Making Cents

Financial freedom is a series of levels, and once you understand them, the whole thing stops feeling impossible and starts feeling like a plan.In this solo episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook breaks down the five levels of financial freedom, from knowing your numbers for the first time, to the point where work becomes genuinely optional.Each level builds on the last. Each one makes the next one easier to reach, not harder. And the first level doesn't require much money at all - just honesty.We talk about:Why knowing your numbers is an underrated form of financial freedomThe one thing that reduces money stress at every income levelWhat "I have options" actually looks like in real NZ dollarsHow compounding returns turn into a second job that requires nothing from youThe 4% rule, and how to use it to figure out your numberWhy level five isn't the absence of work, it's the absence of fearWhether you're drowning in debt and just trying to get a grip, or you're already investing and wondering what comes next, this episode will tell you exactly where you are, and where to aim next.Join 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/investFollow me everywhere!Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZInstagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknzTikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

You know what you should be doing with your money. So why aren't you doing it?You know you should ask for the raise. Start investing. Stop spending on things you don't care about. And yet, somehow, you don't.Counsellor and change therapist Charlotte Cummings has a name for what's stopping you, and it's not laziness or lack of discipline.It's your unbearable feeling.In this episode, Frances Cook sits down with Charlotte to unpack one of the most powerful concepts in psychology: the one or two feelings we hate so much, we structure our entire lives around never experiencing them.And in doing so, we sabotage ourselves financially, professionally, and in our relationships — without ever realising why.We talk about:- What an "unbearable feeling" is and where it comes from- How to figure out what yours is- Why it's often behind the very thing making you successful, as well as being the very thing holding you back- Common unbearable feelings that block people from investing, saving, or asking for more- How to stop being run by your own fears (and what changes when you do)This one will make you think differently about every money decision you've been putting off.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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

The war in Iran is already moving mortgage rates, and it's not done yet.Interest rates are moving, and this will change everything with your money. Beyond the mortgage, it’s also your savings, your investments, and even your job.So what's actually happening, and what should you do about it?Frances Cook is joined by Massey University’s Christoph Schumacher and EnableMe financial coach Katie Wesney to break down the chain reaction from a conflict on the other side of the world, straight to your bank balance.We're covering: – How a war in the Middle East ends up pushing up your interest rate – What the Reserve Bank is likely to do next, and when – The key decisions to help you be smarter with your money, and especially your mortgage– How to build genuine financial resilience when the future is uncertainYou can’t control the war. But you can control how you prepare.

The New Zealand property market is shifting, and the latest data from http://realestate.co.nz tells us exactly how.In just the last three months, sellers dropped their prices enough for a total of $54 million to be wiped off asking prices across New Zealand.But strangely, it could be good news, as it’s slowing from previous falls.So are we at a turning point?In this episode of Making Cents Ask the Experts, financial journalist Frances Cook sits down with Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz, to break down what's actually happening in the NZ property market right now. Not the vibes, the real numbers.We cover:Whether New Zealand is still in a buyer's market, and how long that might lastHow the Iran conflict and rising oil prices could affect propertyThe best strategies for sellers in this marketHow buyers can negotiate hard, and where the best opportunities are hidingWhat the data hints at for the next 6 to 12 monthsWhether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, this episode gives you the real picture on New Zealand property in 2026.If 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Made redundant in your 50s? It might just be the start of something.After decades as one of New Zealand's most recognised news presenters, Wendy Petrie was made redundant from the 6pm news. No warning, no plan B, just the sudden reality of starting over at a stage of life when most people assume the big career moves are behind them.So she bought a business. Built it from the ground up. And figured it out as she went.In this episode of Making Cents, Wendy Petrie opens up about what redundancy really feels like when it hits, why she chose to bet on herself instead of looking for another job, and the raw truth about buying and building a business in your 50s - the financial risk, the steep learning curve, and what nobody tells you before you take the leap.This is the episode for anyone who's been made redundant, anyone who's wondered whether it's too late to start over, and anyone asking themselves: could I actually do this?Spoiler: you might be surprised.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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

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 - 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 Newsletter sign upAudio 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 moreThis 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/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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Your personal brand could be the most powerful, yet overlooked, career tool you have. Marketing expert Stanley Henry, founder of The Attention Seeker, believes everyone from tradies, to career professionals, to business owners, build visibility online. And when they do, they attract opportunities, and earn more, even without going viral or becoming a full-time content creator. Stanley specialises in organic social media growth, helping everyday people figure out how to earn attention online without paying for it. The reality is the people who get the best opportunities aren't always the most qualified. They're the most visible. And if you're a secret, you don't get opportunities. In this episode: what a personal brand actually is, why it matters for your career and income, and exactly what a normal person needs to do to build one, without the cringe.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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Five clever ways to live the good life without blowing the budget, because cutting lattes isn't the only answer. A replay of Frances Cook's column for Stuff.co.nz, read here with permission. 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 #FinancialFreedom

