moment to unpack NZ's mid-2026 economic outlook, from the fallout of the war in Iran to signs of a tentative peace. With inflation pressures building, interest rates trending up again, and an election year adding noise, Shamubeel separates the cyclical shocks from the structural challenges Aotearoa NZ still needs to face. This episode covers: Why the tentative truce in Iran doesn't mean cost pressures disappear overnight How the war disrupted a recovery that was JUST starting to gain momentum The two-speed export story: a booming rural economy versus struggling old-school manufacturing How dairy returns are increasingly about farm management, not just rising export prices What rising immigration and steady job ads reveal about business confidence The cost of living squeeze and why it's hitting lower-income households hardest Why the Reserve Bank raising interest rates now could slow this fragile recovery - the warning signs Why this election year matters more for long-term choices than short-term cycles By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer picture of where NZ's economy sits in mid-2026: genuine signs of recovery emerging, but real risks still ahead from rising interest rates, inflation, and global uncertainty. --- 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.

June 28, 2026Episode 7520 min

MMS #75 | What you need to know before buying your first home

Buying your first home can feel exciting, overwhelming, and full of unfamiliar jargon, forms and deadlines. In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie break down the first-home buying process into three key stages: getting your finances ready, making an offer and doing your due diligence, and understanding what happens from going unconditional through to settlement. This is a practical, plain-English guide to help you understand what’s coming, feel more prepared, and avoid being caught off guard when buying your first home. This episode covers: Checking whether you can use your KiwiSaver for your first home and how much you can withdraw Getting mortgage pre-approval and understanding your borrowing limit Working with lenders, mortgage brokers, lawyers and building inspectors as your home-buying 'team' How different house sale types work in NZ What "due diligence" means, and what it can cost What “going unconditional” actually means (and when it happens) Why insurance needs to be sorted before settlement on your new home Applying for your KiwiSaver withdrawal at the right time What happens on settlement day Common watchouts to understand while buying your first home Helpful links: - Sorted first home buyer resources - Simplicity Home Loans - Simplicity KiwiSaver first home withdrawal information Please remember, this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial situation. Simplicity is not providing financial advice or home loan advice in this episode. --- 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.

June 22, 2026Episode 1719 min

Economy Made Simple #17 | Getting KiwiSaver right, with Susan Edmunds

In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub chats with journalist, author and personal finance expert Susan Edmunds about KiwiSaver, the questions New Zealanders are asking, and why getting the basics right still matters. Susan has just written a book about KiwiSaver, based on the questions people regularly ask her - from choosing the right fund and contribution rate, to hardship withdrawals, first-home access, fees, self-employment, and what happens once people reach retirement. Together, Shamubeel and Susan discuss how KiwiSaver has changed over the past almost 20 years, why it’s no longer just a retirement savings scheme, and where the system could be improved to better support women, lower-income earners, the self-employed, and people over 65. This episode covers The most common KiwiSaver questions Susan gets from New Zealanders Why it’s important to check your fund type, contribution rate and provider settings How KiwiSaver is being used for retirement, first homes and hardship withdrawals The impact of total remuneration and why employer contributions matter Why women, carers and lower-income earners can fall behind in KiwiSaver The challenges KiwiSaver creates for self-employed people What retirees need to think about when turning savings into income Fees, fund performance and how to compare providers How KiwiSaver could be improved in the future Tune in for a practical and thoughtful conversation about how KiwiSaver has shaped New Zealanders’ savings habits, what people still need help understanding, and how the scheme could evolve to deliver better outcomes for more Kiwis. Please note: This episode was recorded before National announced their new KiwiSaver policy plans. --- 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.

June 14, 2026Episode 7417 min

MMS #74 | Retirement planning - whatever age you are!

