Money Made Simple

Hosted by Simplicity

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Latest episode

Jun 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 %)

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60 recent

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 ageHow money can create choices, independence and dignity later in lifeThe important role KiwiSaver can play in helping New Zealanders save for their retirementThe power of compounding returns, especially in your 20s and 30sHow 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 changeHow to think about the lifestyle you want in retirement - and what it might costWhat to consider in your 60s as you move from saving to spendingRetirement 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 SelectorSimplicity KiwiSaver calculatorsSimplicity Future Projection Tool — available to members only in the Simplicity member app Sorted retirement calculator and guidesMassey University New Zealand Retirement Expenditure Guidelines 2025MMS 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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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 workforceThe three types of self-employed Kiwis, and why the financial picture looks different for eachTax, GST, and ACC - the basics you need to knowThe KiwiSaver gap between the employed and the self-employed, and what that means for your futureWhat happened to the government contribution - and why it still makes sense to chase itThe "hidden" perks of employment you quietly lose when you go out on your ownFive practical watch-outs to set up early, including cash buffers, KiwiSaver contributions, and income protectionWhy 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-employedResources 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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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 worldThis 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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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 17, 2026Episode 7217 min

MMS #72 | Does ethical investing compromise your returns?

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie sits down with Barry Coates, CEO of Mindful Money, to unpack what ethical investing really means and how Kiwis can put their KiwiSaver and other investments behind the values they care about. Barry brings decades of experience from the UK and NZ ethical investment communities, and more recently founded Mindful Money as a charity to give New Zealanders free, comparable information on what's actually inside their funds.This episode covers:What ethical investing really means, and the jargon you can safely ignoreHow to find out what's actually inside your KiwiSaverThe three big things a fund manager can do with your moneyWhat Kiwis consistently say they don't want their savings fundingWhether choosing ethical means giving up returnsHow to spot greenwashing in funds that claim to do goodHow your investment choices can matter as much as your shopping onesWhere to start, if you want your money to better match your valuesResources mentioned in this episode:- Mindful Money Fund Finder - free tool to find a KiwiSaver or managed fund that fits your ethical values: https://mindfulmoney.nz- Sorted Smart Investor - compare KiwiSaver and managed funds on fees, returns and more: https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz- Simplicity "Where in the world is my money?' Tool: see exactly where your KiwiSaver is invested around the globe: https://simplicity.kiwi/calculators/kiwisaver/where-in-the-world-is-my-moneyBy the end of this episode you'll come away with a clearer sense of what ethical investing actually is, what your KiwiSaver might be funding without you realising, and why putting your money behind your values doesn't have to come at the cost of your returns.*For information on Simplicity’s approach to ethical investing, go to simplicity.kiwi/about-us/ethical-investments where you’ll find a link to our Responsible Investment Policy.---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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 3, 2026Episode 7116 min

MMS #71 | What's the right KiwiSaver contribution rate in 2026?

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie and Liv revisit one of the most important - and most overlooked - parts of your KiwiSaver: your contribution rate. With changes coming into effect in 2026, including a lift to the default minimum, now's the perfect time to check in and ask whether you're actually contributing enough. From what's changed and what it means for your take-home pay, to how to think about contributions based on your income, life stage and goals, this episode breaks down how to make KiwiSaver work for you - not just what the default says. This episode covers:What's changing in 2026, including the rise in minimum contributions from 3% to 3.5% (with another increase planned)Updates to government contributions and new eligibility rulesWhy 3.5% is a useful baseline, but not necessarily the right number for everyoneHow to think about contributions based on your income, life stage and long-term goalsThe trade-off between contributing more to KiwiSaver vs investing outside it for flexibilityWhy small increases like 0.5% can make a big difference over time thanks to compoundingWhat to do if cash flow is tight, and when it might make sense to temporarily reduce contributionsHow self-employed Kiwis can approach KiwiSaver, including voluntary contributions and government incentivesWhy fund choice and fees can matter just as much as your contribution rate Jennie and Liv explain in plain English why there's no one "perfect" contribution rate - only the one that works for you. The key is not leaving it on autopilot. A quick check-in now could make a meaningful difference to your future. ---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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.

April 27, 2026Episode 1527 min

Economy Made Simple #15 | Migration in NZ: Who will the next generation of Kiwis really be?

In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Simplicity's Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub is joined by Money Made Simple host Liv to unpack one of the biggest quiet shifts happening in New Zealand right now: our rapidly changing ethnic make-up, and what it will take to turn that into something genuinely good for everyone.Drawing on his recent research for the Auckland Policy Office, Shamubeel walks through the numbers, the tensions and the choices in front of us, and why Auckland is the place to watch.This episode covers:Why Auckland is the leading edge of NZ's rapidly changing ethnic make-upWhat just shifted in NZ's newborn population for the first time, and why it mattersWhy low fertility and ongoing migration mean immigration is now locked into our future, not a cyclical choiceHow NZ's attitudes to immigration compare with Australia's, and why that gap between the two nations mattersThe hidden economic cost of under-using highly qualified migrants, particularly in AucklandFour practical policy levers that could turn diversity into shared economic benefitWhy multiculturalism, integration and the melting pot describe very different futures for NZ - and what we should be aiming to adoptThe two tensions underneath every diversity conversation, and how we might move past themBy the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer sense of the real choices in front of us when it comes to diversity and migration, and how to live alongside each other well. As Shamubeel puts it, when we talk with openness and curiosity, we usually find more common ground than difference.---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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.