Property vs shares. It’s one a big investing decision, and also an easy one to get stuck on.In this Ask the Experts episode, we’re tackling a question that comes up all the time: should you invest in property or the sharemarket?Frances Cook is joined by Katie Wesney from EnableMe to break down the real differences between property investing and sharemarket investing.We get into:– Is property still a good investment in New Zealand, or has the game changed?– What people don’t realise about the costs, risks, and returns of rental property– Why shares feel scarier, and how to get past that– The rise of DIY investing, and what beginners need to know before jumping in– How to choose between property and shares based on your goals (not someone else’s)– Simple ways to get started, even if you’re feeling overwhelmedIf 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 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

She used to think she was “bad with money.”Now she’s a confident, and unapologetically unconventional, investor.In this episode of Making Cents, Sophie Hallwright, co-founder of The Curve, is ready to unpack the messy path from financial self-doubt to building real confidence with money.Before helping thousands of women learn about investing, Sophie learned the hard way.This conversation digs into the reality behind that shift. The trial and error, the risks, and the lessons that actually stick.Because for many people, getting “good with money” doesn’t come from following a perfect plan. It comes from trying, failing, and figuring out what works.In this episode:The financial mistakes that shaped Sophie’s approach to moneyLessons from investing in shares and propertyThe reality of buying property with someone you met three weeks earlierWhat it’s really like to start a business with a friendPractical insights on building confidence and momentum with moneyListen to more from Sophie @thecurveplatform or anywhere you listen to podcasts.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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

With power prices and fuel costs climbing, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to break down who solar panels and electric vehicles actually make sense for and how to run the numbers yourself.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 Newsletter sign up#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

A breakup doesn’t just end a relationship. It can blow up the entire financial plan you built together.For many people in their 40s and 50s, that means suddenly having to make huge money decisions alone, about the house, retirement, and what rebuilding your life actually looks like from here.In this episode of Ask the Experts, Will White from Heartland Bank is in the hot seat to help a listener facing exactly that situation.After a 10-year relationship ends, our listener is trying to decide whether to buy their ex-partner out of the family home, sell and downsize, or walk away and start again somewhere new. The numbers are tight. The lifestyle trade-offs are real. And with retirement getting closer, the stakes feel higher than ever.In this episode, Frances and Will cover:The biggest financial pressure points after a breakup in your 40s or 50sWhether buying out an ex-partner is a smart move, or a financial trapWhen selling and downsizing might actually put you in a stronger positionThe hidden financial risks of stretching your mortgage too farLifestyle trade-offs: space, pets, privacy, and quality of lifeWhether getting a flatmate or AirBnB could make the numbers workHow to rebuild financial stability when retirement is closer than you plannedIf 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

You can cancel subscriptions, ditch takeaway coffee, and trim your budget… but you still have to eat. And the way most of us shop for food? It’s costing us more than it should.In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook talks to Michal Garvey, founder of Foodprint, the app that’s redirected millions of dollars’ worth of surplus food from cafés and restaurants into the hands of everyday Kiwis, at a fraction of the price.But this isn’t just about cheaper meals.Michal shares a different way to think about food, money, and the cost of living, including the common food budgeting mistake most people don’t realise they’re making, and why it’s leaving money on the table.We also get into the link between your grocery bill and the survival of small businesses, how much food cafés are actually throwing away each year, and what that waste is really costing them.Not to mention, what all of this says about New Zealand’s food system, supply chains, and long-term food security?If you want to spend less on food, eat well, and understand what’s really driving food prices, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:How to save money on food without cutting qualityThe biggest food budgeting mistake most people makeHow surplus food apps like Foodprint workWhy cafés throw away so much food (and what it costs them)The link between cost of living and small business pressureWhat’s really going on with food supply and security in New ZealandThis 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

I spent $89,000 on solar power and an electric car… and it has a better return on investment than the sharemarket.With electricity prices rising fast, more Kiwis are asking whether solar panels, home batteries, and electric vehicles are worth it.So in this episode of the Making Cents podcast, I break down exactly what happened when I overhauled my home energy setup, including the real costs, the savings, and whether solar power in New Zealand actually stacks up financially.In this episode, we cover:The true cost of installing solar panels and a home battery in NZHow much I’m saving on power (and why my bills are sometimes negative)Whether solar can actually make you money, or just save itHow green loans (as low as 0–1%) can change the investment mathsWhy timing your power usage matters more than selling it back to the gridHow to do this cheaper and smarter than I didPlus, the practical realities, from power price trends to choosing the right system, avoiding common traps, and figuring out if solar is right for your home.This isn’t a “go green” pitch. It’s a real-world breakdown of whether solar and EVs are a good financial decision, and how to make the numbers work in your favour.If you’re trying to cut rising power costs, invest smarter, or future-proof your household expenses, this episode gives you the data and strategy to decide.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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio 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.

