With warnings that interest rates are heading up fast and soon, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to break down what mortgage holders can do to avoid the squeeze.

Follow me everywhere!

Facebook / Frances Cook - Journalist

Instagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profile

TikTok / Frances Cook on TikTok

Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week Newsletter sign up

Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter Newsletter sign up

Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

Petrol is up 43%. Diesel has nearly doubled. But the financial damage from the Iran war goes way deeper than what you're paying at the pump, and a lot of it is already locked in, whether there's a ceasefire or not.

In this episode, Frances Cook breaks down exactly what this means for your groceries, your mortgage, your job, and your KiwiSaver. And most importantly, what you can actually do about it right now.

We’re talking:

- Why fuel prices won't drop quickly even if the conflict ends

- The fertiliser story nobody's talking about (and why it'll hit food prices in the months ahead)

- What the Reserve Bank's latest warning means for your mortgage

- Whether you should change anything with your KiwiSaver or investments

- Practical steps you can take today on transport, food, your job security, and more

This isn't doom and gloom for its own sake. It's about taking back control of the parts you can actually influence.

Follow me everywhere!

Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ

Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz

TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz

Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe

Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals

Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne

Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

A conflict in the Middle East is already showing up in Kiwi bank accounts, after sending shockwaves through the global economy.

From food to petrol, daily essentials are becoming more expensive. Interest rates and mortgages could be going up. The sharemarket, and therefore your KiwiSaver, is looking wobbly.

So what’s actually going on, and what should you do about it?

In this live Making Cents webinar, Frances Cook is joined by Infometrics economist Brad Olsen, Stuff Money editor Damien Venuto, and Kernel CEO Dean Anderson to break down what the Iran conflict could mean for your money.

We’re talking about:

• Why petrol, groceries, and everyday costs are under price pressure
• What rising energy prices can mean for inflation and interest rates
• Why sharemarkets often wobble during global crises
• And most importantly, how to make smart financial decisions in all these areas
• Because global events might be outside your control, but how you respond with your money, isn’t.

Join us live for a clear, practical conversation about what’s happening now, what could happen next, and how to protect your finances.

Feeling guilty every time you spend money? You’re not alone, but it might be doing more harm than good.

In this episode of Making Cents, we’re diving into why money guilt is one of the biggest mindset traps stopping people from saving, investing, or sticking to a budget.

I’ll break down the psychology behind guilt and spending, and show you how to shift your habits without giving up the things that make life fun.

We’ll talk:

• Why guilt-based budgeting usually backfires

• How to enjoy your money while staying on track with financial goals

• The science-backed way to build better money habits (without relying on willpower)

• What behavioural economists like Richard Thaler and psychologists like Brad Klontz say about shame and self-sabotage

• How to set up systems that make saving, spending, and financial planning easier

• Why small wins and values-based spending matter more than you think

Whether you’re dealing with debt, trying to grow your savings, or just want to stop feeling anxious every time you tap your card, this episode is your guide to dropping the shame and taking control.

Because being good with money shouldn’t mean punishing yourself.

A quick hit highlight clip from the April 2025 episode "Housing, KiwiSaver, and debt: Solving NZ’s biggest money issues with the Retirement Commissioner", with Jane Wrightson.

Making Cents is supported by Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Ever felt like your financial goals are just too far away?

Whether you're dreaming of financial independence, planning for early retirement, or just trying to build up a decent savings buffer, staying motivated over the long haul can be tough.

In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, we're talking about how to stay on track with your biggest financial goals, even when progress feels slow.

Financial adviser Lisa Butler from EnableMe shares practical money mindset strategies, goal-setting techniques, and real-life examples of clients who turned things around, one small step at a time.

We break down how to:

• Set achievable money goals without getting overwhelmed
• Stay motivated while saving for retirement or financial freedom
• Use mindset shifts to avoid burnout and build momentum
• Create financial milestones and celebrate wins along the way
• Make smart, strategic progress toward long-term goals
• Build consistency into your budgeting and investing habits

If you're working toward long-term wealth, debt freedom, retirement planning, or simply want to get better at sticking to your financial plan, this is the episode for you.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

What if the worst happened, but you were financially ready?

When Caroline Gordon was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, everything changed. But because she’d already built financial independence, she had something many people in crisis don’t: options.

