Amy Po-Ching - Freedom with Levridge

10/06/2026

02/06/2026

Last week, I travelled from Auckland to Christchurch to speak at the annual Women in Seed Forum with Seed and Grain New Zealand.

And I couldn’t stop noticing something.

The people felt lighter.

From the woman serving coffee at 7am with genuine warmth, to the hair salon staff laughing and relaxed, to a driver in traffic actually reversing to let someone merge.

It made me think about the real cost of living.

Photo by Izzy Tyer.
Maybe it’s not just groceries, rent, petrol, or mortgages. Maybe it’s the emotional cost of financial pressure.

Because in Christchurch, people seemed calmer. Happier. More at ease.
Homes are cheaper. Everyday costs feel lower. Yet incomes aren’t wildly different.
And I honestly think you can see the difference on people’s faces.

Financial pressure changes how we hold ourselves, how we think, how we respond to others, and how we move through life.

For the first time in a long time, I found myself wondering whether I could leave Auckland.

The real cost of living isn’t always measured in dollars.

Sometimes it’s measured in peace.
In calmness.
In energy.
In happiness.
And in the smile we wear every day.

27/05/2026

Last week I had the pleasure of presenting to a workplace team about financial well-being, wealth creation, and financial freedom.

What stood out most wasn’t just the session. It was the culture.

This company genuinely looked after their people. From health insurance and income protection to monthly expert sessions, staff massages, and a warm, connected office environment, you could feel that employee well-being was a real priority.

One of my favourite touches was in the staff room: a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle on a large standing table. Anyone could stop by, add a few pieces, switch off for a moment, and contribute to something shared.
Simple, but so powerful.

Workplace wellness doesn’t always need to be complicated. Shared experiences, learning together, and creating space for connection can make a real difference.

Financial well-being matters too, because money stress doesn’t stay outside work hours. It can affect focus, confidence, energy, and overall well-being. When people feel more informed and in control of their finances, they often feel calmer, more confident, and more empowered.

I’d love to know: what wellness initiatives have you seen work well in the workplace?

And honestly, I highly recommend the jigsaw puzzle idea.

If your workplace is looking to support employee well-being through financial education, I’m always happy to chat.

22/05/2026

A few weeks ago, I attended the Icehouse Ignite’26 Growth Summit, where more than 220 New Zealand business owners and leaders shared what they are experiencing, forecasting, and focusing on for the year ahead.

While the report was created around SME business owners, many of the insights are just as relevant for employees and professionals.

Because whether you own a business, lead a team, or work within one, the economy, technology, and workplace culture are changing fast.

A few key takeaways stood out to me:

1. The mood is shifting from survival to growth

After several tough years, confidence is improving. 78% of business owners are forecasting growth this year, no respondents expected significant business decline, and margin pressure appears to be easing compared to last year.

That matters for everyone. When businesses feel more confident, hiring increases, opportunities expand, innovation returns, and workplaces become more future focused instead of purely reactive.
It does not mean everything is easy yet, but it does feel like many businesses are moving from “holding on” to “building again.”

2. AI is no longer the future. It is already here.

90% of SMEs are now using AI tools, and 71% want help understanding how to use AI more effectively.
This matters just as much for employees as it does for business owners. The professionals who will thrive over the next few years likely will not be the ones resisting AI. They will be the ones learning how to work with it.

AI is not replacing human value, but it is changing productivity, communication, workflows, customer experience, and the speed businesses can operate.

The opportunity right now is to become more adaptable and AI literate, regardless of your role or industry.

3. Businesses still value great people

Despite economic pressure, businesses are still investing in people. 75% are planning pay rises, and 65% are still hiring in some form.

But hiring is becoming more intentional. Businesses are focusing less on simply growing headcount and more on capability, adaptability, leadership, emotional intelligence, and team culture. The people who stand out are increasingly the ones who solve problems, think strategically, embrace change, communicate well, and keep learning.

4. Resilience is becoming a superpower

64% of businesses said they feel financially resilient, and 66% of leaders said they personally feel resilient.
I think many people can relate to this.

The last few years have stretched people financially, mentally, and emotionally. Success is no longer just about income. People are increasingly valuing flexibility, stability, purpose, financial security, wellbeing, and freedom. Not just working harder.

5. The definition of success is changing - this may have been my biggest takeaway.

When business owners described what success looks like in 2026, it was not just “more revenue.”
It was better systems, less stress, strong teams, more efficiency, smarter workflows, and less dependence on the owner.

I think employees are wanting similar things too.

Meaningful work. Financial confidence. Work life balance. Career growth. A life that feels sustainable.
The old model of burnout being a badge of honour is slowly losing its appeal.

Businesses and people who will thrive over the next few years probably will not be the ones who simply work the hardest. They will be the ones who adapt fastest, stay curious, continue learning, embrace technology, build resilience, and make intentional decisions about their future.

Whether you are running a business, leading a team, or building your career, the opportunity right now is to become more proactive instead of reactive.

And honestly, that is exciting.

13/05/2026

Could your KiwiSaver provider make a six figure difference to your future?

Last week, we talked about the different types of KiwiSaver funds and how choosing the right fund type can make a big difference over time. This week, let’s look at fund providers.

KiwiSaver is a long term investment, so it is important not to focus only on short term returns. Markets move all the time, and your balance will go up and down along the way.

But over the long term, performance still matters.

When comparing Growth Funds over 10 years, the top performing fund averaged around 9.8% per year, while the lowest performing Growth Fund averaged around 6.5% per year.

That difference may not sound huge, but over time it can really add up.

