Smart Money

The OCR got another cut this week, now down to 3%.  While there have been questions for a while around whether banks are passing the cuts down to consumers, the real question is whether the cuts will actually solve anything at all.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wills are some of the most painstaking things you need to do as an adult. They remind you of your mortality, and of all the familial issues you may have had throughout the years.  But they must be done - so how can you write an airtight will? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most New Zealanders consider themselves only “average” with money.  In fact, a new study from Partners Life finds less than a quarter of New Zealanders rate their financial knowledge as "excellent". Nearly 60 percent find it tough to pay monthly expenses, and just over half reported stress or losing sleep due to money concerns.  At the same time, many are reportedly using credit and afte...

The number of mortgage holders refinancing their loans is the highest ever recorded.  More than 3,500 borrowers refinanced in June, and experts are expecting to see the trend continue through to the end of the year.  Finance specialist Amanda Morrall joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Consumer Price Index over the June quarter was lower than expected at 2.7%, and it could mean a rate cut by the Reserve Bank next month.  So is the New Zealand investment winter over?  Shane Solly is a director at Harbour Asset Management and he joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want our kids to do better than we did, and a major part of that is teaching them how to set themselves up financially.  Founder and managing director at Koura Wealth, Rupert Carlyon, joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of living is crunching down again, as more than 30-thousand Kiwis reportedly moved abroad last year.  Are there any more changes can people make to save money? What things can they afford to cut? Additionally, at what point do we look in the mirror and say the problem is our lack of personal discipline? "Financial Force of Nature", and Founder of financial strategy site joins Ti...

This week, the Government's KiwiSaver contribution was halved under budget changes. Employers will also have to fork out a mandatory 4% contribution to adjust for the deficit left by the Government's contibution. That bump's expected to stifle potential salary increases, and in turn, our retirement funds - leading many to question what changes we really need, and what we can do for ourselves, to s...

New employment data reveals work-life balance is the top reason people leave their job. Additionally, more people are working past the retirement age. Are these new attitudes, or has it been growing? What's the workforce like today?  Tim Beveridge speaks to Employment Relations Expert Max Whitehead... LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global conflict also affects trade and consumer spending. What uncertainties will appear, and how will markets respond to the US bombing Iran? Harbour Asset Management's Income and Currency Strategist Hamish Pepper talks to Tim Beveridge... LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some kids have a nack for saving, a piggy bank full of coins - while some never get it.  So what is it that makes someone good with money? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Beveridge is joined by Koura Wealth founder, Rupert Carlyon, to discuss the inner workings of a KiwiSaver fund and how to best use KiwiSaver. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Career progression is a significant thing to consider for most people - whether they could develop as much as they'd like at their current job, or if they would need to look elsewhere. So how can employers spot and support an employee who wants to progress? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is increasing the default KiwiSaver contributions for employees and employers, while halving their own contributions.  Employee and employer contributions will raise from 3% to 3.5%, while the Government's contributions will drop from $521.43 to $260.72. But should the Government be halving their input? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of people think trusts are only for the very wealthy, and absolutely useless for the every day person - but today's guest explains that's not the case.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research by Shamubeel Eaqub finds only 32% of New Zealanders are satisfied with their financial situation, compared to 60% of Australians.  He finds higher wages and a more solid retirement plan relieves financial stress for Australians - but how can Kiwis take control of their finances to ease their worries?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a tough time for the markets and the volatility has been hard to keep track of.  The tariffs have obviously had an impact - but some experts say AI developments are also a contributor.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when they should be at their peak, older generations are being discriminated against for their age.  Do we no longer value experience?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While sweeping tariffs rock the global economy, it's hardly discussed how it will impact the everyday person.  So, where is the safest place to put your money?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average hourly wage is $42.57, the average annual salary is $88,500.  The average home is worth $912,904, the average mortgage is $318,151. The average KiwiSaver is $37,079, depending on your age.  But does it really matter if you stack up to the nations averages?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the economy is looking up, the forecasts from economists aren't sending a clear message.  Some are saying that even with a positive GDP result this week, we still have tough times ahead - while others say the state of global economics is an opportunity for growth in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it worth working after the age of 65? Or is it more of a need than a choice?  Martin Hawes joins The Weekend Collective to discuss the finances of retirement.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Morrall joins to discuss how you can stabilise your finances in the midst of an economy in turmoil. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim was recently told about an employer who binned a young man's CV for using three different fonts.  Max says it's not uncommon, and there are many small mistakes that will lose you the job.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the OCR by another 50 basis points this week.  Homeowners and hopeful buyers alike have been eagerly watching recent OCR announcements as interest rates continue to fall.  But why aren't the banks following suit?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.