Keep The Change

Ever stopped to ask yourself: Who am I if I’m not working? Well today we are. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of identity, exploring how we attach it to our jobs, what happens when work is taken away (thanks AI or unemployment), and why it's so important to know who you are beyond your title. I’ll ask you a few tough questions, share some real-world examples, and challenge you to define you not your job, upbringing, school or the clothes you wear.This is for deep thinkers and something we don’t talk enough about. Set your identity up to serve you, not hinder you. I have a goal to help 100,000 Kiwis improve their financial literacy. Generate KiwiSaver Scheme has sponsored Keep The Change to help me reach more people and make this a reality. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The kitchen might still be tiny. The roof still leaks in winter. The location hasn’t changed. The utility and intended use (shelter and sleep) of many of these houses hasn’t even improved. To be fair, many have depreciated. What changed was the number on the bank’s spreadsheet and therefore…what that number could let you borrow. But now, it feels like we’re seeing the full effects. And it’s hitting the next generations HARD. One generation must pass the debt to the next to keep the whole thing going! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we sit down with Nathan Najib, Managing Director of Najib Real Estate in Christchurch, to explore a refreshing perspective on the New Zealand property market.We discuss:  •  Why Nathan refuses to “spruik” the property market.  •  The key variables behind house prices in NZ that the economists miss  •  Whether we really own our homes?  •  What the future of NZ may look like?While many real estate agents are keen to hype the market, Nathan takes a different approach focusing on transparency, people-first values, and long-term trust. How? Being realistic about house prices. From starting in real estate at just 19, to founding Najib Real Estate in 2016, Nathan has built a reputation for being honest, community-minded, and unafraid to challenge the industry status quo.Find Nathan Najib:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathannajib/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@najibrealestate929Website: https://www.najibrealestate.co.nz (https://www.najibrealestate.co.nz/)Amy from https://levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning.Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridgeWebsite: https://www.levridge.co.nzI have a goal to help 100,000 Kiwis improve their financial literacy. Generate KiwiSaver Scheme has sponsored Keep The Change to help me reach more people and make this a reality. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about one belief I keep seeing lately: The 'Have you seen the cost of living? The average Kiwi can't afford to save right now'. I get it. I really do. But you’ve got to be careful not to stay stuck there. Because saving or investing is a habit not a moment. And I’ve seen this thinking in both good and bad economic times. Why, in the tough economic times, will the debt dealers still happily give us money with interest-free finance or buy now, pay later? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with Amy Po-Ching of https://www.levridge.co.nz to find out what she is seeing out there and it is one word: uncertainty. Kiwi are stuck with what decision to make and what direction to go in. All of this in a time where we’ve never had more information. Perhaps that is part of the problem? Because realistically, Kiwi today can build more financial certainty than ever before. Drawing on her DIY Financial Plan framework, Amy shares steps she uses with clients to gain clarity on their current position, set bold yet realistic goals, and choose strategies that actually work in New Zealand’s economy. From balancing lifestyle with long-term security, you’ll hear why the path to financial freedom might be clearer than you think.As always, no part of this podcast is intended as financial advice; it is intended as general information only.Amy from Levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning. Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridgeWebsite: https://www.levridge.co.nzI have a goal to help 100,000 Kiwis improve their financial literacy. Generate KiwiSaver Scheme has sponsored Keep The Change to help me reach more people and make this a reality. Cheers Generate. Head to https://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I recently sat down with Willie Leota on the Fresh Moni podcast for a deep dive into New Zealand's economy, the recent budget, and what Kiwis can actually do about their financial situation.Checkout more podcasts from Willie on his channel Fresh Moni: https://www.youtube.com/@willieleotafreshmoni/I believe 100,000 kiwi with better financial literacy will create a better New Zealand. The Generate KiwiSaver Scheme are helping me reach this goal. Cheers Generate. Head to https://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealanders pride themselves on the laid-back lifestyle but in life, being too cruisey can cost you. In a world that’s moving faster than ever, speed is a competitive advantage. Speed in decision-making. Speed in execution. Speed in learning.First, you have to know where you’re going and what you’re doing it for. While others are still “thinking about it,” you’ve already tested, iterated, and improved. Speed creates momentum. It brings clarity. It exposes what works and what doesn’t, faster.And for those who hate speed, being slow doesn’t always mean being thoughtful it often means being fearful, indecisive, or stuck in perfectionism. Kiwis need to shake off the “she’ll be right” mentality when it comes to life and growth.Move faster than you’re comfortable with. Then watch how quickly things start happening.Generate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I overheard an older gentleman talking about how great KiwiSaver is for younger people. He said: “My kids are going to have millions in there by the time they’re 65… I think.”