If you’ve looked into ABLE accounts before and found you didn’t qualify, it may be time for another look. A change to the eligibility rules means over a million more veterans can now open one. This Veterans Day, we’re looking at how these accounts work alongside your benefits to give you more options for your money.
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.
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 Murray brought all his finances together with PocketSmith to protect his family's future.
Money tips
After an exciting adventure of the #digitalnomadlife, Rachel returned to New Zealand, facing reverse culture shock and high food prices. Transitioning from freelancing to a new office job after two years, she joined a close-knit team. This return to office life not only taught Rachel about the work and organisation but also offered valuable lessons about money
Money tips
Online dating has become a standard avenue for romance. As the norms around digital dating have evolved, so too have the financial dilemmas it presents. While issues like who pays for dates or when to discuss finances are largely based on personal preference, protecting your financial safety is essential. With the rise of online scams, especially on dating apps, maintaining vigilance is essential.
Money tips
Many families go through daily life without talking much about money, even though it influences everything from meals to milestones. Fresh Moni’s Willie Leota encourages simple, open conversations about money at home to build understanding and reduce stress.
Money tips
If you're neurodivergent, traditional budgeting tools might not feel like they're built for your brain, which can be discouraging. We believe you're not bad at money, you just need tools that work the way you do. We're showing how PocketSmith's flexible features can support your unique thinking style and simpler financial planning.
Money tips
It's tax time somewhere, and that means it's the perfect moment to get your finances in order. Whether you're self-employed, a business owner, or managing your own books, knowing what to tackle at the start of the financial year vs. the end can make all the difference. Sam Harith shares his tax time insights.
Money tips
After months as a digital nomad, working from cafes and cabins around the world, Rachel realised she longed for stability. Ultimately, she decided to quit freelancing and return to New Zealand, embracing a more grounded lifestyle. Rachel shares why she chose to go local and find new fulfilment in her career and life.
Money tips
Conversations about money and ageing can be uncomfortable, but they’re some of the most important ones we’ll ever have. In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth The Happy Saver draws from her own experience to respond to a reader facing the decline of a parent’s health.
Money tips
Political uncertainty can shake our sense of financial security, even when the changes aren't happening in our own backyard. While we can't control these larger forces, we can control how prepared we are. Here are some practical ways to safeguard your finances and stay confident, no matter what's happening on the political stage.
Money tips
Financial literacy is finally finding its place in classrooms — but for many adults, that education came too late or not at all. If you’ve ever felt unsure about budgeting, credit, or how loans actually work, you’re not alone. We’re answering some of the most common financial literacy questions to help you fill in the gaps.
Money tips
A plan for retirement should be an essential part of your financial wellbeing. Unlike traditional employees who have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, self-employed individuals need to take a more proactive approach to saving for retirement. Freelance worker Rachel shares how she’s preparing to enjoy her golden years.
Money tips
Freelancing offers freedom, but unpredictable income can make managing money stressful. In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth shares her tried-and-true approach to creating stability when paydays are anything but regular.
Company
Buried in the good news that the Consumer Data Right (CDR) has reached the next milestone, comes a bombshell: It will let banks charge apps to let consumers access their own data. Contrary to every other country that has implemented CDR, New Zealand is poised to let banks profit from what is a right. It's like having the right to vote, but then being charged $20 at the voting booth.
Money tips
Freelancing can be a game-changer for your career and income, but finding clients requires a strategic approach. Learn from a seasoned freelance copywriter about finding and attracting clients by identifying your ideal clients, establishing online credibility, using your network, and connecting with agencies.
Money tips
Death and taxes are life’s only certainties — and one doesn’t end with the other. After you pass away, your tax obligations live on, creating potential headaches for your loved ones. Accountant Sam Harith covers how to manage your estate and taxes now, so you can make life easier for those you leave behind.
