Identity theft is becoming increasingly common in America, and even careful consumers can fall victim. As a recent victim of fraud, Brynne explores how to reduce your risk, from smarter spending habits to freezing your credit, and what to do if your identity is stolen, with practical steps for recovery and protection.
Money tips
Freelance writing is one of the most popular side hustles out there today. Like any good side hustle, it comes with a fair amount of financial admin. Rachel shares with us her system for managing her freelance finances in PocketSmith, and how it’s given her increased efficiency and insight.
Money tips
In a world where interest rates are soaring, financial decisions become all the more crucial. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to dip your toes into the investment pool, understanding how to prioritize your investments in such an environment is key to maximizing returns and protecting your hard-earned capital.
Interviews
David's an ex-banker with more than thirty years of executive experience across some of Aotearoa's leading financial institutions, including as CEO of one of our major retail banks. Now at the helm of leading mortgage company Squirrel, David's on a mission to challenge the banking status quo in New Zealand and create better financial outcomes for Kiwi homeowners and savers.
Interviews
Frances Cook is a reformed financial hot mess who now saves others from her money mistakes. She is a best-selling author, a columnist, a speaker and podcaster. Priding herself on clear, non-judgmental communication, Frances knows how to balance giving you the information you need while making sure you don't fall asleep.
Interviews
Lance is the co-founder of the Punakaiki Fund and Climate Venture Capital Fund. They help founders and management teams to grow and turn into the Xero's of tomorrow. Before this Lance helped 100s of companies large and small over the course of many years, and he enjoys watching people's lives change as their businesses evolve.
Interviews
James began his career as an application developer, before moving into technology strategy and consultancy. After senior roles at Thomson Reuters and Deloitte, he and co-founder Claire launched Hnry, a service designed to automatically calculate, pay, and file taxes for sole traders. Hnry is New Zealand's largest, and Australasia's fastest-growing accounting service, processing billions of dollars worth of payments every year.
Interviews
James has been a Financial Adviser for the better part of ten years. He helps clients from their first job all the way through retirement, and he believes in keeping finances simple and making advice accessible to all Kiwis. James provides advice on managed funds, KiwiSaver, investment property, budgets, debt repayment, and insurance. You can also get weekly money tips from his podcast Cheques & Balances.
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 Amos is future-proofing his personal and business finances using PocketSmith's scenario and forecasting tools.
Interviews
Ruth has a blog and podcast over at The Happy Saver all about how she and her family handle money. What's the secret? Spend less than you earn, invest the difference, avoid debt, and budget each dollar that flows through your hands. She firmly believes that if you can just get the basics right, life becomes easier from there on in.
Interviews
The Broke Generation is a media and education platform helping young people get good with money. Emma Edwards founded TBG after turning her own finances around, and now creates content and programs using insights from financial psychology and human behavior to help other people overcome toxic spending patterns, learn to save, and feel in control of their finances.
Interviews
Josh Daniell is co-founder and COO of Akahu, New Zealand's open finance platform. His first job was digging out sheep manure from under the family woolshed. He was also a co-founder of Snowball Effect, with other experience at WeWork and Bell Gully.
Interviews
After spending five years as Head of Product at a large ETF provider where he was involved in creating, launching, and developing index funds, Dean saw there was an opportunity to create better options for investors. Taking a fresh approach to the investment sector, he created Kernel — a personal finance platform where innovation meets investment.
Money tips
"One student loan closed for good: Check. One deliriously happy debt-free writer: Check." Paying off a student loan is no mean feat, and Rachel's managed to do it early — all while self-employed. Read why she chose to achieve this massive milestone and get rid of her student debt once and for all.
Money tips
A big wedding with all the thrills isn’t for everyone, especially for those who would rather spend that money on someone else. In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth takes a trip down memory lane to her own low-cost nuptials and how she managed the expectations of those around her.
Money tips
Healthy money management isn’t about scrimping and saving all of the time, it’s about aligning your spending with your values — regardless of what the dollar amount is. Sometimes spending a little more adds more value to your life! We’re sharing six convenient purchases that are worth the extra cost.
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 Darin gets granular with his transactions so he can categorize them in an instant and make sense of his spending.
Money tips
Interest rates are having a moment, persistently remaining high thanks to rising inflation and a number of other factors. What can you even do about that? Take it from practicing accountant Sam Harith, who shares how inflation interacts with interest rates, and accessible ways you can manage the effect it has on your finances.
Money tips
With fluctuating income streams and the absence of traditional job benefits, freelancers and those who are similarly self-employed are uniquely affected by increasing everyday personal and professional expenses. Rachel shares how she's using PocketSmith to adapt and retain financial stability with a continual rise in the cost of living.
Money tips
As you prepare to welcome your first child, it's important to recognize the profound impact your little one will have on your finances. From diapers to education, the financial responsibilities that come with parenthood can be overwhelming. Speaking from experience, Ruth shares how you can ensure a stable foundation for your growing family.
Money tips
The dreaded work commute — an inevitable rite of passage for most workers at least once in their lifetime. Commuting to work can often become a significant financial burden, draining both your budget and energy. However, with a thoughtful approach and a few adjustments to your routine, it's possible to slash commuting expenses while maintaining a comfortable and efficient journey.
Money tips
While the concept of practicing gratitude may seem fluffy, research has shown that gratitude has a positive effect on your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Follow Rachel’s journey of over 400 continuous days of gratitude, and how it allowed her money mindset to evolve.
Money tips
The increased cost of everyday expenses is surely having a trickle-down effect — do the kids in your life understand what’s going on? Mother and household money manager Ruth shares how she's encouraging her daughter to interpret the current cost of living, and how that impacts the family's finances as well as her own.
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 Dave is managing his finances his way by setting up his own version of envelope budgeting using PocketSmith’s Budget feature.
Money tips
Has the dollar amount on your grocery receipts lately have you feeling faint? By adopting a mindful approach and being open to adjusting your habits, you can effectively manage rising food costs without compromising on quality or nutrition. Emma's sharing her best tips for adjusting your shopping mindset.
