The Dollars & Sense Podcast
Episodes
3 Ways Index Funds Make Gains in a Bear Market
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Index funds “don’t work” in bear markets… or do they? In this episode, I break down three powerful ways index funds can still create future ga...
The Key to a More Effective Financial Plan
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Most people excel in one part of their financial plan. Wither they are very proficient in budgeting, investing, or have sought out expert advice regar...
The 10 Days That Could Delay Your Retirement by a Decade
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Everywhere you look right now the headlines are bleak!Wars, oil shocks, economic uncertainty, and predictions of market crashes. But do those headlin...
Dividend Investing in Modern Portfolios
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sheldon and I tackle a topic that comes up constantly with clients. Dividend paying shares. Are they essential for building wealth or just o...
Why Good People Avoid Financial Planning and Regret It Later
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Often people who are doing “pretty well” still avoid financial planning, or they start and quietly drop off. In this episode, Tim Ellis and Sheldo...
Gold and the Long Game: Does It Really Belong in a Portfolio?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gold and silver are back in the headlines—but do they actually belong in a long-term investment portfolio? In this episode, Tim and Sheldon unpack t...
Why a Reserve Fund Changes the Way You Think, Invest, and Live
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The reserve fund is the one strategy every financial adviser agrees on — and the one most people ignore. In the first episode of 2026, Tim Ellis and...
2025 In Review. What just happened and what actually matters?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2025 gave us AI becoming mainstream, another turbulent year under Trump, surprising global market returns, and the end of Warren Buffett’s era as CE...
The Most Misunderstood Part of KiwiSaver Performance
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Tim breaks down one of the most common KiwiSaver misunderstandings: how two funds can show identical long-term returns on paper, yet delive...
Following Up on NZ’s Health Insurance Crisis: The Latest Developments
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a follow-up to my earlier deep dive into New Zealand’s medical insurance shake-up — and a lot has changed since then. In this upda...
Exposed: The Marketing Tactics Behind Modern Investment Snake Oil
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the tactics used by self-proclaimed investment “gurus” who sell overpriced courses, mentorships, and get-rich-quick...
Your Wealth Philosophy vs. Reality: Taraia Robin Breaks It Down
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim sits down with Taraia Robin from Stewart Group and Finzo for an honest, practical discussion abo...
The AI Bubble: Hype or the Next Market Crash?
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Investors are nervous — AI stocks are soaring, valuations look stretched, and Trump’s back in the White House. In this episode, Tim breaks down wh...
Second Marriages, Trusts, and Contracting Out — Part 2 with Hannah Carter
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of our conversation with Hannah Carter from Carter Chung, we dive deeper into the legal side of second marriages, trusts, and contracting ou...
Blended Families & Second Marriages: The Legal Must-Knows with Hannah Carter
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim sits down with lawyer Hannah Carter from Carter Chung Law to unpack the legal side of second m...
Why Revolving Mortgages Keep You Stuck on the Financial Treadmill
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Revolving mortgage accounts promise flexibility — but for many people, they quietly create financial frustration. In this episode, Tim Ellis breaks...
Tick Boxes Don’t Build Wealth
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim and Brodie pull apart one of the most overused and misunderstood tools in investing — the risk asses...
The Hidden Costs of Investing
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not the fees you see that hurt — it’s the ones you don’t.Most investors think they understand what they’re paying for — a simple mana...
Breaking the Home Bias: Why Global Diversification Wins for Your Portfolio
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that a home bias has kept the All Blacks streak alive at Eden Park against The Springboks..... But is a home bias critical to a New Zealan...
NZ Medical Premiums set to Sky Rocket in 2025
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Ellis says: ‘80% premium hikes are nuts!’ Season 4, Episode 1 dives into NZ’s medical cost crisis—50% claim surges, 93.4% insurer payouts...
#47: Trumps Tariffs, Should We Panic?
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we address the growing speculation and panic the markets have seen due to trade wars. Have we seen this before and what happened? Shou...
#46 Is that a Goal or a Strategy?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Goals versus Strategies - What's the difference?Hands up if you have said you have a goal to be mortgage free!Hands up if you have a goal to own ...
#45: The Power of Small Caps - What Does History Say About Investing in Small Companies?
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the world of small-cap investing and explore why it’s often overlooked by mainstream investors. We challenge the conve...
#44: Talking All Things Interest
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are discussing interest (woohoo). We explore the risks involved with term deposits, which have generally been seen as "risk-free&qu...
