The Prosperity Project

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you simply can’t afford to pay your debts? FinCap financial mentor Charlotte Whitakker joins The Prosperity Project to explain the options available when debt becomes overwhelming — from negotiating with lenders and hardship applications to KiwiSaver withdrawals, debt repayment orders and bankruptcy. Plus, why buy now, pay later can fuel a debt spiral, when you should seek help, and why getting support earlier can make all the difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying or selling a house is a complicated and often confusing process that real estate agents are smack in the middle of, and stand to benefit from. So what should we share when dealing with an agent, and what should we keep close to our chest? Barfoot & Thompson real estate agent Ryan Harding joins Nadine Higgins to explain what you need to consider as a vendor or a buyer, the things agents are obligated to disclose, whether commissions are negotiable, how to spot an inflated appraisal and which sales method could get the best result. He also reveals why conditional buyers may need to pay more, what really happens when an auction passes in, and which buyers won't reap the rewards of a 'buyer's market.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moving into a retirement village can offer community, convenience and freedom from maintaining a family home — but the financial arrangement is very different from buying property. Anthony Harper law firm partner Jenny Baldwin explains occupation right agreements, ongoing fees, capital gains, deferred management fees, exit delays and the potential cost of moving into aged care. Plus, what residents and their families should check before signing anything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you raising a child who thinks money just appears? From pocket money and piggy banks to KiwiSaver, first jobs and the temptation to bail them out, the lessons start much earlier than many parents realise. So, should chores earn cash? When should children start investing? And when is it better to let them make a mistake? Hayden Mulholland from Become Wealth joins Nadine on The Prosperity Project to explain how to raise kids who actually understand money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home can feel impossible, but you may be closer than you think. Mortgage adviser Michelle Isemonger joins Nadine Higgins to explain how to prepare before applying for finance, what banks are looking for and whether you really need a 20% deposit. They also cover pre-approval, KiwiSaver, auctions, insurance, buying with friends, credit card limits and the common mistakes that can derail a mortgage application. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR has risen, but does that automatically mean your mortgage rate will rise with it? Economist and commentator Bernard Hickey explains what really drives fixed mortgage rates, why New Zealand’s banks remain exceptionally profitable, and whether the Reserve Bank has moved too soon while the economy remains weak. He also decodes the jargon surrounding monetary policy — including hawks, doves, neutral rates, LVRs and DTIs — and considers whether New Zealand can build a functioning economy without relying on house prices to keep climbing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa says solar can now pay off faster than many households realise, but the biggest savings come from understanding how your home actually uses energy. From gas hot water to EVs, batteries and green loans, Mike and Nadine break down what to weigh up before going electric. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think back to 1996. Dial-up internet, bulky desktop computers and no KiwiSaver. Investing looked very different. And most New Zealanders had never even heard of Exchange Traded Funds. In this special episode of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins sits down with PJ Harding to explore 30 years of investing in New Zealand, how access has changed, and how kiwis can get started on their investing journey to build wealth for the future. For 30 years, Smart’s been helping New Zealanders invest and grow their wealth, including launching NZ’s first Exchange Traded Fund back in 1996. Find out more at smartinvest.co.nz This episode is brought to you by Smart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government currently spends about a billion dollars a fortnight on superannuation payments, it's a growing problem that we're running out of time to address. So who shouldn’t be counting on getting the pension in future? Shamubeel Eaqub, Simplicity chief economist and head of policy, joins Nadine Higgins with some hot takes about the future of NZ's pension scheme and his thoughts on proposed changes to KiwiSaver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Landlords, capital gains tax and the future of property investing. Owner of 43 properties and founder of Opes Partners, Andrew Nicol, joins Nadine Higgins to explain why he thinks mum-and-dad investors have become an easy political targe and why he still has faith in housing despite the market slump. He also shares his thoughts on what New Zealanders should be doing to prepare for retirement and where he stands on the idea of a capital gains tax. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX has gone public in the biggest IPO in history, with OpenAI and Anthropic expected to follow. Together, the three companies could be worth more than US$3 trillion. So are they the investment opportunity of a lifetime, or the next great tech bubble? Fisher Funds portfolio manager Sam Dickie joins Nadine Higgins to break down the hype, the risks and what investors need to know. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could an old job be holding money you’ve forgotten about? In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins speaks to NZBritannia founder Alun Rees-Williams about the UK pension money many Kiwis lose track of after working overseas. Some people discover multiple pension schemes from different jobs, and in rare cases, the amounts can be life-changing. They discuss why these funds are so easy to forget, how UK pensions differ from KiwiSaver, what to consider before transferring money back to New Zealand, and why the worst mistake is simply losing track of what exists. Even if you’ve never worked in the UK, it’s a useful reminder to keep tabs on every retirement account attached to your working life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IRD is ramping up crypto enforcement and some investors are discovering they owe tax on gains that have long since disappeared. Crypto tax specialist Tim Doyle joins Nadine Higgins to explain why even small investors are now in the IRD's sights, the mistakes that create nightmare tax bills and what to do if you've fallen behind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us enter negotiations with a level of awkwardness and trying not to sound greedy. It's not the strongest tactic, but nor is making demands based on your perceived value. Negotiating expert and founder of Sheer Negotiations, Noa Sheer, joins Nadine to share her advice on how to handle everything from salary reviews to buying a house, The pair discuss the psychology behind successful negotiating and why women often undersell themselves before the conversation even starts. There are simple mistakes that could cost you thousands, and a few tricks that could help you reach your negotiating goals. Noa also explains why 'winning' isn’t always about money, and how understanding what really matters to both parties can completely change the outcome. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders owe 9.5billion dollars in overdue tax, with small business owners and the self-employed most likely to get behind. Director of Future Focused Accountants, Catriona Knapp, joins Nadine to explain what can go wrong if you don't get on top of your tax obligations and why it's better to face the debt head-on than bury your head in the sand. With the IRD cracking down on collecting overdue tax, now is the time to school up on what you need to know to avoid a knock on your door from the taxman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are rising again, fuel prices are climbing and many homeowners are wondering what to do next. But according to Squirrel mortgage adviser Adam Clark, too many Kiwis are focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Prosperity Project, Adam joins Nadine Higgins to unpack the psychology of mortgages, why obsessing over tiny rate differences can backfire, and the financial habits that quietly cost borrowers hundreds of thousands over the life of a loan. They also dive into refinancing, cashback offers, fixing strategies, mortgage structures, EV lending and the dangerous temptation of “cheap debt”. Plus: Why banks hike rates before the Reserve Bank moves The truth about cashback “free money” Why fixing for the shortest term isn’t always smartest See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one thing to talk about money, and and something else entirely to talk to it. But for Rachel Davies, that shift changed everything. Rachel and her Hi Money co-founder Angela Meyer join Nadine to unpack the emotional side of money. From avoidance and binge spending to deeply held beliefs about luck, scarcity and security, they argue most of us don’t have a knowledge problem, we have a relationship problem. They share the therapy-style exercise that reframed their thinking, why so many people still rely on “it’ll work out somehow”, and the hidden costs women face, from the wage gap to the pink tax. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping your kids get ahead financially sounds simple, but get it wrong and things unravel fast. Wealth and succession lawyer Andrew Clements has seen what happens when it goes wrong, from family disputes to parents losing their homes. He joins Nadine Higgins to talk about why undocumented support can become a legal minefield, his one firm rule against guarantees, and why even advice from banks can put families at risk. Plus, why treating support as a loan not a gift can protect both your money and your relationships, and the one conversation every parent should have before offering help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine having a financial adviser in your pocket. With AI innovations transforming what finance apps are capable of, that reality might not be too far away. Instead of just tracking your spending, saving and investments, advances internationally are increasingly seeing the apps able to do everything from scanning the market for better deals or returns, to making recommendations and then executing them on your behalf. Josh Daniell, the co-founder of Akahu – which connects bank accounts to third-party tools like tracking apps – joins Nadine to talk through the rapidly evolving world of finance apps. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 YouTube See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See 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 nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.