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 methodRewired her spending habits by replacing the dopamine hit of spending with savingBuilt savings and started investing, even on a modest incomeTransitioned from property investing to shares and index fundsDesigned a values-based money system that prioritises travel, family, and flexibilityOnce 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/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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

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 - 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 Newsletter sign up#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

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:what election years have historically meant for the property marketwhy uncertainty can stall buyers (and when that can backfire),what’s really happening in the property market right now, from supply levels to buyer behaviourand 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 [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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

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:what “dark patterns” are, and how online shopping traps you into spending morehow subscription traps and hard-to-cancel services cost you moneythe best ways to compare supermarket prices and cut your grocery billhow to review your insurance and avoid overpayingwhy almost everyone could save money on their power billThis 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Just as we were hoping for a break in the cost of living, fuel and food prices are heading up again. So how can you protect your cash, and find savings everywhere from insurance, to KiwiSaver, to your subscriptions? A replay of the conversation with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ’s Afternoons.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

KiwiSaver is changing, and you need to know what that means for your money.The Government has changed the rules, and they’re coming in to force now.Your own contribution rates, government contribution rules, and employer payments are all shifting. And depending on your income, age, or how your salary package works, the impact on your take-home pay could be very different.In this episode of Ask the Experts, Kristin Sutherland, strategic coach at EnableMe, helps us figure out what these changes mean in reality.We’re talking:The key KiwiSaver rule changes you need to knowHow higher contribution rates could affect your take-home payWhether the employer contribution changes are actually a boost or just a reshuffleWhy higher earners lose the government contributionThe biggest KiwiSaver mistakes people make during rule changesHow to review your fund, fees, and settings so your KiwiSaver works harder for youIf 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

What would it take to quit your job, take your kids out of school, and spend a year travelling Australia in a caravan?For Kellie Dawson, it took years of careful planning, property investing, budgeting, and building enough financial freedom to press pause on normal life and ask a bigger question: what do we actually want?In this episode, Kellie shares:- how they planned a year of family travel around Australia- what financial freedom means to them in real life- how they used property investing helped build financial freedom- why they came home rethinking money, careers, and what matters mostIf you’ve ever dreamed of quitting the grind, creating passive income, travelling with your family, or building financial independence in a way that supports your real life, this episode 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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about why "playing dead" is the best response when your money is hit by a global crisis. 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 Newsletter sign up#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Some of the most praised money advice is also some of the worst - depending on your stage of life.Buy a house as soon as possible. Never sell an investment. Stop wasting money on coffee, drinks, and fun. Always chase the biggest return. Always chase the next pay rise.Sounds responsible, right?Except real life is messier than that. And if you follow these rules too blindly, you can end up making your life smaller, more stressful, and sometimes even worse financially.In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook breaks down 7 “bad” money decisions that can actually be smart, depending on your goals, your lifestyle, and the season of life you’re in.From renting instead of buying, to paying for childcare, outsourcing chores, switching careers, selling investments that are ruining your sleep, and keeping cash on hand instead of forcing every dollar into growth, this is a myth-busting episode about building wealth without losing the plot.Because being good with money is not about hoarding cash and never enjoying your life.It’s about using money to build a life you actually want.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 #FinancialFreedomThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Investing can transform your financial future, but many avoid starting because it’s too intimidating.Markets go up and down, there’s endless advice online, and the fear of making a costly mistake keeps many stuck on the sidelines for years.So what actually goes wrong when people start investing? And more importantly, how do you avoid those traps?Author, and host of the Money Money Money podcast Glen James is on the podcast to break down the biggest investing mistakes beginners make, and the simple systems that help you build wealth over time.Glen calls himself a “reformed spender” who had to learn money the hard way. From losing money on risky penny stocks as a teenager to building a disciplined investing strategy using index funds and automation, he shares the real lessons that helped him become a smarter investor.In this episode you’ll learn:The biggest investing mistakes beginners makeWhy waiting for the “perfect time” can cost you thousandsHow to start investing even if you’re nervousThe power of diversification and index fundsWhy systems and automation make investing easierThis 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

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about the ways to save money on daily life, and maybe even earn some extra cash, to get through the cost of living crunch.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