In this episode of Making Cents, we dive into how financial freedom became Caroline’s safety net. She shares how it allowed her to:

- Self-fund private cancer treatment not available in the public system

- Travel overseas for surgery when time was critical

- Step away from a stressful job to focus on recovery

- Maintain her quality of life without financial panic

Whether you’re working towards FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), building your first emergency fund, or just trying to create more security, this episode shows what financial freedom really means.

Caroline shares her investing strategy (including index funds and ethical investing), and what she wishes more people understood about money, health, and freedom.

It’s not about the money.

It’s about what the money makes possible, especially when life gets messy.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Will your mortgage rate go down soon, or will banks keep them higher for longer?

In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook joins RNZ’s Nights on 14 August, to break down everything you need to know about New Zealand interest rates right now.

We cover:

• How the Official Cash Rate (OCR) works and what it means for home loans
• The link between what savers get in their term deposit, and what borrowers are charged for their mortgage
• Whether banks are competing hard enough for customers
• Why banks cut or raise interest rates at different times

Whether you’re a homeowner, first-home buyer, or looking to grow your savings, this episode explains how bank decisions, Reserve Bank policy, and market competition all affect your wallet.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Why we choose Lotto over investing, even when it’s irrational, and how to flip the script so investing feels just as exciting.

A replay of a conversation with Wallace Chapman on RNZ's The Panel, from 11 August.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Are you enjoying the freedom of self-employment - or just underpaid, overworked, and financially stressed?

Running your own business can give you freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build something that truly works for you.

But without the right systems in place, it’s also easy to end up burnt out, broke, and completely unprepared for the future.

In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Justin Gauci from EnableMe to unpack the money traps that trip up self-employed Kiwis.

Then? It’s how to fix them.

We cover the essential questions every freelancer, contractor, sole trader or small business owner needs to ask:

• Are you charging your true market value, or just making yourself a job that doesn’t pay properly?
• How should you really think about GST and tax deductions (hint: they don’t make things free)?
• What’s the smartest way to save for retirement when you don’t get KiwiSaver employer contributions?
• How can you smooth out cashflow, and prepare for big tax bills without panic?

This episode is full of practical financial advice for self-employed people who want to earn well, save smart, and run their business like a grown-up, without sacrificing their lifestyle or security.

Whether you’re just starting out or several years into your self-employed journey, this is your roadmap for building a solid financial foundation.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

She hit financial freedom at 51, by downsizing to a caravan and selling the family trade business.

It wasn’t a tech salary. It wasn’t an inheritance. It was good old-fashioned DIY thinking, property investment, and a whole lot of planning.

In this episode of Making Cents, you’ll meet Charmaine Hands, who “re-lifed” in her 50s and built a whole new life of travel, flexibility, and financial independence.

She ran a glazing and locksmithing business with her husband for over two decades, raising their family and carefully reinvesting in assets along the way.

Then, with the kids grown and the business ready to hand over, she took the leap.

Sold the business to a staff member. Turned their home into a rental. Bought commercial property for passive income. Moved into a caravan to travel New Zealand. Started living the life they’d always imagined.

No million-dollar pay cheque. Just smart money moves, DIY upgrades, and a relentless vision for something better.

We talk about:

- What it really takes to build financial freedom without a big income

- How to turn your home or business into long-term wealth

- The pros and cons of living in a caravan full-time

- Why imagination and stubbornness might be your best financial tools

If you're dreaming of more freedom, flexibility, and meaning in your next chapter, this episode is for you.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

The 1news Breakfast team have questions about how we can beat the guilt, and create systems to help us feel better about our money.

A replay of the TVNZ segment from 5 August.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Are house prices about to drop more, or is this the bottom of the market?

In this episode of Ask the Experts, we dig into what’s really going on with New Zealand’s housing market in 2025.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, property investor, or current homeowner, understanding the true drivers behind NZ house prices is essential to making smart money choices.

House prices are flat or falling across much of the country. So what’s holding the market back, and what could trigger the next move?

