The Curve

Buying a home is supposed to be an exciting milestone, but for many, it’s an emotional minefield - especially when the system isn’t built for them. In part one of this three-part property series, Soph opens up about her long-awaited mortgage meeting, only to be met with disappointment instead of a celebratory “yes.” After years of saving, investing, and doing everything right, being told not yet feels like a gut punch. From the unique challenges of getting a mortgage as a self-employed woman to the frustration of watching others move forward while feeling stuck, this conversation is raw and real. Vic offers perspective, reminding that financial success isn’t just about property, and that setbacks don’t mean failure. For anyone who has felt like they’re falling behind - this one hits home. Watch this episode on YouTube. This episode is proudly sponsored by Trade Me Property, New Zealand’s largest property marketplace. Whether you're actively searching or just dream-scrolling, check out the latest listings here: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale?srsltid=AfmBOor7KSCovPz-3WEAyAjgZ-NNmf-GS3Fn_PDz-N5tgvLUoNwY5Y3r For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

Ever felt like money was some exclusive club you weren’t invited to? Sonia Kaurah did too - until she decided to crash the party. In this episode, we chat about how culture shapes our financial habits, why women (especially women of colour) get the short end of the investment stick, and how Sonia went from knowing nothing about investing to sitting in rooms with top venture capitalists - just by forcing her way in and asking all the right questions. She shares how curiosity (and a little stubbornness) helped her build a business, overcome imposter syndrome, and navigate the startup world with zero safety net. Plus, she spills on her mental health platform, Tala Thrive, and why therapy should come with cultural understanding. If you've ever felt like money, business, or investing weren’t “for you,” this episode will change your mind. Ready to join The Club?! The Curve Investing Club will give you up to date stock market, business and money news, deep dives into investing ideas and most importantly, an incredible group of women all wanting to grow their wealth together. Find out more, and join us here. For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

Buckle up, because this week, we're diving into two massive stories shaking up the financial world. First up, Trump is back with a fresh batch of tariffs, sending markets into a tailspin and making investors everywhere question what’s next (and yes, avocados are at risk). We break down why global trade drama affects your portfolio and how companies are scrambling to keep up. Then, we tackle Google's surprising move to ditch its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals - alongside other corporate giants like Meta and Amazon. What does this shift mean for the future of workplace diversity? And should you rethink where you invest your money? We break it all down, from trade war tensions to the shifting landscape of socially responsible investing. The Forsyth Barr Funds are issued by Forsyth Barr Investment Management Limited. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement for the Forsyth Barr Funds is available on the Tempo website - https://www.tempo.co.nz/documents-and-disclosures Tempo is only available to New Zealand residents and no offer of financial products or services is being made by, or through, Tempo to any person in any other jurisdiction. Tempo research conducted by Pure Profile in July 2023. NZ rep. Sample of 1,004 respondents. Join The Curve’s Investing Club includes expert insights, exclusive perks, and a supportive community to help you grow your wealth. Ready to invest smarter? Start your 7-day free trial today. For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

Okay, bad news first: millennials are the first generation in history to be worse off than their parents (yep, studies confirm it). With homeownership rates down 28% compared to boomers at the same age and wages barely keeping up with inflation, the traditional path to wealth - buy a house, retire rich - is looking real shaky. But what if there was another way? Enter Avion Gray, co-founder of fintech platform BeLong, who's tackling the paradox of wealth head-on. She breaks down why we struggle to save, how attitudes toward risk are keeping us broke, and why investing needs a serious rebrand. We also dive into the Boost Loan - a game-changing way to invest more now - and her best tips for funding a business (without selling a kidney). Oh, and did we mention she’s also a stock-picking queen? We unpack Avion’s investing strategy, the stocks she holds (including one she regrets selling), and how she spots opportunities when the market freaks out. If you've ever felt stuck between paying rent and growing your wealth, this episode might just change your money mindset forever. Ready to join The Club?! The Curve Investing Club will give you up to date stock market, business and money news, deep dives into investing ideas and most importantly, an incredible group of women all wanting to grow their wealth together. Find out more, and join us here. For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

AI just shook the stock market hard. Nvidia - aka the golden child of AI investing - lost $600 billion in a day, thanks to a mysterious new player from China. What is Deep Seek? Why is it supposedly 27 times more powerful than ChatGPT? And does this mean Nvidia’s reign is over? We break down the chaos, what it means for investors, and whether this is a buy-the-dip moment or a warning sign. Plus, a TikTok takeover twist, LVMH’s latest struggles, and a reminder that inflation is still gnawing at your savings like a sneaky little garden gnome. Ready to level up your investing game? Join our Investing Club for exclusive insights, expert tips, and all the tools you need to grow your wealth - learn more and sign up here! For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

