An interesting report came out this week about budgets: the average household spending has only gone up two dollars a week since 2023.

50-percent of respondents said they're actively seeking out discounts and promotions - and 30-percent downgrade brands.

It's one thing to be spending less on non-essentials, eating less, or wearing cheaper clothes, but sometimes that can chip away at our mental health and confidence. So how can we still feel good and financial okay, with what we've got?

On the topic of household budgets: when do you merge finances with your partner or spouse? How do you do it? What should you be careful of?

Financial specialist, and author of top Personal Finance book - Money Matters - Amanda Morall joins Tim Beveridge for Smart Money...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new governor has been appointed for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand - all the way from Sweden.

Dr Anna Breman has already received criticism from economists who find themselves concerned that someone with such little knowledge of the New Zealand economy will hold such a high stakes position.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy had a worse than expected drop in the June quarter, shrinking 0.9%.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has blamed it on global turmoil, but the Reserve Bank of New Zealand says there's a need to provide more stimulus to the economy by cutting the OCR.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced plans to campaign for compulsory KiwiSaver at the next election, and increase the minimum contribution from 4% to 12%.

He said there would be tax cuts alongside these changes to help fund the increase in contributions.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are two different types of employees - one who stays low profile, gets what they need to get done, done, and goes home.

Then there's the other, who complains about anything they feel inconveniences them.

Is it true that the squeaky wheel get the grease? Or is this a great way to get yourself ruled out when it comes to opportunities and promotions?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that the cost of living has gone a bit crazy these past few years, but insurance seems to be one of the hardest hit.

Insurance prices have increased 900% since 2000 - almost triple the increase of tobacco products.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR got another cut this week, now down to 3%.

While there have been questions for a while around whether banks are passing the cuts down to consumers, the real question is whether the cuts will actually solve anything at all.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wills are some of the most painstaking things you need to do as an adult. They remind you of your mortality, and of all the familial issues you may have had throughout the years.

But they must be done - so how can you write an airtight will?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.