Could a $5,000 investment at birth help set every New Zealander up for retirement?

Nadine Higgins speaks to Fraser Whineray about his KiwiSaver 2.0 proposal, including automatic enrolment at birth, compulsory employer contributions that rise gradually over time, and bringing the self-employed into the system.

They also discuss the trade-offs around first-home withdrawals, who ultimately pays for higher contributions, and why Whineray wants KiwiSaver access protected from changes to the pension age.

Could a $5,000 investment at birth help set every New Zealander up for retirement?
Nadine Higgins speaks to Fraser Whineray about his KiwiSaver 2.0 proposal, including automatic enrolment at birth, compulsory employer contributions that rise gradually over time, and bringing the self-employed into the system.
They also discuss the trade-offs around first-home withdrawals, who ultimately pays for higher contributions, and why Whineray wants KiwiSaver access protected from changes to the pension age.

What would a better KiwiSaver actually look like?

Think you know where your money goes? Small, everyday purchases can add up to a very different picture — and cancelling a subscription might only be the start.

Nadine Higgins is joined by James Blair, Wealth Director at Lighthouse Financial, to explain how to give your finances a spring clean. They discuss setting realistic goals, identifying spending that doesn’t match your priorities, and using automatic payments to keep your savings on track.

Plus, how to approach mortgage repayments, why insurance needs change over time, what to review in your KiwiSaver, and why chasing shortcuts can put you further behind.

Think you know where your money goes? Small, everyday purchases can add up to a very different picture &mdash; and cancelling a subscription might only be the start.
Nadine Higgins is joined by James Blair, Wealth Director at Lighthouse Financial, to explain how to give your finances a spring clean. They discuss setting realistic goals, identifying spending that doesn&rsquo;t match your priorities, and using automatic payments to keep your savings on track.
Plus, how to approach mortgage repayments, why insurance needs change over time, what to review in your KiwiSaver, and why chasing shortcuts can put you further behind.

Why your budget isn’t working

Can likes and followers turn into a full-time income?

On The Prosperity Project, Nadine talks to talent manager Molly about the business behind social media influencing, from brand deals worth thousands to valuable freebies and the work that goes into every post.

They explore how creators earn money, why going viral doesn’t guarantee a lasting career, and what happens when the algorithm changes or the offers dry up.

Can likes and followers turn into a full-time income?
On The Prosperity Project, Nadine talks to talent manager Molly about the business behind social media influencing, from brand deals worth thousands to valuable freebies and the work that goes into every post.
They explore how creators earn money, why going viral doesn&rsquo;t guarantee a lasting career, and what happens when the algorithm changes or the offers dry up.

How much money do influencers really make?

If the house is in your name, is it yours? If you keep separate accounts, are your finances really separate? And what happens when an inheritance goes towards the mortgage?

On The Prosperity Project, lawyer and founder of Succession NZ Holly Egerton unpacks common misconceptions about relationship property in New Zealand, including homes, businesses, trusts and debt.

Drawing on a decade in the field and her own lengthy separation, she explains why verbal promises can leave people exposed, what contracting out agreements can cover, and why a 50/50 split may leave partners in very different financial positions.

If the house is in your name, is it yours? If you keep separate accounts, are your finances really separate? And what happens when an inheritance goes towards the mortgage?
On The Prosperity Project, lawyer and founder of Succession NZ Holly Egerton unpacks common misconceptions about relationship property in New Zealand, including homes, businesses, trusts and debt.
Drawing on a decade in the field and her own lengthy separation, she explains why verbal promises can leave people exposed, what contracting out agreements can cover, and why a 50/50 split may leave partners in very different financial positions.

The breakup myths that could cost you half your home

Buying an established business can give you customers, systems and revenue from day one. But how do you know whether the asking price reflects what you’ll actually earn?

On The Prosperity Project, Nadine talks to The Comic Accountant Sam Harith about the checks to make before buying a business. They discuss financial statements, debt, cash flow, the difference between buying assets and shares, and the risks of taking over a franchise or a business whose customers are loyal to its current owner.

They also ask the question every prospective buyer should consider: are you buying a business, or buying yourself a job?

Buying an established business can give you customers, systems and revenue from day one. But how do you know whether the asking price reflects what you&rsquo;ll actually earn?
On The Prosperity Project, Nadine talks to The Comic Accountant Sam Harith about the checks to make before buying a business. They discuss financial statements, debt, cash flow, the difference between buying assets and shares, and the risks of taking over a franchise or a business whose customers are loyal to its current owner.
They also ask the question every prospective buyer should consider: are you buying a business, or buying yourself a job?

Before you buy a business, check what you’re really getting

What if, instead of trying to stick to a budget yourself, you handed over your pay and let someone else manage it?

Australian budgeting service MyBudget has launched in New Zealand, offering to receive clients’ income into a trust account, pay their bills, put money aside for future expenses and savings, and transfer back an agreed amount for everyday spending.

It’s an unusual model — and not a cheap one.

