Making Cents

When headlines scream about the worst property downturn in 30 years, is it time to panic - or is it the buying opportunity you’ve been waiting for?Prices are down, listings are flooding the market, and buyers have more choice than they’ve seen in years. But picking up a bargain isn’t as simple as buying any cheap property and hoping the market does the heavy lifting.Ilse Wolfe, property investor and founder of Wolfe Property Coaching, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to explain why market freezes are when seasoned investors make their move. From dodging identical new build traps to adding instant equity through smart cosmetic renovations, Ilse shares how to create your own safety buffer in a tricky economic climate.In this episode:Why a buyer's market creates an abundance of opportunity for prepared buyersThe "Sunday hangover" effect: navigating negative cash flow and high borrowing costsWhy identical new builds carry hidden risks for value and rent controlThe three big structural red flags to watch out for during property due diligenceWhy DIY "sweat equity" might cost you more than hiring a trusted trade teamWhat happens to house prices around election time and why waiting on the sidelines can cost youWhether you're looking for your first home or weighing up an investment, this episode breaks down the practical strategies you need to take control of your property decisions in any market.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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about the AI deepfake scam using her likeness to lure people into dodgy investment groups, and the red flags that can help you tell the difference between genuine financial advice and someone trying to take your money.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

What do you do when your home is worth less than what you paid for it, and the layout no longer works for your family? Can you actually renovate your way out of negative equity, or does pouring six figures into an extension just dig a deeper financial hole?This week on Ask the Experts, Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz breaks down the real property data on what buyers are paying for, which renovations actually add resale value, and how to balance lifestyle needs against cold, hard financial decisions.It’s a dilemma many Kiwi homeowners will recognise: should you renovate, cut your losses and sell, or reset your property goals entirely?This episode covers:- How the post-boom property correction is affecting Kiwi homeowners- Why "renovating your way out of a loss" can be a dangerous financial trap- The real property value change of adding bedrooms vs. adding bathrooms- Why general home maintenance costs ($5k–$10k/year) shouldn't be counted as value-adding renovations- The "devil you know vs. devil you don't" dilemma of selling an older home to buy another fixer-upperIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

It seems everyone is using AI to make life quicker and easier - and apparently, fraudsters are too.From doctored bank statements and inflated income to fake paperwork that used to take serious skill to forge, AI is making mortgage and insurance fraud easier to pull off in minutes. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is actively investigating, and honest borrowers are the ones left competing against fake applications.Josh Daniell, co-founder of open banking platform Akahu, joins Frances Cook to break down how the finance industry is fighting back, how open banking protects your data, and what the rise of AI chatbots means for everyday money decisions.In this episode:How AI is fueling mortgage and insurance fraud, and why the FMA is cracking downWhat open banking actually is, and how directly sharing bank data cuts out fake documentsThe truth about data privacy: why regulated open banking is safer than emailing PDF statementsUsing ChatGPT or AI chatbots for money questions: the benefits, privacy risks, and why AI is often too eager to agree with youWhy human financial advisers and judgment still matter when the market takes a diveNew smart tools that automate your emergency savings, track insurance, and scan for better interest ratesWhat the next 12 months look like for open banking and fintech in New ZealandWhether you're curious about using AI for your own money or wondering how open banking will change the way you borrow, save, and invest, this episode breaks down what you need to know to stay protected and get ahead.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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook breaks down low beta investing, the middle ground between hiding your money in a bank account and braving the full volatility of the share market, including the real cost of playing it safe and whether the gentler ride is actually worth it.Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/investFollow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

Five minutes could be enough to add hundreds of thousands of dollars more to your KiwiSaver.There are simple, low-hanging fruit changes that can mean serious money landing in your account - but simple changes cut both ways. There are costly traps to avoid, and easy tweaks to your settings that can make a massive difference to your balance over time.This week on Ask the Experts, Katie Wesney from EnableMe joins Frances Cook to answer your KiwiSaver questions, from splitting funds to self-employed strategies and tax checks.In this episode we’re talking:Why you don't have to be all-or-nothing: how splitting across multiple funds protects your money and matches your personal timelineWhy getting caught up in scary economic news headlines hurts your long-term growthThe three questions you must ask yourself before choosing or switching a KiwiSaver fundWhy waiting for "perfect market timing" to switch providers is a trapSmart KiwiSaver and retirement strategies for self-employed people who don't get employer contributionsThe 3-letter tax setting (PIR) you need to check today so you don't accidentally overpay taxBig policy changes that could make KiwiSaver fairer for everyday New ZealandersIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

