Keep The Change

We are about to find out because today on the podcast, we’ve got an incredible guest who turned a tiny idea into a huge business…all before turning 23!When Iyia Liu was 21, she bought something cool online called a waist trainer it's and thought, “Hey, if I like this, maybe other girls will too!” So she used her savings (just $6,000) to buy a few and sell them online. At first, she just hoped to sell ten a week. But her idea exploded.In just one year, Iyia sold over $3.5 million worth of waist trainers. All of this from her bedroom! She even paid celebrity, Kylie Jenner, to wear one in a photo. That one picture cost her $300,000…and it worked!Since then, Iyia has started more businesses, hired staff, sold to people in over 90 countries, and even bought her dream car, a Mercedes G-Wagon.But what makes her story so powerful isn’t just the money, it's the mindset. Iyia shows us that you don’t need to wait until you’re older, richer, or smarter. You just need to start even if it’s from your bedroom.Let’s explore what she is working on now.Find Iyia - Make It Happen: https://www.makeithappen.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iyialiu/?hl=enGenerate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more.

The ‘paying their fair share’ slogan is a goodie as no one can define ‘fair share’. Anyway, interestingly, I overheard a story where a pensioner receiving superannuation had a flatmate in their sleep-out (not a boarder, but they’ll probably see it as a boarder (different tax rules) and they ask to be paid that rent in cash. Why would they do this? My mind went to probably avoiding declaring it and therefore paying tax on it. Many everyday Kiwi cheekily bend the rules too. Sometimes it’s intentional. But often, it’s just a lack of understanding. Let's explore.Hey thanks for listening! Please take some form of action from this content, don’t just be a consumer, become a producer! Make sure you’re subscribed to Money Mail via Keepthechange.co.nz to receive our weekly lesson on money and financial literacy. Stay close to us on social media and share this with someone that you think this content will help. Together we can collectively improve the financial literacy of New Zealand - let’s get on with it. Find us here:@keepthechange_nzhttps://www.keepthechange.co.nz/

This podcast was first released in December 2023 and has been an all-time favorite podcast from the audience. If you missed it, this could be worth tuning into. Mikey comes in all guns blazing around why everybody needs to experience the hunting season, and no we ain't talking about knocking over a couple of deers or goats. In this podcast we will explore what a hinting season is and how 18-36 months of your time could change your life projection. Hey thanks for listening! Please take some form of action from this content, don’t just be a consumer, become a producer! Make sure you’re subscribed to Money Mail via Keepthechange.co.nz to receive our weekly lesson on money and financial literacy. Stay close to us on social media and share this with someone that you think this content will help. Together we can collectively improve the financial literacy of New Zealand - let’s get on with it.Find us here:@keepthechange_nz https://www.keepthechange.co.nz/

He’s back! We finally tracked him down and ask him what he is seeing out there. In this episode, Mikey Smith (mortgage advisor & CEO of Guardian Smith) joins us to unpack the current state of the New Zealand economy. We dive into the key changes from the recent Budget, what’s happening in the mortgage and housing market, and the bigger picture of where we’re at in the economic cycle. Are we past the worst of it? Could things start to pick up in late 2025? We bloody well hope so!Get real insights from the ground and a clear-eyed take on what’s shaping the future for Kiwis.Generate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more.

5 years ago I went live on Instagram warning people about what 'free' money could mean. 5 Years on I go live to share what I think we've seen happen.New Zealand's economy has fundamentally changed and won't revert to how things were. In this video, we explore how to adjust to these economic shifts, emphasizing the importance of controlling your own income. We discuss the current economic climate, the impact of inflation and rising property prices, and practical strategies to increase your earning potential. Discover why "skills pay the bills," and learn actionable tips for navigating uncertainty, leveraging opportunities, and staying ahead despite economic challenges.1. Economic Landscape Has Changed: NZ economy won't return to pre-pandemic norms. Current environment remains challenging, despite expectations of improvement by 2025. Interest rates peaked and are slowly declining, but economic recovery is gradual.2. Economic Lessons from the Pandemic:Pandemic showed economy's resilience due to digital solutions (Shopify, online stores, remote working).Revealed that the economy shifted significantly towards digital and skills-based sectors.3. Inflation and Housing:Wage growth projected at 2.6%, while housing prices expected to grow at 6% annually.Imbalance between wage growth and property inflation highlights a fundamental economic issue.People are leaving for better economic opportunities overseas (e.g., Australia).4. Importance of Controlling Your Income:Relying solely on wages won't keep pace with inflation or asset growth.Increasing your income through skills is essential ("skills pay the bills").Government budget and policy won't significantly boost wages or ease pressures soon.5. Examples of Increasing Income:Examples include car cleaning, photography services, and value-added services for older, wealthier demographics who value convenience.Side hustles, skills-based work, and entrepreneurship can significantly boost income.The key is identifying what people value and are willing to pay for.6. Leveraging the Flow of Money:Position yourself near economic activities (e.g., sports events, community activities) to capture money flows.Identify niches and areas where spending is consistent, even in economic downturns.7. Personal Wellbeing:Prioritise mental and physical health for sustained success and resilience.Maintain self-care routines to navigate economic and personal challenges.8. AI and Technological Disruption:AI and technology will disrupt traditional jobs; prepare by diversifying skills and income sources.Government hasn't effectively addressed AI's economic impact; individuals must adapt proactively.9. Practical Resources:Keep the Change podcast episodes and webinars offer practical advice (e.g., increasing income by \$10k, managing finances).Encouragement to use available free resources to educate yourself.

