16 Oct 2026
Financial literacy is often associated with budgets, tax rules and investment products. But according to Luke Kemeys, it starts somewhere much simpler: understanding enough to ask better questions.
In Episode 3 of Fundamentals by PMG, Clarissa van Emmenes hosts Bridget Lem, General Manager of the PMG Charitable Trust and Luke Kemeys, Director at Next Advisory and Host of Keep the Change, to talk about financial literacy, tax, wealth transfer and the foundations of long-term wealth building.
Financial literacy is often misunderstood as being good with numbers or having a detailed understanding of financial products. In reality, it is more often about knowing which questions to ask.
Throughout the episode, the discussion challenges several common assumptions about money, tax and investing.
For example:
These ideas are particularly relevant at a time when more New Zealanders are thinking about how to grow, manage and ultimately transfer wealth across generations.
One of the most interesting parts of the discussion was how quickly the conversation moved beyond tax and investing.
Instead, it focused on something more fundamental: understanding enough to make informed decisions.
Whether that's evaluating an investment opportunity, navigating a major life change or thinking about how wealth might be transferred to the next generation, financial literacy gives people a framework for making sense of the options in front of them.
For investors, that's important. Markets change, circumstances change and opportunities come and go. Having a clear understanding of your goals, priorities and the factors influencing a decision can be just as valuable as understanding the investment itself.
Watch or listen to the full episode here.