What if the home buying rules you think are holding you back don't actually exist anymore?Between outdated advice, myths about needing massive deposits, and the fear of trying to buy on a single income, it is easy to assume you are locked out of the property market before you even start.The truth is that many old lending rules have expired, and with the right strategy, getting into your first home might be much closer than you thought.Claire Williamson is the Director of My Mortgage and 2025 Regional Mortgage Adviser of the Year. She specialises in helping people who thought they were completely out of the home buying game find a way in.In this episode:- Why you do not always need a 20% deposit to buy a house- How Kāinga Ora First Home Loans and 5% deposit options work- How buying solo on a single income is possible- How to buy property with friends or family, and the agreements you need to protect everyone- How everyday debts, like a small credit card limit, can shrink your home loan budget by tens of thousands of dollars- Straightforward steps for self-employed buyers to get approved for a mortgage- How to manage your KiwiSaver and spending habits without giving up your lifestyleWhether buying a home feels miles away or you are actively getting your deposit together, this episode breaks down real, practical steps to get into the property market on your own terms.As discussed on the podcast, Claire wants to help as many first home buyers as possible into their first homes so has given us a sneaky code for 30 of our lucky audience to get her book for free. Add to cart and use code FRANCES.Link here - https://www.mymortgage.co.nz/shop/product/658205/smashed-avo-to-smashed-goals/Find Claire on Instagram @claire__williamson / @mymortgage.co.nz 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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to explain excuseflation, the trend of businesses using wall to wall inflation headlines as cover to hike their own prices, and what you can actually do to fight back.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Is your Afterpay habit hurting your financial future and stopping you from hitting big life goals like buying your first home?Every financial decision leaves a digital footprint, and banks and mortgage lenders use that data to check your creditworthiness, spending habits, and loan affordability. But with so much scaremongering and myths around credit scores in New Zealand, it's easy to panic.This week on Ask the Experts, Jessica O’Hare, Head of Lending at Revolut, breaks down the truth about what lenders actually care about, what gets flagged on your credit report, and how to set up simple money systems that stick.This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Revolut, the card and app for everyday spending in NZ, and smarter money on your travels. Use this link https://get.revolut.com/e9Jc/makingcents7 to try them out, spend, and Revolut will give you $40 to get started.This episode covers:- How lenders check your credit score, payment history, and loan affordability in New Zealand- What happens when you miss an Afterpay, BNPL, or utility bill payment, and how long defaults stay on your credit file- Red flags vs. green flags on your bank statements and credit reports when applying for a mortgage- Why positive credit reporting means your phone and power bills can actually help your credit history- How to automate your income, split your salary, and use "money pockets" to stop overspending*T&Cs apply. Spend min $1 to receive reward. Exchange rates will vary. Comparison to major bank rates based on exchanging NZD $1K Mon-Fri, within your plan’s fair usage limits. More info: https://www.revolut.com/en-NZ/nz-fx-substantiation. Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty Ltd.If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