Losing a partner is devastating. Then on top of the grief, there’s paperwork, big life changes, and financial decisions that feel urgent and overwhelming.In this episode of Ask the Experts, we’re answering a listener question from a woman in her early 50s who recently lost her husband. They had just finished putting their kids through school and were about to ramp up retirement savings. Instead, she’s now navigating life solo, with a $500,000 lump sum from a payout and the sale of the family home.Will White from Heartland Bank is in the Expert hot seat, ready to talk through:Where to start when you’re grieving and facing big financial decisionsKiwiSaver vs managed funds – the pros, cons, and access rulesHow to think about timeframes when retirement is 10–15 years awayBuilding a safety buffer before you investRisk tolerance, and how grief and life changes can affect how much volatility you can handleIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] (mailto:[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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #Investing #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:56 The letter: navigating grief and sudden financial responsibility00:01:50 Don't rush: give yourself time to grieve and think clearly00:02:28 Diversification matters: don't put all your eggs in one basket00:05:30 Short, medium, and long-term priorities: working backwards from retirement00:07:41 Investing in your 50s: you can't afford too many market shocks00:08:36 Get a financial advisor: half a million dollars deserves professional advice00:09:24 Emotional safeguards: when are you ready to make big decisions?00:12:09 Invest in your mental well-being too: grief counseling is just as important00:13:39 Wrapping up: take your time and lean on support

When you’re working hard, ticking the boxes, doing everything “right”, yet still not getting the promotion or pay rise? It’s easy to feel stuck.You’re not imagining it.New Zealand’s job market has cooled. Job listings are down. Businesses are cautious. Pay rises are harder to secure. Career progression can feel slower.But when things get tight, that’s when strategy matters the most.Enter Jarrod Haar, Professor of Management and Māori Business at Massey University, to tell us what actually works when you want to earn more, get promoted, or completely reinvent your career.If you’ve been wondering:“How do I get a pay rise in this economy?”“Is it time to change jobs?”“Do I need more qualifications to earn more money?”“How can I reinvent my career without starting over?”This episode 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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedomChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:35 Meet Jarrod: Professor of Management on the state of burnout00:06:13 The post-COVID hangover: why the job market feels so tough right now00:07:44 Start with what you can control: upskilling and staying relevant00:09:40 Social capital: why being a nice person actually pays off00:19:17 Should you stay or should you go? Voting with your feet00:21:51 The power of saying yes: building skills through work experience00:24:35 The skills that matter across industries: human connection over credentials00:29:22 Future-proofing your career: keep your finger on the pulse00:34:07 Wrapping up: hustle smarter, not just harder

A small change to a payment strategy can save hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of repayment time from your mortgage, cutting one of the biggest expenses most people will face.A replay of Frances Cook's column for Stuff.co.nz, read here with permission. 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 #FinancialFreedom

What do you do when you’re stuck between two bad options?Sell a home you bought near the peak of the market, even though it’s now worth hundreds of thousands less, or stay put in a house that no longer fits your life?That’s the dilemma facing this week’s listener. They bought in late 2020, welcomed kids, watched their house value fall by around $250,000, and now feel trapped: too much mortgage pressure, not enough flexibility, and no clear “right” move.Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz is in the expert hot seat, to tell us about the shocking number of New Zealanders in this situation, and what they can do about it.We talk about:What selling in a down housing market really means for your moneyWhether holding on longer could help, or just prolong the stressHow life changes (kids, cashflow, burnout) should factor into property decisionsWhy feeling “stuck” is common, and how a clear plan can restore controlIf you’re weighing up sell or stay, worried about selling your house at a loss, or feeling trapped by a house that no longer works for your family or finances, this episode has the tactics you need to be thinking about.If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] (mailto:[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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #NZProperty #WellingtonRealEstate #NZHousingMarket #HousePrices #NegativeEquity #LowEquity #SellOrStay #propertyadviceChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:01:12 Listener letter: bought at the peak, now stuck00:03:43 How common is this situation?00:07:47 First steps: get a realistic valuation00:08:33 Talk to a mortgage advisor or financial advisor00:09:15 Could you wait it out? Considering 202600:09:57 Creative options: students, Airbnb, and short-term solutions00:11:49 What if you've lost your deposit?00:13:33 The power of having a plan00:15:05 Outro

For decades in New Zealand, property wasn’t just an investment, it was THE investment.The safest bet. The biggest capital gains. Often tax-advantaged. And for many households, the clearest path to building long-term wealth.But that narrative is starting to shift.House prices remain high. Debt is expensive. And a growing number of New Zealanders are questioning whether residential property is still the best way to build wealth.In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook speaks with BusinessDesk journalist Dileepa Fonseka about New Zealand’s housing market, property prices, and long-term investment trends.Together, they explore whether New Zealand’s decades-long property obsession is beginning to crack.Why has property been such a dominant wealth-builder in NZ for so long?Are we reaching a ceiling on house price growth?Is this just a market cycle, or a structural turning point?If you’ve ever wondered whether buying property is still the smartest investment strategy, or whether it’s time to rethink the traditional path to wealth, this conversation will challenge your assumptions.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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:38 Meet Dileepa Fonseka: tracking the winds of change in property00:03:12 The land myth: why property prices can't rise forever00:05:50 The COVID property mania and the crash that followed00:17:10 Is there a ceiling on house prices?00:06:48 The political shift: capital gains tax enters the conversation00:10:17 From share market skeptics to everyday investors00:23:35 The rise of accessible investing: apps, Kiwisaver, and the new generation00:26:04 Property's hidden costs: climate change, insurance, and rising rates00:28:13 Election year battlegrounds: where is money going next?00:31:36 Outro 

