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NZ Has Changed FOREVER & Some Can't See It
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.
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MM 294 - How Would You Sum Up YOUR 25?
29:00|Out of interest, I asked the KTC audience how their year was via Instagram. Let's go through some replies. Some raw ones there! And interestingly, 66% said that 2025 was better than expected. For all of us, let’s have a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, was 2025 better than you expected? Next, ask yourself this ripper… ‘What would I need to do in 2026 to have a GREAT year?’.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/
The 21 Year Old Kiwi Making Millions With Ecommerce
01:04:55|Blake Evans is 21 years old and generated $1.7million in revenue last month (November 2025). He's running a global e-commerce empire from his bedroom.Blake breaks down the reality of making serious money online, selling his car to fund his business, losing most of his friends, and the journey from working at Wendy's to earning more in a month than the top 1% of Kiwis make in a year.We cover the loneliness of entrepreneurship, why he doesn't care about haters anymore, and how posting lifestyle content brings in new audiences. Plus his advice: pick something and stick to it instead of jumping between shiny objects.Most people his age are worried about assignments. Blake's worried about scaling to eight figures.Find Blake: https://instagram.com/blakeevansnzAmy from http://Levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning. Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridgeWebsite: https://www.levridge.co.nzGenerate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/change/ to find out more.
MM 293 - Will You Unsubscribe?
37:56|Earlier this year a statistic from a Censuswide survey said Kiwis are checking their devices up to 50 times an hour. Another report said people get around 146 notifications daily. Recently, Gmail rolled out a new feature: you can now see all the email lists you’re subscribed to in one place. One glance, and you’ll probably realise you are subscribed to way more junk than you thought. I am!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/
What If New Zealand Bans Consumer Debt In 2026?
53:16|Half the stuff you buy, you can't actually afford. But debt dealers have found a way to break down payments so your future self can pay for today's bad decisions.Luke and Mikey explore what would happen if all consumer debt was banned tomorrow: new car sales would drop 80%, white wear would last 15-20 years instead of 7-10, and people would focus on skills and experiences instead of stuff they can't afford.Debt is a form of slavery. You're pledging your future self to pay for things you want now. Meanwhile, buy now pay later increases average order value by 40% because people add extra items when they're not paying real money.The cage is disguised as convenience. You think you're using their money, but they're using your behaviour to make you spend more.Stop being the bank for your future self. The journey matters more than the transaction.Amy from http://Levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning. Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridgeWebsite: https://www.levridge.co.nzGenerate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/change/ to find out more.They Don't Teach This At Uni... So Im Doing It
20:41|I headed into BDO to talk with their interns about what uni doesn’t teach you:- How not to get stuck in survival & status mode- How most people don’t like their jobs (and how to avoid that)- Using your interests outside work as your advantage- Money traps: debt, status spending & trying to look successful- What freedom really is and how to start aiming for it nowIf you’re a student or grad who wants more than just a paycheck and a job title, this is for you.
Reflecting On KTC Unplugged 25
45:44|Thanks to everyone who came along to KTC Unplugged 2025. Here's some thoughts from behind the scenes and some insights from the night. Hope to see you at the next one!
MM 292 - Do You Risk Enough To Expect Reward?
46:18|If everything you do is safe and predictable, then the outcome will be safe and predictable too. This was a tough life lesson for me to accept. But it seems to be very common nowadays that a lot of people expect extraordinary outcomes with zero actual risk. There’s nothing wrong with these choices, but they’re safe choices. You can’t reasonably expect unsafe rewards from safe behaviour. Our lack of eduction OR acceptance of this can lead to envy.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/
Building Wealth Through Buying a Business in New Zealand: Ryan O'Connor
57:15|Ryan breaks down his journey from employee to business owner: 12 years working for others, multiple failed attempts at partnerships, and finally finding a seller in Ashburton. We cover the 8-year vendor finance deal that made it possible, why his house losing $45K in value didn't stop him, and how he's now building the practice he always dreamed of.The reality? Most optometrists stay employees forever. Ryan refused to accept that path, even when deals fell through and relationships ended. He kept pushing until he found the right opportunity.From Specsavers pathway programs to independent practice owner, sometimes the long way around is the only way that works.We cover cash flow challenges, paying loans with after-tax income, building community connections, and why small town optometry beats city employment. Plus his next vision: owning a deer farm while running his practice.Twenty years from childhood dream to business reality. Persistence pays off.Find Ryan:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-o-connor-827a9562/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanoconnornz/ Website: https://www.asheye.co.nz/Amy from http://Levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning. Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridgeWebsite: https://www.levridge.co.nzGet tickets to the 2nd annual in person 'keep the change unplugged' event: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/keep-the-change-tickets/artist/3925924Generate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/change/ to find out more.
NZ's Shared Home Ownership Scheme: The Solution For First Home Buyers?
41:36|Most first home buyers think they need 20% deposit and will take 8-16 years to save it. Meanwhile, house prices keep rising faster than their wages.Jared from Tamaki Regeneration breaks down shared home ownership. We cover how it works with banks, why it's not a scam, and how families are getting keys to new homes in 2-3 years instead of waiting decades.There is hope. You just need to know where to look.Find JaredLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-partridge-21615694/Website: https://tamakiregeneration.co.nz/Amy from http://Levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning.Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridgeWebsite: https://www.levridge.co.nzGet tickets to the 2nd annual in person 'keep the change unplugged' event: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/keep-the-change-tickets/artist/3925924I believe 100,000 kiwi with better financial literacy will create a better New Zealand. The Generate KiwiSaver Scheme are helping me reach this goal. Cheers Generate. Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/change/ to find out more.