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How do you build a diverse investing portfolio with Tom Hartmann | Jess Learns to Invest

25 Mar 2026 · 51 min · S2 E2

In this episode of Jess Learns to Invest, Jess sits down with Tom Hartmann, Personal Finance Lead at Sorted, to unpack one of the most important concepts in investing: portfolio diversification. Together, they break down what a portfolio actually is, why diversification matters, and how spreading your investments across different assets, industries and regions can help manage risk over time. They also explore how diversification works inside managed funds and KiwiSaver, the difference between diversification and asset allocation, and why “set and forget” doesn’t mean “never check”. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What a portfolio is (and why it’s more than just one investment) • What diversification really means and how it helps manage risk • The difference between diversification and asset allocation • How managed funds and KiwiSaver can help you diversify from day one • Why rebalancing matters and how fund managers do it for you • Common diversification mistakes and how to avoid them • Why fees matter over the long term 🎧 Jess Learns to Invest is a podcast helping New Zealanders understand investing in a clear, practical way. 🔗 Find tools mentioned in this episode at sorted.org.nz This podcast is general information only and is not financial advice.