In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about the growing "resist and unsubscribe" movement, how everyday New Zealanders can use their wallets to make a statement, and why your KiwiSaver might be one of the biggest votes you'll ever cast.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 if you genuinely can’t earn more? Are you stuck financially?In this Ask the Experts mailbag episode of Making Cents, we tackle a question that so many teachers, nurses, and public sector workers quietly wrestle with: what do you do when your income is capped?Today’s letter writer is a teacher. She’s hearing the usual advice, to “earn more”, “start a side hustle”, “increase your income”, but her reality is strict salary bands, long hours, and family commitments.So if climbing the income ladder isn’t straightforward, what’s the next best move?In the hot seat is Kristin Sutherland, financial advisor at EnableMe, and we break this down properly:– Are you really “stuck” in a capped-income career, or is there more wiggle room than it feels like?– If a pay rise isn’t coming anytime soon, what should you focus on instead? Investing, spending strategy, debt reduction, or something else?– Does investing still make sense when your income is flat?– How to think strategically about promotions, specialisation, or changing employers– Whether side hustles are worth it (and how to avoid burnout)– Navigating relationship dynamics when one partner is aggressively pursuing higher income and the other offers stabilityListen now to learn how to move forward — even when your income doesn’t.If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] (mailto:[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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook

If you want the truth about retiring early as a regular person, it doesn’t come from highlight reels or motivational posts. It comes from the numbers.When you strip away the vibes, hacks, and hot takes, the numbers show what actually works, what doesn’t, and how real people build passive income that gives them real choice over their time.That’s where Bronwyn Candish comes in.Bronwyn is a chartered accountant who specialises in working with everyday people who want to retire early. It’s not the theory of it, but the messy, real-life version. By digging into people’s finances, she sees the patterns others miss: the spending leaks, the mindset traps, and the systems that move the needle over time.In this episode, Bronwyn shares what she’s seen behind the scenes, including the common mistakes that hold people back, the simple tactics that actually stick, and why automation beats motivation every time.She’s not just advising from the sidelines either. Bronwyn is building her own retire-early plan, using the same investing strategies, income levers, and intentional spending choices she recommends to her clients.This is a grounded, honest look at how normal people really make progress, from passive income through shares, to optimising KiwiSaver, to getting your partner on the same page, and using community as a secret weapon.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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #FinancialIndependence #FIREmovement #PassiveInvesting #PassiveIncome #FIRE #RetireEarly #RetirementChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:32 Meet Bronwyn: the accountant for people pursuing financial independence00:05:14 Bronwyn's financial independence journey: divorce, debt, and discovery00:07:23 COVID, parenthood, and purchasing a practice00:09:10 Who Bronwyn works with: from lazy balance sheets to FIRE enthusiasts00:13:00 Is financial independence accessible for normal people?00:14:43 Best tactics for regular people: business as a bank account and expense awareness00:15:45 The power of increasing income and self-employment00:18:48 Black Friday: building community and brainwashing partners00:27:23 Bronwyn's personal tactics: index funds, automation, and intentional spending00:30:00 Mindset shifts: from deprivation to appreciation00:33:45 The debt-free journey and the power of teamwork00:35:50 Advice for skeptics and where to find Bronwyn

Money fights aren’t really about money. They’re about expectations, and how differently we respond to them.In this episode of Making Cents, I’m breaking down the four money personalities that shape how you save, spend, budget, and argue about money. Get ready to finally understand why financial advice works brilliantly for some people and completely falls apart for others.Based on Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework, these personalities explain why:You can know what to do with your money… and still not do itYour partner’s approach makes perfect sense to them, but drives you madDiscipline isn’t the issue, but mismatched systems are.You’ll learn how the Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel money personalities actually behave with money, where each one thrives, where it goes wrong, and what strategies genuinely work for each type.We also dig into how different money personalities clash (and connect) in relationships. Why money is such a common source of tension, and how to design shared systems that don’t leave one person feeling controlled, rushed, unsupported, or sabotaged.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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #moneypersonality #moneymindset #financialpsychology #financialfreedom #FourTendencies #Upholder #Questioner #Obliger #Rebel Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:03:11 The upholder: the goody two shoes who follow all the rules00:05:58 The questioner: research everything, customize everything00:10:54 The obliger: brilliant for others, terrible at prioritizing themselves00:13:51 The rebel: identity over obligations00:17:33 Why most money advice is written for upholders00:18:27 Money personalities in relationships: why couples fight about expectations00:20:49 Wrapping up: stop fighting yourself and design systems that fit00:21:08 Outro

