PocketSmith

Investing can be about more than just returns, it can be a way to support what matters to you. Emma explores how aligning your investments with your values - whether it's climate action, gender equality, or ethical practices - can make a difference while growing your wealth 🌱

Should You Align Your Investments With Your Values? Investing your hard-earned money is a great way to grow your wealth, but have you ever wanted to use your investments to promote positive change as well as generate returns? Your portfolio can go further if you invest in companies and funds that share your beliefs and values. Emma explores whether a...

Time and money often reflect what we value, but they don’t have to define it. Historically, watches showed power and control, yet now, success doesn’t have to mean flashy items - it can mean spending time on things that really matter, like relationships, learning, or personal freedom. We thoroughly enjoyed reading Brynne from Femme Frugality’s piece on status, wealth and luxury timepieces ⌚ Give it a read!

Why I’m Utterly Unimpressed by Your Rolex: The Historic Symbolism of Luxury Timepieces | Femme Frugality Why I’m Utterly Unimpressed by Your Rolex: The Historic Symbolism of Luxury Timepieces This post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please view our full disclosure. Leave a reply This article is brought to you by PocketSmith. I should start this article out by saying that in the contex...

PocketPet #6! The furry friend taking over our Facebook today is Izzy, a Sharpei/Staffy mix.

🌊 Izzy loves to play! She’s forever bugging her brother to run around, but she is the bully on the playground and will never let him catch the toy. She’s also an avid swimmer and will be out in the ocean for hours if her owners let her.
🛁 She doesn't like having a bath. She’ll happily go into the ocean but try and get her near a shower, and she bolts.
🤿 If Izzy had a job she would be an aquathlon athlete! She can run and swim for hours.
🥬 She loves to eat absolutely anything and everything - she'll even eat lettuce.
📢 A fun fact is that Izzy can talk on cue! But it’s difficult to get her to stop once she starts.

The fellas at Equity Mates are diving deep into their finances once again 📈 Using PocketSmith, Bryce and Ren are breaking down every detail - from mortgages to Uber Eats - to see where they’re winning and what could use a little fine-tuning.

“My biggest expense is housing - 43% of my take-home pay goes to the mortgage. They say anything over a third is mortgage stress, but it’s just part of living in Sydney. And groceries… well, let’s just say Uber Eats might need to be trimmed back!”

By taking a closer look at your spending, you can make intentional choices and align your money with what matters most. Listen to Bryce and Ren’s insights and reflections in the full episode here:

Same salary but Bryce saves 18% more - Our spending reviewed | PocketSmith - Equity Mates Media In this episode we’re doing a quarterly review of our budgets to see how we’ve been stacking up against our goals.

On episode 97 of The Happy Saver podcast, Ruth gives us an update on Rosemary and Chris’ current financial situation as they work to achieve FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early). She shares how they have worked together to transform their financial lives and deal with change. Give it a listen if you want to hear an inspiring finance story.

Have a listen below, or wherever you go for good podcasts 🎧 https://bit.ly/4ffySXT

97. Revisit with Chris and Rosemary: These two are not mucking around! — The Happy Saver MONEY JOURNEY Today’s episode is an update on North Island couple Chris and Rosemary. Their first episode came out in March 2021 — it was episode number 49. Since then, we’ve kept in touch, and today’s episode is an update on where this couple are now, in terms of both money and life. It’s...

Last night our CEO Jason had the pleasure of taking part in Startup Dunedin’s Codecraft talk about developing a tech company driven by genuine purpose, alongside open source stalwart Michael Tiemann.

At PocketSmith, our maker mentality empowers users to build financial systems that work for them. Like Michael shared at Codecraft, fostering individuality drives innovation. Sharing this knowledge within our local ecosystem helps everyone grow, and we’re proud to be part of a community that thrives on creativity and learning together.

“Knowledge is power! With PocketSmith, we have total transparency to make decisions. We can see month-to-month how we are tracking. We can choose to make changes or change our decisions together.” Read how PocketSmith is helping Kath and her husband seek out adventure in their retirement.

PocketSmith Helps Kath Budget for Her Travels During Retirement We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Their stories are filled with ideas, suggestions and inspiration on how you can start crafting a meaningful relationship with your finances.

Cash is king 👑 Currently in beta, you can now automatically create a transaction in your cash account when you withdraw money from your bank accounts with a new filter in PocketSmith.

For example, when you withdraw money from an ATM, you can use a filter to match the merchant name of the cash withdrawal from the ATM in your bank account which then creates a new transfer transaction in your cash account with the matching amount.

Find out more about this wicked new feature on our Learn Center: https://bit.ly/4eQOAcf

As a digital nomad, Rachel learned that finding the right travel insurance requires patience and persistence. From overspending on short-term fixes to finally securing a budget-friendly, reliable plan, her latest blog shows that the right coverage is out there, and it's worth the effort to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Insurance Needs for Digital Nomads Navigating travel insurance as a digital nomad is both essential and challenging. From a quick-fix solution that lasted only two days to a stable choice that lasted for months, Rachel’s experiences with insurance while travelling as a freelancer highlight the unique challenges and solutions for di...

