Smart Money

Andrew Bascand: Iran conflict impacts more than just gas prices

12 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The hot topic on everyone's minds right now is the price of petrol and diesel.  It seems to be impacting the price of just about everything else,...

Amanda Morrall: Saving money with rising costs

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prices are going up.  Food prices are up, and will keep going up alongside fuel. Practically any goods that travel by land air or ocean to get to...

Rupert Carlyon: Global tension? Ignore your KiwiSaver

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions are high for everyone right now, and I know most people will either be nervously checking their KiwiSaver balance on the daily, or completely...

Chris Wilson: KiwiSaver changes need some tweaking

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From April 1st, the KiwiSaver minimum default contribution rate will move up to 3.5%.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

Nick Crawford: The mistakes people make with a windfall

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've all found ourselves day dreaming about where we'd spend a big Lotto win at one point or another.  Realistically, many of us will come into ...

Martin Hawes: Are you losing money on ethical investing?

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ethical investing seems to be a hot topic when it comes to choosing an investment fund or KiwiSaver provider.  I've often heard providers boast t...

Shane Solly: Spots of recovery in the economy

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've started to see spots of what looks to be recovery in our economy over recent months.  It's not consistent, but it's frequent enough to give...

Janet Xuccoa: Where do trusts fit in to aged care funding?

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Growing older is expensive - much more expensive than most people realise.  When you or a loved one either decides to move into aged care or is f...

Sharon Chandra: You could be essentially married without even realising it

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Relationships cost money.  It's not just about date nights at expensive restaurants, fancy shoes, or a new watch for Valentine's Day.  It's ...

Martin Hawes: When does life insurance stop being worth it?

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As you get older, your health becomes more and more of a worry, so life insurance seems like a no-brainer. But is it? Do you really need it after the ...

Todd Charteris: "Let's not let perfect get in the way of better"

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Confidence in New Zealand's rural sector has really started recovering over the past year or so.  Stabilising interest rates, great dairy results...

Jannet Xuccoa: When's the right time for a trust?

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Often trust have been seen to be province of the uber wealthy. But are they? And often people don't think about this issue until it is too late So whe...

Andrew Bascand: We've seen the bottom of the rate cycle

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week the Reserve Bank dropped the OCR 25 basis points to 2.25%, but their tone was a bit more hawkish than usual.  Some analysts are thinkin...

Lisa Dudson: Is it time to fix long term?

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We got another OCR cut this week - now down to 2.25% - the lowest it's been since June of 2022.  That was the last one for the year, so a lot of ...

Martin Hawes: Higher earners increasingly seeking budgeting help

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Queues at budgeting services are getting longer, and financial advisors are finding households with increasing incomes are seeking help.  Kiwis w...

Rupert Carlyon: Take a breath before you touch that windfall

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us have spent the past few days daydreaming about what we would spend $55 million on.  Pay off the mortgage, book a holiday, send some of...

Hamish Pepper: The NZ economy is finally recovering

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank shocked a lot of us last month when it cut the OCR by 50 basis points down to 2.5%. Analysts have said that the RBNZ was reading the ...

Max Whitehead: Be careful when placing a complaint with HR

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down as the coach of the Silver Ferns in September due to 'significant issues' in the team. After many public statements...

Janet Xuccoa: What's the point of a trust?

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trusts are hardly mentioned outside of when wealth tax is in the news, or when someone mentions their accountant told them to get one. One side of the...

Amanda Morrall: There's more to life besides money

12 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An interesting report came out this week about budgets: the average household spending has only gone up two dollars a week since 2023. 50-percent of r...

Martin Hawes: Does a new Reserve Bank governor even matter?

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new governor has been appointed for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand - all the way from Sweden.  Dr Anna Breman has already received criticism f...

Hamish Pepper: Forecasts rise for OCR after GDP shrinks

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The economy had a worse than expected drop in the June quarter, shrinking 0.9%.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has blamed it on global turmoil, ...

