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.

It’s one thing to decide to move on from a job or career, but what happens when you’re at the top of your game and your job just... evaporates?  After many years as a television journalist, Melissa Chan-Green was co-hosting The AM Show on Three when Warner Bros. Discovery announced it was closing Newshub and its associated shows.   So how do you navigate the financial side of redundancy, and then find your feet again in a shrinking industry?  Melissa Chan-Green joins Nadine this week on The Prosperity Project to talk about her approach to money in the media industry, how redundancy allowed her to redefine herself, and how she went about finding a new purpose.  You can find School Shorts - Melissa's new podcast for parents - wherever your get your podcasts.  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.

When it comes to investing, we all know the usual suspects – shares, bonds, property, gold.  But the latest Financial Services Council report found 7% of people have ‘collectables’ among their investments.  So what makes something you like to collect an investment ... and how do you make money out of it?  Gertjan Verdickt is a finance expert at the University of Auckland, who has written a book about ‘passion’ investing, The Passion Portfolio, and he joins Nadine this week to explain how it all works.  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.

The Māori Millionaire Te Kahukura Boynton is a young wahine on a mission to change not just her own money mindset and financial trajectory, but that of her people.  At just 21, she is a podcaster, entrepreneur and now the author of Māori Millionaire – A Beginner’s Guide to Building Better Money Habits. She joins Nadine this week to talk her journey, how close she is to becoming a millionaire, and why prioritising her health is a key part of that journey.  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.

New Zealanders are among the most underinsured in the OECD, according to the Financial Services Council.   We insure our cars, our houses and our other stuff, but not what is arguably our biggest asset - ourselves.  Givealittle fundraisers for families that have hit hard times and need help have become increasingly common. But is insurance the answer, and if so, why don’t more of us have it?  Today, Nadine is digging into the specifics of insurance, and our avoidance of it, with insurance adviser Willie Moala. 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.

After a decade in a career, it’s perhaps not unusual that you’d consider doing something different, but some career changes can be bolder than others.   Morgan Penn is a somatic sexologist, and co-host of the multi-award-winning juggernaut of a podcast, Sex.Life.   But before that, she spent 15 years in the media – so this was not just your regular run-of-the-mill career change. She joins Nadine to talk about her financial journey - what motivated her career change, how she made the finances work, and how she has handled turning herself and her own story into a brand.  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.

Sharemarkets have been like the wild west this year. We’re told to ‘buy the dip’ because that’s when shares are on a big briscoes-esque sale, but before you know you’ve blinked, and the dip is done So if you’re just getting started dabbling in investing and have been thrown by the year's events so far, what do you need to know about the mechanics of it? How do you invest internationally, and can you invest in some of the biggest companies imaginable?  Nadine is running through the lot with co-founder, director and 3EO of Sharesies, Leighton Roberts.  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.

Owning a pet can bring aso much joy to your life - but it can also bring some big expenses.  Some people can spend a fortune on their pets, and as they get older, those costs often increase. And that's before you factor in breeds and how that can impact what you spend.  To talk about some of the costs that you need to be prepared for, this week Nadine is joined by Michelle de Long, chief operating officer at PD Pet Insurance 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.

The Government has unveiled the latest Budget, and it is full of things that are likely to affect your back pocket in one way or another – with changes to KiwiSaver, Best Start, JobSeeker benefits, and Working for Families.  If all the headlines sent you a bit cross eyed, don’t worry - today we’re going to step you through the detail so you know what you’re dealing with.  To help us do that, Nadine is joined by the NZ Herald's Wellington Business Editor, Jenée Tibshraeny, to discuss the big changes and how they impact you. 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.

Buying property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and in this country, it can be really difficult to achieve.   For most of us, the most important first step is to qualify for a mortgage.  So, how do you improve your chances of getting the lending you need to be in the market, and what do you need to know about what you’ve signed up for?  This week, Nadine talks with director of The Loan Market and senior advisor Cam Marcroft to get all the tips and tricks you need to get on the property 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.

The average wedding in New Zealand is on the rise - once thought to be around $30,000, that cost for higher-end weddings has doubled in recent years. Finance companies often feature pictures of weddings when touting their high-interest loans, but debt is no way to start your life of wedded bliss. So how can you avoid financial stress when planning your big day?  This week, Nadine is joined by Astrid Braid, wedding planner at PS I Love You Events, to talk through what costs you should look at cutting on your big day, and which ones are worth investing the big bucks in.  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.

Kiwis are pretty familiar with the idea of investing in property, but more often than not, it’s in houses, apartments, or other types of residential property.  But more and more people are asking if they should instead consider commercial property. This week, Nadine talks with CEO of property investment firm Rethink Group, and commercial property investor, Scott O’Neill, to discuss the ins and outs of commercial property.  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.

How long could you last if your income stopped tomorrow? Culd you handle a big, unexpected bill without going into debt? And how often do you worry about money?  Those are all metrics in the Financial Resilience Index, a survey on Kiwis’ money habits and stability - so what does it tell us, and crucially, what should we do with that information?  This week, Nadine is talking with the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council, Kirk Hope, about what his organisation's survey tells us about Kiwis and their money.  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.

The path to becoming a social media influencer or content creator is one a lot of people aspire to these days - in fact, one survey suggested 57 percent for Gen Zers want that career path.  But how easy it is to get into this path, and make it pay?  Julian Sewell is a Kiwi who’s made it big on Instagram and TikTok, although you may know him as his silver haired alter ego, Paloma Diamond.   His first video parodying the Hollywood awards season in 2023 now has over 23 million views on TikTok, and he has 3 million followers across that platform and Instagram. He joins Nadine this week to discuss how his career blew up, and how one actually makes money from social media. 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.

When the US President Donald Trump announced a pause on reciprocal tariffs last week, prompting a massive rally on the markets - he admitted he did so after watching the bond market.  So, why is the bond market so significant, and what do you need to know about how it works - especially given you likely own some in your KiwiSaver fund! Today, Nadine is joined by Matt Logan from Fisher Funds to discuss what the bond market is, how it all works, and how you can invest in it.  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.

More than 3.3 million New Zealanders are in KiwiSaver, and they now have more than $110 billion invested  - but too many of us are not making the most of the scheme.  So this week, Nadine is joined by finance expert, columnist and author Mary Holm, who has just revised and updated her 8th book, Rich Enough, to get some guidance on how to ensure you are making the most from the scheme. If you have a question you want answered, or a financial story to share, get in touch at [email protected]  To compare KiwiSaver funds, Mary recommended the Sorted calculator: https://sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-fund-finder/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.