The Adviser Talk

What do you consider your biggest asset, and is it covered?

Featuring Tim Ewan, Risk Insurance Manager at Stewart Group, we discuss the significance of income protection insurance for New Zealanders, the limitations of ACC, and the roles of different types of personal insurance.

Tim explains why income protection is vital, how trauma and TPD cover work, the impact of non-accidental conditions, and practical steps for choosing...

Are we really as wealthy as the headlines claim?

New Zealand recently ranked fifth globally in per capita wealth—but is that just an illusion? In this episode, Tim and Nick unpack why so much of our “wealth” is tied up in property, what that means for financial security, and practical steps to build resilience beyond bricks and mortar.

(00:00:00) Intro: Are we really the fifth-wealthiest nation, or is it smoke and mirrors?

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Is wisdom really worth 4.52%?

In this episode, Tim and Rory unpack the true value of advice.

Russell Investments recently quantified the value financial advisers bring to New Zealand investors at 4.52%, Rory breaks down the “price of wisdom” and explores the real benefits that extend far beyond portfolio performance.

(00:00:43) What’s in the 4.52%: asset allocation, customised planning, and behavioural coaching

(00:01:38) ...

Are yesterday’s market champions tomorrow’s winners? History says not likely.

Driving the discussion: Financial advisor Bruce Jenks warns investors against concentrating portfolios in these high-performing stocks, despite the fear of missing out. While these companies benefit from AI-driven productivity gains, past market leaders like ExxonMobil and Chevron have shown that dominance doesn't last forever.

Tune in to learn wh...

Can even the smartest minds outsmart market mania?

Sir Isaac Newton lost a fortune in the South Sea bubble—proof that FOMO can derail even genius.

In this episode, Tim and Nick unpack what Newton’s misstep teaches us about bubbles, herd behaviour and today’s hype-driven markets. Discover why diversification, discipline and wise counsel remain your best defence against financial folly.

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Is your KiwiSaver working hard enough for your future?

KiwiSaver should be part of a broader, holistic financial strategy—not a standalone account. Many Kiwis opt for overly cautious KiwiSaver options because they're not considering their entire asset mix.

Tune in as Tim and Rory discuss how aligning your investments, property, insurance, and income can set you up for long-term retirement success.

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Is home ownership still the Kiwi dream, or has reality shifted?

Featuring Brent Allcock, Financial Adviser, this episode dives into the realities of New Zealand’s housing market in 2025. Tim and Brent discuss the impact of interest rates, wage growth, and inflation on home ownership, the causes and consequences of our housing correction, and whether owning property is still a realistic goal for young New Zealanders.

How does ...

Whether you're earning a little or a lot, today we’re unpacking how short-term thinking and our spending habits can cost us more than we realise.

From the weekly budget trap to guilt-free online splurges, we explore the psychology behind our choices, the hidden cost of cheap goods, and how to align your money with your values.

Tune in now and take control of your financial mindset.

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(00:00:50) Episode ...

A "state-protected oligopoly" dominated by four major generator-retailers?

In this episode, Nick Stewart, CEO and Tim Ewen, Risk Insurance Manager, delve into the complexities of New Zealand's electricity market, covering high energy prices, their impact on manufacturing and employment, and the historical context of policy failures. Explore the government's conflict of interest due to its shareholding in major energy companies, ...

Join Tim Ewen, risk insurance manager, and Rory O'Neill, Financial Adviser, Director and General Manager of Stewart Group, as they delve into the pressing issue of the Reserve Bank's recent OCR cut and its implications for financial planning in New Zealand.

In this episode, Tim and Rory share their insights on how the OCR cut is impacting interest rates, the importance of diversifying investments, and the challenges faced by you...

Rate increases, or daylight robbery?

Join Nick Stewart, CEO and financial advisor at Stewart Group, and Tim Ewen, risk insurance manager, as they delve into the pressing issue of local authority rates in New Zealand. In this episode, Nick shares insights on the rates crisis, discussing the financial challenges faced by local councils and their impact on residents.

The conversation covers the reasons behind rising council rate...

You can't bank time for later - you've got to use it today.

That's the key message from our latest podcast, where Brent Allcock, our Financial Adviser from the Wellington office, discusses why procrastination can negatively impact your financial security. With Kiwis feeling the pressure from rising costs, he provides practical tips to take control of your finances.

When it comes to managing your money, taking action today is ...

Just like modern cars come equipped with essential safety features, your investment portfolio should be built with protection in mind.

In this episode, our General Manager and Financial Adviser, Rory O’Neill, joins host Tim Ewen, our Risk Insurance Manager and avid car enthusiast, to explore how the safety systems in today’s vehicles mirror the protective strategies found in smart investment portfolios.

Think about it: you wo...

In today’s financial landscape, it’s easy for investors to get caught up in popular catchphrases like “They're not making any more land” or “Buy the dip”.

Bruce Jenks, our Financial Adviser from our Hastings office, warns that when these phrases replace critical thinking, investors may make decisions based on hype instead of fundamental market truths.

Catchphrases can be appealing, but they often oversimplify complex decisions an...

The government has rolled out the biggest KiwiSaver shake-up in years, and it's going to impact everyone from teens to top earners.

These adjustments could influence your retirement savings. If you’re curious about how they might affect your plans, check out this podcast where Tim Ewen chats with our Financial Adviser, Paula Enticott. They discuss the recent changes to KiwiSaver announced by the government and its potential impa...

In this episode, Nick Stewart, our CEO and Financial Adviser, takes a deep dive into the 2025 Budget delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

From proposed KiwiSaver changes to pay equity adjustments, the budget has sparked plenty of discussion—and concern. Nick unpacks the key elements, explores the challenges ahead and asks the big question: Is this truly a “Growth Budget,” a bold step forward, or ...

In this episode, Brent Allcock, our Financial Adviser at Stewart Group in Wellington, reminds us that some of the most powerful financial lessons often come from Mums!

Research consistently shows that women tend to make smarter investment decisions. They’re more likely to:

• Prioritise long-term outcomes over short-term gains
• Set ego aside when making financial choices
• Seek advice when needed

So, what can we learn from th...

In this episode, we are joined by Bruce Jenks, our Financial Adviser at Stewart Group, who shares valuable insights on legacy planning.

Legacy planning goes beyond simply writing a will, it involves ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and protecting the people you care about most. Procrastinating on this important task can lead to unnecessary complications for those you leave behind.

It's import...

In this episode, Tim Ewen has a chat with Rory O'Neill, our Director and Financial Adviser, about why financial planning matters, especially when markets are volatile.

At Stewart Group, we believe everyone should have a plan for their financial future, regardless of where they are in life. Whether you're kicking off your career or gearing up for retirement, our team is here to guide you through the highs and lows of your financi...