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
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
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It’s our annual “let’s unpack the year that’s been” episode, and yes, it’s equal parts finance recap, emotional support podcast, and why does London cost £30 to breathe? We reflect on the year’s biggest money moments (hello wild stock market returns, AI doing the absolute most, Bitcoin being Bitcoin, and gold randomly popping off), plus the behind-the-scenes reality of running The Curve without spontaneously combusting. Expect honest chat about budgeting properly (and what happens when you don’t), building an emergency fund, buying property, borrowing money from parents (humbling!), navigating relationship finances, and the ongoing quest for balance when your to-do list regenerates overnight like a cursed Tamagotchi. It’s a mix of lessons learned, goals for next year, and a gentle reminder that you can do everything… just not all at once.
Drop a comment with what you learned this year, what you’re ditching in 2025, and the goals you’re taking into next year we want to hear it all!
Thank you for a fantastic year everyone and see you in 2026. ❤️
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Welcome to Raising The Curve!(00:00:36) Re-introducing our yearly tradition(00:02:59) Our 2024 reflections(00:05:41) What happened globally in 2025(00:09:50) Vic’s business reflections(00:12:56) Soph’s business reflections(00:15:45) Vic’s financial reflections(00:19:31) Soph’s financial reflections(00:22:34) Vic’s personal reflections(00:25:33) Soph’s personal reflections(00:27:44) Vic’s business learnings(00:29:14) Soph’s business learnings(00:31:49) Vic’s money learnings(00:33:01) Soph’s money learnings(00:35:33) Vic’s personal learnings(00:39:40) Soph’s personal learnings(00:43:22) Our previous goals for 2025(00:45:16) Vic’s goals for 2026(00:45:42) Soph’s goals for 2026(00:50:40) SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!(00:54:46) Thank you for listening to Raising The Curve!(00:55:12) Financial Disclaimer
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.
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It’s the final Curve Weekly of the year and yes, we somehow open with eggs, sleep, and the pillow-fort Sophie made last night on her sleepover. But once we snap out of the delirium, we’re diving into a wild week in finance: Warner Brothers is officially the belle of the ball with Netflix and Paramount clawing for it’s attention (hostile bids, political puppeteering, billion-dollar drama - it's basically Succession but with more streaming). Then we chat about the world’s biggest ice-cream brand going public, yep, Magnum is now a standalone stock, though the whole “health and wellness trend meets frozen sugar block” debate gets very real. Nvidia’s China green light is finally confirmed, bringing in billions (and maybe some legally questionable tax mechanics). And to close out 2025? The best global news for women we’ve seen all year: India has started compensating women for unpaid domestic labour. No strings attached. No forms. Just cash, dignity, and a serious shift in economic power. If you need a year-end episode with corporate drama, sweet treats, geopolitical spice, and a big feminist mic drop… this one’s for you!
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Acquisition – One company buys another.
Bidding War – Companies fighting over who gets to buy something.
Hostile Takeover – A takeover nobody asked for.
Shareholder – Someone who owns a slice of a company.
Equity – Shares.
Spin-Off – A company turning part of itself into a new company.
Conglomerate – One big company made of lots of little ones.
GLP-1 Drugs – Ozempic-style appetite suppressants.
Addressable Market – Everyone a company could sell to.
Lobbying – Schmoozing politicians for business wins.
Revenue – Money coming in (before bills).
Red Tape – Annoying admin that slows everything down.
Takeover Target – A company everyone suddenly wants to buy.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Coming up in this episode...(00:01:11) Quick catch up: eggs & sleep (00:06:11) Warner Bros: Inside the Major Bidding War(00:18:44) Magnum’s Market Debut: Investing in Ice Cream(00:29:42) Arnott’s: What’s Really Going On(00:33:30) Nvidia’s Milestone: China Approves Chip Sales(00:36:29) India’s Landmark Policy Supporting Women(00:44:46) Thank you for listening to The Curve Weekly!(00:45:24) Financial Disclaimer
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.
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What does it actually take to save £100,000 in your mid-20s without becoming a joyless hermit who never buys a coffee again? In this episode, Sophie chats with the hugely talented creator, Mia McGrath about growing up feeling “not rich enough”, turning a shopping habit into a saving habit, and why your first £100k is the hardest but the most powerful. Mia opens up about being adopted from China, how that shaped her fierce independence, and the moment she realised building her own wealth felt better than waiting for someone else to “rescue” her financially. They get into invisible wealth vs flashy flexing, the FIRE movement and creating a “work optional” life, living frugally without feeling deprived, and how to rethink splitting money in relationships without losing your power. Expect practical tips on low-buy habits, side hustles, emergency funds and compound interest, plus a healthy dose of “put the ASOS app down” energy and Sophie’s pledge to finally stop wasting money on Guinness she doesn’t even like.