What if financial independence is something you could build for yourself, before you even hit 40?Katie and Alan Donegan did exactly that.No lottery win, no trust fund, just a determination to live simply, stack their cash, and build a life where they didn't have to answer to anyone else.They retired at 35 and 40, and now travel the world while running Rebel Finance School, a free money course that's helped thousands of people worldwide sort out their finances.Financial journalist Frances Cook sits down with the Donegans on the Making Cents podcast to find out what it actually takes for normal people to reach financial independence and retire early.In this episode:The three financial levers they pulled at once - spend less, earn more, invest - and how that took them from $0 to $1 million in about ten yearsWhy friends and family thought their frugal lifestyle meant they'd lost the plot, and how to be financially disciplined without being miserableThe one investing move Alan says he'd make from day one if he could go backWhy fees are one of the only proven predictors of how well an investment fund performs, and what to check on your own KiwiSaver or index fundsWhy getting on the same page with your partner about money can matter more than any spreadsheet, budget or savings planHow to keep spending on what you actually value while cutting everything else, so you save without feeling like you're missing outWhether financial independence feels like a pipe dream or you're already working towards it, this episode breaks down real, practical steps for building wealth, investing for the long term, and designing a life on your own terms.This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the Seven Sharp team to unpack a coin flip experiment that reveals how Kiwis think about risk and money, and why we will happily put it all on red but get nervous about the kinds of risk that actually build wealth.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Renovating to add value is the dream, but overcapitalising is the nightmare that can turn your dream reno into a costly mistake. So how do you tell the difference before you've spent a single dollar?This week's Ask the Experts letter comes from a homeowner who badly needs more space and is weighing up an extension to their house.Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz joins Frances to pull back the curtain on what actually pays off from a reno.In this episode we’re talking:How to choose between lifestyle and money factors when you renovate your homeWhy bedrooms and bathrooms are the big winner on value, but have a hidden downsideThe areas where people waste money on renovations, without realising itIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Time to fact-check the mortgage advice taking over social media, and see what actually holds up.Mortgage adviser Aaron Cattell (aka The Mortgage Man) is ready to go myth-by-myth through the mortgage advice doing the rounds online, and find out what actually survives contact with someone who does this for a living.We cover:The "pay a dollar a day" trick, the viral claim that resets your mortgage interest.Weekly vs fortnightly vs monthly repayments; does paying more often actually shave years off your mortgage in New Zealand, or is that a US myth that doesn't translate?The "buy two houses, one each" couple strategyCredit scores, and how much they really matter for a NZ mortgage applicationRent vs buy, and how to figure out the numbers for the NZ contextThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to share her favourite apps and websites for cutting power bills, saving on groceries, eating out for less and upskilling for free, all with as little effort as possible.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

"Excuseflation" is the secret reason your groceries, petrol and power keep going up.Why did butter come down a third in global price... and only drop two cents on the shelf? Why does petrol rocket up in a day but crawl back down for months? There's a name for this: excuseflation, when real inflation gives businesses cover to hike prices for no real reason at all.In this episode, financial journalist Frances Cook breaks down:The real numbers behind headline inflation for NZThe "rockets and feathers" effect: why petrol prices jump instantly but fall painfully slowlyThe on-the-record quote from a US CEO who admitted he "prays for inflation" because it "expands margins"Brand-new Reserve Bank of New Zealand research showing when businesses raise prices, and when they cut themThe 4-question "sniff test" to tell a genuine price rise from a cynical onePractical ways to fight back against inflation, and excuseflationIf you've ever felt like prices only go one way, this episode explains why, and what you can actually do about it.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

You sent in your KiwiSaver questions, time for us to answer them.KiwiSaver is one of the biggest financial tools most New Zealanders have, but just a few changes can mean tens of thousands of dollars more for you.Personal finance journalist Susan Edmunds, author of the new book Your KiwiSaver Questions, Answered, is on the Making Cents podcast and ready to sort it out.In this episode:The most common KiwiSaver mistakes people make, and how to avoid themHow to get more money from your KiwiSaverWhat changes are coming for KiwiSaver in the future, and the politics that could change your moneyWhat actually happens to your KiwiSaver when you dieWhether you can trust putting your money into KiwiSaver,Ethical investing optionsWhether the government could ever take your KiwiSaverWhether you're just starting out or trying to optimise years of contributions, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know about KiwiSaver.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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins Jim Mora on RNZ Sunday Mornings to talk through whether financial independence is actually achievable for ordinary people and how to make it work on your own terms, followed by a run through the latest money news including the AI bubble, rising rates and what is happening in the housing market.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Most parents want to give their kids a softer landing than they had.But what if the soft landing is the problem?This week's letter writer has done everything right, on paper. Bills covered. Kids never stressed about money. An investment account quietly building in the background, for a nice surprise one day.But with the kids about to fly the nest, they're rethinking whether thiswas the right tactic. Because maybe protecting them from money stress means they've never actually learned to handle it.Katie Wesney, national coaching lead from EnableMe has answers. Together with Frances Cook, they talk about:How to talk to kids about money without making it a source of stressWhether a secret investment account is a gift, or a missed lessonThe right age to start involving kids in money decisionsShould you give your kid an allowance at university, or let them work for itWhat financial independence should actually look like for a teenager leaving homeIf you've ever wondered whether doing everything for your kids is setting them up, or setting them back, this is the one to listen to.If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