Join Kiwibank economist Sabrina Delgado and host Frances Cook for a deep dive into:

• Why New Zealand house prices have stalled
• The impact of interest rates and the Reserve Bank’s OCR decisions
• What’s happening in the construction industry and how it affects housing supply
• Common myths about the NZ housing market
• What to expect for property prices over the next year
• The key factor buyers and sellers need to watch right now

If you’re wondering whether to buy now, sell soon, or wait it out, this is the expert insight you need to make confident property decisions in 2025.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Emma Healey knows about financial transformation - she went from debt and financial stress to building passive income, investing, and designing a life that includes long-term family travel and early retirement goals.

Now known for her practical money advice at mumsmoney.co.nz, Emma didn’t get there through deprivation. Instead, she used behavioural finance strategies, including gamifying her debt payoff, to stay consistent and motivated.

In this conversation, she explains how she:

• Paid off $30,000 of debt using the debt snowball method
• Rewired her spending habits by replacing the dopamine hit of spending with saving
• Built savings and started investing, even on a modest income
• Transitioned from property investing to shares and index funds
• Designed a values-based money system that prioritises travel, family, and flexibility

Once the debt was gone, everything changed, not just financially, but mentally. Structure created freedom, and financial control opened up options.

That’s how Emma and her family were able to spend a year travelling through Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, funded not by endless sacrifice, but by intentional money decisions.

This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.

Follow me everywhere!

Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ

Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz

TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz

Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe

Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals

Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne

Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

You don’t need a million dollars to reach financial freedom.

In this episode of Making Cents, we’re breaking down how Germano Gomes built lifestyle freedom on an average income. No lottery win. No six-figure job. Just smart money moves.

He paid off his mortgage in five years, lived simply, and built up enough FU money to say no to the traditional 9–5. All while still enjoying the things that matter most.

Now? He works part of the year, travels the world, and funds it with casual jobs on his terms.

This approach is sometimes called Barista FIRE. It’s a version of early retirement where you save and invest just enough to cover the basics, and use flexible work to fund the fun.

It means more freedom, sooner.

We talk:

- How he hit financial independence without a high income

- The exact strategy he used to pay off his house fast

- Why he walked away from property investing

- How much he actually spends now

- And the mindset shift that made it all possible

“Enough is not a number — it’s a decision.”

Hit play to find out how he made his.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

There’s a wave of major money changes rolling through New Zealand, hitting everything from where you keep your savings, to what’s in your KiwiSaver, to the price of your weekly groceries.

In this live Making Cents episode, Frances Cook is joined by Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy to break down what actually matters, and what you should do next.

We cover:

- The new bank protection rules, under the Depositor Compensation Scheme. What the $100,000 guarantee really means, and how to make sure you’re covered

- KiwiSaver contribution cuts. What’s changed, who loses out, and whether it’s still worth it

- Grocery price wars. Are the watchdogs finally growing teeth, or are we stuck with sky-high bills?

- The surcharge ban, and will that mean lower fees for you, or just higher prices everywhere else?

Whether you’re saving for a house, trying to retire, or just want to stop bleeding money at the checkout, this episode gives you the clear, practical info you need, so that you can stay savvy with your money.

Smart questions, straight answers, with one of New Zealand’s top consumer advocates.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Buyers vs Sellers: What’s really happening in NZ’s housing market right now?

In this episode of Ask the Experts, we dive into the growing standoff between buyers and sellers in New Zealand’s property market.

House prices are falling across much of the country, but many sellers are refusing to budge, holding out for a rebound that may not arrive anytime soon.

While some homeowners can afford to wait, others are facing real pressure to sell in a soft market.

So what happens when seller expectations clash with property market reality? And is this a golden opportunity for buyers to make a move?

Frances Cook is joined by Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz to unpack:

• What’s happening with New Zealand house prices in 2025
• Why sellers are holding out, and what might force them to act
• How long most people can afford to wait before selling
• How often Kiwis actually sell their homes (and how that changes in a downturn)
• The smartest strategies for both buyers and sellers in the current market

If you’re trying to decide whether to buy or sell in 2025, this episode will give you the insight you need to make confident property decisions.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

What if being polite was secretly draining your bank account?

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, a financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

In this episode of Making Cents, I'm breaking down how to negotiate better rates, reduce your cost of living, and stop overpaying on bills, with simple phrases that could save you $240,850.

This is your guide to asking for more (without being a diva).