April 19, 2026Episode 7018 min

MMS #70 | What are asset classes? (and how they help you diversify)

The world feels a bit uncertain right now - headlines are full of market volatility, rising oil prices, and global tensions. In stories about investments, you might be hearing a lot about the importance of “diversification”… but what does that actually mean? And how do you put it in to practice?In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie break down the main investment asset classes - what they are, how they work, and why spreading your money across them is one of the simplest and most effective ways to diversify and manage risk over time.This episode covers:What asset classes are, and the key types: shares, bonds, property, commodities, and cashHow each asset class works, including how you make money from them (growth, income, or both)The trade-off between risk and return - and why higher returns often come with more ups and downs Why different assets behave differently depending on what’s happening in the worldWhat diversification really means (beyond the jargon) and how it helps “cushion” market volatilityReal-world examples of why not putting all your eggs in one basket mattersHow KiwiSaver and managed funds make diversification easy - often without you even realising itThe difference between active and passive (index) investing, and how both can fit into a diversified portfolioThis episode is a reminder that investing isn’t about picking winners or predicting the future. It’s about building a mix of investments that can handle whatever comes next. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually inside your KiwiSaver fund, and why, this is a great place to start.---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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.

April 6, 2026Episode 6919 min

MMS #69 | The spending traps hurting your budget

Cost of living is spiralling higher and higher - but we're here to help you tackle it. In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie discuss the psychology of spending, the traps that make it easier to overspend, and how to (gently) retrain your brain so your money decisions feel more intentional and less impulsive. We unpack the “Want Monster” - that little voice in your head telling you to buy the coffee, click the sale, upgrade the phone, or treat yourself because you “deserve it”. This episode covers:What the “Want Monster” is, and why it's so dangerous in today's cost of living crunchHow instant gratification, social media, and constant sales shape our spending habitsCommon spending traps like buy now pay later (BNPL), credit cards, interest-free loans, sales, and subscription creepWhy these habits can become even more impactful when money is already tightSimple ways to create friction, reset habits, and make better spending decisionsPractical ideas like tracking your spending, using separate accounts, trying a no-spend challenge, and finding free ways to socialiseThis episode is a reminder that money decisions are not always just about maths... they’re often about habits, mindset, and the stories we tell ourselves. You'll walk away armed with a realistic, kinder approach to spending less without feeling deprived, and some small ideas for changes which could make a big difference over time.---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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.

March 24, 2026Episode 1416 min

Economy Made Simple #14 | Oil shocks and war: What it means for NZ now - and in the future

In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down the recent surge in oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East - and what it means for NZ households, businesses and the wider economy.While price shocks like this are not new, the episode highlights why they may become more frequent and what we need to think about as a country, as we prepare for the future.This episode covers:What’s behind the current spike in oil prices, and why conflict in the Middle East has global impacts New Zealand’s reliance on imported refined fuel - and why that leaves us more exposedHow rising fuel costs flow through to everyday expenses like transport, groceries, and other essentials The difference between price increases and actual fuel shortages, and why that distinction matters Which sectors and regions are most affected - from transport and agriculture to provincial communities How households and businesses have responded to oil shocks in the past The role government can play, from crisis planning to more targeted support measures Why global instability could make supply disruptions more common in the future How investing in local, renewable energy could improve long-term resilience By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why fuel prices are rising, how this impacts your day-to-day costs and the bigger picture for New Zealand’s economy. Shamubeel also explores the longer-term choices we face - and why building a more resilient, locally powered energy system could help reduce the impact of future shocks.---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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.

March 22, 2026Episode 6814 min

MMS #68 | Side hustle tax? What you need to know (from a real accountant)

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Annè Lensink from Villa Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors to break down “Accounting 101” for everyday Kiwis. Whether you’ve got a side hustle, are freelancing, or just feeling a bit unsure about tax, this episode helps make sense of the basics in plain English.Annè is a Chartered Accountant based in Northland, known for helping people understand their numbers and feel more confident making financial decisions. Together, she and Liv unpack what accounting actually means, when you need to start paying attention to it, and how to avoid some of the most common (and costly) mistakes.This episode covers:What “doing your accounts” actually means, and the difference between bookkeeping and accountingWhen you need to start thinking about accounting beyond a PAYE jobWhy side hustles and freelance income need to be declared and managed properlyThe first three things to do when starting a business or side hustleWhen DIY accounting tools are enough, and when it’s time to bring in an expertWhat provisional tax is, and why it so often catches people off guardHow to choose the right accountant depending on whether you want compliance or strategic adviceSimple habits that can reduce financial stress and improve decision makingThe biggest and most common barriers to getting on top of your finances (and how to avoid them!)By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how accounting fits into everyday life, when to ask for help, and how a few small habits can make your financial world feel a whole lot calmer and more in control.If you’d like to learn more or get in touch with Annè and her team, you can find Villa here: https://villaca.co.nz/---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: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: 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.