In 2024, listener.co.nz launched Navigating the money maze with finance expert Lisa Dudson. You’ll find seven of her most popular columns here, offering easy-to-follow tips and hints for making the most of your money in 2025.
What first homebuyers need to consider before they hit the open homes
Buying a home requires careful consideration and planning. By understanding your preferences, setting a realistic budget and seeking guidance from professionals, you can navigate the home-buying process with confidence and find the perfect home for you and your family.
Are you too old for a side hustle?
From driving for ride-sharing services to consulting services to selling a range of goods and services online, there are all manner of side hustles. But aren’t these for the young and ambitious? No, of course not! What is old anyway? Age is just a number, and don’t they now say that 60 is the new 40? A wealth of experience, skills and wisdom are all invaluable assets and mature individuals often possess a depth of knowledge that younger people may lack.
Should you take control of your own destiny and start a business?
The notion of buying a business to control your own destiny is often glamorised but in reality, is buying or starting your business a smart idea?
Having your own business has a number of benefits, including the potential for you to earn more than you would as an employee... However, on the other side it is important to note that being a business owner comes with risks and challenges, including financial uncertainty, no steady pay cheque but regular costs, long hours and stress, and the potential for failure.
Facing redundancy? Here’s what you need to do now
The uncertainty and stress that comes with such a situation can be overwhelming but being prepared and having the right mindset and strategies can make a difference. Here are some ideas to help you navigate job redundancy and emerge stronger.
How to budget and save when you don’t have a regular or fixed income
To make budgeting easier, try to pay yourself a regular monthly income. I think this is the best way to go if you can manage it. It does take a bit of planning.
New to investing? Here are the best options
Whether you come into a windfall or build up savings over time, investing money wisely is a key plank to securing your financial future. It’s important to note that you can gain income from investments in different ways. For instance, some investments are more growth oriented, ie, their value grows over time, while others are more income oriented, ie, most of the return is paid out in the form of an income, some have a mixture of both. Here are some of the best options for deriving an income as each has its unique features and risk-return profiles.
I’m getting divorced – how do I protect my finances and plan ahead?
It’s crucial for individuals to have a solid plan in place to navigate post-divorce finances. While the emotional aspects of divorce may take time to heal, proactive financial planning can provide a sense of stability and empowerment. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plan financially after a divorce.
Lisa Dudson is an investor, entrepreneur and author of eight bestselling personal finance and property investment books. She has been a media commentator on financial issues for more than 20 years and is known for pragmatic, meaningful and easy-to-understand financial advice. She is a director and shareholder of Saturn Advice and National Capital and provides financial and property advice through her consulting business www.acumen.co.nz Lisa’s advice is of a general nature, and she is not responsible for any loss that readers may suffer from following it. She cannot correspond directly with readers, or give financial advice.
