Episode Notes

What happens when you’ve spent years building wealth and property alongside a partner, and then find yourself needing to untangle those assets and start again? In this episode, Sophie sits down with BNZ’s Sarah to talk about navigating shared finances when life takes an unexpected turn. They discuss the emotional side of separating assets, why making decisions sooner rather than later can help you regain financial control, and how leaning on your network can make the process far less overwhelming. The conversation also dives into practical property insights, from what first-home buyers often overlook (insurance, maintenance, and the real cost of home ownership) to what makes a strong investment property and the common pitfalls to watch for. Plus, Sarah shares how she’s rethinking her own wealth strategy, why she’s started diversifying into shares, and explains the concept of offset mortgages in a refreshingly simple way. And to wrap it all up, we end with a powerful poem that beautifully brings the episode full circle, reminding us that our financial choices are ultimately about how we choose to live our one wild and precious life. We’re proud to be partnering with BNZ, who know that home ownership isn’t a straight line. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and BNZ is all about supporting you through the hard stuff, not just the highlights. Whether you’re planning ahead or needing a bit more support right now, BNZ’s home loan experts have the tools and people ready to help you find a way. 👉 To learn more, head here. (https://www.bnz.co.nz/personal-banking/home-loans/mobile-mortgage-managers?utm\_source=podcast&utm\_medium=spotify&utm\_campaign=thecurve&utm\_content=ep11) BNZ home loans are subject to our lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), terms and fees. An establishment fee of up to $150 may apply. This podcast contains general information only – not financial or professional advice. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily BNZ. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content Credits: Host: Sophie Hallwright Guest: Sarah Falanitule Producer & Editor: Emily Rigby Social & Digital Manager: Lucy Munro ⁠⁠Leave us a message on The Curve Hotline 💌☎️⁠⁠ For more from The Curve:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00:00 Coming up in the episode... 00:03:01 BNZ x The Curve 00:04:03 Meet Sarah & what we’re diving into 00:05:20 The career moment that changed everything 00:09:16 Untangling property and assets with a partner 00:23:45 Rebuilding wealth on your own 00:26:21 Investing beyond property 00:42:00 Confidence knocks & rethinking your money strategy (plus Sarah’s mortgage setup) 00:46:31 First home vs investment property: what to know 00:48:06 Property mistakes Sarah wouldn’t make again 00:49:23 Tips for buying property right now 00:51:28 Setting yourself up for the life you actually want 00:54:09 A poem to bring it all together 00:56:45 Thank you for listening to The Property Podcast 00:58:19 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.