This month, Emma Edwards is keeping a very honest spending diary as life ramps up for the silly season — gym mornings, book launches, TV spots, gift cards, hash browns and all. Using PocketSmith to tag and separate it all (business vs personal, solo treats vs social plans), she looks at the feelings behind each transaction, not just the total at the bottom.
Money tips
Starting in 2026, millions of people who were previously shut out of ABLE accounts will finally be allowed in, thanks to a long-delayed change in the age-of-onset rules. It won't magically fix asset limits, discrimination, or every broken rule you're dealing with, but it can make it easier to save, cover housing and other big needs, and keep vital benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
Money tips
Rachel's great at saving, less great at spending on purpose. To keep money from gathering dust, she added a Splurge category in PocketSmith — a small, non-negotiable pot to use every month. It's her circuit breaker, helping her step out of the Savings Spiral and into a healthier, more generous, and more present relationship with money.
Product feature
A brand new look for the web application has been released. This is the first major change to the overall feel of the application since 2015 and we're really excited to introduce it to you!
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Bede uses PocketSmith to track every trip, compare cities and countries, and enjoy a relaxed, well-funded retirement.
Money tips
Charitable giving lands best when it’s planned. In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth shows how to budget for generosity: start with time if cash is tight, set a weekly amount or income percentage into a ‘Giving’ fund, and give freely to pick causes that fit your values.
Money tips
Being single comes with freedom and independence, but it can also mean higher costs. The so-called 'singles tax' isn't a real tax, but the extra expenses that come from living solo without someone to share the bills. Why does living solo often cost more? This is the reality of the singles tax — and some practical ways to ease its impact on your finances.
Company
The New Zealand government has legislated that banks are not allowed to charge for open banking, an about-face from the draft legislation stating that banks could charge up to $5 a month for consumers to have access to their own data. While this is a win for New Zealanders, it's worth keeping in mind that pay-to-play open banking should never have been on the table in the first place.
Money tips
Investing can be a scary topic that many lack the confidence to tackle. Simran Kaur shares advice and knowledge to give you confidence to start dabbling in investments. Do you feel confident to kick-start your investing journey? Read on and find out how to overcome the gaps standing between you and the fruits of investing.
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Travis uses PocketSmith to forecast life's what-ifs and make confident money decisions for his family.
Interviews
"The funny thing about risk is that not doing anything is the biggest risk. This is something true of investing as it is true about life." Prashant from share portfolio tracker Sharesight is a techie-turned-investor with a soft spot for diversification. We pulled up a chair with him for the latest Fireside Finance.
Company
Intersekt 2025 in Melbourne was buzzing with ideas, energy, and connection. From debates on AI and financial inclusion to candid conversations about the human realities of money, the conference gave us both inspiration and clarity. The team shares what they learned, what inspired them, and what moments will stay with them long after the conference ended.
Money tips
A podcast is the perfect low-effort entertainment for busy lives, and New Zealand and Australia do it best. Here are some of our favourite financial podcasts for 2025 from down under, full of financial knowledge to help you become more confident in managing your money.
Interviews
Living abroad means more than a new address — it means navigating life across currencies, systems, and cultures. From their base in Guadalajara, Mexico, Americans Justin and Amanda have built both a life and a business around helping others do the same. In this interview with Brynne from Femme Frugality, they share how love, multi-currency living, and digital nomad entrepreneurship shaped their thriving expat journey.
Money tips
Parenting doesn’t stop when your kids leave home, and sometimes that means offering financial help. But how do you support them without creating dependency? In the latest edition of Ruth's Two Cents, Ruth The Happy Saver shares her two cents on striking the balance and why financial literacy is key.
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Wendy keeps everything in one place with PocketSmith, from 29 business components to her grocery plan.
Money tips
Spending half her income on rent might raise eyebrows, but for Rachel, it's about more than cost — it's about value. In a region known for its beauty and high living expenses, she's chosen safety, convenience, and a lifestyle that fits her priorities. Here's why, despite the price tag, she thinks it's worth every cent.
Money tips
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best. The real trick is finding the balance between cost and experience. With smart planning and the right tools, Michelle from Traveloka shows how you can save money while still enjoying a fulfilling trip.
Company
PocketSmith joined industry leaders at FinTech Australia’s CDR Summit in Sydney, a key annual event exploring the potential of open banking and data rights. Representing Aotearoa New Zealand, CEO Jason Leong shared a perspective shaped by years of building with open banking across global markets.
Product feature
Bring your partner, kids, parents, business, or clients together under one PocketSmith subscription and save 40% on extra accounts. With Family Groups and optional Shared Access, you can manage money collaboratively while keeping everyone's finances private, secure, and tailored to their needs.
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Luan simplified life’s big moves with PocketSmith’s budgeting tools.
Money tips
The UK's neobanks and money apps are shaking up old-school banking with smart features and slick interfaces designed for modern money management. With smart features and sleek designs, these digital-first platforms are changing the way we manage money. Emma's rounded up the top contenders making waves right now.
Money tips
Neurodivergent people often need flexible tools to manage money in ways that work for them. We explore how PocketSmith supports different neurodivergent needs with customisation, visual tools, and smart guardrails — featuring Sarah, an autistic user who shared how PocketSmith helps her budget confidently across currencies.
Money tips
Is downsizing in retirement the smart move or an emotional minefield? In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth responds to a newly retired reader torn between the practical benefits of selling their longtime home and the emotional weight of leaving it behind.