You’ll learn:

• How to save money on everyday expenses
• What a 0.5% interest rate discount could really save you
• The best phrases to use when negotiating with banks, power companies, or phone providers
• How to build lifelong money-saving habits
• Why “being nice” doesn’t have to mean paying more

Change your mindset on this, and watch it change every area of your life. This is one of those episodes that could literally change your financial future.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Hate paying for insurance? What if you didn’t have to?

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Insurance is one of those financial to-dos that’s easy to ignore, until it’s suddenly urgent.

It can be confusing, expensive, and way too easy to shove to the bottom of your priorities list. But here’s the thing: New Zealanders are underinsured, with coverage rates well below the OECD average.

So what’s actually worth paying for? What can you skip?

And… is there a way to get someone else to pay for your insurance?

In this episode, I’m joined by Willie Moala, national insurance lead at AdviceFirst, to break down the smart ways to cut insurance costs, the underrated workplace perks you might be missing, and the cover you’ll be grateful to have when life throws you a curveball.

If you're looking to save money, protect your income, or just finally get insurance sorted, this episode is your guide.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

The 1news Breakfast team have questions about the good and bad of rentvesting. A replay of the segment from 22 July.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

What if renting your dream home and building long-term wealth weren’t opposites?

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, a financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

Today we’re diving into “rentvesting”, the strategy where you rent in the lifestyle location you love, and invest in property somewhere more affordable to grow your wealth.

It’s a smart workaround for high-price areas like Auckland or Queenstown, and a growing trend for first-home buyers and seasoned investors alike.

This episode’s guest, Ilse Wolfe from Wolfe Property Coaching, shares why she left homeownership in one of New Zealand’s most expensive suburbs, and how rentvesting let her move her family to the beach without adding to their debt.

We break down how to crunch the numbers, how to spot a good rental opportunity, and what rentvesting changes about school zones, security, and even your relationship with your landlord.

Whether you're stuck in an expensive city or just want more freedom, this episode is packed with the real-life tips you need to make it work.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Should kids get pocket money, and what’s the best way to teach them to use it?

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Pocket money seems simple, but it can actually be one of the most powerful tools to shape a child’s long-term relationship with money. So… should you pay kids for chores? Give it freely? Or skip it altogether?

In this episode of Ask the Experts, Kiwibank’s Julia Jackson to explore the latest research on kids and money, including how to raise financially confident children in a world of tap-and-go spending.

We unpack:

• The pros and cons of giving pocket money
• Why some parents tie it to chores (and others avoid it completely)
• How to talk to kids about money without stressing them out
• Creative ways to make money feel tangible, even in a digital world
• Tools and apps that help kids safely experiment with spending and saving

If you want the next generation to avoid the financial mistakes you learned the hard way, this one’s essential listening.

Hit play, and get ready for some 'aha' moments.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Fast Money with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from why your groceries are so expensive, how to save money on insurance, why house prices are down, and how to get the best mortgage rate.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are no longer just for tech bros and Reddit threads. As crypto edges closer to the mainstream, new ways to invest are opening up, including through fully regulated, tax-efficient managed funds.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anthony Edmonds, the investment manager behind New Zealand’s first regulated Bitcoin PIE fund.

We break down why he created it, who it’s for, and how it lets everyday investors access Bitcoin without needing to mess around with exchanges, wallets, or tracking capital gains tax.

We cover:

- How regulated Bitcoin PIE funds work (and why they matter)

- Why crypto is shifting from a fringe asset to being part of serious portfolios

- What risks still exist (even in a “boomer-friendly” version of Bitcoin)

- How fund structures like PIEs make investing simpler, especially for high earners

- Whether other coins like Ethereum could follow

If you’re crypto-curious but cautious, this one’s for you.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

As the Iran conflict keeps pushing up the costs of daily essentials, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about how you can save money on food, fuel, and even your KiwiSaver.

Follow me everywhere!

Facebook / Frances Cook - Journalist

Instagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profile

TikTok / Frances Cook on TikTok

Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week Newsletter sign up

Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter Newsletter sign up

#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial commitments most people ever make, and unless you’re one of the lucky few born into millions, chances are you’ll need a mortgage to do it.

But here’s the part most people don’t realise: how you structure that mortgage can be the difference between paying it off decades from now… or shaving years (and tens of thousands of dollars) off your loan.

