The Dollars & Sense Podcast

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, including Southern Cross, AIA and nib, and what these changes mean for your premiums, benefits and future options.

I also outline practical solutions to consider depending on which insurer you’re curr...

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 manipulation, we unpack how these operators hook people in — and how to protect yourself. 

If you’ve ever wondered why these scams seem to surge during volatile markets, this episode is for you. 

If you have a ...

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 prediction, how small-cap and value factors fit into a modern portfolio, and what investors often misunderstand when markets get noisy. A grounded, insightful conversation for anyone wanting to invest with confidence...

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, diversified plan still beats trying to time the market. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz

For Mor...

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 really happens when documents aren’t reviewed, how blended families can protect their assets, and why proactive planning matters more than ever. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like ...

 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 don’t have a will in place — including who really gets what. A must-listen for anyone navigating family or estate planning in later-life relationships. 

For anyone wanting to get in touch with Hannah. ...

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 your money mindset, and the practical steps to get out of the loop. 

Learn how to take back control and start moving forward financially. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to co...

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 their tolerance for risk, but in practice, they’re often a lazy substitute for real financial advice. The guys break down why they believe the questionnaire can lead to poor decisions, misaligned portfolios, and fals...

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 episode, Tim Ellis and Brodie Haggerty unpack the hidden side of investing — the costs that quietly eat away at your returns without ever showing up on your fund statement.

From currency hedging and ta...

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 Cents Podcast, Tim Ellis explores the concept of home bias in investing, focusing on the heavy allocation to New Zealand and Australian stocks in KiwiSaver and managed funds.  Discover 5 reasons why a...

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! #NZHealthInsurance #MedicalCostsNZ #KiwiFinance

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz

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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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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 you achieve the REAL goal?

Tune in to this weeks episode where Tim and Brodie discuss the difference between a Goal and a Strategy and why it is so important to ...

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 your portfolio and bring significant returns over time. 

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz

For M...

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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We'll be back with more episodes next week, here's a quick update from Tim. 

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The information shared on The Dollars & Sense Podcast is general in nature and does not co...

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 minimal drama. This weeks Podcast lists explores the benefits of opting for ‘boredom’ over excitement when it comes to investing.

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you woul...

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 their peaks? 

We explore concentration risk in this episode and ask some key questions for investors to consider: Do I already hold it? Why should I expect a return? And what are the ...

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.

If you have a question, suggestions, or a topic you would like us to cover, please send an email to: podcast@foxplan.nz

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