The Prosperity Project

If you suddenly became unable to make your own decisions, would your spouse or family automatically be able to step in? Not necessarily. An enduring power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your finances or make decisions about your personal care and welfare if you can’t. Without one, your family could face an expensive and stressful court process at an already difficult time. In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we look at how enduring powers of attorney work, who you should appoint, the risks of getting it wrong, and why it’s worth putting one in place long before you think you’ll need it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No new taxes. Free GP visits. Cheaper public transport. Solar subsidies. KiwiSaver changes. The election promises are coming thick and fast — but what will they actually mean for your finances? On The Prosperity Project, Katie Bradford joins Nadine Higgins to unpack how the major parties’ policies could affect your wallet, from tax and rates to KiwiSaver, student loans, solar panels, small businesses and the cost of funding New Zealand’s infrastructure. Because however appealing the promises sound, there’s one unavoidable question: who ultimately pays for them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying a home used to mean checking the LIM, getting a builder’s report and sorting the mortgage. But natural hazards, insurance restrictions and increasingly complex property issues mean buyers now have much more to consider. Solicitor and Landley Law director Sue Foley joins Nadine Higgins to explain the red flags buyers should look for, why insurance needs to be considered early, what sellers are required to disclose and why relying on someone else’s building report could leave you exposed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often should you review your KiwiSaver — and what should you actually be looking at? In this episode of The Prosperity Project, we talk through what matters when reviewing your KiwiSaver, from your retirement goals and contribution levels to fees, fund types and provider performance. Financial commentator Russell Hutchinson explains why you shouldn’t just chase last year’s top-performing fund, how to think about active versus passive management, and why performance after fees is what really counts. Plus, is checking your KiwiSaver balance every week helpful — or just a distraction?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you simply can’t afford to pay your debts? FinCap financial mentor Charlotte Whitakker joins The Prosperity Project to explain the options available when debt becomes overwhelming — from negotiating with lenders and hardship applications to KiwiSaver withdrawals, debt repayment orders and bankruptcy. Plus, why buy now, pay later can fuel a debt spiral, when you should seek help, and why getting support earlier can make all the difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.