When CNET commends your contributions, you know it’s going to be a good day. Being recognised for our position as an early adopter in their recent AI feature validates our focus on continual product development.

“The next generation of budgeting apps employs sophisticated generative AI abilities like machine learning and natural language processing to provide this extra layer of guidance and support.”

Artificial intelligence has an expanding impact on the PFM ecosystem. For most people, financial data isn't easy to work with. AI has the potential to be used in a way that securely enhances people's personal finance experience, helping them achieve better financial outcomes.

We’ve already been seeing this in our talented and clever users, who have matched our passion for tinkering and integrated their own AI solutions into their PocketSmith journey via our API. From a personalised budget controller to quiz spending on the go, to a full-blown daily podcast to give you financial insights in the format you love best, the possibilities seem limitless.

And through the work we’re doing on our own experimental AI-driven feature AI Tasks, we’re proud to be part of the next generation of budgeting apps servicing tech-savvy Home CFOs and problem solvers with complex finances.

How do you see AI influencing your finances in the future?

Is AI the Answer to Your Money Problems? Here's What It Can (and Can't) Do Some clever budgeters are using chatbots to make better spending decisions. This is what personal finance experts have to say about that.

Hey, it’s Eliza again 👋 and I'm here with another - sell your preloved clothes! This is the best way to make money while decluttering your own wardrobe. You can simply pop a post up on Facebook Marketplace, or there are many different recycling boutique-style shops online and in person. Give the clothes you no longer wear a new home 🛍️🏠

This World Investor Week, it’s important to reiterate that investing is for everyone. And as more people take control of their financial future, having the right tools makes all the difference. PocketSmith users know that seeing the whole picture is key - whether it’s monitoring everyday spending or watching investments grow.

In the Northern Hemisphere, options abound for smart investing 📈 From powerful platforms like Vanguard, Robinhood, and eToro to planning ahead with pension funds and other retirement options, PocketSmith makes it easier to connect all your accounts in one place, giving you clear insights into your financial journey.

Happy investing!

World Investor Week's mission is to promote sound investing strategies, and even during tough times, staying committed to long-term investments can build future financial stability. In her latest blog, Ruth shares how she’s balanced everyday expenses with smart investing, based on her experience during COVID-19.

Investing, even in uncertain times, can be a key element in preparing for the future 📈

Should You Prioritize Investing During Increasing Costs of Living? In an era of ever-increasing costs, many people are grappling with the question of whether they should prioritize investing their hard-earned money or focus on coping with rising expenses. As financial landscapes evolve, understanding the significance of investing during such challenging times becom...

World Investor Week is upon us once more! Every year, this worldwide initiative aims to highlight the significance of educating and protecting investors. Many of our users are keen investors themselves, and understand the importance that investing plays in the bigger picture of holistic financial wellbeing.

We love the part that PocketSmith plays in the growing accessibility of investing by connecting to thousands of financial institutions globally and integrating with top investment tracking platforms.

The Southern Hemisphere has their pick of the crop 🌏 From innovative wealth development apps like Kernel, Sharesies and Pearler, share trackers like Sharesight, to retirement and superannuation funds like Simplicity, Hesta and UniSuper, PocketSmith users can make tracking their growth simpler and more transparent.

How are you growing your money?

On the latest episode of The Happy Saver podcast, Ruth tells us about a couple in their 40s who have had a financial reality check. From large bills to last-minute flights and unexcited drops in incomes, this couple restrains themselves from getting another loan. Have a listen if you want to hear about how there are other options out there than adding to your loan.

Make sure you have a listen below 🎧

96. Reality Check — The Happy Saver MONEY JOURNEY Today's episode began with an email from a Kiwi couple in their mid-40s. Tokyo reached out just before Christmas 2023, sharing how a sinking fund she started nearly a year ago was making her happy amidst a tough financial year. They were considering a $15,000 mortgage top-up to cover

Financial fraud is constantly evolving, but with the right knowledge, you can stay ahead of scammers 🛡️ Sam shares how you can learn how to spot common scams, implement internal controls for your business, and review your transactions regularly to catch anything unusual.

An Accountant’s Guide to Preventing Fraud in Your Financial Systems Financial fraud takes many forms and is constantly evolving, making it challenging to stay ahead of scammers. However, by learning how to detect and prevent fraud, business owners and individuals alike can protect their hard-earned money. Sam shares his insights as an accountant on safeguarding fina...

Happy International Podcast Day! To celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite finance podcasts for 2024. Podcasts are a great source of reliable information, breaking down complex personal finance topics into easy-to-digest conversations that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Give our latest blog a read to discover some insightful podcasts to listen to next 🎧

What has been your favourite podcast this year?

