The Happy Saver Podcast - Personal Finance in New Zealand

Ruth tells John and Betty’s story with care.

Steve and Sarah, a UK couple using not their real names, moved to Aotearoa and built a financial life that spans property, pensions, KiwiSaver, and a $70,000 UK pension cash-in.

Marion and John are getting ready to move house again.

This episode revisits Neil's story from 2022, detailing his financially complicated breakup, including a legal battle over a $225,000 settlement, the emotional and financial toll, and his eventual resolution through direct negotiation.

This episode revisits Hamish, a New Zealand military member, to update on his financial journey since 2021.

Host Ruth interviews Tracey, a 49-year-old HR professional who, with her husband, has achieved Coast Fi—meaning their investments will grow to retirement needs without further contributions.

Host Ruth provides a detailed guide to building and using an emergency fund, drawing on personal experiences like the Canterbury earthquakes and her mother's hospitalization.

Carla shares her journey from childhood financial scarcity to separating finances after decades of marriage, including paying off student loans, managing an inheritance, and navigating a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Ruth uses Jennifer's story to take a careful look at what happens when family life runs ahead of the money plan.

Host Ruth shares the story of Maria, a late financial bloomer who, with her partner Michelle, turned their finances around in their 50s to build $1 million in savings by their 70s through debt payoff, smart investing, and perseverance.

Ruth starts with a careful caveat.

Ruth closes the sixth and final episode of The Happy Saver Podcast’s financial independence series with a case for low-fee ETF investing in New Zealand.

Ruth uses Part 5 of The Happy Saver Podcast’s six-part financial independence series to argue for getting out of debt and staying out of debt.

Ruth interviews Alan and Katie Donegan, the couple behind Rebel Finance School, and says they retired at 40 and 35 after building a £1 million target in index funds.

Happiness isn't something people give you—it comes from within, and nobody can take away your ability to generate it yourself.

Emily's $9,000 car loan reveals gap between financial values and emotional success symbols.

Ruth unpacks Sammy's long money story.

Host Ruth updates listeners on Chris and Rosemary's financial journey since 2021, detailing their transformation through FIRE principles, index fund investing, and strategic decisions like using student loans for investments.

Ruth interviews Poutou, a 57-year-old from New Zealand, about her journey to financial independence.

This episode shares the story of Rachel, a 32-year-old from Timaru, who has crafted a flexible career and financial life through frugality, community support, and index fund investing.

Ruth interviews Ruby, a Kiwi who shares her personal finance journey from student debt to homeownership and investing.

Ruth says part two of her six-part financial independence series is about budgeting, and she ties it directly to growing net worth.

Ruth profiles Rob, a 33-year-old plumber from Western Australia, and traces how he built financial independence through early saving, a paid apprenticeship, and a side business that grew into ten staff.

Ruth from The Happy Saver Podcast speaks with Julian, a 51-year-old from Christchurch, about a financial U-turn that began in late 2023 after he found The Barefoot Investor, Rebel Finance School, and Mr Money Mustache.

Ruth introduces Tokyo and Rio, a mid-40s couple who asked to be called by the Money Heist names they love.

Ruth is back after a summer break from central Otago and says 2025 will now bring a new episode every three weeks.

Ruth speaks with Kate and Tucker, a couple in their early thirties who have built a life around intention rather than default settings.

Ruth on The Happy Saver Podcast talks with Gail, a New Zealand-based listener whose 2019 reset began with a failing business, $25,000 income, no emergency fund, and mortgage drawdowns to cover mortgage payments.

Ruth interviews a couple who achieved financial independence early through property investing in New Zealand.

Ruth introduces a six-part series on financial independence, starting with tracking net worth, based on her blog posts.

Ruth shares an update on Nick's financial journey, highlighting her progress toward financial independence and the challenges she faced.

Ruth interviews 19-year-old Josie about balancing saving for study and travel, highlighting intergenerational financial wisdom.

Ruth interviews Grace, who paid off $40,000 in debt and is saving to buy a home by age 30, sharing her money journey and tips.

Ruth interviews Bella about her $85,271 student loan debt and her journey to pay it off, with tips on budgeting using Pocketsmith.

Ruth revisits past guests to check on their financial progress, including a couple who paid off mortgage debt and a young investor who grew his property portfolio.

Ruth introduces the podcast and shares the story of Aria and Dave, a couple in their mid-40s who achieved a net worth of $1 million, discussing their journey and financial habits.

Ruth interviews Hamish about how he saved $125,000 and bought a house at age 24 in Palmerston North.

Ruth interviews Nina, a part-time accountant and mother of three, about her family's financial journey and money management in New Zealand.