Mia’s socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/miarose_mcgrath/?hl=en
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@miarosemcgrath?lang=en-GB
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@miarosemcgrath
Substack - https://frugalchic.co.uk/
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Welcome to Raising the Curve(00:00:37) Why Mia Set Her £100k Goal(00:02:50) Mia’s Early Money Story(00:05:08) Breaking Free from Overconsumption(00:10:47) Adoption, Identity & Independence(00:14:03) How Her Parents Shaped Her Money Habits(00:16:29) Understanding Compound Interest(00:18:05) Defining What “Rich” Really Means(00:21:18) FIRE and Becoming Work-Optional(00:23:55) Leaving Fashion for Finance(00:29:11) Hitting the £100k Milestone(00:31:39) The Real Sacrifices Behind Saving(00:34:35) For People Who Love Spending(00:36:58) The Idea of Frugal Chic(00:40:08) Small Luxuries That Still Feel Rich(00:42:13) Gratitude as a Money Tool(00:44:04) The Power of Invisible Wealth(00:46:10) Hypergamy, Dating & Splitting Bills(00:57:16) Final Thoughts(00:58:03) Thanks for Listening(00:58:28) Financial Disclaimer
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.
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This week, we unpack a surprisingly juicy mix of money, markets and the evolving media world, starting with Netflix’s huge move on Warner Bros and what it tells us about how content, power and profit are shifting in real time. They look at Australia’s under-16 social media ban and the ripple effects it could have on everything from advertising economics to how young people connect, plus Pinterest’s unexpected rise as the “healthy” corner of the internet and why that actually matters for investors. From there it’s a whirlwind tour through the rest of the week’s financial drama: Prada snapping up Versace at a discount, global companies lining up to challenge Trump’s tariffs, and the wild new frontier of GLP-1 drugs making their way into the pet market (Ozempets… truly). With a sprinkle of Spotify Wrapped chaos, a dash of dating-life overshare, and a sneak peek of our upcoming chat with Gen Z investing whiz Mia McGrath, this episode delivers plenty of laughs but also some big-picture takeaways about where power, money and consumer behaviour are heading.
Sign the petition! https://b416.co.nz/
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Acquisition – One company buys another. Corporate shopping spree.
Vertical Integration – Owning every step of making your product. Control freak energy.
Regulators – The business hall monitors.
Competition Concerns – “You’re getting too powerful, babe.”
Spin-Off – Breaking a business into a new baby business.
Tariffs – Taxes on imports. A pricey “welcome.”
Pricing Power – When a company raises prices and we still pay.
Share Price – What one slice of a company costs.
Bottom Line – Profit. The money that actually matters.
GLP-1 Drugs – The science behind Ozempic. Very trendy.
Market Consolidation – Big companies merging into even bigger ones.
Ad Revenue – Money made from ads. Your scrolling = their payday.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) What’s Coming Up (It’s a Big One)(00:01:11) Soph’s Dating Debrief(00:04:36) Spotify Wrapped Takes Over(00:10:44) Netflix Buys Warner Bros(00:17:53) The Only App Dodging Australia’s Social Media Ban(00:25:00) Prada Snaps Up Versace(00:27:11) Trump’s Tariffs Come Back to Bite(00:33:10) Ozempets…(00:36:50) One Last Thing Before You Go(00:38:52) A Big Thank You!(00:39:31) Financial Disclaimer(00:39:59) Outtake (sorry Miso)
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.
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This week, we unpack how foreign buyers actually shape the property market, beyond the headlines, the outrage, and the “blame the billionaire” energy. We dig into why wealthy people snap up homes across the world, what that does to local affordability, and why foreign buyers are such an easy political target. Along the way, we compare the dream portfolios we’d build (yes, there are city penthouses and secluded hideaways), break down how leverage helps everyday buyers grow wealth, and take a fun peek at the property empires of Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Rihanna…
We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, whose Home Loan Partners understand that no two journeys to home ownership are the same. With expert guidance, backed by BNZ’s research team, they’re here to help you make sense of interest rates, affordability, and timing - so you can navigate your property journey with confidence, no matter what stage you’re at.
