The Dollars & Sense Podcast
The Dollars & Sense Podcast: Smart Finance for Kiwis in Their Prime
Tired of generic money advice that doesn't fit your life? Hosted by qualified NZ financial advisers Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty, this podcast cuts through the noise to deliver real-talk financial literacy for New Zealanders in their mid-30s to late-40s. Whether you're growing your wealth, protecting assets amid rising costs, or planning for family milestones like buying a home or prepping for retirement, we've got actionable strategies tailored to Kiwi realities—think IRD tax hacks, KiwiSaver tweaks, and recession-proof investing.
With 50+ episodes packed with expert insights, listener Q&As, and no-BS breakdowns (from "Bulletproofing Your Super in Uncertain Times" to "Side Hustles That Actually Build Equity"), we're back from a quick hiatus with fresh weekly drops starting now. No jargon, just dollars and sense to help you thrive.
Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your fave app—join thousands of Kiwis leveling up their finances. Got a question? Email us podcast@foxplan.nz (or drop it in the show notes). Let's make your money work harder for you.
#FinancialLiteracyNZ #WealthBuilding #AssetProtection #KiwiFinance
Episodes
59 episodes
Following Up on NZ’s Health Insurance Crisis: The Latest Developments
This episode is a follow-up to my earlier deep dive into New Zealand’s medical insurance shake-up — and a lot has changed since then. In this update, I break down how each major insurer has responded differently to rising claims costs, includin...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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26:59
Exposed: The Marketing Tactics Behind Modern Investment Snake Oil
In this episode, we break down the tactics used by self-proclaimed investment “gurus” who sell overpriced courses, mentorships, and get-rich-quick schemes.From seductive narratives to manufactured credibility and psychological manipulati...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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28:07
Your Wealth Philosophy vs. Reality: Taraia Robin Breaks It Down
In this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim sits down with Taraia Robin from Stewart Group and Finzo for an honest, practical discussion about evidence-based investing. Taraia breaks down why discipline beats predictio...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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37:59
The AI Bubble: Hype or the Next Market Crash?
Investors are nervous — AI stocks are soaring, valuations look stretched, and Trump’s back in the White House. In this episode, Tim breaks down whether we’re really on the edge of a market correction, what’s driving the fear, and why a solid, d...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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22:33
Second Marriages, Trusts, and Contracting Out — Part 2 with Hannah Carter
In Part 2 of our conversation with Hannah Carter from Carter Chung, we dive deeper into the legal side of second marriages, trusts, and contracting out agreements. Building on last week’s discussion, this episode explores what rea...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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33:36
Blended Families & Second Marriages: The Legal Must-Knows with Hannah Carter
In this episode of The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim sits down with lawyer Hannah Carter from Carter Chung Law to unpack the legal side of second marriages and blended families. They cover wills, trusts, and what happens if you ...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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26:32
Why Revolving Mortgages Keep You Stuck on the Financial Treadmill
Revolving mortgage accounts promise flexibility — but for many people, they quietly create financial frustration. In this episode, Tim Ellis breaks down why so many Kiwis feel “stuck” with revolving credit, how it impacts...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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16:19
Tick Boxes Don’t Build Wealth
This week on The Dollars and Sense Podcast, Tim and Brodie pull apart one of the most overused and misunderstood tools in investing — the risk assessment questionnaire.These forms are meant to help investors understand th...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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29:06
The Hidden Costs of Investing
It’s not the fees you see that hurt — it’s the ones you don’t.Most investors think they understand what they’re paying for — a simple management fee and maybe a performance fee if things go well. But that’s only the beginning. In this ep...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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28:23
Breaking the Home Bias: Why Global Diversification Wins for Your Portfolio
We all know that a home bias has kept the All Blacks streak alive at Eden Park against The Springboks..... But is a home bias critical to a New Zealand domiciled managed fund or KiwiSaver fund?In Season 4, Episode 2 of the Dollars and Ce...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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19:59
NZ Medical Premiums set to Sky Rocket in 2025
Tim Ellis says: ‘80% premium hikes are nuts!’ Season 4, Episode 1 dives into NZ’s medical cost crisis—50% claim surges, 93.4% insurer payouts, and 3 hacks to save for 30s-40s Kiwis. Subscribe for weekly wealth tips! #NZHealthInsuran...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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22:19
#47: Trumps Tariffs, Should We Panic?