Retirement can feel like something to worry about “later” - especially when you’re in your 20s or 30s. But every decade comes with opportunities to improve your financial future. In this episode of Money Made Simple , Jennie and Liv talk about what retirement planning looks like at different ages and stages of life. From making the most of KiwiSaver early on, to checking whether you’re on track in your 40s and 50s, to thinking about how you’ll actually use your savings in retirement, this episode is all about practical steps you can take now - whatever age you are. In this episode, we cover: Why retirement planning matters at every age How money can create choices, independence and dignity later in life The important role KiwiSaver can play in helping New Zealanders save for their retirement The power of compounding returns, especially in your 20s and 30s How to make sure you’re getting the most from KiwiSaver, including contributing regularly, maximising the benefits and choosing the right fund for you (at the right time) What to review in your 40s and 50s, especially as your life priorities change How to think about the lifestyle you want in retirement - and what it might cost What to consider in your 60s as you move from saving to spending Retirement isn’t just about accumulating money - it’s about independence, security and having choices later in life. And no matter your age, there is almost always something you can do to improve your future. The key takeaways are - start early if you can (but don’t panic if you haven’t), check your KiwiSaver settings regularly, take time to think about the retirement you actually want and make small adjustments as your life changes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Simplicity KiwiSaver Fund Selector Simplicity KiwiSaver calculators Simplicity Future Projection Tool — available to members only in the Simplicity member app Sorted retirement calculator and guides Massey University New Zealand Retirement Expenditure Guidelines 2025 MMS podcast on Compounding Returns - The Money Makes Money episode Resource we should have mentioned but didn't (opps): Simplicity Retirement Decumulation Tool (it helps you plan how to withdraw funds to ensure your nest egg lasts for your retirement years) available to members in the Simplicity member app . --- 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.

June 1, 2026Episode 7318 min

MMS #73 | The Self-Employed Guide to KiwiSaver, tax, and not getting caught out

In this week's episode of Money Made Simple , Liv and Jennie tackle a topic that deserves some airtime: the finances of self-employment. Nearly 1 in 5 Kiwis work for themselves - and the financial scaffolding that employees take for granted simply doesn't come with the territory. They break down what that means in practice, what to set up early, and how to make sure your future self doesn't miss out. This episode covers: The scale of self-employment in New Zealand - and why it's a growing slice of the workforce The three types of self-employed Kiwis, and why the financial picture looks different for each Tax, GST, and ACC - the basics you need to know The KiwiSaver gap between the employed and the self-employed, and what that means for your future What happened to the government contribution - and why it still makes sense to chase it The "hidden" perks of employment you quietly lose when you go out on your own Five practical watch-outs to set up early, including cash buffers, KiwiSaver contributions, and income protection Why you shouldn't assume selling your business will fund your nest egg - and what to think about when it comes to retirement planning as a self-employed Resources mentioned in this episode: - Sorted - tools and guides for building good financial habits: https://sorted.org.nz - Business NZ x IRD's guide to becoming self-employed: https://www.business.govt.nz/business-stage-or-type/sole-traders/becoming-a-sole-trader - Retirement Commission x Hnry report on the KiwiSaver savings gap for self-employed: https://retirement.govt.nz/news/latest-news/new-report-highlights-growing-retirement-savings-gap-between-self-employed-and-employees - Hnry - tax and invoicing platform for sole traders and freelancers: https://hnry.co.nz - MMS Episode 64 - how compounding returns work: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GEHBzjZWUhTxnyXBNj6ku?si=7bcc6849f80b4a12 By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly how the financial future of a self-employed person is largely theirs to engineer - and a clearer picture of the key things to set up, think about, and get advice on before the tax bill arrives out of nowhere. --- 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.

May 24, 2026Episode 1625 min

Economy Made Simple #16 | Can we still trust the news? Bernard Hickey weighs in

In this episode of Economy Made Simple , Shamubeel Eaqub sits down with journalist and publisher Bernard Hickey to talk about how economic stories are told, why trust in media matters, and what’s changed in journalism over the past few decades. Bernard reflects on the major economic shifts in NZ, how his own views on markets and capitalism have evolved, and why good reporting still matters in a world shaped by social media, misinformation, and AI. This episode covers Bernard Hickey’s journey through journalism and economic reporting How to make economics more human and relatable Why trust, transparency, and incentives matter in media Social media, misinformation, and the role of institutions in public information Whether AI helps or harms journalism and credibility What good journalism looks like in a fast-moving, noisy world This episode offers a thoughtful conversation about economics, media, trust, and the value of clear storytelling in uncertain times. --- 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.