In this episode, I’m joined by financial strategist Katie Wesney from EnableMe, who breaks down the biggest mortgage structure mistake people make, and how to fix it.

We unpack how your money personality should shape your strategy, why flexibility can matter more than the lowest rate, and when tools like split loans or revolving credit can supercharge your repayments.

Whether you’re a first-home buyer or already deep into your mortgage journey, this episode is packed with tips to help you build a plan that actually works for your life.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on the best tips to save money from your food budget.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Grocery prices have gone off the rails. Butter costs more than brunch, olive oil feels like a luxury item, and meat? Don’t even ask.

It’s enough to derail your entire budget, and for many Kiwis, it already has.

In this episode of Making Cents, I’m joined by Chef Alice Taylor, the force behind @AliceTaylorEats, whose cheap, delicious, and realistic recipes have built a devoted following online.

She’s also furious about how hard it’s become just to feed yourself well, and she’s doing something about it.

We get into:

• The cost-saving kitchen hacks that actually work
• Why she’s calling out politicians over food prices
• How to build a staple pantry that saves you time, money, and stress
• Tips for feeding picky kids, eating with allergies, and still getting the occasional treat

Because while some things are out of our control, there’s still power in what we can do, especially when we share what’s working.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to industry insiders to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Here’s a wild stat to kick things off: almost one in three New Zealanders have accidentally bought a house.

Not just wealthy investors, we're talking first-home buyers too.

So how on earth does that happen? And what does it tell us about the current New Zealand housing market, property prices, and buying strategies?

For this episode I’m joined by Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz , who’s got the data to explain it all, and how you can be ready if an unexpected homeownership opportunity lands in your lap.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the February 3rd episode, “From how I invest, to getting rid of the mortgage fast: A chaotic Ask Me Anything episode”, with Frances Cook

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

Has the world gone mad, and is that why gold prices are hitting record highs?

With inflation, war, and market instability making headlines, more people are asking the same question: Should I be investing in gold?

It’s the classic “safe haven” asset. But is it actually safe? And is now the right time, or are you already too late?

In this solo episode, I’m cutting through the hype to help you decide whether gold deserves a spot in your investment strategy, or if it’s just fear in a shiny wrapper.

We talk about:

– Why gold spikes during global chaos

– When it works… and when it really doesn’t

– The biggest gold investing mistakes to avoid

– How to actually buy gold (without getting scammed)

– Whether gold is right for your money goals

If you’ve ever wondered whether gold is a smart move or just investing FOMO, this episode’s for you.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

I’m sure you’ve heard this one before: that you need to do everything possible to buy a house, right now, as soon as possible, because rent is dead money and you are falling behind every single day that you don’t own your own home.

But is that true?

Not necessarily. There’s a lot more nuance here, and both the numbers and lifestyle need to be part of the conversation.

In this episode, I’m breaking it all down with Katie Wesney from EnableMe:

• Is renting really a waste of money, or can it work with a different financial strategy?
• How to turn “dead money” into wealth by investing the rent gap
• The reality of renting in New Zealand vs countries like Germany
• Why homeownership often matters more in retirement
• Katie’s five-point financial plan for successful renting

Whether you’re a renter wondering if you’re falling behind, or a homeowner stressing about your mortgage, this episode is full of real talk and smart tactics to help you make a plan that actually works for your life.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on how being too polite could actually cost you thousands of dollars.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

If your hair really bothered you, to the point where you thought about it all the time, would you spend $20,000 on a permanent fix?

Today’s guest did exactly that. And not only does he say it was worth it, he also says it was a good financial decision.

That’s a bold claim, but he would know. Because he’s a financial adviser.

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s nice if you’ve got $20,000 to throw away on your hair.” But as he puts it, that’s the point.

The whole reason to pursue financial freedom is so that you can spend money on the things that really matter to you, without going into debt, and while still hitting your other long-term goals, like buying a house, saving for retirement, or investing to build wealth.

In this episode we talk about:

– Values-based spending

– Budgeting for major lifestyle expenses

– How to avoid financial guilt

– Tools for tracking your money

– And yes... does a hair transplant hurt?

It’s money, mindset, and spending without regret.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Is politics about to derail your house buying plans?

With an election looming, talk of capital gains taxes, housing policy changes, and the possibility of government interference is everywhere. And if you’re trying to buy your first home, it’s enough to make you wonder… should you rush in, or wait it out?

