The Prosperity Project

Recent KiwiSaver changes were meant to strengthen the scheme, but one expert says they risk doing the opposite. Mary Holm joins Nadine Higgins to break down why cuts to government contributions hit low income earners hardest, and how current settings could deepen inequality over time. So who is KiwiSaver working for? Why are some workers are missing out on employer support altogether? And what are the unintended incentives baked into the system? Plus, the changes Holm wants to see, from government contributions for beneficiaries to emergency “sidecar” savings designed to stop people falling into debt when life hits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is property investing actually dead? Investor Ilse Wolfe doesn’t think so, but she says the old way of doing it is. Ilse joins Nadine to share her strategies for making property investment work in 2026. From surviving negative equity early on to building strong cashflow, Wolfe argues it’s still viable, if you’re willing to be active and rethink the playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, more than ever, it might seem like a good idea to invest in an electric vehicle, but does it make sense financially? Johnathan Sergel, the AA’s chief mobility officer, joins Nadine to dive into the costs involved with owning and running an EV, and how those costs compare to running a petrol vehicle. With rising fuel costs and EV sales surging, now's the time to do the maths and figure out what makes the best sense for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home is seen as a key milestone signifying success in your financial journey, while “just" renting is somehow seen as being behind. But Luke Kemeys of the Keep the Change Podcast and Next Advisory sees it differently. For him, it’s a deliberate choice – and he thinks we need to look at renting differently. Luke joins Nadine Higgins to explain why he thinks renting often makes more financial sense than owning your own home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial education is now embedded in maths classes for students in years 0-10, and from next year it will also form part of the social sciences curriculum. Until this year, financial education in schools has been haphazard, with research showing only 20 percent of students received it in some form. Sorted in Schools learning lead Yasmin Frazer joins Nadine to discuss what our kids are being taught about money and why we need to be careful around money conversations at home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When news of events like the war in Iran hit share markets – everyday investors often act on instinct, but what do professional investors do? This week, Nadine is joined by Sam Dickie, a senior portfolio manager at Fisher Funds. Together they talk through what happens to investing when the world is on fire. The Prosperity Project is now available on video! Watch now on nzherald.co.nz or YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial mentor David Very joins Nadine Higgins to unpack why 2025 hit so many New Zealanders so hard—and whether 2026 will bring any real relief. From high-income earners stretched by huge mortgages to pensioners squeezed by rising costs, he explains why financial stress is now cutting across every part of society. David breaks down where to start when you’re underwater, what actually works when tackling debt, the traps in consolidation and balance transfers, how to negotiate with lenders, and why KiwiSaver hardship should stay a last resort. If this year knocked you around, this episode helps you map a realistic way back to stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BusinessDesk journalist Maria Slade joins Nadine to discuss her new investigative podcast, The Fall of the House of Du Val, which details how the company collapsed and what it reveals about the country’s investment rules. Listen to The Fall of The House of Du Val on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear a lot about how we need to save for retirement, but less is known about how to make that money last once you need to start drawing on it. Tom Hartmann from the Retirement Commission joins Nadine to talk about Sorted's Retirement Navigator. The new tool processes customisable values in order to help those nearing retirement (or already there) figure out how much they have to live on and for how long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think paying off the family home will have you sorted for retirement? That might have been a solid plan once upon a time, but times have changed and and perhaps your retirement plan should change too.  Michael Vincent, mortgage director at Lighthouse Financial, joins Nadine to talk the dangers of relying on your house to look after you in later life, and what you should be doing instead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI stocks have exploded, with Nvidia soaring past a $5 trillion valuation. But is this growth justified, or are investors repeating the mistakes of the dot-com era? Mark Lister, investment director at Craigs Investment Partners, joins Nadine to talk about whether AI’s rally is a genuine revolution or a sign of market froth. Together they unpack the risks of over-exposure, the importance of diversification, and why hype doesn’t always equal profit.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin has cracked six figures in US dollars, but does all the hype mean it's a good investment.  Janine Granger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joins Nadine to demystify the wild world of digital currency. From Bitcoin versus blockchain to meme coins, stablecoins, and the rise and fall of NFTs, they unpack what crypto really is, how it works, and how to invest without getting scammed (or losing your digital wallet). Whether you’re a true believer or still think it’s all Monopoly money, we hope to leave you better equipped to answer that eternal barbecue question: “so, what do you reckon about crypto?”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Funerals have become one of the most expensive life events in New Zealand — and for families already stretched, the cost of saying goodbye can add real financial strain. Brent Ruru, founder of Everything Funeral, joins Nadine Higgins to share how Kiwis can plan meaningful farewells without the heavy price tag, and why simpler, more personal options are on the rise.   