It’s time for the ultimate budget hacks to save money on food, petrol, and life.Because a good budget should help you keep your cash for the fun stuff.Today we’re pulling together the best tips and tricks from past Making Cents guests, so you get just their best moment on how to save money, from groceries, to apps, subscriptions, banking, food costs.Chris Schulz breaks down the money-saving apps and budgeting apps that actually work, and the sneaky tactics shops use to take your cash. Full episode, 22 March: Supermarket Tricks, Insurance Hacks & Subscription Traps: How to Stop Overpaying.Hannah Koumakis went viral for the budgeting system she built after nannying for billionaires on her OE — money habits that create financial security without the status symbols. Full episode, 11 Oct 2025: I Nannied for Billionaires, It Changed My Entire Money Outlook.Jason Leong, CEO of Pocketsmith, reveals the hidden money leaks and subscription traps quietly draining your spending. Full episode, 20 Dec 2025: NZ Banking Just Changed All the Rules, Are You Ready?Alice Taylor, chef, shares how to cut your grocery bill and food costs without cutting the flavour, with proof that good food doesn't have to cost the earth. She's been on twice: 15 Nov 2025 and 5 July 2025.This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook breaks down why the most popular index fund strategy in the world may not be spreading your risk the way you think, what history tells us about industries that have dominated the market before and what to do if the current AI concentration concerns you.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

The difference between long-term travel being the best decision you ever make and a very expensive mistake usually comes down to one thing: whether you had a plan.This week on Ask the Experts, Frances Cook and Georgia Grange, head of Revolut NZ, answer a letter from a twenty-something who wants to take a couple of years to travel properly, but without going into debt or derailing their finances.This episode covers:How much money you actually need saved before you goThe hidden costs of international travel that drain your budget without you noticingHow to manage money across multiple countries and currencies on a long tripSimple ways to make your budget last longer when you're travelling on a limited amountEarning money while you travel, including the choice between bar work, remote work, and the digital nomad lifestyleIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Revolut, the card and app for everyday spending in NZ, and smarter money on your travels. Use this link https://get.revolut.com/e9Jc/makingcents1 to try them out, spend, and Revolut will give you $40 to get started.T&Cs apply. Spend min $1 to receive reward. Exchange rates will vary. Comparison to major bank rates based on exchanging NZD $1K Mon-Fri, within your plan’s fair usage limits. More info:https://www.revolut.com/en-NZ/nz-fx-substantiation . Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty LtdFollow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

There's a belief that's almost a religion to some people: buy a home, hold onto it, pay off the mortgage, and you're financially sorted.More often than not, it's not true. And if you let that belief guide you, you could miss real opportunities for building wealth, because you feel like you're ahead when you're actually not.Janika ter Ellen knows this better than most. She's a property reporter for Stuff, covering these issues every day.So when she finally sat down and ran the actual numbers on her own home, what she found surprised her, and not in a good way.Turns out there are hidden costs to owning a home, and missed opportunities while you're paying off that mortgage, that change the story we've all been sold.So if your home isn't quite the investment you thought it was, what is it? And does that change whether you should buy at all?In this episode:Is buying a house a good investment in New Zealand, and what happened when she ran the numbers on 11 years of home ownershipWhy city and regional property markets tell completely different storiesHouse vs shares returns over 10 yearsWhat she'd have been worth if she'd invested her deposit instead of buyingThe hidden costs of home ownershipRenting vs buying a houseThe difference between a home as an asset versus a home as an investmentAuckland house prices vs regional house pricesThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

If it feels like getting a pay rise is harder than ever, you're not imagining it.But even in a tough market, there are strategies that work, and people using them to get ahead.Frances Cook is joined by University of Auckland senior lecturer Dr Kenny Ching, MyCareerBrand career coach Kaela Hindle, and Side Hustles NZ founder Rachel Mills to break down how to actually earn more in this environment.We're covering:– Which skills are gaining value right now, and which are losing ground– How AI is reshaping the job market, and how to protect your career from it– The script and tactics that actually work when asking for a pay rise– How to find your most monetisable skill and turn it into a side hustle that pays properly– Whether a portfolio career beats going all-in on one thing You can't control the wage stats. But you can control your strategy. Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