Rupert Carlyon: KiwiSaver is unaffordable as it is

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced plans to campaign for compulsory KiwiSaver at the next election, and increase the minimum...

Max Whitehead: Is it always the squeaky wheel that gets the oil?

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are two different types of employees - one who stays low profile, gets what they need to get done, done, and goes home.  Then there's the o...

Shamubeel Eaqub: Reconsidering which insurance you use

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's no secret that the cost of living has gone a bit crazy these past few years, but insurance seems to be one of the hardest hit. Insurance prices h...

Andrew Bascand: The OCR won't solve anything

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Janet Xuccoa: You should be checking your will annually

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ha...

Simon Brown: Financial literacy is invaluable

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most New Zealanders consider themselves only “average” with money.  In fact, a new study from Partners Life finds less than a quarter of New ...

Amanda Morrall: Why is refinancing increasingly common?

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The number of mortgage holders refinancing their loans is the highest ever recorded.  More than 3,500 borrowers refinanced in June, and experts a...

Shane Solly: Is NZ ready for the global 'melt up'?

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Rupert Carlyon: We need to teach our kids about money

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 manag...

Hannah McQueen: The cheap, unnecessary purchases can cost thousands

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The cost of living is crunching down again, as more than 30-thousand Kiwis reportedly moved abroad last year.  Are there any more changes ca...

Martin Hawes: Self-employed people will be hit hardest by KiwiSaver cuts

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Government's KiwiSaver contribution was halved under budget changes. Employers will also have to fork out a mandatory 4% contribution t...

Max Whitehead: Work impacts your happiness in life

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New employment data reveals work-life balance is the top reason people leave their job. Additionally, more people are working past the retirement age....

Hamish Pepper: The US dollar is weakening

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Global conflict also affects trade and consumer spending. What uncertainties will appear, and how will markets respond to the US bombing Iran? Harbour...

Amanda Morrall: What makes someone good with money?

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Rupert Carlyon: "Investing can be extremely simple"

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. LIST...

Todd Hammington: The secret to employee retention

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Martin Hawes: "No incentive for self-employed people to join KiwiSaver"

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is increasing the default KiwiSaver contributions for employees and employers, while halving their own contributions.  Employee an...

Janet Xuccoa: Trusts aren't just for the wealthy

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Shamubeel Eaqub: We have to move toward he Australian retirement model

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Research by Shamubeel Eaqub finds only 32% of New Zealanders are satisfied with their financial situation, compared to 60% of Australians.  He fi...

Chris Di Leva: The markets aren't looking too bad

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Max Whitehead: Why are Gen X so unhireable?

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just when they should be at their peak, older generations are being discriminated against for their age.  Do we no longer value experience? ...

Lisa Dudson: Here's where your money is safest right now

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Amanda Morrall: Are you financially 'average' - and does it matter?

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. T...

Andrew Bascand: You can be optimistic about where the economy is going

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 res...

Martin Hawes: Working after 65 isn't just good for your bank account...

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 finance...

Amanda Morrall: Stabilising your finances in unstable times

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Max Whitehead: Your CV's font could lose you the job

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Hamish Pepper: Don't act too quickly after OCR announcement

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Martin Hawes: Mortgage arrears increase by 1,100 in December

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New data from Centrix reveals that the number of homeowners behind on their mortgage increased by 1,100 in December alone. With the interest rates dro...

Nadine Higgins: Finding the path of least resistance

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Humans are wired to find the path of least resistance - but how can that be done when it comes to your finances?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/...

Max Whitehead: Dust off that CV

26 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With a fresh year, and a wobbly economy, it's always a good idea to dust off the old CV and sure it's up to date.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com...

Amanda Morrall: "There's a big difference between theory and practice in finances"

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the cost of living relentlessly increasing year by year, Amanda Morrall joins Roman Travers to discuss how you can set yourself up for success in...

Martin Hawes: Is cash a good gift for the grandkids?