In this throwback episode, we chat with Alec and Bryce, the dynamic duo behind Equity Mates, and our first-ever male guests! They spill the beans on avoiding lifestyle creep (you know, that sneaky habit of spending more when you earn more) and why your 20s are pure gold for investing. Bryce shares his textbook-perfect childhood money lessons (spoiler: he started saving at five!), while Alec talks about the spectacular failure of his first stock pick - and what it taught him. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a motivational push to dust off your investing game, this episode is for all. Plus, you’ll find out which stock market indexes they love and why “companies die, but indexes are forever.” Let’s get you back on that investment bandwagon, shall we? For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

This week, we’re popping bottles - but not of champagne because shipments are down, and we’re not about to splurge on bubbly when everyone’s tightening their wallets. Today, we're unpacking why luxury brands and Puma are struggling while Netflix casually crushes records with 19 million new subscribers (thanks, password crackdown). We dive into Trump’s latest antics, from federal hiring freezes to TikTok’s temporary rescue mission that left influencers in a frenzy. Plus, why diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are taking a back seat, and what it means for the future of the workplace. So grab your headphones, pour yourself a budget-friendly Prosecco, and let’s make sense of the madness. Episode mentioned in this podcast: What Immigrants Teach Us About Wealth & Opportunity, with Nina Mohanty. Ready to level up your investing game? Join our Investing Club for exclusive insights, expert tips, and all the tools you need to grow your wealth - learn more and sign up here! For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

Meet Nina Mohanty, one of the most inspiring guests we’ve ever had on the pod. She’s a fintech founder, an investing trailblazer, and someone who can explain why immigrant communities are reshaping economies with more grit and innovation than most of us could dream of. Did you know immigrants in the US and UK are 5x more likely to start a business than native-born citizens? It’s not a coincidence - it’s a mindset. Nina breaks down the secret sauce behind this entrepreneurial success: from collective money practices to turning risk into reward, and why traditions like pooling resources are the ultimate hack for building intergenerational wealth. In a world where immigration is often politicised (and yes, we’re looking at you, Donald), Nina’s insights couldn’t be more timely. We explore the collective money mindset of immigrant communities, how generational wealth can actually be intergenerational, and how her platform Bloom Money is bringing these ancient traditions into the fintech age. For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

The LA wildfires are among the most devastating natural disasters in recent history, with 12,000 structures lost, 200,000 people displaced, and $275 billion in economic damage. This episode explores the financial toll, from $20 billion in insurance claims to the ripple effects on housing and the global economy. We also provide actionable tips - auditing insurance, building emergency funds, and investing in climate-conscious companies - to help you prepare for an uncertain future. It’s a stark reminder of the cost of climate inaction and a call to build a more sustainable world. If you’re moved to help, below are some links to trusted organisations providing relief and support for those affected by the fires: 211 LA | California Community Foundation Fund | Direct Relief | Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation | Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles | Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation | Musicares | Pasadena Educational Foundation Eaton Fire Response Fund The Curve is BACK IN NZ! Join us for unforgettable night in Auckland CBD as we celebrate the launch of our new Investing Club. Join Soph and Vic (along with some very special guests) for an inspiring conversation packed with investment insights for 2025, practical financial tips, and lessons from 2024 to help you reset and make this year your most financially empowered yet.  Date: Tuesday, 4th February Location: Alberts, Auckland NZ Expect exclusive goodie bags featuring some of your favourite brands and champagne on arrival. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to connect with the Curve community. Seats are very limited—grab your tickets now! Ready to level up your investing game? Join our Investing Club today and start building your financial future - sign up here! Podcast recordings mentioned in this episode: RTC60: How to negotiate a pay rise with Meggie Palmer. RTC63: A guide to adulting - Getting your Plan B sorted before it’s too late. For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.

New year, new budget. In this episode, we chat about ditching outdated money habits, setting up a foolproof 3-bucket budget system (essentials, non-essentials, and surplus), and why jumping ship from your childhood bank could save you big bucks. Dani shares exactly how she splits her pay and explains why budgeting is less about penny-pinching and more about feeling financially light. Whether you're starting fresh, trying to fix a blowout, or just want to stop skipping dinner for dessert, this episode is packed with super helpful insights and actionable tips. Also… Paris? That’s a whole budgeting lesson in itself. Episode mentioned in this podcast: How financial literacy can change your life, with Norma Cassius. Want to invest but aren’t sure where to start? We have just created The Ultimate Money + Investing Course which is exactly what you need to get going. Imagine Netflix, Masterclass and every money self help book had a baby… it’s short, easy to follow with actionable steps designed to fast track you to not just thinking about investing, but actually doing it. We recommend all beginners do this course before joining the club. Find out more here: https://thecurveplatform.com/pages/universalmoneycourse For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.