The Adviser Talk

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.

Important time stamps:

(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...

Date of recording this podcast: 1st April 2025

In these uncertain economic times, it's essential for New Zealanders to understand tariffs and trade wars to prepare for the future.

In this episode, Tim Ewen, our Risk Insurance Manager, sits down with Nick, our CEO and Financial Adviser, to discuss the implications of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and how they may impact New Zealand. They also explore strategie...

In this engaging podcast episode, Tim Ewen welcomes Ann Evans, who has recently become a part of our Risk Insurance team as a Risk Paraplanner. During their conversation, they delve into various topics, including Ann's work experience in the insurance industry, working for Stewart Group, and assisting clients in navigating their risk management needs.

⏰ Important time-stamps

(01:01) Introduction

(02:30) Ann's work experien...

The future looks challenging for residents of Hastings, who are facing a series of significant rate increases that could compound to approximately 65% over the next four years. Nick Stewart, CEO and Financial Adviser at Stewart Group, addressed this issue in his recent Canny View article: Hastings District Council: Time for Fiscal Prudence

In this episode of The Adviser Talk, Nick sits down with Councillor and mayoral candidate ...

As the cost of living continues to increase, carefully monitoring your finances is more crucial than ever. Brent Allcock, our Financial Adviser from the Stewart Group's Wellington branch, recently shared some practical advice on The Adviser Talk.

New Zealand's economy has taken a bit of a knock lately, now sitting at 33rd out of 37 OECD countries. This highlights why we all need to take charge of our own finances and make smart ...

In this episode of The Adviser Talk, Bruce, our Financial Adviser, joins Tim Ewen to discuss how quickly well-laid plans can unravel when fundamental financial principles are overlooked in pursuit of easy money.

Bruce emphasises the importance of discipline in financial planning, making informed choices, and managing risks effectively. He warns against allowing short-term distractions to compromise your financial future. It’s cr...

On this episode of The Adviser Talk, Rory O'Neill, our Director and Financial Adviser at Stewart Group, delves into the world of cryptocurrency, dubbing it the "new age blood diamonds."

While the allure of investing in cryptocurrencies is undeniable, it's crucial to be aware of the darker aspects, particularly the risks associated with money laundering.

Rory highlights the importance of staying informed and cautious as an investo...

In our first podcast of the year, Nick Stewart and Ken Morrison discuss private assets in KiwiSaver - when sizzle meets reality.

As KiwiSaver assets surge past $110 billion, an all-too-familiar story unfolds… Multiple KiwiSaver and general investment providers are rushing into the private asset markets.

While private equity investments might offer an exciting sprint to higher returns, history suggests that the steady approach...