The Curve

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...

With Soph soaking up the sun in Croatia, the lovely Sheenagh takes the co-host seat for this episode, bringing her sharp financial insights and charm... Why are some of the world’s biggest CEOs - like those at Nvidia, Dell, and even Berkshire Hathaway’s top dogs - selling off massive chunks of stock? Today, we dig into the reasons behind these surprising moves and what it could mean for the future...

In this bonus episode, we take a break from the usual money talk to celebrate a special occasion - Soph's 33rd birthday! Soph reflects on the year that's been and opens up about her life lessons, from financial wins to personal growth while Vic shares some special surprises that highlight just how much Soph means to everyone around her. There’s even a moment where Elizabeth Day might make an appea...

Please note that this episode discusses sensitive topics including financial and domestic abuse, as well as miscarriages, which may be difficult for some listeners. In this eye-opening episode of  Raising the Curve , we sit down with the inspiring Norma Cassius, a financial expert turned psychotherapist. Norma shares her journey of overcoming financial and emotional abuse, and how she used her str...

Big moves in the investing world this week! First up, we dive into the $8.5 billion luxury fashion showdown between Tapestry and Capri Holdings - think Coach vs. Versace - but it’s not all glitz and glamour when the regulators come in and hit the brakes. But that’s just the beginning. Tupperware - yes, that iconic kitchen staple - is filing for bankruptcy! Turns out, $700 million worth of debt doe...

Today, we're diving into the complex intersection of money and relationships. Joined by The Curve's commercial director and all-round legend Dani, we explore how financial disparities affect relationship dynamics, from splitting bills to managing money goals as a couple. Whether you're team 50/50 or think 'what's mine is ours,' this episode offers both relatable stories and practical insights to h...

Soph’s belated birthday lunch took an unexpected twist - expecting cake but getting six tequila shots instead. But beyond the impromptu happy hour, we dive into some serious money moves - like Selena Gomez hitting billionaire status, not from music, but from her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. We explore how she built a billion-dollar empire in just four years and why diversifying income streams is key...

Is your wardrobe working hard for your wallet? In this episode, we’re breaking down why clothes should be seen as an investment - not just a quick retail fix. From understanding cost per wear to figuring out which pieces actually pay off, it’s all about making smarter, savvier choices with your fashion budget. Spoiler alert: sometimes spending more up front saves you big down the line. Get ready t...

This week, we kick things off with Nvidia’s jaw-dropping $280 billion loss, the largest single-day drop in U.S. stock market history. What went wrong for the AI giant, and what does this mean for the future of AI stocks? Next, we break down ChatGPT’s meteoric rise as OpenAI gears up for a $100 billion valuation - double the users and big tech companies like Microsoft and Apple lining up to invest....