When you’re building a blended family, money can get complicated fast. In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth explores how to set up a financial system that helps you work as a team without pretending every expense, obligation or family dynamic will look the same.
Money tips
“Christmas happens every year. Don't let it be a surprise”. For all the fun that Christmas provides, it can also be a time filled with money stress. Rachel’s solution? Being prepared as possible. She shares how she gets her finances ready for Christmas with PocketSmith.
Money tips
Influencers come in many shapes and sizes, and social media has seen a surge of financial information and advice fill its feeds. Is it wise to take guidance from these influencers? And what red flags do you need to stay alert for? Emma delves into the world of personal finance influencers.
Money tips
Amicable or not, a divorce or separation can be a stressful time — especially when it comes to your finances. Your income and expenses will most likely shift, so how you manage your money will have to adapt too. Ruth lays out a post-divorce roadmap in this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents.
Money tips
Calling all enterprising folks! While you’re busy with your business plans, you need good support for the constant change and uncertainty you’re dealing with. Matt from the good folks at nowly explains why life insurance should be an essential part of your finances as an entrepreneur.
Money tips
A 2021 study by the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand revealed that 31% of DIY investors who invest online plunged into an investment just because they didn’t want to miss out. The FOMO is real! Emma from The Broke Generation explores why the fear of missing out drives some to take on risky investments, and how to avoid giving into the FOMO.
Money tips
How do you feel about approaching The Bank of Mum and Dad to help you get into your first home? The idea of asking your family for assistance can feel a little embarrassing for some, while for others, it's a welcome lifeline. Ruth The Happy Saver shares her thoughts for first-home buyers, and how to approach this particular path to your first home.
Money tips
Regardless of whether it sends a shiver of thrill or dread up your spine, Christmas is just a couple of months away. Follow Emma’s tips for getting the jump on the silly season to save your wallet, and your sanity, from stress.
Money tips
We’ve all experienced money mistakes that have us asking ourselves, “Was it really worth the money? Could I really afford it?”, which always leads to one of the more frustrating human emotions — regret. For Rachel? She’s incorporated it into how she uses PocketSmith to employ more accountability in her spending.
Money tips
Diversification, making regular payments and staying calm amid market volatility — who knew that these are core tenets of healthy investing no matter what your age or experience is! Teenage investor Jordan is back to update us on his investment journey and the wisdom he’s picked up.
Money tips
When one spouse is more financially-inclined than the other, how can you make sure that you're both invested to make the most of your money? Ruth shares her thoughts in this new edition of Ruth's Two Cents.
Money tips
Interested in dipping your toes into crypto investing? In a market that is exposed to intense fluctuations, employing a bit of caution is the diligent option. WallStreetZen founder Nate Tsang offers his advice for minimizing risk when investing in cryptocurrencies.
Money tips
Thanks to pandemic-fuelled online shopping, the rise of Buy Now Pay Later services has been swift and significant. Emma explores the potential pitfalls of this new form of credit, so you can make informed purchasing decisions when buying now and paying later.
Money tips
If you’ve ever wanted to find out how much money you need to save for retirement or whether you’re on track to meet a particular savings goal, you might have tried to work it out with a pen and paper. Luckily, there’s usually a calculator available online to figure it out.
Money tips
Making our money go further and doing some good while we’re at it — sounds right up our alley! Our friends at Supergenerous help you to do just that, allowing you to regift up to 33% of your charitable donations. CEO and co-founder Guillaume Dehan talks to us about how they’re helping charities all around New Zealand.
Money tips
As inflation continues to rise, those who are self-employed have the unenviable task of contending with the effects on both their personal and business finances. Emma shares some tips for managing the effects of rising inflation in self-employment.
Money tips
When was the last time you read a personal finance book focusing on finances for Kiwis? Frances Cook delivers in spades with her second book, expertly covering topics from FIRE to earning more and controlling what you earn to the basics of investing. Anton shares his thoughts on this excellent read!
Money tips
A recent study revealed that women have significantly less money saved in their KiwiSaver fund, New Zealand’s voluntary retirement savings scheme, compared to their male counterparts. Ruth reflects on her own experiences with saving for retirement when contending with diverse employment and motherhood, and how she’s managed to buck the trend.
Money tips
Deciding to grow your money together is a big step in any relationship. For some, it’s a no-brainer, while for others it might not be a good fit. If you’re thinking about combining your finances with your partner, check out Emma’s considerations to help you make the right decision.
Money tips
Traffic light methodologies are widely used in project, time and even behavioral management — so why not financial management too? Guest writer and PocketSmith super user Rachel uses her own custom traffic light system, and she shows us how she’s combined it with PocketSmith to organize her finances.
Money tips
At the end of 2021, with house prices skyrocketing and rental shortages across the country, journalist Derek Cheng decided to buy a house with a few of his friends. Five months later, he reflects on his experience and shares some intriguing insights.
Money tips
How do you raise financially resilient kids? For Head of Marketing Dora, getting her teenage son, Jordan, started on his investing journey early was vital. It’s been a few weeks since he opened an account with investment platform, Sharesies, and he shares his experiences making his first investment with us.
Money tips
In this very first edition of Ruth's Two Cents, Ruth answers the burning question any parent or caregiver has - how do you give your kids the best financial head start?
Money tips
As the end of the financial year in Australia approaches, we’ve pulled together some essential reading from our partner, Sharesight, that will help you be prepared, get on top of your investments, and have a straightforward tax filing season.
Money tips
As a company founded by a couple of enterprising young blokes who wanted to make a positive difference in the world, we fully believe in the significance of entrepreneurship! Our friends at nowly champion the value of this too, and they’re sharing how many entrepreneurs are a force for driving real change.