The Curve

The LA wildfires are among the most devastating natural disasters in recent history, with 12,000 structures lost, 200,000 people displaced, and $275 billion in economic damage. This episode explores the financial toll, from $20 billion in insurance claims to the ripple effects on housing and the global economy. We also provide actionable tips - auditing insurance, building emergency funds, and inv...

New year, new budget. In this episode, we chat about ditching outdated money habits, setting up a foolproof 3-bucket budget system (essentials, non-essentials, and surplus), and why jumping ship from your childhood bank could save you big bucks. Dani shares exactly how she splits her pay and explains why budgeting is less about penny-pinching and more about feeling financially light . Whether you'...

We’re kicking off 2025 with a deep dive into what lies ahead - and taking a moment to look back at the year that was. First, we reflect on 2024’s incredible market performance, from the S&P 500’s stellar 25% return to the tech sector’s role as the ultimate overachiever. Then, it’s all about the future: Soph shares her New Year productivity hacks (spoiler: vision b...

It’s been a YEAR, hasn’t it? From navigating the wild world of personal finances to growing The Curve into a full-on business with staff (yep, we’re bosses now), we’re reflecting on it all. In this episode, we're unpacking the lessons learned in 2024 - like how your personal money habits spill into business, why an emergency fund is your BFF, and the unexpected highs (and l...

Today we're kicking things off with a stock market glow-up as the S&P 500 soars 30% - but will the good vibes last? We throw out our bold predictions for next year and weigh in on what the experts are saying. Then, it’s time to talk AI - who’s building it, why it matters, and how it’s tied to the gender pay gap. Spoiler: women need to step up and join the AI revolution!&...

'Tis the season to be jolly... and broke? Not on our watch! This week, with the help of Dani (our FAB commercial director), we unwrap all things holiday finance, from battling the December spending spree to navigating the post-Christmas credit card hangover. We dish out practical tips on setting budgets, finding thoughtful gifts (spoiler: no kimchi, please), and even regifting with flair. Plus, Da...

Ever felt the sting of  financial FOMO ? We’ve been there - cashing out too soon and watching those stocks skyrocket. But don’t worry, we’re here to talk about how to move on and make better money moves. December means one thing in the finance world: the  Santa Rally ! What is it, how does it affect us, and how does it compare to the rest of the year? We break it all down. Next, we’re bringing the...

What if the secret to building wealth isn't just saving - but borrowing smartly? In this episode, we sat down with Sam Rosenberg, founder of the fintech platform Belong, about flipping the script on investing. From leveraging loans to make your money work harder, to unraveling why our brains love hoarding cash like dragons, this convo is packed with lightbulb moments. Sam also spills on what behav...

The price of coffee is on the rise, thanks to climate change giving Brazil’s beans a rough ride. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s interest rates are dropping faster than our willpower in the snacks aisle, but is that actually good news? Spoiler: it’s complicated. We also dive into emerging markets, which are currently in the bargain bin of the global economy. Why? And could this be your next investment mo...

Ready for some serious penny-drop moments? In this throwback episode, we dive into why keeping your money in the bank might feel safe - but is actually costing you big time thanks to inflation. From redefining what "long-term investing" means (spoiler: it's not just 2 years) to sharing personal finance mishaps, this chat is packed with wisdom, laughs, and practical tips. If phrases like "markets g...

Hey NZ, we’ve got a little treat for you! Sign up to ShopBack with our code CURVE10 and pocket a $10 bonus - just in time to crush those Black Friday Cyber Monday deals. Think of it as cashback magic for your wallet! Did you know Black Friday sales account for over $9 billion in online spending each year? This episode breaks down how to spot genuinely good discounts, and why making a list might sa...

Once dismissed as frivolous splurges, luxury handbags are now being eyed as smart investments. Could that Chanel or Hermes in your closet be worth more than stocks? In this episode, auction expert Meg Randell takes us through the booming market of designer bags, where brands like Chanel and Hermes see annual price hikes that outpace many traditional investments. From spotting valuable styles to th...

