As commemorative dawn ceremonies took place across New Zealand yesterday, it’s natural to think on what our soldiers must have experienced. Their sacrifice underpins the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today.
Market Patience: The Easter Lesson for Investors
In times of market uncertainty, wealth often transfers from the impatient to the patient. This timeless truth feels particularly relevant today, as markets respond to shifting economic policies and global events with characteristic volatility.
Tariffs & Markets: What History Tells Us About What May Lie Ahead
As markets absorb the implications of Donald Trump's return to the White House, investors are increasingly concerned by his promises to implement new tariffs on imported goods.
The Health Insurance Squeeze: Why Premiums Are Soaring in 2025
New Zealanders with health insurance are facing unprecedented premium increases in 2025. Global risk management firm, Aon, has given us a new and dubious title – announcing that NZ has one of the highest medical trend rates both in APAC and globally, viciously spiking from 7.4% in 2024 to 14.5% in 2025.[i]
The Simple Path to Financial Freedom
The number 400 carries deep significance. It represents completeness, divine perfection, and liberation from bondage – much like how sound financial planning offers a path to freedom from money worries.
Legacy Planning: Preparing for Tomorrow Today
In the journey of life, we often focus on building—building careers, families, wealth, and memories. Yet, an equally important aspect that many overlook is planning for what happens when our journey ends.
The Golden Mirage: Why Kiwi Investors Need Diversification
Imagine your great-great-grandparent bought $1 worth of gold in 1801, and you just inherited it in 2025. You're already planning that luxury holiday to Queenstown or perhaps a beach house in Taupo.
Will Tariffs Trump New Zealand’s Economic Future?
President Donald Trump's tariffs of 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, and similar proposed rates for China and the European Union in the weeks ahead, represent more than just economic policy shifts.
Hedonic Treadmills Have No Finish Line
As Dan Solin (author of ‘The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read’) astutely observes, "The financial media is not your friend. Its primary goal is to separate you from your money."[I]
The 'Great Wealth Transfer’ Myths You Should Know About
The headlines are attention-grabbing all seem to agree: The largest transfer of wealth in history is coming. But how much of this narrative holds up to scrutiny? There are several myths that need addressing.
Hastings District Council: Time for Fiscal Prudence
As Art Deco Weekend brings its usual vibrancy to our region, it also marks a sombre milestone – two years since Cyclone Gabrielle devastated Hawke's Bay.
Getting NZ Back on an Economic War Footing
Waitangi Day this week marked the 185th anniversary of our nation's founding document. Our treaty agreement birthed a nation built on trade, enterprise, and shared prosperity. In 2025, that economic spirit needs rekindling as we face perhaps our most significant test since the reforms of the 1980s.
The Modern Gold Rush: From Meme Stocks to Trump Coin
Remember those Telecom calling cards we used to collect in the '90s? Some of us treated them like precious treasures, trading them at school and believing they'd be worth a fortune someday.
The Price of Deviation: A Cautionary Tale in Financial Planning
Financial security isn't built overnight—it's carefully constructed through years of disciplined planning, informed decision-making, and risk management. Over my tenure I’ve seen this proved time and time again… and I have unfortunately also seen the consequences of trying to ‘shortcut’ the process.
“Mind the Gap” In Your Financial Journey
The phrase "mind the gap" might remind Kiwis of their London travels, but there's another critical gap we need to mind. It’s the one between our working years and our final farewell.
The 15/65/20 Strategy and The Richest Man in Babylon
In the quest for financial stability and a fulfilling life, the 15/65/20 personal strategic plan offers a practical approach to wrangling your income finances.
New Year Motivation and Goal Setting for Kiwis: Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet
During 2024, I was fortunate to hear an interview some Canadian colleagues had with NYU Professor Scott Galloway. His direct approach to success and life planning struck a chord with me.
Part II: How does Ikigai and Investing Connect?
Last week I discussed Ikigai (生き甲斐), a Japanese concept that translates to “a reason for being.” I believe investing has its part to play in Ikigai - so what might that look like?
Part I: The Japanese Secret to a Fulfilling Life
I was recently reading a piece that opened with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emmerson: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’
Crypto's Dark Side: What New Zealand Investors Need to Know
As investment funds increasingly add cryptocurrency exposure to their portfolios, a major international police operation has exposed the darker side of this controversial asset class – money laundering.