👉 To learn more, head here.
BNZ home loans are subject to BNZ’s lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Coming up in this episode...(00:00:29) BNZ x The Curve(00:01:19) Our dream property portfolios(00:04:44) Why do so many wealthy people buy foreign property?(00:07:02) Taylor Swift’s property portfolio(00:11:06) Why so many people aspire to buy property (00:14:48) The price to income ratio(00:22:45) Taxes preventing foreign buyers(00:30:08) Ways to help more people get on the ladder(00:33:50) Kim Kardashian's property portfolio(00:35:41) Rhianna's property portfolio(00:36:14) The most lucrative places to buy in the world(00:37:44) A Big Thank You to BNZ!(00:39:19) Financial Disclaimer
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.
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This week, Vic kicks things off with a very serious financial dilemma: should you ever spend your hard-earned entertainment budget in an ironically disgusting pub… or is that grounds for a relationship summit? From there we dive into Google’s big AI step up, why Gemini 3 and Google’s own chips are suddenly giving Nvidia a proper run for its money, and what that means if you’re investing in the AI boom. We also unpack how Eli Lilly just joined the trillion-dollar club off the back of weight-loss drugs, and get into the messy but important nuance of obesity, ethics and investing. Then we finish with the UK budget - but don’t tap out if you’re not in the UK: we use it as a crash course in how government budgets actually work, how frozen tax bands quietly make you poorer, what’s changing with ISAs, and why renters and pet owners might finally catch a break.
Watch our latest episode with Google’s Chief Technologist here: https://youtu.be/kQ3dKKSFbWI?si=Intdo6EBtVz60oTd
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
AI Chips – Hardware that powers AI brains.
Nvidia – The Beyoncé of chip makers.
Gemini 3 – Google’s new AI model causing chaos.
Market Share – How big a slice of the industry pie you own.
GLP-1 Drugs – The science behind weight-loss meds like Ozempic.
Market Cap – What a company’s worth on the stock market.
Tax Brackets – Income levels that decide your tax rate.
Fiscal Drag – Taxes going up… without looking like they’re going up.
ISA – A savings/investing account the tax man can’t touch.
Diversification – Don’t put all your money in one basket.
R&D – Where companies invent cool new stuff.
GDP – A country’s economic “how we’re doing” score.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Coming up in the episode...(00:01:09) Vic vs Flower Man: The Pub Battle(00:06:33) Google’s steps up to the AI game (Hello, Gemini 3)(00:14:40) The Trillion-Dollar Surprise(00:28:36) The UK Budget… but make it understandable(00:36:45) Thank you for listening!(00:37:24) Financial Disclaimer(00:37:52) We love you Jacob Elordi
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.
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At 10, Devika was doing night shifts caring for her nan. Fast-forward and she’s one of the tiny handful of female CEOs on the NASDAQ, building life-changing dementia tech while anonymous investors critique… her handbags. In this episode, she shares the real story behind her “why”: caring for her grandma, building a booming care startup, being bullied out of the business she created, surviving an abusive relationship, sobbing on Old Street while her face covered every Tube station, and then - plot twist - meeting the love of her life in Ibiza wearing five-day-old underwear. We dig into resilience, misogyny, motherhood, leadership, and her mission to transform dementia care for every family. It’s raw, heartfelt, unexpectedly funny, and a hug for anyone who’s ever thought, “I don’t know if I can get up again.”
(We do touch on domestic abuse, grief and mental health - please listen gently.)
Devika’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devikawood/?originalSubdomain=uk
Ayla Care: https://www.ayla-care.com/
Women in Health: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealth-women-in-health
🚗 Thinking about a new car but not ready to drop the cash all at once? Our mini-episode with Lexus explains car financing in plain English (and yes, we made it fun): https://youtu.be/klxsa-upYH4?si=mStDjeNaPWvERlt_
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Episode Preview(00:01:12) Quick Disclaimer(00:01:23) The Curve x Lexus(00:02:24) Who is Devika Wood?(00:09:12) Devika’s Grandma & Her ‘Why’(00:17:16) Co-Founding Vida at 26(00:30:27) Rock Bottom(00:34:15) The biggest Learning Devika Has Had(00:40:52) Devika’s Mission Now(00:41:54) Devika’s Message to Mums(00:44:36) Thank You For Listening!(00:45:01) Financial Disclaimer
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.
