Financial mentor David Very joins Nadine Higgins to unpack why 2025 hit so many New Zealanders so hard—and whether 2026 will bring any real relief. From high-income earners stretched by huge mortgages to pensioners squeezed by rising costs, he explains why financial stress is now cutting across every part of society. David breaks down where to start when you’re underwater, what actually works when tackling debt, the traps in consolidation and balance transfers, how to negotiate with lenders, and why KiwiSaver hardship should stay a last resort. If this year knocked you around, this episode helps you map a realistic way back to stability.

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BusinessDesk journalist Maria Slade joins Nadine to discuss her new investigative podcast, The Fall of the House of Du Val, which details how the company collapsed and what it reveals about the country’s investment rules.

Listen to The Fall of The House of Du Val on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

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We hear a lot about how we need to save for retirement, but less is known about how to make that money last once you need to start drawing on it.

Tom Hartmann from the Retirement Commission joins Nadine to talk about Sorted's Retirement Navigator. The new tool processes customisable values in order to help those nearing retirement (or already there) figure out how much they have to live on and for how long.

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Think paying off the family home will have you sorted for retirement? That might have been a solid plan once upon a time, but times have changed and and perhaps your retirement plan should change too.

Michael Vincent, mortgage director at Lighthouse Financial, joins Nadine to talk the dangers of relying on your house to look after you in later life, and what you should be doing instead.

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AI stocks have exploded, with Nvidia soaring past a $5 trillion valuation. But is this growth justified, or are investors repeating the mistakes of the dot-com era?

Mark Lister, investment director at Craigs Investment Partners, joins Nadine to talk about whether AI’s rally is a genuine revolution or a sign of market froth. Together they unpack the risks of over-exposure, the importance of diversification, and why hype doesn’t always equal profit.

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Bitcoin has cracked six figures in US dollars, but does all the hype mean it's a good investment. Janine Granger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joins Nadine to demystify the wild world of digital currency. From Bitcoin versus blockchain to meme coins, stablecoins, and the rise and fall of NFTs, they unpack what crypto really is, how it works, and how to invest without getting scammed (or losing your digital wallet). Whether you’re a true believer or still think it’s all Monopoly money, we hope to leave you better equipped to answer that eternal barbecue question: “so, what do you reckon about crypto?”

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Funerals have become one of the most expensive life events in New Zealand — and for families already stretched, the cost of saying goodbye can add real financial strain. Brent Ruru, founder of Everything Funeral, joins Nadine Higgins to share how Kiwis can plan meaningful farewells without the heavy price tag, and why simpler, more personal options are on the rise.

If you have a question for Nadine, email nadine.higgins@nzme.co.nz

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Recent cuts to the Official Cash Rate and the potential for more to come will be a relief for many borrowers, but the real game changer in getting mortgage free faster isn’t the interest rate.

Shelley Palman, financial advisor at enableMe, joins Nadine to share the tips that could see you saying goodbye to your mortgage sooner.

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