The Six Thinking Hats method, devised by Edward de Bono, is a powerful tool for structured thinking and decision-making.

Stop, take a breath; that’s better. The concept of wealth often gets narrowly defined by financial success. However, Sahil Bloom's insightful framework in "The 5 Types of Wealth" challenges this notion, offering a more holistic approach to achieving a fulfilling life.

As we navigate through the recent market fluctuations caused by Donald Trump's trade tariffs, it's essential to understand that such volatility is often temporary. While it may seem concerning in the short term, history has shown us that no United States president can negatively impact markets in the long run.

The inevitable is happening as I write. US and global Stock prices are falling as short-term investors have become increasingly concerned about…what?

Millions of KiwiSaver accounts are influenced by global market prices, which can seem daunting. However, it's important to remember the background of strong equity market gains in recent years.

As we move further into 2025, many investors who have traditionally relied on cash and term deposits are facing a challenging reality: interest rates continue to fall, eroding the value of these once-reliable investment vehicles.

John Heywood's proverb, "Cut your coat according to your cloth," serves as an enduring reminder of the importance of living within our means. This principle is especially crucial when it comes to managing public funds, such as taxes.

Starting your KiwiSaver contributions early can have a profound impact on your financial future. KiwiSaver, New Zealand's voluntary savings scheme, is designed to help Kiwis save for retirement. The earlier we start, the more we benefit from the power of compounding returns.

Life is often compared to a sandwich, with its layers and ingredients representing the various aspects of our journey. When it comes to our financial journey, the analogy becomes even more fitting. Just as we have the freedom to choose the ingredients in our sandwich, we have the ability to shape our financial future. So, what sort of sandwich is your life?

Nothing new here I hear you say; but is this a moment to stop and think?

Carl Sandburg's words, "Time is the coin of life. Only you can determine how it is spent. Be careful lest other people spend it for you,”. Carl's words resound strongly in our world of hustle and bustle.

So, this year, resolve to work smarter. As we saddle up for 2025, it's time to rethink our investment strategies. Just like a cowboy heading out at sunrise for a day's work, we need to approach our financial journey with a clear plan and steady resolve.