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The Economist recently dropped an article called The Cost of Dating Your Boss, and naturally we had to dive into the juicy numbers: from why dating upwards can boost your salary to why the breakup can cost you big time. But before we get into workplace romance economics, there’s plenty more on the agenda: Nvidia’s highly anticipated result and what it means for the AI hype cycle, Warren Buffett suddenly going off-brand and splashing billions on Google, the world’s first Hermès handbag hedge fund (finally, an investment we can emotionally justify), and the UK’s ticket-resale ban that’s already hammering StubHub and Viagogo. And of course, we still manage to squeeze in Vic’s birthday celebrations, a wildly unhinged clothing haul confession, and even a surprise call from a listener on the Curve Hotline. Buckle up, it’s a big week and we cover a lot.
Episodes mentioned in this podcast:
The art of making money from handbags, with Meg Randell: https://youtu.be/5E3KEAxbUj0?si=MtHwZn9JtjtAZXud
Google’s Chief Technologist on the Future We’re All Heading Toward: https://youtu.be/kQ3dKKSFbWI?si=S0lZb-pndYtqrmQZ
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Financial Results – A company’s money report card.
Forward-Looking – Share prices based on vibes about the future.
Taking Profits – Cashing in while you’re ahead.
Diversification – Not putting all your money in one basket.
Exuberance – The market getting a bit too hyped.
Bubble – Prices inflated by excitement… until they pop.
Hedge Fund – A riskier, spicier investment fund.
Shorting – Betting something will drop.
Withdrawing Guidance – “We actually have no idea what’s happening.”
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Coming up in this episode…(00:01:09) We did something naughty(00:03:02) Nvidia’s results & Vic’s big market call(00:12:36) Warren Buffett’s surprise move…(00:19:42) The world’s first… handbag hedge fund?!(00:23:40) The UK cracks down on ticket reselling(00:28:27) The Economist on The Cost of Dating Your Boss(00:31:32) One last thing before we wrap...(00:34:55) Thanks for tuning in!(00:35:34) Financial disclaimer(00:36:02) Outtake
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.
We asked for your financial horror stories, and wow, did you deliver. In this episode, we read (and listen to) real money mistakes from our community, from missed investing wins to term-deposit disasters, stock-picking heartbreaks, property nightmares and everything in between. We break down what went wrong, what we can all learn from it, and why these stories will genuinely make you better with money. Huge thank you to everyone who sent theirs in. And while you’re here, drop your thoughts (or your own money mishaps) in the comments, we read them all.
🚗 Thinking about a new car but not ready to drop the cash all at once? Our mini-episode with Lexus explains car financing in plain English (and yes, we made it fun): https://youtu.be/klxsa-upYH4?si=mStDjeNaPWvERlt_
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Welcome to Raising the Curve(00:00:35) The Curve x Lexus(00:01:35) Your Stories Are In (Thank You!)(00:02:11) The Investment She Didn’t Make… and Still Regrets(00:03:44) The Term-Deposit Timing Mix-Up(00:07:12) The Stock Pick That Went Downhill Fast(00:10:23) The Property “Partnership” That Cost Her Big(00:17:56) When a Scammer Pretends to Be Your Son(00:21:49) The Ponzi Scheme That Wiped Out Generations(00:28:23) What We Learned From All This(00:28:41) Thanks for Listening(00:29:06) Financial Disclaimer
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’s Curve Weekly starts with Soph’s financial dilemma of the month - a perfect storm of overspending, £5 left in the bank, and a 4% phone battery in Mayfair. Then, just as we got rolling, Vic’s mic cut out (classic), so yes… this is take two. Once the tech drama settled, Vic breaks down why the market is down 2%, what’s spooking investors, and how the AI bubble ties into it. We also dive into that viral “Did women ruin the workplace?” headline and unpack why the real problem is a system that was never built for women to thrive. Then it’s onto Trump threatening to sue the BBC for $1B - what happened, why it matters, and why the media world is slightly sweating. And finally, we look at what Brits are really using ChatGPT for… and let’s just say the answer might surprise you.
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Market Drop – When the stock market has a tiny sulk.
AI Bubble – When AI stocks get too hyped.
Diversification – Don’t put all your money eggs in one basket.
S&P 500 – The 500 biggest US companies in one group.
CapEx – Big-ticket spending by companies.