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Martins Hawes joins Tim Beveridge to discuss whether cash is a good idea for Christmas gifts, and this week's disappointing GDP announcement.  LI...

Shane Solly: What are private assets and its investment characteristics?

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment recently said that the Government is considering regulatory changes to enable KiwiSaver providers ...

Max Whitehead: What not to post on social media as an employee

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Shortly after the new gang patch laws came into effect, police were seen in leaked pictures wearing confiscated patched vests.  Leading into the ...

Amanda Morrall: Changing bad spending habits

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The world of spending tracking apps is vast - but it's questionable as to whether they're even necessary.  Personal finance coach Amanda Morrall ...

Lisa Dudson: How to teach your kids about money

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The most crucial time to teach your children about money is when they get their first jobs.  Teaching good habits around money can be difficult -...

Chris Di Leva: Investment markets after the U.S. election

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Investment markets have recovered significantly over the past two years following a weak 2022.  And, Donald Trump winning the U.S. election is bo...

Martin Hawes: The impact of Trump's win on NZ markets

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Martin Hawes joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impact of Donald Trump's election win on New Zealand markets.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/lis...

Max Whitehead: How do you ask for a raise?

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Beveridge is joined by employment relations practitioner Max Whitehead to answer all your employment questions.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.c...

Amanda Morrall: Is it worth changing banks?

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With interest rates and inflation stabilising, is it worth changing banks when you're unhappy - or are they all essentially the same? Tim Beveridge is...

Hannah McQueen: How to split your mortgage

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial adviser and coach Hannah McQueen joins Tim Beveridge to discuss how to split your mortgage to pay as little as possible in the long run.&nbs...

Hamish Pepper: How have financial markets responded to the OCR cut?

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced a cut of 50 basis points to the OCR, bringing it down to 4.75%.  Director and Fixed Income and Curr...

Lisa Dudson: The long term value of your savings

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial author and advisor Lisa Dudson joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss the long term value of your savings depending on whe...

Martin Hawes: Are reverse mortgages ever viable?

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Martin Hawes joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss whether a reverse mortgage is ever viable, and the new concept of a reversion mo...

Ben Brinkerhoff: When to take a look at your KiwiSaver

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Most people have an automatic contribution sent into their KiwiSaver at the end of their pay period - but experts say everyone should do an annual che...

Shane Solly: Interest rates and your assets

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many people who own large assets or investments have one question at the front of their minds - where are interest rates headed?  Shane Solly from Ha...

Max Whitehead: It's time to brush up your CV

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Max Whitehead joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to help you clean up your CV.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

Janet Xuccoa: The basics of trusts

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A common misconception is that only the very wealthy need trusts, but many people may be putting their assets at risk without one.  Author Janet Xucc...

Martin Hawes: Don't start a small business

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand has seen several iconic and well-known businesses close in recent months, especially those in hospitality.  Is the economy to blame, or a...

Andrew Bascand: Why do we have insufficient energy?

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An insufficient supply of energy has been a looming issue recently, but spiking costs over the past two weeks have led to growing concerns for busines...

Lisa Dudson: When is it too late to buy your first home?

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At what age is it a bad idea to become a first home buyer? Is it ever too late?  Financial adviser Lisa Dudson joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Col...

Amanda Morrall: Where to put your tax cut

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda Morrall joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss where your tax cut can go to take full advantage of it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omny...

Max Whitehead: Same pay, same title, more responsibilities

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when your work responsibilities keep increasing, but your pay and title don't reflect it? Employment expert Max Whitehead joins Tim Bev...

RBNZ pivots to potential lower interest rates

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

RBNZ's pivot at their most recent meeting points to lower interest rates being closer than initially predicted, says Harbour Asset Management Currency...

Hannah McQueen: How to find the extra pennies to kill your mortgage

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial Advisor Hannah McQueen joins Tyler Adams on The Weekend Collective to discuss how you can pay off your mortgage faster, even when you don't ...