Using an example of:
$80,000 already in KiwiSaver
$100,000 income
20 years until retirement
The difference could be around $374,000.
Simply from being with a different fund provider.

Small KiwiSaver decisions today can have a massive impact on your future tomorrow.

If you have not reviewed your KiwiSaver recently, message me to book a free 30 minute review.
That 30 minutes could end up being one of the best uses of your time.

10/05/2026

Many business owners think owning a business is diversification…but if all your income relies on one thing, you’re still exposed. Real security comes from creating multiple streams, multiple opportunities, and making sure not all your eggs are in one basket.
Keep The Change

05/05/2026

The easiest $130k you’ll ever make 👇

Here’s one of the most simple KiwiSaver wins I share with clients every single week and honestly, more people should know about it.

When it comes to KiwiSaver, there are two big decisions:

▪️Your provider
▪️And your fund type

Today we’re talking fund type.

Most people sit in a Growth fund. That usually means about 80% of your money is invested in shares and property, with the rest in more stable assets like bonds and cash.

An Aggressive fund? That’s closer to 100% in shares and property.

So what’s the difference?

Growth assets go up and down more in the short term, but over the long term, they tend to deliver stronger returns. And because KiwiSaver is a long term investment, those short term ups and downs matter a lot less than the end result.

Here’s what that looks like in real numbers:

Starting with $60,000
Adding $7,261 each year
After 25 years:
Growth fund ≈ $654,000
Aggressive fund ≈ $785,000

That’s over $130,000 difference.

Same person, same income,same contributions.
Just a different fund choice.

Yes, an Aggressive fund will feel more volatile at times. That’s normal.

But if you’ve got time on your side, that extra exposure to growth assets is often what helps your money work harder.

If you’re not sure what fund you’re in or whether it’s right for you, it’s worth checking. This is one of those small decisions that can quietly make a six figure difference to your future.

We offer free 30 minute KiwiSaver check ins if you want a second opinion 😊

29/04/2026

Why interest rates don’t matter as much as you think.

Sounds bold, right? Here’s a real example.

A couple I’m working with were about to restructure their mortgage. Right on cue, rates went up. Their new rate would be slightly higher.

So the obvious question came up;
“Why would we move to a higher rate to save money?”

Because the rate isn’t the full picture. What actually matters:

• How your loan is structured
Splitting terms reduces risk and gives you chances to pay chunks off regularly

• How your cash is working
Money sitting in accounts can offset your mortgage and effectively cut interest to zero on that portion

• How flexible your setup is
Shorter terms mean you can adjust as life changes

In this case, we’re turning their savings into a 4.69% return, giving them more control, and helping them pay off their mortgage faster. Even with a higher rate, they’re still better off by about $3,600 a year
Same loan. Same people, just a smarter setup.

So yes, rates matter, just not as much as you think.

The better question is; is your mortgage structured properly?

If you haven’t reviewed it in a while, there’s usually something to improve; send me a message if you'd like me to take a look.

22/04/2026

A holiday home sounds like the dream, right?

Your own place to escape to. Familiar. Easy. Always there when you need a break. And on paper, it can look like a really smart strategy too.

You buy a holiday home, rent it out on Airbnb, and it helps cover the mortgage.
You and the family get to enjoy it when you want.

And over time, you hopefully benefit from capital growth as well. What’s not to love about that?

But for a lot of people, it feels a little different once it becomes real. If the property is any good on Airbnb, it’s booked. A lot. Which means that spontaneity you imagined? It starts to disappear.

You can’t just decide on a Friday that you feel like heading away. You’re checking bookings. Working around guests. Trying to find a window. And with kids’ sports, work commitments, and life being busy, booking in advance isn’t always that easy.

So the place that was meant to give you freedom, starts to come with constraints.

Then when you do get there, it’s not always the switch-off you expected. Instead of relaxing, you’re noticing everything.

“Oh, that needs fixing.”
“We should really update that.”
“The lawn needs doing.”

You’re not just a guest, you’re the owner. And it can start to feel less like a holiday, and more like another property to manage.

Then there’s the money sitting in it. A holiday home around $800,000 is a massive chunk of capital. That same $800,000, earning 5%, could generate around $40,000 a year in income.

It’s worth asking, what else could that money be doing for you?

More flexibility.
Stronger investments.
Less day-to-day pressure.

Because there is another way to think about it. Instead of owning the place, you back the experience.

Set aside a proper budget for holidays each year, and actually use it well. Earn or save that $40,000 a year (not to mention rates, insurance, and maintenance).

Go where you want, when you want. Try different places. Stay somewhere great. Leave without a checklist hanging over you.

When you go away, you’re actually away. And when you come home, everything is still simple.

For a lot of people, that ends up feeling a lot more like what they imagined in the first place.

And it connects to something bigger.

Just because you can afford something one day, doesn’t mean you need to.

16/04/2026

I sat down with Luke Kemeys from Next Advisory on the podcast and we got into something most people don’t stop to think about.

We’re all building something.
A career. A business. A life.

But… what is it actually for?

A lot of people start with a clear goal:
freedom, flexibility, life on their terms.

Then it shifts.
More growth. More pressure. More responsibility.

And suddenly, the thing that was meant to give you freedom… owns you.

Luke said it best:
Your business (or career) is the vehicle.
Your life is the destination.

Most people have that backwards.

So instead of asking:
“How do I earn more?”
Ask:
“What do I actually want my life to look like?”

Get clear on that, then build around it. Because when you know where you’re going, everything changes.

So ask yourself:
Are you building a life… or just staying busy?

🎧 Full episode on (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)