BE RIGHT BACK!
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We'll be back with more episodes next week, here's a quick update from Tim. If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like ...
#43: Investment Is Supposed To Be Boring!
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The popular image of investing tends to be formed by movie dramas like ‘Wolf of Wall Street’, ‘The Big Short’ or 'Margin Call'In tru...
#42: Investing In Hype Stocks, Is It Worth The Risk?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nifty Fifty, FAANG, MAMAA, Magnificent Seven. Over the years there are always companies that shoot the lights out in the stock market, so much so that...
#41: Donald Trump or Kamala Harris: What Will Happen With Stock Portfolios?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trump or Harris?Republican or Democrat?How will my portfolio or the share market react to the eventual winner and does it even matter? Tune in this we...
#40: SEASON THREE COMING SOON - A Quick Update / Future Plans
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just a quick one today team, we are back and sharing with you what our plans are going forward, who we are targeting with our new episodes, and what w...
#39: "Well Mr / Mrs Client, That Depends"
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever engaged with a Financial Adviser and asked a question, chances are that you've heard "well that depends!"Slowing do...
#38: A FREE RESOURCE Breaking Down Your Insurance Policy/Renewal Letter
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you opened your annual renewal letter for your personal insurance? Even if you do open them, we know from reviewing insurances...
#37: Helping Kiwi Mums and Empowering Them With Knowledge and Guidance!
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode, we introduce Financial Adviser Terri Watson!Terri describes her passion for helping Mums gain better financial literacy and how...
#36: The 7 Simple Rules for Long-Term Investing
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably heard these "Rules" mentioned plenty of times before.......This week, Tim and Brodie discuss the 7 rules of investing: ...
#35: Head to Head - Reverse Annuity Mortgages, Are They a Good Idea or Last Resort?
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Tim and Brodie go head to head on Reverse Annuity Mortgages. What are they? Are they a suitable option in retirement, or should they be seen...
#34: The Power of Habits - Are they Getting You Closer or Taking You Further Away?
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Habits, not one-time choices, determine someone's position in life. This week we explore studies showing how anticipation of a reward creates hab...
#33: Recession - Finally Starting To Feel The Effects, So What Can You Do About It?
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have a straightforward discussion about the dreaded 'R' word, recession. It certainly feels like we've been dancing around...
#32: Inflation in 2024, Why The Numbers Don't Match Our Experience
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation is on everyone's mind these days. But what exactly is it, how is it calculated, and why does it feel worse than the official numbers su...
#31: The 8 Great Investment Mistakes, Are You Guilty Of These?
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What are the 8 great mistakes, who is prone to them, and how do you overcome them? This week we dive head first into the world of investment and what ...
#30: Lawyer Anna Seabrook On Property With Friends, Relationship Agreements, Trusts, and WIlls.
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Anna Seabrook who joins the podcast this week to discuss legal topics related to property, relationships, and estate planning! We talk abou...
#29: Property Or Shares, What's The Best Way To Build Your Wealth?
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we weigh the pros and cons of investing in shares versus property. Outlining the benefits of each - property offers tangible assets, rental ...
#28: Money Personalities, What Does Your Money Personality Say About You?
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know what your money personality is? This week, Tim and Brodie discuss the different money personalities which you can find at sorted.org and l...
#27: Financial MythBusters - Young People Can't Get Into a House? Breaking Down Common Financial Myths
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Tim and Brodie debunk common financial myths that they hear as advisers. Covering offset mortgages, KiwiSaver taxes, insurance premiums, ret...
#26: 5 Biggest Stock Market Crashes, A Financial History Lesson
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode join us for an informative history lesson on the biggest stock market crashes throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Starting w...
#25: Client War Stories, Our Best and Worst Stories From Our Experience as Client Facing Advisers
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're mixing it up this week with something a bit different! In this episode, Tim and Brodie share some inspiring, heartwarming, and cautionary ...
#24: Jenny Cheevers - Mortgage and Home Ownership Insights from 26 Years of Experience in the Industry
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Dollars & Sense Podcast, hosts Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty have the privilege of interviewing Jenny Cheevers, a qualifi...
#23: The Symptoms of Common Financial Issues and Potential Solutions
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Dollars and Sense podcast, hosts Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty discuss common financial issues faced by clients. They address ...
#22: Retirement Drawdown Strategies - Pros and Cons of Popular Approaches
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Dollars and Sense podcast, hosts Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty dive deep into retirement drawdown plans. They discuss three com...