The highest number of June listings just hit the NZ property market, since 2020.But the impact isn’t what you would think.Despite the flood of listings, prices haven't moved.Nationally, prices have barely moved in three and a half years, even as listings pile up. The picture also varies sharply depending on where in New Zealand you're looking, with wide swings across regions, within that national average.Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz is ready to break down the story behind the numbers:- NZ property market update June 2026: why listings are rising while national house prices stay flat- Regional house prices vs national average NZ: which areas are outpacing the rest of the country, and why- OCR interest rate rise 2026: what it means for mortgage holders, first home buyers, and savers- How to sell a house in a slow market NZ: pricing and marketing strategy for a stock-flooded market- First home buyer tips NZ: avoiding overwhelm and knowing your non-negotiables when house huntingFollow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletterhttps://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

There’s nothing quite like starting young. But most of us don’t build a business before we can vote. Never mind several of them.Hamish Sutherland is 17 and already on his fourth business.He felt the spark to get ahead early on but turns out it’s hard to get a job when you’re eight. Rather than let a tricky thing like employment law hold him back, he just started his own business instead.By 13, that was a lawn mowing and water blasting business. At 15, he wrote a Kindle book that made $60,000. Then he moved into a property investment project. Now he’s building AI-focused businesses, fresh off an entrepreneurship intensive in Malaysia.The world of work is changing fast, and it’s easy to freeze when you’re not sure where you fit into that change. Hamish isn’t freezing. He’s looking for the opportunity in it.In this podcast we talk about:• How to start a business as a teenager with no money or experience• Making money on Kindle direct publishing, and how his book made $60,000• Investing in property young• AI business ideas for 2026, and where he’s focusing next• Using social media to grow a business as a young entrepreneur• Gen Z entrepreneurship, and why young people are more willing to take the riskIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too young, too late, or too unqualified to start something of your own, this episode is the reminder that none of that has to be true.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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

With the OCR on the rise and inflation heading up again, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to explain why the safest place for your money depends entirely on when you need it and why bank accounts are not always the answer.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Free Power Forever? The Real Cost, Payback Time, and Battery Truth on Solar in NZ18 months ago, I spent $89,000 on home solar and an electric car. I told you about it, and was flooded with questions on how this could work for other people.(You can listen to the previous episode from 1 April, titled "I Spent $89,000 on Solar And Electric Car In NZ… Was It Worth It?")This episode is the follow-up, answering every question from the practical (does my roof even work?) to the financial (do I actually need a $10,000 battery?).I’ll break down:Would solar work on your house, and what it takes to make solar power workHow to run the numbers to find out how long solar would take to pay itself off. I’ve got a three-figure back-of-envelope calculation anyone can do with last year's power billsDo you need a battery to make solar power worthwhile?What to do if money's tight, or you rentWhere solar power is heading next, including balcony solar and virtual power plantsFollow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Why do so many high performers end up exhausted and burned out?Mindset coach Sarah Robb has spent years working in this area, and says that unfortunately, many of us burn ourselves out, usually trying to prove we're good enough.At 26, Sarah had lost both her parents, in difficult circumstances.What she built afterwards became the foundation for how she now coaches high achievers, business owners, and ambitious women through burnout, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt - without losing their drive.In this episode:How to stop burnout without giving up ambitionWhy energy management matters more than time managementThe hidden reasons we hold onto limiting beliefsHow to set boundaries and say no without guiltHow to build self-compassion (not just self-love)Why presence, not productivity, is the antidote to overwhelmIf you've ever felt successful on the outside but exhausted on the inside, this conversation is for you.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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk through one of her favourite money hacks, using the second hand market to both clear out the clutter at home and score serious bargains on everything from furniture to kids clothes.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / Frances Cook - JournalistInstagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profileTikTok / Frances Cook on TikTokJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Are there still good property deals in New Zealand right now? Here's where to actually look.A listener wrote in with the question everyone's asking: prices are technically down, but they still feel expensive. Interest rates aren't friendly. Rents don't cover the mortgage.So is property investment still worth it, or has the window already closed?On this episode of Ask the Experts, Katie Wesney from EnableMe is ready to talk about what changes the calculations on whether property investment is worth it.In this episode:New builds vs. existing homes: which one actually protects your moneyThe real relationship between rental yield and capital gainsWhy buying outside your own city can be a smart risk-mitigation moveWhich parts of New Zealand currently have the strongest property fundamentalsHow to use equity in your own home instead of waiting to save a depositThe difference between a genuine bargain and a property that's "cheap for a reason"The one question to ask before buying ANY investment propertyIf you've been told property investment doesn't work anymore, this episode will change how you think about it.If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

