money money money

Live from Auckland, listeners ask about housing in retirement, lowering mortgages with tight budgets, and practical spending guardrails. The conversation contrasts passive index funds with active strategies and compares KiwiSaver allocations. Career and mental health as top investments in your 20s get attention, plus simple ETF approaches, insurance basics and tips to curb impulsive spending.

Vince Scully, portfolio manager at Life Sherpa and financial adviser, gives practical guidance on property, budgeting and insurance. He covers buying with a 10% vs 20% deposit and how LMI and brokers factor in. He talks about realistic savings after having kids and the income trade-offs of reduced hours. He also outlines practical steps for resolving workplace pay disputes.

They debate whether extra cash should go to the mortgage, super or an investment account. The conversation digs into household finances, emergency funds, insurance and recent equity withdrawals. A big focus is on boosting the husband’s career income to speed up retirement plans. Practical moves include prioritising mortgage payments while continuing to invest and build long-term income.

Phil Thompson, specialist financial adviser at Skye Wealth who focuses on personal insurance, underwriting and claims. He answers practical questions about when to get cover, how underwriting and price interact, mental health considerations and exclusions. They compare holding cover inside versus outside super, explain child cover, mixing insurers and when it might be safe to cancel.

Dawn Thomas, Perth-based financial adviser and podcaster, chats with Glen about his investing book and engaging younger people in financial conversations. They cover knowing your investing why, treating your career as a key asset, building budgeting foundations, and simple step-by-step investing actions. Short, practical and focused on getting started.

John Pidgeon, property market commentator; Rachelle Kroon, property manager and tax-savvy advisor. They debate when to stop financially supporting adult children. They explain offset accounts versus savings and where to keep an emergency fund. They cover renting out your home, valuation and tax timing. They discuss aggressive mortgage payoff plans, buying investment property now, debt recycling, and cost-saving home upgrades.

A single mum explains her move to remote mining work with housing provided and a high income. They break down her pay, debts and a $45k annual leftover. Practical steps are discussed: emergency cash targets, car loan options, salary sacrifice limits and automating savings. The conversation weighs three paths for the windfall: cash for a home, shares or an investment property, and planning for life after the site closes.

They tackle how much to offer on a first home and practical negotiation tactics. They explore readiness for early retirement for a single parent and short-term bridge strategies. They compare investment options like ETFs versus property and discuss cash flexibility and super considerations. They share listener 2026 goals and concrete next steps for new parents balancing savings and family life.

Kayla Malss, podcast host and marketing pro who built photography and copywriting side hustles. She discusses why people start side income, how to tell hobby from business, practical first steps like validating demand and setting up ABN/banking, and sensible tax and bookkeeping habits. Short, actionable conversation about starting and managing side hustles without losing control.

John Pidgeon, property podcaster and commentator, joins to unpack interest rate moves, who gains and who loses from rising rates, and practical mortgage and budgeting tips. They also discuss a leaked AFR report on possible cuts to the 50% capital gains tax discount, potential renter impacts, and state-level housing supply ideas.