In this episode of Ask the Experts, Frances Cook is joined by Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz to cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

We’re talking:

1. what election years have historically meant for the property market
2. why uncertainty can stall buyers (and when that can backfire),
3. what’s really happening in the property market right now, from supply levels to buyer behaviour
4. and what political announcements you should keep an eye on, because they could truly move the market.

Plus, the key policy changes worth paying attention to (and the ones that are mostly just headlines), including KiwiSaver rules, lending restrictions, and what a capital gains tax could realistically mean.

If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!

Follow me everywhere!

Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ

Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz

TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz

Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe

Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals

Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne

Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Here’s a scary stat for you: there’s research that shows your money personality is already set, done, dusted, by the time you’re seven. Seven!

That’s well before most parents start talking to their kids about money — let alone teaching them how to save, budget, or understand the value of a dollar.

So what does that mean for your kids' financial future? And what can you do if you didn’t get a great financial education growing up?

In this episode, we tackle the big questions around raising money-smart kids, breaking bad money habits, and how to teach financial literacy at home, even if you’re still figuring it out yourself.

Kiwibank's Julia Jackson is a pro in helping families build stronger money habits. We dive into:

• How to teach kids about money at different ages, from pocket money to their first job
• Practical ways to build financial literacy at home (without needing to be an expert)
• The importance of age-appropriate money lessons, and how to tailor them to your child
• How kids absorb money behaviours from you (even if you never talk about it)

It's practical steps to raise financially confident kids — no spreadsheets required

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Fast Money with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from what's happening with the economy, will house prices go back up, and should you be investing in gold at a time like this?

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

You’ll definitely recognise the name of today’s guest - Jay-Jay Feeney, who was on the airwaves across New Zealand for 33 years. 

A radio career that many would kill for, except she decided to chuck it all in, and launch a business instead. 

Taking all of that radio knowledge and channelling it into what she sees as the future for audio: podcasting. 

Problem being, she’s the first to admit that she’s not naturally a business-person. 

So she decided to team up with someone she trusted, her ex-husband, fellow former radio host Dom Harvey. 

The ex is not who most people would go into business with, but Jay-Jay and Dom are not like most former couples. 

They decided that trust, and their continuing friendship, was the most important foundation to build their business on. They’ve got practice because they’ve actually never really bothered to separate their finances, just the romantic relationship.

So, the business parts, they figured they could also work out together.  

This episode dives into the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to reinvent your career, including:

• How Jay-Jay financially planned to leave her high-profile job
• The challenges of starting a bricks-and-mortar business in today’s economy
• The risks and rewards of entrepreneurship
• What happens if the business doesn’t become profitable, and how long she’s giving herself to find out

Whether you're thinking about quitting your job, launching a podcast, or starting a business with someone unexpected, this is a must-listen episode packed with honest insights on personal finance, career reinvention, and startup life in New Zealand.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

Here’s a horrifying stat: economist Shamubeel Eaqub crunched the numbers and found that single people spend 14% more than couples.

In some categories, it’s even worse. Housing? 53% more. Healthcare? 40% more.

That’s not avocado toast. That’s basic survival.

This episode is all about what you can do to fight back.

Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, we’re breaking down the numbers, calling out the hidden costs, and helping you find smart ways to protect your financial future, without compromising your lifestyle.

For this episode I’ve partnered with Enable.Me, and their strategic consultant Shelley Palman joins us to break it all down.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on red flags to watch out for if you're investing in the sharemarket.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

This episode is for anyone torn between living life and staying smart with money. Because you don’t have to choose just one.

When Mireia Muller-Pallares decided to leave her 9–5 and move to Spain, she wasn’t willing to blow her savings or give up on her future goals. So she built a plan to keep investing, cover her student loan, and stay financially secure - while still living her dream life in Valencia.

We cover:

How to set up your finances before moving overseas

What really happens to your KiwiSaver and student loan when you leave NZ

Creative ways to keep investing while earning less

How to redefine “success” when you’re no longer climbing the ladder

Whether you're planning an OE, thinking about quitting your job, or just craving a different way to live — this episode proves it's possible to do it without tanking your money.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market right now, and what that means for the strategies you should use to make the most of your money.