From the real risks behind AI hype and whether we're heading for a crash, to the surprising weakness hiding inside Big Tech's profits, and why digital advertising might be the canary in the coal mine that nobody's watching… it’s time to make sense of the chaos.Fast Money with Jim Mora on RNZ’s Sunday Mornings, it’s time for the money update you need.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, or Audio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #ShareMarket #MarketVolatility #Bitcoin #Gold #Silver #AI #BigTech #Investing #NZEconomy #PropertyInvesting #MarketCorrection

There is a lot of mortgage advice out there that is confidently wrong.And the cost of following it isn’t just money, it’s time. Sometimes years of your life spent under pressure you didn’t actually need.In this episode of Making Cents, we’re cutting through the biggest mortgage myths that trip people up both before they buy a home and long after they’ve signed the papers.From “cleaning up” bank statements and chasing the lowest interest rate, to misunderstood rules around deposits, credit scores, extra repayments, and offsets, this is the stuff that sounds smart on paper, but can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.Mortgage Man Aaron Cattell is a mortgage adviser on the front lines, working with real borrowers, real numbers, and real lending rules, and he’s ready to let you peek behind the curtain.We break down:What banks actually care about when approving a mortgage (and what they don’t)Common mortgage-ready myths that no longer apply in New ZealandWhy loan structure matters more than chasing the cheapest interest rateThe simplest ways to cut years off your mortgage, without needing a windfallWhen extra repayments, lump sums, offsets, or revolving credit actually make senseThe tactics that sound clever, but Aaron would ban tomorrowIf you’re buying your first home, refixing soon, or just want more control over the biggest debt most people will ever take on, this episode will help you avoid mistakes that quietly steal time from your future.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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash ChittockAaron’s references mentioned in the episode: - https://www.themortgageman.co.nz/links#MakingCents #FrancesCookChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:37 Meet Aaron Kital: the mortgage man on the front lines00:04:00 Busting the deposit myth: you don't need 20 percent00:05:30 The clean bank statements myth and what banks actually care about00:09:25 Auctions, valuations, and the first-time buyer obstacle course00:12:40 Is buying your own home actually a good investment?00:15:00 Myths from overseas: credit scores and payment frequency00:19:03 Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest elsewhere?00:23:48 Three ways to smash your mortgage faster00:26:06 Offset accounts and revolving credits: when they work and when they don't00:34:42 Fixed versus floating: why structure beats interest rates every time00:41:24 When mortgages keep you awake at night: hardship options00:43:43 The easy win: one simple change that saves years00:44:14 Outro

If you're feeling the February slump and wondering how to get back on track without starting from scratch, this one's for you!A replay of Frances Cook's column for 1 News, read here with permission, on 7 science-backed ways to get your money back under control.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 or level up your investing knowledge with the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/investAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook

This episode was originally part of the Market Memo newsletter, where you learn about sharemarket investing every week. You can subscribe to that, here https://marketmemoweekly.substack.com/It’s never been easier to start investing. And that’s both brilliant, and part of the problem.Between constant headlines, market swings, hot takes on social media, and apps that let you trade with a swipe, investing has turned into a psychological minefield.Now, for most people, the biggest risk to their money isn’t the market. It’s their own brain.In this episode of Making Cents, it’s the seven common mental traps that trip investors up.We’ll cover:Why losses hurt so much more than gains (and what that makes people do)How herd behaviour and FOMO sneak into otherwise sensible decisionsWhy sticking to what feels familiar can cost you real growthThe mental shortcuts that make short-term noise feel more important than long-term plansAnd the simple systems that help emotions stop driving the carThis episode isn’t about suppressing your feelings or becoming some emotionless investing robot.It’s about understanding how your brain works, and putting smart guardrails in place so it doesn’t sabotage your future.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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #InvestingPsychology #BehaviouralFinance #MoneyPsychology #InvestorMindset #MentalTraps #InvestingChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:18 Loss aversion: the pain hits harder than the pleasure00:03:31 Overconfidence bias: the 'I can time the market' illusion00:05:21 Herd behavior and FOMO: when everyone's buying, beware00:07:13 Home bias: comfort can cost you00:08:31 Confirmation bias: the echo chamber effect00:09:39 Recency bias: thinking yesterday predicts tomorrow00:10:48 Present bias: the 'now' trap00:12:19 Wrapping up: stop emotions from driving the car00:13:00 Outro