Government Shutdown – When the US government can’t agree and… stops.
The Fed – The US interest-rate boss.
Defamation – Saying something untrue and getting sued for it.
Algorithm – The puppet master deciding what you see online.
50:30:20 Rule – A simple budget split: needs, wants, investing.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Coming Up In Todays Episode… (00:01:03) Soph’s Financial Dilemma (00:07:09) The Market Is Down 2% (00:15:46) Did Women Ruin The Workplace? (00:22:32) Trump Sues The BBC (00:29:06) Brits Are Using This For Chat Gpt? (00:33:00) Before We Go… (00:34:51) Thank You For Listening! (00:35:29) Financial Disclaimer (00:35:57) Outtake
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.
If AI still feels like a scary robot in the corner, this chat will calm your nerves and fire up your curiosity. Natalie Piucco (Google’s applied-AI whiz) breaks down where AI is really headed - think helpful life assistant that sorts your calendar, shopping and bills - and why that future could be worth backing with your pounds (or dollars). We cover simple ways to spot opportunities in everyday life (what are you and your mates actually using?), how to dip a toe in with an ETF before picking any “spicy” single stocks, and Nat’s golden rule: confidence comes after you start, not before. TL;DR: pop on your “investor glasses,” chuck in a tenner, and let AI’s next chapter work for you.
🚗 Thinking about a new car but not ready to drop the cash all at once? Our mini-episode with Lexus explains car financing in plain English (and yes, we made it fun): https://youtu.be/klxsa-upYH4?si=mStDjeNaPWvERlt_
Credits
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
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.
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Warren Buffett (aka the GOAT of investing) is sitting on a jaw-dropping $382 billion in cash. Yep, the man who literally buys companies is taking a breather, and Vic breaks down what that means for the rest of us (hint: things might be a tad overpriced). We also chat about bitcoin’s big dip (Soph’s thrilled), why AMD’s results weren’t enough to keep investors happy, and how gold’s having its main-character moment again. Plus, we celebrate the UK finally adding financial literacy to the school curriculum (goodbye, recorder lessons), unpack the mass Kiwi move to Australia, and somehow veer into royal neighbours, countryside dreams, and near-misses with Lorde.
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
Bear Market – When stocks fall and vibes are low.
Bull Market – When prices rise and everyone’s buzzing.
Valuation – What a company thinks it’s worth.
Cash Pile – A giant stack of money waiting for action.
Berkshire Hathaway – Warren Buffett’s money empire.
Revenue Growth – When sales go up. Yay, more money!
Correction – A market “oops” before it (hopefully) recovers.
Defensive Stocks – Boring-but-reliable companies.
Safe Haven – Where nervous investors hide their cash (hi, gold).
Bitcoin – The drama queen of digital money.
Crypto – Internet money. Risky but exciting.
IPO – A company’s stock market debut.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
(00:00:00) Coming up In Today's Episode...(00:00:55) Catch Up(00:06:21) A Few Quick Headlines(00:12:01) Why Warren Buffett Is Sitting on a Mountain of Cash(00:19:55) The UK Finally Adds Money Lessons to the School Curriculum(00:26:57) An Update on the Strava IPO(00:28:01) The Great Kiwi Exodus(00:29:27) Wrap-Up(00:30:11) Thanks for Listening!(00:30:50) Financial Disclaimer(00:31:18) Outtake
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.
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Part two gets spicy. We break down the four stages of the property cycle (recovery, boom, cool-off, slump), why interest rates and prices move like a seesaw, how different countries can be in totally different seasons, and the biggie: your time horizon (think 7-10 years) matters more than crystal-ball timing. You’ll learn how to spot where your market is, when using equity makes sense (and when leverage can bite), and why personal finances beat FOMO every time. Expect practical insights on how interest rates, human behaviour, and timing shape the market - plus the kind of friendly arguing that somehow makes economics feel like reality TV.
🔔 We’ve made you a FREE handy little Property Cycle PDF - it’s got all the key takeaways, tips, and what to watch for in the market. It’s totally free, grab it here.
We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, whose Home Loan Partners understand that no two journeys to home ownership are the same. With expert guidance, backed by BNZ’s research team, they’re here to help you make sense of interest rates, affordability, and timing - so you can navigate your property journey with confidence, no matter what stage you’re at.
👉To learn more, head here.