A peek into a hilariously earnest high school time capsule reveals tiny Vic’s fascination with the news and dreams of PwC, New York, and a life well-lived. Spoiler: some of it worked out, but the love life? Let’s just say it’s been a journey. Shifting gears to today’s big money moves, Bitcoin is on a tear, nearing $90k, and we’re dissecting the FOMO, the risks, and why it’s okay to sit on your han...

OnlyFans has changed the game for content creators, and few have played it better than Grace Wears Lace. Rising from hotel receptionist to internet millionaire, Grace pulled in a jaw-dropping $1 million in her first year alone. Now, with a thriving business and three properties under her belt (soon to be four), she’s proof that the platform isn't just about subscriptions - it’s a lucrative busines...

With the recent election on everyone’s mind, we’re diving into how these shifts are affecting the markets and the moral dilemmas they bring. From Trump’s policies impacting the S&P 500 to the ethical questions around investing in high-carbon companies, we’re unpacking the complex intersection of finance, values, and what it means to stay true to our principles as investors. Our amazing commerc...

First up in The Curve Weekly this week, we look at the latest UK budget, a milestone event marked by the first-ever budget created by a female chancellor in over a millennium. We break down why this historic budget matters, not just for those in the UK, but for anyone wanting to understand how national policies impact everyday finances. From the nuances of tax brackets and salary negotiations to t...

(Highly recommended): Watch this episode on YouTube In this Halloween special of  Raising the Curve , we're tackling the spooky myths and misconceptions that keep so many from diving into the world of investing. From demystifying complex terms to addressing common fears - like losing money or not knowing where to start - we’ll show you that investing doesn’t have to be frightening. Whether you’re...

Gold’s glittering again, hitting record highs as the ultimate “safe bet” while the world grapples with election chaos and global tensions. Investors are flocking to it for stability, like it’s the market’s comfort blanket. Meanwhile, Tesla has finally pulled itself out of the gutter with a 20% stock boost, thanks partly to its upcoming Cybertruck (yes, the blocky one that looks like an origami pro...

Today we're diving headfirst into the chaos of the US election and what it means for your money. From tax cuts and crypto to fossil fuels and baby bonuses, we’re breaking down the policies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump - minus the political jargon. Worried about how the election might mess with your investments or your 401k? We’ve got you covered. We’ll sift through the noise, debunk myths abo...

This week, we’re unpacking the UK’s bold move to offer weight loss drugs to boost productivity. Is this the future of economic policy, or just another quick fix? Next, we spotlight the energy consumption crisis tied to AI: did you know a single command uses the same energy as lighting a bulb for an hour? And if you think that’s wild, wait till you hear about Bitcoin’s energy demands. From there, w...

In this special re-release of one of our most popular episodes, we revisit the incredible story of Sophie’s grandma, who quietly built a million-dollar investment portfolio over 50 years. This episode inspired countless listeners to rethink their approach to long-term investing - and we’re bringing it back for all the new members of The Curve community who missed it the first time around! We also...

BP’s playing the villain this week - remember those ambitious climate goals? Yeah, they’ve hit reverse. Instead of cutting oil production by 2030, they’re now  raising it. We dive into why one of the world’s biggest oil companies is prioritising profits over the planet and what this means for investors (and our future). Speaking of villains, Google’s under fire from the US government, which is try...

Today, we’re diving into the dreaded world of burnout - that charming state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that comes after life repeatedly hits you with a to-do list. While burnout usually gets blamed on work, this episode focuses on financial burnout, where stressing over money takes centre stage and makes you want to throw your budget out the window. Vic gets real about her own e...

LVMH is proving once again that luxury never goes out of style - especially when you're acquiring brands like Moncler and Off-White. In this episode, we unpack how the luxury giant’s aggressive growth strategy is keeping it ahead of the competition. We also cover HSBC’s potential first-ever female CFO, a groundbreaking moment for women in finance, and dig into the drama at OpenAI as top execs jump...

Introducing... Curveballs , our brand-new segment where we dive into the weird, awkward, and downright cringy money moments you’ve sent in. Whether it’s splitting the bill on a disastrous first date, getting stuck with the tab at a work dinner your boss insisted on, or accidentally blowing your budget on impulse buys, we’re here to help you navigate these curveball moments with expert advice from...