If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually going on behind the scenes of the 1%, beyond the headlines, Instagram posts, and glossy business profiles, this episode pulls back the curtain.Because beneath the public image of wealth is usually a highly deliberate money strategy. And it doesn’t have to be exclusive to the ultra-rich.In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook speaks with Andrew Clements, a private wealth and succession lawyer who works with some of New Zealand’s wealthiest families. Andrew spends his days helping high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients build wealth, protect it, and stop it being blown up by one bad decision, whether that’s an investment mistake, poor structure, or family conflict.What he’s learned may surprise you.We talk about:How wealthy families think in decades, not yearsWhy protecting money often matters more than chasing returnsThe “guardrails” the wealthy put around their money, and their familiesWhy the rich often sell when others are rushing inThe risks that don’t show up on balance sheets, including family and succession riskHow downturns are treated as opportunity, not panicAnd which wealth strategies are realistic for everyday NZers to copyFollow 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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #GenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #WealthManagement #FinancialLiteracy #SuccessionPlanning #ImpactInvesting #FinancialAdviser #PrivateWealth #HighNetWorth #NZBusinessOwnersChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:13 Meet Andrew Clements: private wealth and succession lawyer00:03:39 Money talks, but wealth whispers00:04:25 Values over dollars: what wealthy families actually prioritize00:08:19 The long game: how the wealthy build and protect assets00:09:44 The Lithuanian entrepreneur who didn't get greedy00:12:38 Investing in yourself: the best investment you can make00:18:43 Philosophy breeds methodology: finding advisors who understand you00:22:12 How the wealthy invest differently: shares over property00:27:24 Impact investing: making money and making a difference00:29:22 Family risk: how inheritance can become poison00:33:16 Beating the three-generation curse00:37:20 The hundred dollar note on the dinner table00:42:13 Can average people become wealthy? Yes, here's how00:44:39 Outro

Everyone says you should start investing in the stock market, but how do you actually do that? Time for a quick roadmap to get you started. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or you’ve been investing for a while but you’re not sure you’re nailing it, this is the live session to help you feel like the confident investor you should be. With top industry experts -Kernel chief executive Dean Anderson-Stuff money editor Damian Venuto-Massey University Professor Claire MatthewsAs we answer questions live, we’re talking about what actually matters when investing in shares in 2026, how to get started without overthinking it, building a system that lets you keep investing no matter what, and getting under the hood of what’s happening in the sharemarket right now. 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/subscribeVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook

Are home renovations actually an investment, or just an expensive way to make your house nicer to live in?In this Ask the Experts mailbag episode, it’s time to answer the question many are scared of: have I overcapitalised my home?Which renovations genuinely add value, and which ones don’t?Is your own home an investment, or a lifestyle choice?And if you’ve already spent the money, should you even consider an investment property?To break it all down, I’m joined by Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz who brings the data on what actually moves house prices in New Zealand: from extra bedrooms and bathrooms, to the renovation traps that don’t stack up financially.We cover:– When renovations can increase resale value, and when they won’t– The real difference between lifestyle upgrades and wealth-building moves– How to tell if you’ve overcapitalised (and what to do if you have)– Whether using home equity to invest in property is still an option– How to think about your home versus a true investment propertyIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] (mailto:[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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #NewZealandProperty #PropertyMarket #PropertyInvestment #HomeRenovation #RenovationROI #Overcapitalising #HomeEquity #InvestmentProperty #FirstHomeBuyer #DIYRenovation #PropertyValuationChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:01:14 Listener letter: renovated but worried about overcapitalizing00:02:18 What renovations actually add value vs lifestyle upgrades00:03:30 The data: how much value each bedroom adds00:05:28 Kitchens and decks: investment or lifestyle choice?00:06:46 How to know if you've overcapitalised00:08:48 Is your home an investment? The debate00:12:25 Using home equity to buy an investment property00:14:57 Next steps: gathering information and exploring options00:17:28 Outro

Quick-fire tips and tricks for feeling more in control of your money in 2026.Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about it, replayed here with permission.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 Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Gold and silver prices are booming, and it’s being driven by something deeper: how people are feeling about their money.When trust starts to break down, investors don’t just talk about it, they move their money.Darcy Ungaro, a financial adviser and host of the NZ Everyday Investor, is seeing more New Zealanders actively asking about gold, silver, Bitcoin, and other alternatives. It’s not out of greed, but out of caution.In this episode we talk about:Why gold and silver prices are risingWhether silver is a good investment, or just dangerously volatileThe real risks behind the silver price surge (and why it can “rip your face off” if you get it wrong)Gold vs silver: how they behave differently in uncertain marketsHow to invest in gold and silver ETFs in NZ, versus holding physical metalHow to think about allocation, not hype, when markets feel unstableIf you’ve been wondering whether gold or silver belongs in your portfolio - or why so many people are suddenly asking the question - this episode will help you make sense of 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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #Silver #Gold #Bitcoin #AlternativeInvestments #PreciousMetals #InvestmentChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:09 Meet Darcy Ungaro: financial adviser and everyday investor00:04:04 The rise in precious metals: what's driving it?00:15:02 Gold and silver during global instability00:17:05 Silver: the volatile cousin of gold00:27:14 Darcy's biggest mistake: trading silver with 50X leverage00:30:15 Gold vs silver: similarities and differences00:33:49 Bitcoin as digital gold: does the comparison hold up?00:41:54 How to allocate: the 80/20 portfolio approach00:48:03 Where to start: getting into gold and silver without losing your face00:51:10 Outro