Rask Australia The Broke Generation It's No Secret Lighthouse Financial Be Clever With Your Cash

PocketSmith’s Top Financial Podcast Picks for 2024 Whether you’re commuting, cooking, or out for a walk, podcasts make the perfect companions. Check out some of our 2024 favorites and discover new ways to grow your financial knowledge. Packed with fresh financial insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories, each one will help you sharpen your ...

Our mates Equity Mates are so back 😎 We’ve thrown down the gauntlet to Bryce and Ren - are they game enough to really probe their finances? Well, you bet they are! Every quarter they’re using PocketSmith put their money under the microscope and see what they can find.

How’s Ren feeling about some of the insights he’s been able to surface? “It always feels bad when I say 43% of my money goes to the mortgage. But then I just remind myself that it's unrealistic. Like the idea of that, especially since we live in Sydney - that one always stands out.”

Transparency in your financial data can transform fear or uncertainty into confidence, allowing you to align your spending with what truly matters and plan for the future with ease!

Listen to their engaging discussion and hear about their deep-dive journey on their personal finances. Check out the full episode here:

A deep dive on our personal finances - Quarterly portfolio review | Pocketsmith - Equity Mates Media From how much we've each been spending on groceries to our latest investments, tune in to this episode to get a closer look...

We love doing some PocketGood 🎮 We’re proud to have sponsored another year of the Otago Esports Brawl, now in its 4th year. With PocketSmith being home to its fair share of gamers, we’re very much for the evolving perception of gaming and what events like this can offer kids who are looking for a sense of community, as well as competition.

Check out this wrap video from the brawl!

Otago Esports Brawl IV The Unifone and Otago Polytechnic sponsored Otago Esports Brawl IV at John MacGlashan College. An event with over 50 participants battling it out for the Swo...

Hiya! Taking over our Facebook today is our PocketPet #5, Kairo - another rescue special!

🚗 Kairo is obsesssssed with the car. Any chance he gets, he wants to ride in it, head out the window just pondering life. His owners have to bribe him to come back out again!
💅 He hates having his nails clipped - he turns into such a sook.
🚕 If Kairo had a job, he would 10000% be a chauffeur so he could be in the car 24/7.
🍭 Kairo’s favourite treat is anything sugary that he shouldn’t be eating. The second his owners have lollies or dessert, he won’t leave them alone.
👔 He absolutely loves dressing up. His owners will pull out even one of their t-shirts, and he tries to get his head in there!

“PocketSmith has helped me stay on budget and reassured me by showing me my financial habits. It's like having someone oversee my finances, helping me budget for expected expenses in the future.” Read how Harry is gaining a head start with PocketSmith and building habits that will set him up for long-term success.

Teenager Harry Uses PocketSmith To Get Ready for Uni We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Their stories are filled with ideas, suggestions and inspiration on how you can start crafting a meaningful relationship with your finances.

While we’ve got our bunch of PocketSmithers in Melbourne representing the team at the Intersekt Festival, our CEO Jason Leong is also getting amongst the jet-setting fun in New York City 🍎

He was invited to Mastercard HQ, to join them for the Global Start Path Summit, now in its 10th year. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to further study the US ecosystem of personal finance and its fintech, as well as explore ways to elevate the PocketSmith experience for our US users.

Seeing our team share their passion and expertise internationally really highlights that our commitment to helping people understand and improve their money behaviours resonates on a universal scale. We’re so proud to be a truly global platform!

“Tech has also meant that consumer security must evolve. We've had important conversations about that over the last few months, because data is an essential commodity of the digital economy, and consumers need to be able to trust that both government and business will protect their data and keep it secure.”

Stephen Jones MP’s stirring words in his opening address yesterday for FinTech Australia's Festival absolutely resonated with our team on the ground, touching on what is foundational to the PocketSmith ethos - data security is an essential component of the personal finance management experience.

Data security ensures that consumers can confidently manage their sensitive information without fear of breaches or misuse. For the industry, strong security practices not only protect against infringements but also build long-term trust, ensuring credibility and fostering confidence in the digital finance space.

It’s certainly energising to hear this perspective from the top down and through the advocacy efforts of open data both locally and globally by other Intersekt attendees. We’re looking forward to continuing the development of our expertise with more panels and roundtable discussions today!

We very much enjoy saying g’day to our Aussie mates 🇦🇺👋 We’ve got a Pocky contingent across the ditch in Melbourne this week for FinTech Australia’s Festival. What better opportunity to partake in visiting some great local eateries with even better people?

The team had a fabulous time yesterday catching up with personal finance sages Rask Australia, and Financial Behaviour Specialist and longtime PocketSmith pal Emma Edwards from The Broke Generation. We love working with great partners because it helps us grow and also gives back to the wider fintech community. By teaming up with others, we get to share ideas, explore new possibilities, and make managing money easier for everyone.

Keep an eye out on our socials over the next few days to hear more insights and anecdotes from our Melbourne trip!