There's actual behavioural science behind why we freeze up around money, and it's the same science that Mark White-Robinson has built a business around solving.Mark is the co-founder of Feijoa, an app that rounds up your everyday purchases and tips that spare change straight into your KiwiSaver.Seven months in, his users are on track to build millions in retirement savings.The trick to money is usually small habits, over a long time. That's it. But there's a real science to making them stick.In this episode we get into:Why doing nothing is usually the worst financial decision you can makeThe three things that stop people taking action with money (and how to get around them)Why 1 million eligible New Zealanders are missing out on over a billion dollars a year in free KiwiSaver contributionsThe behavioural tricks built into Feijoa, and how to steal them for your own money lifeWhat open banking has changed for everyday KiwisThis 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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins Jim Mora on RNZ Sunday Morning to cover the latest in money news, from why the job market feels so tough right now and where the work actually is, to the AI investment boom, social media spending traps and whether nicking the hotel soap counts as a financial strategy.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Your side hustle is making real money. Now what?Because when the income is real, things are growing, you can suddenly realise the whole operation is held together with sticky tape and good intentions.Income from a job, income from side work, all of it landing in the same personal account with no clear picture of what's coming in, what's going out, or what any of it means for tax time.This week on Ask the Experts, James Gibson, head of Revolut Business, walks through exactly what to do when a side hustle outgrows its informal beginnings.It’s a question that a lot of self-employed New Zealanders will recognise: how do you set up your finances properly when your side hustle starts making serious money?This episode is proudly supported by Revolut Business. Sign up online and get a one-month free trial at this link https://get.revolut.com/e9Jc/makingcents1 T&Cs apply, subscription fees will apply at the end of the trial, see website for details. Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty Ltd.This episode covers:When to open a separate business bank account for your side hustleHow to manage multiple income streams without losing trackWhat happens if you mix personal and business finances, and why it matters at tax timeHow to track self-employed income and expenses without an accountantBudgeting and cash flow basics for first-time business ownersSimple financial systems for the self-employed that don't require a finance backgroundHow to structure your money when you're employed and self-employed at the same timeIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

There’s a wealth transfer ready to happen right now, but only if you know where to look for it.A generation of baby boomers built their businesses over decades. Now they're ready to retire. But they can't find buyers.Which means there are businesses out there right now, with existing customers, existing income, existing systems, waiting for the right person to take them over.Jeremy Pak has a ringside seat to all of it. He's a chartered accountant and managing director of Velocity Capital, who spends his days helping New Zealanders buy and sell businesses worth millions.What he's learned about how wealth actually gets built in this country might change how you think about your own options.In this episode we cover:When to buy a business, vs starting one from scratchHow to fund a business purchase even if you don't have cash sitting around (including vendor finance)What Jeremy is seeing in the market, and why he's forecasting a threefold increase in business sales next yearHow to stress test a business before you buy itWhich types of NZ businesses Jeremy thinks have the potential to earn the mostThis 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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Financial freedom sounds great in theory, but what does it actually take to get there as a normal person?In this webinar, Frances Cook is joined by Sheppard & Ormsby chartered accountant Bronwyn Candish and EnableMe national coaching lead Katie Wesney to break down what financial freedom really means, how to find the money to invest, the biggest mistakes people make along the way, and one thing you can do this week to get startedFollow me everywhere!Facebook / Frances Cook - JournalistInstagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profileTikTok / Frances Cook on TikTokJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Being weird with money is the smartest thing you can do, to get financial freedom.Most of us are following the same money playbook, and it’s not working.Around 30% of New Zealanders don't have $1,000 in savings, and over 60% couldn't cover a real emergency.Frances Cook, financial journalist and host of Making Cents, shares exactly how embracing "weird" money habits helped her build financial freedom, and how you can do the same.In this episode:Why the standard approach to money keeps so many of us stuck, and what to do insteadThe hedonic treadmill: the psychology trick that's draining your walletHow to figure out what actually makes you happy (it's probably cheaper than you think)The secondhand challenge that changed Frances's financesWhy a cheaper daily life and big one-off experiences beats an expensive lifestyle every timeHow to stop spending on what other people want, and start spending on what YOU wantFollow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Many New Zealanders are overpaying tax, missing refunds they're entitled to, and leaving money on the table, simply because the system is confusing and nobody explained the rules.In this episode of Making Cents, chartered certified accountant Baqir Hussain, founder Finex Accounting, breaks down exactly how to stop losing money to the tax system and start making it work in your favour.We talk:The single biggest mistake Kiwis make with the IRD, and how it turns small issues into massive tax debtHow New Zealand's progressive tax system actually works (and why you should always take that pay rise)Surprise tax bills: the most common causes and how to avoid themWhat salary earners can legitimately claim back, including income protection insurance, donations, and investment costsWorking for Families: who qualifies, how to backdate claims up to four years, and how one family recovered $15,000 they didn't know they were owedHome office deductions for self-employed workers and contractorsWhy tax threshold creep means most Kiwis are quietly paying more tax every yearWhether you're a salary earner, raising a family, or running a small business, there are straightforward steps you can take right now to reduce your tax bill — legally, and simply.This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to explain the loyalty tax costing New Zealanders hundreds of dollars a year on power, insurance and banking, and the simple habit that can win it back without even switching providers.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / Frances Cook - JournalistInstagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profileTikTok / Frances Cook on TikTokJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