If you have a question for Nadine, email [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent cuts to the Official Cash Rate and the potential for more to come will be a relief for many borrowers, but the real game changer in getting mortgage free faster isn’t the interest rate. Shelley Palman, financial advisor at enableMe, joins Nadine to share the tips that could see you saying goodbye to your mortgage sooner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We like to think about money in terms of simple maths: earn more, spend less, invest the difference. But the main influence on your bank balance goes beyond just whats coming in and going out. The Money Mentalist, financial coach Lynda Moore, joins Nadine to discuss how our money mindset is what sets the tone for our entire relationship with finance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The best way to get the most out of your credit card? Cut it up. That’s the advice from Luke Kemeys, accountant and host of the ‘Keep the Change’ podcast. Luke joins Nadine to share the reasoning behind his controversial opinion.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asset-rich but cash-poor? You’re not alone. Cam Bagrie, founder of Equity Release NZ,  joins Nadine to talk about the growing range of ways retirees can unlock money tied up in their homes. Covering reverse mortgages and home reversion schemes, Cam explains how each option works, the financial trade-offs, and why family arrangements should also be part of the conversation. Join us for a practical look at how to ease the squeeze of rising costs and make retirement more comfortable.   If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a business fails, it’s not just owners and staff who feel the impact. Customers can be left out of pocket, without products, or fighting to recover deposits. PWC’s John Fisk joins Nadine to explain why more Kiwi companies are likely to collapse, the industries most at risk, and the red flags to look out for before handing over your money.  If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sudden money can feel life-changing, or like a trap. Financial planner Liz Koh joins Nadine to discuss how to handle a windfall without blowing it, from clearing debt to protecting relationships and securing your future. If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s one of those jobs many of us put off - but dying without a Will can leave your loved ones in legal and financial chaos. In fact, if you die without a will, your estate is divided under New Zealand’s Administration Act and there's not much your loved ones can do about it. Holly Edgerton, founder of online will-planning service Succession joins Nadine to explain why it's so important to have a will, what that will should include, and what happens if you never get around to writing one. If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overflowing wardrobe? It might be worth more than you think. Aidan Bartlett, CEO of Designer Wardrobe, joins Nadine to talk about the booming second-hand fashion market. From unlocking the $1000 sitting idle in your closet to sellers making tens of thousands, resale is growing five times faster than traditional retail. Aidan reveals the secrets to getting the best price for your clothes, the role of AI in making selling easier and why buying pre-loved is set to overtake fast fashion by the end of the decade.  If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You got into your first home unscathed, so buying again will be a breeze, right? Wrong. When it comes to moving up the property ladder, going from your first home to your second introduces a whole new level of stress to a homeowner's journey.  Squirrel mortgage adviser Kat McInnes joins Nadine to talk through what can go wrong, and how to avoid sabotaging yourself on the next rung of the ladder.If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax deductions can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what you can and can’t claim if you're running a business or are self-employed. So, what’s a legit deduction and what’s not? How do you make the most of what you can claim without crossing the line? And what happens if the IRD think you've crossed that line? Catriona Knapp, director at Future Focused Accountants ,joins Nadine Higgins to share practical tips, clear up common misconceptions and help you feel confident come tax time.If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the soaring cost of everything from butter and cheese to rates and insurance, tips on how to trim your budget abound. But once that budget's cut to the quick, the only alternative is to earn more. While the need for side hustles can be controversial, Tracy Hemingway – who used them to escape $94,000 of debt and buy her first home in just four years – says they can serve a purpose short term. Now a financial advisor and mortgage broker known as the Debt Free Diva, Tracy joins Nadine Higgins to talk about her side hustle experience and share tips for those wanting to bring in some extra cash. If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private Equity is starting to become part of the asset mix for an increasing number of KiwiSaver providers, with Fisher Funds the latest to ramp up their Private Equity offering.  Many people may think of corporate raiders when it comes to private equity - the type that sell the business off for parts - but how does that image fit with these new changes? And what are the opportunities, and the risks, for KiwiSavers?  This week, Nadine is joined by Fisher Funds’ Chief Investment Officer Ashley Gardyne to discuss how what you need to know about the changing investments.  If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trusts are billed as a way to protect your assets and pass your wealth on to the next generation, and they’ve become a common thing for a family to set-up.    But the rules around them have changed significantly over the years – so are they still useful, or more hassle than they’re worth? Henry Stokes is a trust specialist and Perpetual Guardian’s General Council, and joins Nadine to discuss the ins and outs of trusts, and why most of the 400,000 trusts in New Zealand probably serve no purpose at all. If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know that ‘til death do us part’ doesn’t always end up that way, even if we don't like thinking about it. But divorce can be financially devastating, and some simple errors can make that process even more costly and difficult than it needs to be.  Enable.me financial adviser Shelley Palman, who has been through divorce herself and coached countless clients through the process, joins Nadine this week to discuss the simple do's and don't's when it comes to getting divorced that could help avoid unnecessary costs - and could even help you with your current relationship! If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.