Last year, I said the new government was going to have a hard time balancing the books. Why? Because they always do. Fast-forward to Budget 2025, and the numbers are in as are some major changes. Let’s breakdown a couple of the goodies….KiwiSaver changes: FINALLY! A push to save more. Investment Boost: telling businesses to 'get on with it'. What does this all mean for you?Hey thanks for listening! Please take some form of action from this content, don’t just be a consumer, become a producer! Make sure you’re subscribed to Money Mail via Keepthechange.co.nz to receive our weekly lesson on money and financial literacy. Stay close to us on social media and share this with someone that you think this content will help. Together we can collectively improve the financial literacy of New Zealand - let’s get on with it. Find us here:@keepthechange_nzhttps://www.keepthechange.co.nz/

Ever wondered how to juggle running a thriving 7-figure business, elite-level sport, and family life all at once? That’s above my pay grade but not this guests. Meet Janelle Cavanagh from Withers & Co. business owner, sub-4-hour marathoner, MVP of the 2019 Touch Rugby World Cup, and proud member of Canterbury Touch’s “Legend Club”. Beyond the accolades, Janelle is also a dedicated mother of a 3-year-old boy and stepmother of two teenage girls.In this candid conversation, Janelle opens up about:How lessons from elite sport translate into building a successful business.The realities of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and athletic ambition.Finding time for personal passions like travel and reading amidst a busy life.Her mindset secrets for consistently high performance in sport, business, and at home.How she viewed money during her upbringing and what that means for her current life choices.If you want insights on achieving success in multiple areas without burning out, Janelle’s story will inspire you to redefine what’s possible.Find Janelle here: https://www.withersandco.nzGenerate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/change to find out more.

The first edition went out on the 22nd of May 2020. 201 of you signed up. Mostly my mates or people I know. Today, it is quite surreal to say that tens of thousands of people read and listen each week across email, podcast and socials. That’s 260+ weeks of showing up. Of writing. Of thinking. Of reminding you (and myself) that we can take control of our finances, our thinking, and our future. So where to from here?Hey thanks for listening! Please take some form of action from this content, don’t just be a consumer, become a producer! Make sure you’re subscribed to Money Mail via Keepthechange.co.nz to receive our weekly lesson on money and financial literacy. Stay close to us on social media and share this with someone that you think this content will help. Together we can collectively improve the financial literacy of New Zealand - let’s get on with it. Find us here:@keepthechange_nzhttps://www.keepthechange.co.nz/

He’s Helped 2,500 builders Achieve Financial Freedom & Control with Marti AmosEver wondered why some builders thrive while others constantly struggle with stress, finances, and chaos?In this episode, we’re joined by Marti Amos, founder of The Professional Builder (TPB), a global coaching company dedicated to transforming residential builders into profitable, systemised businesses.Marti shares his own incredible journey from humble beginnings on Stewart Island, through multiple businesses, financial setbacks, and life-changing lessons to now building TPB into a global success that’s helped over 2,500 builders achieve genuine financial freedom and control.Listen in to discover:The key mindset shift every tradesperson must make to become a successful business owner.Three crucial areas builders often get wrong (and how to fix them): systems & team, sales & marketing, and pricing & numbers.The importance of building a predictable pipeline to secure work months in advance.Practical strategies for creating systems that remove stress and bring clarity to your business.How Marti bounced back from near-bankruptcy to build a global coaching brand.If you’re tired of the daily grind and ready to take your trade business to the next level, this conversation with Marti Amos provides actionable insights and a clear roadmap to help you build more than just houses and build true wealth and freedom.Ready to stop working IN your business and start working ON it? This episode is for you.How to find The Professional Builder: https://theprofessionalbuilder.com/Download TPB's Resource: 151 Ways To Make An Extra $500 - $1000 Per Project, Per Week For Your Construction Company https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/151ways?utm_source=ktc&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=KTC&utm_term=KTC&utm_content=KTCMarti's giving away 100 free books to KTC listeners (limited time), get your book here: https://profitablebuilderbook.com/get-the-book