You're about to spend thousands getting your house ready to sell. Professional staging. A photographer. Maybe a lick of paint on the fence.But in a buyer's market with interest rates climbing, how do you know what actually moves the needle for getting the house sold?Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz is back in the hot seat with the actual data on what's working right now.We get into whether professional staging shows up in the sale price, which presentation upgrades are genuinely worth it and which ones aren't, what http://realestate.co.nz sees in listing performance when photos are good versus average, and whether the ROI on all of this changes when buyers have more choice.If you're about to list and wondering where to spend and where to save, this one's for you.In this episode:Does professional staging actually increase your property sale price?Which house upgrades are worth it, and which aren't?Does better photography get more home buyers through the door?How to sell a house in a buyer's marketWhat sellers can do themselves vs where to spend the moneyThe mistakes sellers make that cost them thousandsIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!

Something’s off, and that something is the economy.The latest drop of economic forecasting shows exactly what’s happening with the cost of living, your job, and your mortgage. It’s not looking great. But if we know what's coming, we can actually plan for it.To help us make sense of it all, Massey University’s Christoph Schumacher is in the hot seat. He’s Professor of Innovation and Economics, Director of the Knowledge Exchange Hub, and more importantly, he can explain all of this like a real human being.We cover:Why your money is feeling so tiring right nowHow much of this is the impact of the Iran war and fuel pricesWhat rising inflation means for your mortgage, your job, and your everyday costsThe NZ productivity problem, and which industries actually have a future hereWhat’s happening with AI, and how AI will change your jobWhen a real recovery might arrive, what it depends on, and what you can do to make life easier until thenThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

As SpaceX hits the share market in one of the biggest IPOs ever, Frances Cook breaks down how IPOs actually work, why retail investors are getting an unusually large slice this time and whether that is as generous as it sounds.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / Frances Cook - JournalistInstagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profileTikTok / Frances Cook on TikTokJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week Newsletter sign up

Retirement planning is stressful enough without governments constantly threatening to move the goalposts.Means testing, wealth taxes, a rising retirement age; how much of it is real, and how much can you actually count on NZ Super?Katie Wesney, National Coaching Lead at EnableMe, joins us in the hot seat to cut through the noise.We get into whether the pension is a plan or just a foundation, what the actual numbers look like week to week in retirement, how KiwiSaver, property, and investments fit together, and why worrying about a wealth tax might be the most expensive mistake you make.Plus: the one mindset shift that separates people who reach financial freedom from people who are still waiting for a politician to sort it out.If retirement feels far away, close, or just confusing, this one's for you.In this episode:How much can you actually rely on NZ Super?What does retirement actually cost week to week?How KiwiSaver, property, and investments work togetherShould you worry about means testing or a wealth tax?How to build a retirement plan that doesn't depend on government settings staying the sameIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Most investing mistakes don't look like mistakes when you're making them.Chris Walsh from MoneyHub joins us to break down the most common investing traps New Zealanders fall into, and the simple strategies that actually work long term.We get into why dollar cost averaging beats trying to time the market, what "invest in what you know" actually means (and how it gets misused), why borrowing to invest is riskier than most people realise, and what financial foundations you need in place before you start investing at all.Plus: why 86% of active fund managers underperform the index, and what that means for the rest of us trying to grow our money.If you've ever wondered whether you're investing smart or just getting lucky, this one's for you.In this episode:Why dollar cost averaging works, and how to do itThe problem with picking single stocksWhat "invest in what you know" gets wrongShould you borrow to invest? The risks explainedTime in the market vs timing the marketWhat financial foundations to have before you start investingKiwiSaver: are you leaving free money on the table?How to course correct if you've made investing mistakesThis 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/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Best Business Podcast - NZ Radio & Podcast Awards 2026