BNZ home loans are subject to BNZ’s lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
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Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome to part two!1:09 – BNZ x The Curve1:57 – Vic’s vibrating bracelet4:04 – Our first thoughts and different approaches to property7:24 – Why it’s key to understand the stages of the property cycle14:08 – Spotting the lull in the cycle19:15 – How property cycles differ around the world24:01 – The role of FOMO in property markets25:31 – The fear of overpaying26:13 – Recap of the stages of the cycle35:16 – Grab our free PDF summary!36:07 – Final thoughts42:08 – Thanks for tuning in43:43 – Financial disclaimer
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.
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Happy Halloween from the trading floor (aka our studio) where Steven and Victor break down this week’s AI mayhem. We chat the $5T milestone and what chip demand really means, why a certain chatbot’s rumored mega-IPO could suck oxygen (and cash) from the room, PayPal’s new ChatGPT checkout moment, and earnings tea from Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta. Big takeaway: excitement is high, portfolios can quietly get AI-heavy, and rebalancing is your best friend: S&P 500 girlies, you’re already getting plenty of exposure. It’s educational, a little unhinged, and very watchable.
WTF Does That Mean? A Guide to All the Jargony Bits:
AI Boom - Everyone’s losing it over artificial intelligence.
Chips - The brain of AI. Not the potato kind.
IPO - A company’s first day on the stock market.
Valuation - What we think something’s worth.
Earnings Season - When companies spill their financial tea.Diversification - Don’t bet it all on one shiny stock.
Correction - The market’s hangover.
Long-Term Investor - The chill one who doesn’t panic.
Credits
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Chapters:
0:00 - Coming Up in Today’s Episode...
0:52 - Welcome to the Trading Floor!
4:06 - The First $5 Trillion Company on the Stock Market
9:54 - How AI Companies Are All Interconnected
23:19 - OpenAI Prepares for an IPO
35:31 - PayPal x ChatGPT
37:08 - It’s Earnings Season!
41:57 - Wrap-Up
43:21 - Thanks for Listening!
44:01 - Financial Disclaimer
44:29 - Outtake
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For more from The Curve:
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.
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Ever wondered why the property market feels like it’s having mood swings? Soph and Vic break down the property cycle through the lens of the seasons - from the buzz of spring recovery to the chill of a winter slump - and explain how interest rates, supply, and demand shape each stage. You’ll learn how local “microclimates” impact prices, why you can’t really time the market, and how to read the signs of what’s coming next. Oh, and we’ve also designed a very professional seesaw diagram to explain the whole thing - let’s just say the art world isn’t calling. We’ll be back next month with part two, diving deeper into how long these cycles actually last, where we are right now, and what to watch for if you’re planning to buy or sell.
We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, whose Home Loan Partners understand that the housing market moves in complex cycles and global trends. With access to economic insights, local market knowledge, and years of experience, they’re here to help you navigate your own property journey with confidence - no matter what stage you’re at.
👉To learn more, head here.
BNZ home loans are subject to BNZ’s lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply.
Credits:
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
Chapters:
0:00 – What’s Coming Up This Episode...
1:00 – BNZ x The Curve
1:49 – Welcome to the Property Series
3:52 – How Market Cycles Really Work
10:16 – The Property Seasons: From Summer Booms to Winter Slumps
16:21 – How Property Cycles Differ Around the World
26:36 – Recap: Seasons, Supply & Demand, and What Shapes the Market
39:59 – Wrapping Up + See You Next Month for Part Two
41:04 – A Big Thank You to BNZ!
42:39 – Financial Disclaimer
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.
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Why are fashion giants breaking up with beauty? This week, we dig into Kering’s $4B “it’s not you, it’s me” moment as it sells its beauty division to L’Oréal - and what that says about the state of luxury right now. Then we jump from catwalks to Korean skincare as Kylie Jenner’s casual TikTok shout-out turns a niche LED mask brand into a $6B sensation (seriously, one post!). There’s also gold’s not-so-glam fall (its biggest drop in a decade) and the return of meme-stock madness with Beyond Meat’s wild week on Wall Street. Plus, a sisterly lesson in latte logic, and a PSA on scams that proves: even the smartest among us can get duped.
🎧 Listen to our latest episode on Gold
🎧 Listen to our episode with Tracy Hall
Credits
Hosts: Victoria Harris & Sophie Hallwright
Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby
Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
Chapters
0:00 – Coming up…
1:03 – Catch up & financial check-in
4:50 – Gold takes a tumble
11:48 – Beauty’s big breakup
20:17 – The return of the meme stock
29:32 – Warner Bros for sale?!
