Practical Wealth Podcast

In this episode of the Practical Wealth Podcast, Lucas breaks down the key KiwiSaver policies proposed by major New Zealand political parties ahead of the election. He provides an objective overview of how these potential changes could impact individual retirement savings, employer responsibilities, and overall financial strategy.To book a free chat with one of our advisors about your KiwiSaver fill out the form at https://www.invictafinancial.co.nz/ Key topics covered in this episode:Current KiwiSaver Landscape: A look at existing contribution rate increases, changes to the government contribution, and the inclusion of 16- and 17-year-olds.National Party Policies: Proposal for compulsory KiwiSaver, expanding combined contribution rates up to 12% by 2032, introducing the "Baby Boost" government kickstart, topping up accounts during paid parental leave, and extending employer contributions past age 65.Labour Party Proposals: Making employer contributions compulsory while keeping employee contributions voluntary, banning total pay package contracts, and continuing employer contributions past age 65.ACT Party Approach: Introducing tax-free KiwiSaver investment earnings while removing the annual government contribution, keeping participation voluntary, and opposing forced contribution rate increases.Other Party Highlights: Overview of proposals from New Zealand First, The Opportunities Party (TOP), and the Green Party's stance.Impact Summary & Next Steps: How different proposals affect employees, business owners, self-employed individuals, and parents, alongside practical tips for reviewing your current KiwiSaver setup.The information provided in this episode is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Viewers and listeners should consult with a qualified financial advisor regarding their specific individual circumstances before making any investment decisions.

In this episode of Practical Wealth, host Lucas is joined by Emma Hanover, co-founder of Fund Haus. Emma shares her journey in property trading and breaks down how private lending works as an alternative funding route outside of traditional banks.In this episode:Emma’s Background & Property Strategy: Transitioning from a niche construction business to scaling a successful house flipping business across Auckland and New Plymouth.Understanding Fund Haus: How the subscription-based, commission-free platform functions as a marketplace for private lenders and active property traders.Private Lending Structures: An overview of common funding models, including fixed-return angel investing, joint venture (JV) profit splits, and first versus second mortgages.Risk Management & Red Flags: The importance of legal contracts, personal guarantees, thorough due diligence, and avoiding high-risk deals lacking security.Networking & Community Value: Why building a connected community of traders, builders, and professionals helps combat the isolation of real estate investing.Key Lessons for Traders: Why avoiding emotional purchasing decisions and avoiding buying deals just to stay busy are critical for long-term success.To learn more or explore the platform, visit https://fundhaus.co.nz/To get in touch with an advisor visit https://www.invictafinancial.co.nz/General information only, not personal financial advice. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed financial adviser. Practical Wealth is brought to you by Invicta Financial.

In this episode of Practical Wealth, host Lucas is joined by Sam, the founder and creator of Penny CRM. Sam shares his story of transitioning from the Navy into car finance, mortgage advising, and asset lending, leading to the creation of an all-in-one CRM built specifically for financial advisers and introducers.Background & Origin Story: Sam's journey from five years in the Navy to applying for over 100 jobs - eventually discovering the massive gap in CRM technology for asset finance compared to mortgage platforms.Building Software as a User: Why CRMs built by actual end-users solve real-world pain points better than developer-only systems, focusing on reducing unnecessary clicks and data entry.What is Penny CRM?: An overview of Penny CRM as a platform that eliminates copy-pasting across multiple lender portals, automates workflows via browser extensions, and simplifies targeted marketing for advisers.Penny IQ & Pre-Qualification: How the system pre-qualifies applicants using real-time credit checks, bank statements, and strict lender exclusion criteria to avoid wasted applications and excessive credit checks.Industry Challenges & CCCFA: Navigating complex lender relationships, democratizing lender choice for advisers, and adapting to regulatory frameworks like the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA).Self-Employed Lending Solutions: How different lenders treat self-employed clients based on trading history, and how advisers can present multiple options based on speed versus documentation requirements.Upcoming Innovation (Mastercard Debt Pay-Down): A preview of an initiative allowing advisers to issue clients a debit/credit card with rewards structured to pay off their debt or mortgage faster rather than encouraging extra spending.General information only, not personal financial advice. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed financial adviser. Practical Wealth is brought to you by Invicta Financial.In This Episode:

In this final part of a three-part series on Practical Wealth, host Lucas is rejoined by Joseph, a Business Development Manager (BDM) at Barfoot & Thompson. Joseph shares market insights and practical strategies for investing in Auckland’s rental market.In this episode:Auckland Rental Market Dynamics: The current state of rental demand, seasonal market slumps, and a BDM tip on timing tenancy agreements to maximize rental returns.High-Demand Areas & Property Types: Why standalone family homes in prime school zones, such as Double Grammar, Westlake, Rangitoto, and Takapuna, are performing best.Vacancy Budgeting: Why landlords should realistically budget for 4 to 6 weeks of vacancy when securing new tenants.Yields & Investment Realities: Understanding current gross and net rental yields in Auckland, managing mortgage top-ups, and common mistakes made by new investors.Auckland vs. Regional Investing: Evaluating long-term capital growth potential versus better short-term rental yields in markets outside of Auckland.General information only, not personal financial advice. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed financial adviser. Practical Wealth is brought to you by Invicta Financial.

In this episode of Practical Wealth, host Lucas is joined once again by special guest Joseph, a Business Development Manager (BDM) at Barfoot & Thompson. In this second part of a three-part series, Joseph dives deep into the realities of sales, cold calling tactics, and navigating common objections in real estate.In this episode:Cold Calling & Motivation: Managing the mental high and lows of cold calling, differentiating a "not now" from a "never," and staying motivated by focusing on client value.Property Management vs. Self-Managing: Why relying on AI tools like ChatGPT during tribunal disputes won't protect self-managing landlords compared to professional property management.Overcoming Age Objections: How 24-year-old Joseph addresses concerns about his youth with honesty, client testimonials, and lighthearted gratitude.Daily Routines & Differentiation: Building baseline non-negotiable habits as a night person and differentiating himself as a BDM by prioritizing client trust and transparency over bonuses and commissions.Navigating Price Objections: reframing fee concerns through property audits to uncover hidden costs like vacancy rates and lost time.Maintaining Mindset: Overcoming tough days through gratitude, prayer, and maintaining a lifelong student mindset in sales.General information only, not personal financial advice. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed financial adviser. Practical Wealth is brought to you by Invicta Financial. https://www.invictafinancial.co.nz/