"Why I gave up my dream home to rentvest instead" - Ilse Wolfe

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