On The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins asks whether outsourcing your finances can genuinely help people get out of debt and build savings, or whether paying someone thousands of dollars a year to manage your own money is a step too far.

What if, instead of trying to stick to a budget yourself, you handed over your pay and let someone else manage it?
Australian budgeting service MyBudget has launched in New Zealand, offering to receive clients&rsquo; income into a trust account, pay their bills, put money aside for future expenses and savings, and transfer back an agreed amount for everyday spending.
It&rsquo;s an unusual model &mdash; and not a cheap one.
On The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins asks whether outsourcing your finances can genuinely help people get out of debt and build savings, or whether paying someone thousands of dollars a year to manage your own money is a step too far.

The budgeting service that takes control of your pay

If you suddenly became unable to make your own decisions, would your spouse or family automatically be able to step in?

Not necessarily.

An enduring power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your finances or make decisions about your personal care and welfare if you can’t. Without one, your family could face an expensive and stressful court process at an already difficult time.

In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we look at how enduring powers of attorney work, who you should appoint, the risks of getting it wrong, and why it’s worth putting one in place long before you think you’ll need it.

If you suddenly became unable to make your own decisions, would your spouse or family automatically be able to step in?
Not necessarily.
An enduring power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your finances or make decisions about your personal care and welfare if you can&rsquo;t. Without one, your family could face an expensive and stressful court process at an already difficult time.
In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we look at how enduring powers of attorney work, who you should appoint, the risks of getting it wrong, and why it&rsquo;s worth putting one in place long before you think you&rsquo;ll need it.

If you lose capacity, who actually makes your decisions?

No new taxes. Free GP visits. Cheaper public transport. Solar subsidies. KiwiSaver changes.

The election promises are coming thick and fast — but what will they actually mean for your finances?

On The Prosperity Project, Katie Bradford joins Nadine Higgins to unpack how the major parties’ policies could affect your wallet, from tax and rates to KiwiSaver, student loans, solar panels, small businesses and the cost of funding New Zealand’s infrastructure.

Because however appealing the promises sound, there’s one unavoidable question: who ultimately pays for them?

No new taxes. Free GP visits. Cheaper public transport. Solar subsidies. KiwiSaver changes.
The election promises are coming thick and fast &mdash; but what will they actually mean for your finances?
On The Prosperity Project, Katie Bradford joins Nadine Higgins to unpack how the major parties&rsquo; policies could affect your wallet, from tax and rates to KiwiSaver, student loans, solar panels, small businesses and the cost of funding New Zealand&rsquo;s infrastructure.
Because however appealing the promises sound, there&rsquo;s one unavoidable question: who ultimately pays for them?

Who really pays for election promises?

Buying a home used to mean checking the LIM, getting a builder’s report and sorting the mortgage. But natural hazards, insurance restrictions and increasingly complex property issues mean buyers now have much more to consider.

Solicitor and Landley Law director Sue Foley joins Nadine Higgins to explain the red flags buyers should look for, why insurance needs to be considered early, what sellers are required to disclose and why relying on someone else’s building report could leave you exposed.

Buying a home used to mean checking the LIM, getting a builder&rsquo;s report and sorting the mortgage. But natural hazards, insurance restrictions and increasingly complex property issues mean buyers now have much more to consider.
Solicitor and Landley Law director Sue Foley joins Nadine Higgins to explain the red flags buyers should look for, why insurance needs to be considered early, what sellers are required to disclose and why relying on someone else&rsquo;s building report could leave you exposed.

The home-buying red flags you can’t afford to ignore

How often should you review your KiwiSaver — and what should you actually be looking at?

In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we talk through what matters when reviewing your KiwiSaver, from your retirement goals and contribution levels to fees, fund types and provider performance.

Financial commentator Russell Hutchinson explains why you shouldn’t just chase last year’s top-performing fund, how to think about active versus passive management, and why performance after fees is what really counts.

Plus, is checking your KiwiSaver balance every week helpful — or just a distraction?

How often should you review your KiwiSaver &mdash; and what should you actually be looking at?
In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we talk through what matters when reviewing your KiwiSaver, from your retirement goals and contribution levels to fees, fund types and provider performance.
Financial commentator Russell Hutchinson explains why you shouldn&rsquo;t just chase last year&rsquo;s top-performing fund, how to think about active versus passive management, and why performance after fees is what really counts.
Plus, is checking your KiwiSaver balance every week helpful &mdash; or just a distraction?

How to know if your KiwiSaver is working for you

The Prosperity Project is a weekly personal finance podcast from the NZ Herald. Join host Nadine Higgins every Monday as she talks to experts from New Zealand and around the world about the biggest money issues to help you become more prosperous.  

Follow The Prosperity Project on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. To get in touch with the podcast, email nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz 

The Prosperity Project is a weekly personal finance podcast from the NZ Herald. Join host Nadine Higgins every Monday as she talks to experts from New Zealand and around the world about the biggest money issues to help you become more prosperous.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Follow The Prosperity Project on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. To get in touch with the podcast, email <a href="mailto:nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz">nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz</a>&nbsp;

The Prosperity Project

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