

The Curve
The Curve Platform
The Curve is a platform to learn more about money. To change the stereotype that these conversations are typically boring, and only for men in suits. Victoria has worked in the finance and investing world for 13 years, and Sophie is a total novice. Learn alongside her as she asks all the questions you're thinking, but might feel a little embarrassed to ask. This podcast will give you all the tools and knowledge to achieve financial freedom, as well as (hopefully) having a laugh along the way.
New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!
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 episodes every Monday and Wednesday!
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 26, 2025 • 37min
Negotiating Pay, Knowing Your Worth & Future-Proofing Your Career with Sharyn Casey (from the archives).
Just a heads up - this episode contains a fair bit of swearing (because sometimes money and career talk gets passionate). If you're listening with little ears around, you might want to pop in some headphones!We’re throwing it back to June 2023 for this gem of an episode - because career smarts never go out of style. In this one, we chat with the incredible Sharyn Casey about the financial side of work: how to negotiate a pay rise with confidence (and without sweating through your shirt), why loyalty in a job can be a financial win (but also when to walk away), and how diversifying your skill set can protect your income long-term. We also dive into the money lessons that start at home - how Sharyn teaches her kids about saving and spending, how she and her partner merged their finances without the stress, and the top money tip from her mum that completely changed the way she budgets. It was a great chat then, and it’s just as relevant now - enjoy this one from the archives!"No one has ever saved their way to being a millionaire." Investing is the real game-changer - but don’t worry, we’ll show you how. The Curve’s Investing Club is your no-BS guide to growing your money, with expert insights, exclusive perks, and a community that actually gets it. Ready to level up? Join here.Leave us a message 💌☎️For more from The Curve:Investing ClubWebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokNewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Feb 24, 2025 • 43min
Why Tesla Investors Are Jumping Ship.
Well, well, well… Tesla’s stock is on a wild ride, and it’s got nothing to do with self-driving cars. This week, we’re diving into why Elon Musk’s political antics are spooking investors and why some Tesla owners are slapping bumper stickers on their cars that basically scream, “I bought this before I knew he was nuts.” Plus, we chat about whether this stock slump is a golden buying opportunity or a moral dilemma. We also cover the latest on interest rate cuts (good news for borrowers, meh news for savers), the ongoing battle over TikTok, the sneaky tactics of discount-shopping giant Temu, and Shein’s rocky road to going public. And to top it off, we discuss why female athletes are still being shortchanged - literally. 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. Episodes mentioned in this podcast: Budgeting 101 & How to Split Your Pay. Budgeting 102 & How to Actually Stick to It. Leave us a message 💌☎️ For more from The Curve: Investing ClubWebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokNewsletter 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.

Feb 20, 2025 • 56min
Buy, Renovate, Sell: How to 'Flip' a property with Alex Harper.
Ever wondered how people make money from buying and selling houses? It’s called flipping, and no, it doesn’t mean turning a house upside down. Enter Alex Harper (aka @handy__honey), a total pro at turning rundown spaces into cash-worthy homes. She breaks down the flipping basics - how to find a great deal, what to ask the seller, and why buying smart is the key to making money. We also chat about avoiding expensive mistakes, working with a tight budget, and how Alex flipped a house while pregnant (superwoman energy!). If you’ve ever dreamed of getting into property but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you! 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 Leave us a message 💌☎️ For more from The Curve: Investing ClubWebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokNewsletter 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.

Feb 19, 2025 • 50min
Budgeting 102 & How to Actually Stick to It.
So, you set a budget in January… but have you actually stuck to it? Sophie hands over her bank statements (risky move) to Dani for a very honest financial check-in. From accidental gym memberships (oops) to short-term money goals, they break down how to tweak your spending without killing the fun. Expect chats about term deposits, cutting sneaky subscription costs, and the real struggle of balancing saving with actually enjoying life. 💸 Need a budgeting game plan? Within The Curve Investing Club, Dani walks you through exactly how to define your essentials vs. non-essentials, split your pay, and decide what to do with your surplus. It’s super beginner-friendly. Join us here: The Curve Investing Club Episodes we mentioned in this podcast - Budgeting 101 & How to Split Your Pay. For more from The Curve: Investing ClubWebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokNewsletter 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.

Feb 17, 2025 • 45min
Elon vs. OpenAI, NZ Property Surge & The Soho House Showdown.
Elon Musk wants to buy OpenAI for a casual $98 billion - but Sam Altman basically replied with “lol, no.” Meanwhile, the NZ property market might be heating up, which is either thrilling or terrifying depending on your bank balance. Over at Goldman Sachs, they’ve decided diversity efforts are just too hard (insert dramatic eye roll), and Soho House is in the middle of a billionaire tug-of-war that’s juicier than a reality TV finale. Also on the agenda: China’s marriage rates are plummeting, and with fewer weddings come fewer babies - leaving the government scrambling to play matchmaker with housing perks and incentives, but Gen Z seems more interested in financial security than fairy tales. Episodes mentioned in this podcast: Signs You're Facing Financial Burnout & How to Fix It – If you've ever felt overwhelmed by money, this episode is a must-listen. Listen here. Why Buying a Home Feels Impossible – Sophie’s property journey takes an unexpected turn in this brutally honest deep dive into the housing market. Listen here. 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. For more from The Curve: Investing ClubWebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokNewsletter 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.

Feb 13, 2025 • 52min
Why Buying a Home Feels Impossible.
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.

Feb 12, 2025 • 40min
Navigating Self-Worth & Financial Risk as a Female Founder, with Sonia Kaurah.
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.

Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
Money, Politics & Morals: The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs & DEI Rollbacks.
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.

Feb 5, 2025 • 55min
The Wealth Paradox & Why Millennials Are Falling Behind, with Avion Gray.
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.

Feb 3, 2025 • 37min
The AI Giant That Just Knocked Nvidia Off Its Throne.
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.