With the latest Budget signalling little relief for struggling Kiwis, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about what you can actually do to protect yourself financially when the recovery keeps getting pushed further down the road.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / Frances Cook - JournalistInstagram / Frances | Money | Investing (@francescooknz) • Instagram profileTikTok / Frances Cook on TikTokJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week Newsletter sign upBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Could the home of the future be the size of a carpark? The government is talking about scrapping minimum apartment size rules, and one Making Cents listener wants to know if that's a housing fix or a housing trap.Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz has fresh data to help us figure this out.We get into whether micro apartments could actually ease the housing shortage, what banks will and won't lend on when it comes to small apartments, and who this would most likely impact, from first home buyers, to investors, or students.Plus: how New Zealand's apartment market compares to the rest of the world, and whether our obsession with the quarter-acre dream is starting to shift.In this episode:Could scrapping minimum apartment sizes help first home buyers?What do banks actually lend on when it comes to small apartments?Are micro apartments a smart investment or a future problem?How New Zealand's property culture compares globallyWho stands to gain, and who should be cautiousIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Adele Holland cooked for billionaires on private jets. Now she helps real people eat well for $50 a week, and she reckons the skills transfer better than you'd think.Adele is a Michelin-trained chef who spent years cooking in Swiss chalets and on superyachts before walking away from the waste and opulence of that world.Now, as the creator behind Dishes with Del, she's on a mission to make budget meals genuinely delicious.In this episode, we get into how to meal plan on a budget, the cheap pantry staples that do the heavy lifting, how to stretch expensive proteins further than you thought possible, and the small chef tricks that make a real difference to your grocery bill and your food waste. Think feta brine, coconut cream ice cubes, and frozen soup bases you can make from scraps.Whether you're trying to cut your supermarket spend, reduce food waste, or just get more interesting meals on the table for less, this one's for you.In this episode:How to meal plan for the week on $50Budget pantry staples every kitchen needsHow to reduce food waste with simple chef tricksHow to stretch meat and protein on a tight budgetWhy planning is the unsexy secret to saving money on groceriesThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

Apartments and townhouses are selling for less than people paid for them, and in record numbers. Frances Cook joins RNZ Nights to break down why smaller properties are taking a bigger hit than the rest of the property market and what it means for first home buyers, investors, and owners in negative equity.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe, orAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #ShareMarket #MarketVolatility #Bitcoin #Gold #Silver #AI #BigTech #Investing #NZEconomy #PropertyInvesting #MarketCorrection

If you've ever wondered why some people build real wealth on ordinary incomes, while others save for decades and still feel behind, this episode is the answer.Financial journalist Frances Cook breaks down the relationship between money and time, and why getting this right changes everything about how you invest, where your money goes, and how hard it can work for you.In this episode:The rule of 100 - how to figure out how much to invest vs keep in cashNow money, soon money, and later money - the simple framework for organising your financesWhy your emergency fund needs to stay in cash (even when it feels like a missed opportunity)Compounding returns explained simply - and why $10k will eventually feel smallThe rule of 72 - how to calculate how fast your money doublesWhether you're just starting your investing journey or want to make sure your money is working as hard as possible, this episode gives you a practical framework you can actually use.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals

What if the chaos of parenthood is actually building your business brain?Renata Wiles was posting videos on the internet, with no business background, no tech background, and no real following.Now she's the founder of Roam with Kids, an app helping New Zealand parents find family-friendly places to go.In this episode, Frances talks with Renata about the messy reality of going from frustrated mum to tech founder.They’re talking:Why overwhelmed parents spend more, and the surprisingly simple fixThe KiwiSaver gap for parentsHow to turn a parenting pain point into a businessBuilding multiple income streams so one bad month doesn't sink youWhy you don't need a following, a business degree, or a perfect plan to startIf you've ever had a business idea but talked yourself out of it, this episode is the nudge you needed.This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.Follow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknzJoin the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribeBecome a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomProduction and video editing by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockFilmed by Fanaticals