. “I think” were the 2 words that stuck with me. Because I genuinely believe that most Kiwi don’t KNOW. So the first question is... Have you ever run your numbers to see what your KiwiSaver will be at 65?I did this recently via the Sorted website (took me less than 2mins) and actually thought I would have a lot more in there than it suggests I will.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I Team up with Jake from Generate and John from Kauri Wealth for this essential retirement reality check that every Kiwi needs to watch.We break down the brutal truth about retirement costs in New Zealand and why most people are nowhere near prepared for what's coming.Key topics covered:The new Kiwi Saver changes: 3.5% contributions in 2025, 4% by 2028Why the $260 government contribution cut actually makes you better offRetirement costs: $99-$1,031 per week depending on lifestyle and locationWhy NZ Super probably won't exist when you retireGenerate members vs industry averages (the results will shock you)The value of getting proper Kiwi Saver adviceHow much you actually need by age 30, 40, 50, and 65Why using Kiwi Saver for your first home might be a mistakeI have a goal to help 100,000 Kiwis improve their financial literacy. Generate KiwiSaver Scheme has sponsored Keep The Change to help me reach more people and make this a reality. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Mahesh Muralidhar, the tech executive, investor, and the man on a mission to birth 10 billion-dollar Kiwi startups by 2026.Mahesh shares the lessons he learned scaling global giants like Canva and Airtasker, and why he returned home to lead the charge in New Zealand’s tech ecosystem through Phase One Ventures. We dive deep into:  •  What’s holding Kiwi tech back and how we can fix it  •  Why wealth-building isn’t a dirty word in New Zealand  •  How to think globally (even if you’re starting in a small market)  •  The mindset shift founders need to scale  •  Why young Kiwis should be bullish on tech and ownershipThis conversation is packed with gems for anyone who wants to grow their impact, income, or understanding of business in the modern economy. Whether you're a founder, investor, or someone just starting out this episode will expand your view on what’s possible in Aotearoa.Find Mahesh On Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mahesh.akl/Find Phase One Ventures: https://www.phaseone.venturesGenerate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having an emergency fund has changed my life. Why? Well it changed who I was. So let’s start putting SOMETHING aside. Just like this person did: The assurance and peace it gives you having an emergency fund is second to none! The thing people don’t realise is start small and the relief from stress of your car breaking down or the likes lessens. It’s not too late, get started and save one. Or maybe it's time to bump it up a little for how expensive life has become.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Power of Proximity: Get Closer to What You Want! Today we define and explore the concept of proximity why getting closer to action, opportunity, and the right people can change your life. As the economy begins to shift, now is the time to lean into environments where people are thinking bigger, doing more, and moving forward. Whether it’s health, wealth, mindset, or momentum proximity is a strategy we can all embrace. We share real-life examples from our own journeys and unpack how you can start using this powerful tactic today.Don’t ignore proximity!I have a goal to help 100,000 Kiwis improve their financial literacy. Generate KiwiSaver Scheme has sponsored Keep The Change to help me reach more people and make this a reality. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We each don’t know what each other are REALLY going through. We may all have different incomes. Different realities. But the key to remember? Money doesn’t miss anybody. Instead of wishing for someone else’s life, what if you started reshaping your own? Tidy up one thing. One money issue at a time. Start with where you are and build from there. How could YOUR life be better if you tidied up some of the money issues YOU have? Because, you can! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently I teamed up with Lighthouse Financial and Sorted for this emergency fund masterclass, and it's exactly what every Kiwi needs to hear right now. 44% of Kiwis don't have an emergency fund. That's 2.3 million adults walking around completely exposed to life's curveballs.In this session, James from Lighthouse, Tom from Sorted, and I break down:Why you need $1,000 before you do anything elseThe real cost of not having emergency money (hint: it's not just financial)How to calculate your actual emergency fund targetWhy revolving credits sound good but usually backfireThe tools that actually work to build your fundWe kept this practical, no-nonsense, and focused on what works in the real world. No theory, just the stuff that will actually help you sleep better at night.If you're one of those 2.3 million Kiwis without an emergency fund, this is your wake-up call. And if you've got one but haven't reviewed it lately, we'll show you how to make sure it's actually fit for purpose.This is Money Month content that could genuinely change your financial future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You see it online all the time: “Not everyone wants to be a business owner. Well, no sh*t. You don't often hear: ‘’Not everyone can be an employee.’’ Right now, over 406,000 Kiwi are currently receiving a form of ‘main benefit’ government support. Imagine if just 10% of those 406,000 people were equipped with boring ole income-generating skills? Why haven't we normalised this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a great fighter and an even better coach? City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman opens up about his journey into fighting, the critical role of self-discipline, and why mental toughness matters more than raw talent. We explore the reality of big paydays, the resilience required to stay at the top, and how he’s helped shape a culture where even the biggest superstars stay grounded. From humble beginnings to putting New Zealand on the global MMA map, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and the mindset behind building champions.I have a goal to help 100,000 Kiwis improve their financial literacy. Generate KiwiSaver Scheme has sponsored Keep The Change to help me reach more people and make this a reality. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we sit down with Rose Kennedy, the visionary behind Rose’s Dining Table (https://www.rosesdiningtable.co.nz/), a unique experience that turns dining into a form of creative expression. From quitting her full-time corporate job because she knew she wasn’t herself, to designing immersive dining experiences across New Zealand, Rose shares how her signature pink dining table became a symbol of connection, creativity, and conceptual hospitality.We talk about the power of shared meals, building a brand rooted in emotion and design, and how one bold idea can create space for community, conversation, and unforgettable experiences.Find Rose:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosesdiningtableWebsite: Rosesdiningtable.co.nz (https://www.rosesdiningtable.co.nz/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-kennedy-777705171/Generate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prepare to be inspired by Aaron Wilton-Jones, entrepreneur, TikTok sensation, and co-founder of Autoclean Premium Detailing. The once skydiving instructor launched a thriving car detailing business that changed his life and took him on a journey to making more money online than he had from cleaning the cars. With over a million combined followers on social media, Aaron is now teaching thousands worldwide how to build successful detailing businesses and many pay him to do this through the Autoclean Detailers Academy.In this episode, Aaron shares the chapters of his journey, the strategies behind his social media success, and valuable insights on overcoming adversity to build a purpose-driven business. We dive into the world of online courses, Kiwi scepticism, making a lot of money, and much more!Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply love a good resilience story, Aaron's journey will motivate you to turn challenges into opportunities.If you need to find Aaron, do that here: https://autoclean.co.nz/about-us/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autocleanacademy/I believe 100,000 kiwi with better financial literacy will create a better New Zealand. The Generate KiwiSaver Scheme are helping me reach this goal. Cheers Generate. Head to https://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes I find myself wondering…what if the reality is that most people don’t actually want to accept what it takes to make their lives better? Billion-dollar wisdom can be served up cheaper than your $7 trim flat white you need to go for a walk. It’s almost as though, now that it’s all sitting in front of us, we are thinking ‘I better pretend I don’t know, so then I don’t need to take action’. We are running out of excuses with the amount of barriers that have been bashed down for us by people trying to make our lives easier to succeed. Let's explore some of the ways other people have made our lives even easier than we could have dreamed of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unemployment Hits 5.2% 400,000 Kiwi Want More WorkWe’ve got to the stage of the cycle where more people than ever want more employment. But many are fishing in the wrong pond or using the wrong fishing line altogether. Why? Well they haven’t been taught how to fish. What if more of them knew how to increase their income by other means? Back when unemployment was 3.3% I was encouraging people to learn how to make more money and I will explain why.I will explain what I think one of the major headwinds the economy has that may see unemployment increase further from here too! Please be prepared.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.