In this episode we address the growing speculation and panic the markets have seen due to trade wars. Have we seen this before and what happened? Should you be doing anything with your investments as a reaction?
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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24:43
#46 Is that a Goal or a Strategy?
Goals versus Strategies - What's the difference?Hands up if you have said you have a goal to be mortgage free!Hands up if you have a goal to own "X" amount of properties!Are those really goals, or are they strategies to help...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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19:32
#45: The Power of Small Caps - What Does History Say About Investing in Small Companies?
In this episode, we dive into the world of small-cap investing and explore why it’s often overlooked by mainstream investors. We challenge the conventional wisdom that favors large-cap stocks, and discuss how small-cap investments can diversify...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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21:41
#44: Talking All Things Interest
This week, we are discussing interest (woohoo). We explore the risks involved with term deposits, which have generally been seen as "risk-free" by the public, mortgage interest rates, and more.
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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30:18
#43: Investment Is Supposed To Be Boring!
The popular image of investing tends to be formed by movie dramas like ‘Wolf of Wall Street’, ‘The Big Short’ or 'Margin Call'In truth, however, success in long-term investing is more likely due to a slow and steady approach with minima...
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20:46
#42: Investing In Hype Stocks, Is It Worth The Risk?
Nifty Fifty, FAANG, MAMAA, Magnificent Seven. Over the years there are always companies that shoot the lights out in the stock market, so much so that we end up giving them nicknames. But are these stocks overvalued and should you buy them at t...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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23:36
#41: Donald Trump or Kamala Harris: What Will Happen With Stock Portfolios?
Trump or Harris?Republican or Democrat?How will my portfolio or the share market react to the eventual winner and does it even matter? Tune in this week as we tackle politics and investments leading up to the November election.
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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20:46
#40: SEASON THREE COMING SOON - A Quick Update / Future Plans
Just a quick one today team, we are back and sharing with you what our plans are going forward, who we are targeting with our new episodes, and what we learnt from the first two seasons. As always we appreciate your feedback and support.. Lets ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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15:21
#39: "Well Mr / Mrs Client, That Depends"
If you've ever engaged with a Financial Adviser and asked a question, chances are that you've heard "well that depends!"Slowing down the decision process and taking some extra time can be frustrating when you just want to "get cracking ...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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29:21
#38: A FREE RESOURCE Breaking Down Your Insurance Policy/Renewal Letter
When was the last time you opened your annual renewal letter for your personal insurance? Even if you do open them, we know from reviewing insurances with clients that all the different terms and names get confused, mistaken or com...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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33:21
#37: Helping Kiwi Mums and Empowering Them With Knowledge and Guidance!
In this weeks episode, we introduce Financial Adviser Terri Watson!Terri describes her passion for helping Mums gain better financial literacy and how she helps empower them with tools and confidence to improve their comfort and confide...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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37:49
#36: The 7 Simple Rules for Long-Term Investing
You've probably heard these "Rules" mentioned plenty of times before.......This week, Tim and Brodie discuss the 7 rules of investing: diversify, focus on long term, don't time the market, control costs, stay disciplined, don't react to...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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40:16
#35: Head to Head - Reverse Annuity Mortgages, Are They a Good Idea or Last Resort?
This week Tim and Brodie go head to head on Reverse Annuity Mortgages. What are they? Are they a suitable option in retirement, or should they be seen as a last resort? You've probably heard the term "you can't eat your house" and ...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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41:33