#21: What Does Working With a Financial Adviser Actually Look Like? Strategies (Part 3/3)
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the final episode of our three-part series on what it looks like working with a Financial Adviser. Following on from the theme of last week, t...
#20: What Does Working With a Financial Adviser Actually Look Like? Strategies (Part 2/3)
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to part two of our three-part series on what it looks like working with a Financial Adviser. Now that we've got the process out of the wa...
#19: What Does Working With a Financial Adviser Actually Look Like? Process (Part 1/3)
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the second season of The Dollars and Sense Podcast!Reflecting on some of the highlights of our first season, we're cranking up the dia...
#18: Our Controversial View on Cryptocurrency, and Why Investments Don't Matter
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another episode of The Dollars & Sense Podcast, where it is our mission to increase the financial literacy of our listeners with our ex...
#17: Blake Chamberlain - Accounting and Wealth Management, Beyond The Balance Sheet
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Tim & Brodie welcome Blake Chamberlain, Director of FoxPlan Accounting & Wealth Management.Not just about the numbers, Blake believe...
#16: Dave Copson - Head of Growth at Booster, All Things KiwiSaver & Financial Literacy
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Brodie and Tim welcome Dave Copson, Head of Growth at Booster to The Dollars and Sense Podcast. Booster is one of the leading KiwiSaver pro...
#15: Ben Brinkerhoff - Consilium Head of Advice, The Investment Philosophy They Never Teach You
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Brodie and Tim welcome Ben Brinkerhoff from Consilium to The Dollars and Sense Podcast. Ben has spent time in the US as a Senior Economic Co...
#14: Why You Should Not Invest in Gold...
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode of The Dollars & Sense Podcast, join Tim and Brodie as they have a chat about why you should avoid investing in gold, ...
#13: Jesse Abolins - Wrap Innovations, Unwrapping Successful Business Ownership
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jump into this week's episode with special guest Jesse Abolins to hear all about how he runs his successful car wrapping business in Wellington. ...
#12: John Killick - Founder of FoxPlan, 50 Years of Wisdom in Financial Services
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Brodie and Tim welcome John Killick to The Dollars and Sense Podcast to talk about John's fascinating perspectives on the financial ser...
#11: How to Succeed with New Years Resolutions
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Brodie and Tim discuss some condusive strategies for achieving your goals New Years resolutions, whe...
#10: "KiwiSaver Loses $1B on Negative Returns" - Media Fearmongering Unpacked
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode of The Dollars & Sense Podcast, Tim and Brodie discuss the difference between a loss in your investments and a drop in...
#9: Kane Chamberlain - Qualified Builder, The Do's and Dont's of Building Your Wealth with Property
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of The Dollars & Sense Podcast, Brodie and Tim welcome their first guest; the Founder/Owner of BIM Projects Limited, Kane ...
#8: Increase Mortgage Payments or Invest: Which is Better?
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Dollars & Sense Podcast, Brodie and Tim discuss the financial implications of going down to one income, exploring whether you sho...
#7: "Economists Have Predicted 9 of the Last 5 Recessions" - Block Out The Noise.
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Dollars & Sense Podcast, Brodie and Tim discuss the importance of blocking out media noise when making investment decisions, avoi...
#6: When More Isn't Better: Lifestyle Creep
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Dollars & Sense Podcast, Brodie and Tim discuss a recent study done by Massey that looks into how much you are going to need for ...
#5: The Eighth Wonder of the World: Compound Interest
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This time round on the dollars & sense podcast, Brodie and Tim discuss the power of compounding, structuring your bank accounts efficiently, and a...
#4: Strategic Investing: Lump Sum, Monthly, or Timing the Market?
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Tim and Brodie for this week's three financial topics! We'll kick things off by diving into lump sum investing vs. dollar cost averagin...
#3: Unpacking the Pros and Cons of Socially Responsible Investing
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we explore three exciting financial topics; The pros and cons of socially responsible investing, what a Financial Adviser is and who could b...
#2: NZ Financial Literacy - Could You Pass This Test?
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's dive into today's topics: Mandatory financial education in New Zealand schools, building an education fund for your children, investin...
#1: DIY KiwiSavers, Are You Better Than The Average Investor?
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the first episode of The Dollars & Sense Podcast, we're delving into DIY KiwiSavers, using your KiwiSaver balance for rental bonds, ...