If you’re a first home buyer or property investor, you already know the stakes: house prices are high, and competition is fierce.

We’ve recently covered how to get mortgage-ready and what to look for in a property, but today, we’re diving into the part that could literally save you tens of thousands of dollars.

The negotiation.

This is where most buyers freeze. Should you go in low? How do you spot a vendor bluffing? What phrases can kill your offer?

We’re breaking down the biggest negotiation mistakes people make when buying a house, and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re in the middle of house hunting, prepping your first offer, or just want to get smart before entering the market, this episode is packed with expert-backed advice to help you negotiate like a pro.

This week I’ve partnered up with http://realestate.co.nz, who’ve kindly lent us their expert Vanessa Williams, to walk us through it all.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A special live edition where we look at what is happening with NZ property right now, and what that means for hopeful first home buyers.

Whether you're just starting to save or already scrolling property listings, this live expert panel has the insider tips you need to get in the door faster.

Mortgage advisor Claire Williamson (My Mortgage) and Vanessa Williams (realestate.co.nz) join Frances Cook on Making Cents to break down everything first home buyers need to know, including:

Where to buy in 2025

KiwiSaver tips to boost your deposit

What kind of property to look for (and what to avoid)

How to save smarter and get mortgage-ready

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But with the right info, the right strategy, and a little expert help, you can make it happen.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

When it comes to investing, one question tops my inbox: how do you actually figure out if a company is worth your money?

In this episode, we dive deep into how financial journalists read company financials, and the tactics retail investors can borrow to make smarter, more confident investment decisions.

We cover:

- Which numbers matter (and which ones don’t)

- The red flags to watch for in financial statements

- The green flags that signal strong leadership and long-term value

- Why “gossip” and corporate culture can be just as important as the numbers

I’m joined by longtime business journalist Paul McBeth, editor of The Bottom Line (https://www.thebottomline.co.nz/), to unpack the tools he’s used for years to understand what’s really going on inside a company. It's time to know how you can use them too, before you invest another dollar.

If you want to learn how to spot the story behind the numbers, this one’s for you.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Why does it feel like you’re always spending more than you meant to?

No, you’re not imagining it. Modern consumer life is full of supermarket tricks, subscription traps, hidden fees, dark patterns, and pricing tactics designed to get more money out of you.

Luckily Consumer senior investigative journalist Chris Schulz knows all the psychological tricks companies use to drive overspending, and the practical ways you can fight back.

From supermarket layouts and loyalty pricing, to hard-to-cancel subscriptions, hidden online fees, insurance costs, and power bills, this episode breaks down why saving money now can feel like a full-time job, and where you can actually make real gains.

We’re talking:

1. what “dark patterns” are, and how online shopping traps you into spending more
2. how subscription traps and hard-to-cancel services cost you money
3. the best ways to compare supermarket prices and cut your grocery bill
4. how to review your insurance and avoid overpaying
5. why almost everyone could save money on their power bill

This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.

Follow me everywhere!

Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ

Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz

TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz

Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe

Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals

Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne

Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.

The money world has been all over the place recently.

While it does often like to keep us on our toes, recently, it's been even more than usual.

Interest rates are heading down (yay!) but there are talks of recession (boo!) and the sharemarket is all over the place to say the least.

So whether it’s investing or even just your overall money strategy, what do you do at a time like this?

This week I’ve partnered with EnableMe, and head strategic coach Katie Wesney is here to cut through the noise.

She shares what to actually pay attention to right now, how to make progress even when the stock market’s chaotic, and why a few smart moves can make a big difference — even in a downturn.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the February 10th episode, “Viral mortgage hacks debunked: Separating clickbait from real advice”, with Dan Bell, financial adviser and co-founder of Colab Mortgages.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.

I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.

Let’s be honest - with the cost of living going up and pay packets staying still, even small treats can start to feel out of reach.

That cheeky brunch, nice skincare, or weekend getaway? Suddenly off the table.

But what if you could still enjoy the good life, without wrecking your budget?

Sabby Jey has gone viral for her tips on how to live luxuriously for less, and in this episode, she shares how to feel rich without spending like it.

From savvy swaps to psychological tricks that make you feel upgraded (without upgrading your credit card balance), this one’s all about living the good life for less, and actually enjoying it.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.