33:52 – Soph’s bonus story
39:12 – Before we go…
40:20 – Thanks for listening!
40:58 – Financial disclaimer
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.
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Something in the market is heating up fast - and everyone from central banks to everyday investors is taking notice. Prices have surged to record highs, headlines are everywhere, and FOMO is creeping in. In this episode, we unpack what’s driving the spike, why timing matters, and what this moment could mean for your portfolio. We’ll talk strategy, risk, and whether it’s a smart move to get involved… or sit it out. This one’s big - and moving quickly.
💡 Curious how we’d actually invest in it? Join the Curve Investing Club for our strategy and picks.
🎧 Listen to 'SARAH WILSON: Are We All F***ed? Systems Collapse Explained'
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For more from The Curve:
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.
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LVMH just put the champagne back on ice (in a good way) with a monster jump that hints luxury is officially out of its slump (handbags up, spirits high, clutches… still impractical). In other news, the US-China tariff tit-for-tat that spooked markets, pushed safe-haven gold even shinier, and could make your next smartphone pricier. Vic explains why volatility can be a sneaky gift for long-term investors, Strava is stretching for an IPO (run clubs, assemble), and the UK is eyeing a trim to cash ISAs to nudge more of us into investing -smart if you diversify, smarter if you don’t blindly go all-in on the FTSE. Plus, a tiny Taylor Swift sales flex and a very important programming note: should Curve Weekly land on Monday or Tuesday? Vote in the poll or leave a comment!
🎧 Watch our emergency episode on Gold here.
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WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:Tariffs – A tax on imports. Governments love this drama.Trade War – Countries throwing tariffs at each other.Rare Earth Metals – Power your phone and EV.Volatility – Market mood swings. Big ups and downs.Active Management – Pros trying to beat the market.IPO – Company’s stock market debut.Market Cap – What a company’s worth.ISA – UK tax-free savings/investing account.S&P500 - Top 500 U.S. companiesFTSE 100 – Top 100 UK companies.Dollar Cost Averaging – Invest little by little, every month.ETF – A basket of shares in one.
For more from The Curve:
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.
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Thinking about a “micro retirement” now instead of waiting till 65? Same - let’s put a number on that itch. In this ep, we unpack the micro-retirement trend, why burnout and non-linear life plans are pushing it, and the real money maths behind pressing pause - like how skipping a year of £500/month investing can cost ~£200k by retirement, and how saving for the break first (or eight years of missed contributions) can snowball toward seven figures in opportunity cost.
We get practical too: plan your expenses, consider renting out your place, keep investing if you can, and if one partner stays home, talk about splitting pension/retirement contributions so nobody gets financially punished for caregiving. You’ll leave with a sanity-saving checklist, a fresh respect for compounding, and permission to chase variety - just not at the expense of Future You’s nest egg.
Want the step-by-step guide we put together with Lexus on how to actually afford a big-ticket item (like a car that makes you feel as sleek as you look)? Grab the free PDF here.
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For more from The Curve:
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.
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The BATMMAAN stocks are running the show - eight US giants dominating the global leaderboard while Europe quietly sips its tea in the slow lane. We unpack why the US has such a grip on the world’s biggest companies, what it says about innovation (and taxes), and where this might go next. Plus: OpenAI goes on a multi-billion chip shopping spree with Advanced Micro Devices, Japan’s new female prime minister isn’t quite the feminist icon some hoped for, and inflation is creeping back into the US while interest rates slide in New Zealand. And because we can’t resist a bit of chaos - Vic’s makeup haul, Sophie’s tragic colour-match saga, and the all-important Halloween costume vote. Leave a comment and have your say!
WTF does that mean? A guide to all the jargony bits:
BATMMAAN Stocks – 8 US tech giants dominating the market.
S&P 500 – Top 500 US companies. Big investing benchmark.
Nikkei 225 – Japan’s S&P 500.
Tariffs – Taxes on imports = pricier stuff.
Interest Rates – Cost of borrowing money.
Inflation – Prices go up, money buys less.
Stimulus – Government spends to boost the economy.
Supply Chain – How stuff gets from A to B.
Chip Shortage – Not enough chips to meet AI demand.
Visa Hike – Making it pricier/harder to work abroad.
Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️
For more from The Curve:
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.