Lisa Dudson: Dealing with financial stress

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial stress has a way of seeping into every area of your life, and with the current economic climate, it's important to keep it from impacting yo...

Ben Brinkerhoff: Have we gotten too confident at stock-picking?

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are many different ways of seeking financial advice and new DIY ways of investing, but how does that impact the method of stock-picking - and ha...

Chris Di Leva: Are bond markets a good investment?

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Di Leva from Harbour Asset Management joins the Weekend Collective to discuss the world of bond markets - and if they make for a safe investment...

Amanda Morrell: What does it mean to be wealthy?

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial author Amanda Morrell joined the show to discuss the changing goalposts from inflation in what makes people wealthy. So what does it mean to...

Shane Solly: How geopolitical tensions are changing investors' behaviour

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How has global geopolitical tension changed the way we invest in the market? Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Management joined Tim Beveridge to discuss...

Hannah McQueen: Would we save more by using physical cash?

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As money has moved into the digital space, physical cash has become less prevalent.   Only 57.2 percent of kiwis used cash for everyday purposes in 2...

Martin Hawes: When is the best time to write your will? And, is downsizing the best way to free up some cash?

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When do you start writing your will, and should your kids help you with writing it?  Plus, is downsizing the best way to free up some cash? Well reno...

Hannah McQueen: The best lessons to teach your children about money

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What are the best lessons to teach your children about money?  How soon should you be setting them up with a trust fund, or a personal savings accou...

Max Whitehead: How to bounce back from mid-career layoffs

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With all the cuts to the cut service, how should you deal with layoffs mid-career, and more importantly how can you bounce back? Employment relations ...

Andrew Bascand: The changing face of the banking sector

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Harbour Asset Management's Managing Director Andrew Bascand joined Tim Beveridge on Smart Money this week.  They discussed how geopolitical events in...

Amanda Morrall: Are the latest CEO remuneration figures fair?

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Although the recession has put the brakes on average pay rises, the country’s highest-paid CEO has set a new record for remuneration. Is this fair? ...

Hamish Pepper: Where are families cutting costs?

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand households have experienced a significant increase in their cost of living over the past four years, led by higher interest rates, transpo...

Hannah McQueen: How important is pay transparency?

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Data published by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency across the ditch showed some of Australia's biggest companies have had their dirty laundry aire...

Lisa Dudson: Supermarkets leverage over basic needs

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it unethical that supermarkets have so much leverage over basic needs unless we sign up to coupon card saving schemes? Personal finance educator Li...

Chris Di Leva: Investment market prospects for 2024

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2023 turned out to be a good year for investment markets. Chris Di Leva from Harbour Asset Management spoke to Tim Beveridge about what 2024 could hol...

Max Whitehead: What to make of the modest increase to the minimum wage

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2024’s minimum wage rise is one of the smallest in recent decades, when compared to the rate of inflation, from April 1st the minimum wage will lift...

Amanda Morrall: How can we save money over the Christmas season?

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

'Tis the season for tight budget Christmas, how are you trying to save money over the holiday season? Plus, how do you choose which charity to donate ...

Hamish Pepper: What's behind the recent decline in inflation?

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Annual core inflation dropped from 5.7 percent to 5.2 percent in Q3. Employment dropped in Q3 and pushed the unemployment rate to almost 4 percent. Jo...

Martin Hawes: How to make sure your business doesn't fail

12 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One in four New Zealand businesses fail, so how do you make sure you’re not one of them - Martin Hawes discusses the destigmatisation of failure and...

Amanda Morrall: Managing your finances while travelling

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the summer holidays fast approaching, lots of families will be headed overseas to travel- Amanda Morrall shares her tips for managing finances wh...

Shane Solly: What's been driving capital markets?

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The capital markets have been volatile recently with long-term interest rates going up and share markets going down. Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Ma...

Hannah McQueen: Where should your finances be?

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you sinking, floating, or flying when it comes to your personal finances? Hannah McQueen breaks down what targets you should be trying to hit at y...