Opposites attract, until it comes to money.This week’s listener says she’s a saver, her partner is a spender, and every attempt to “get serious” about their finances ends the same way: frustration, guilt, splurging out of spite, and a plan that falls apart by March.Instead of moving forward, they’re cancelling each other out, and it’s starting to wear them both down.In this Ask the Experts episode, EnableMe head strategic coach Katie Wesney breaks down why saver–spender dynamics are so common, and why money fights are usually about values, security, and behaviour, not just dollars.We talk about:Why saver–spender couples clash, even when they want the same lifeHow different money personalities (savers, spenders, upholders, questioners, rebels) approach rules, goals, and plansWhy behaviour matters more than the “perfect” financial strategyHow starting with a shared vision changes the conversationPractical systems that reduce friction, including automation and separate “no-questions-asked” spendingHow couples can use their differences as strengths instead of sabotageIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] (mailto:[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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #SaverVsSpender #CouplesAndMoney #MoneyInRelationships #MoneyPersonalities #MoneyMindset #BudgetingAsACouple #JointAccounts #FinancialAccountability #MortgageTips #PayOffMortgageFaster #FinancialFreedomChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:01:09 Listener letter: opposite money styles00:01:48 "Money fights aren’t about money” (trust, values, security)00:03:14 How to start the conversation: vision, numbers, timeframes00:04:24 Money personality types: saver / shopper / plodder00:05:34 Gretchen Rubin tendencies: upholder, obliger, questioner, rebel00:11:08 Saver vs shopper00:13:24 Systems for couples: joint vs separate money + autonomy00:15:58 Where to from here?00:16:19 Outro 

Why do so many smart, motivated people struggle to stick to money goals?You set the intention to save more, invest properly, or finally get organised, and then, a few weeks or months later, it falls apart.It’s not that you don’t care or don’t know what to do. It’s that your mindset and financial habits get in the way.In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Dom Vettise, a clinical and performance psychologist who specialises in helping people move from “pretty good” to world-class performance.Dom has worked in some of the most high-pressure environments imaginable, including with Olympic athletes, New Zealand Rugby, and the All Whites. These people who simply have to perform when the stakes are highest.What’s surprising is how directly that same psychology applies to everyday money decisions.The mental habits that determine whether an athlete performs under pressure are the same ones that shape your financial habits, from sticking to a savings plan, to following an investment strategy, to breaking the cycle of “I’ll start again next month.”In this conversation, we unpack:Why mindset matters more than motivation when it comes to moneyHow stress and pressure sabotage financial decision-makingThe role of perfectionism in derailing progressWhy self-sabotage shows up just as you’re starting to do wellPractical ways to take control of your mental habits so your money goals actually stickFollow 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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #Investing #SavingMoney #GoalSetting #Mindset #HighPerformance #SportsPsychology #PerformancePsychology #NewZealand #OlympicsChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:02:12 Meet Dom Vittice: from forensics to Olympic psychology00:03:20 What it's really like working with elite athletes00:07:26 Success leaves clues: learning from what goes right00:11:29 The framework: understand me, be me, stay me00:13:32 Reframing pressure: distress vs eustress00:16:44 Breathwork and staying present under pressure00:22:45 Mental filtering and disqualifying the positive00:24:09 Staying motivated on long-term goals00:28:54 The MILK reflection tool: memory, improvement, learning, courage00:31:22 Courage requires fear: normalizing the hard stuff00:40:56 Radical self-responsibility without self-blame00:43:57 Self-compassion vs self-criticism in setbacks00:45:40 ACT framework: acknowledge, calm, towards00:47:44 The number one skill: attention00:50:06 Perfectionism and good enough00:52:28 Outro

Time to talk about what will actually move the needle for you in 2026, and help you feel more confident with your money.Whether it’s property, investing, KiwiSaver, or just feeling calmer about the decisions you’re making, we’re covering the things you actually need to know.We’ll be talking about what an election year really means for your money, how to think about the economy as it starts to turn, where people accidentally trip up during this phase, and how to set yourself up so your money feels easier, not harder, in 2026Frances Cook brings in her favourite experts to tackle the different areas of your money that you should know more about:realestate.co.nz's Vanessa Williams, to answer your burning questions about the property marketTVNZ business reporter Jason Walls, for the big picture on the economy and political forces in play this yearEnableMe head strategic coach Katie Wesney, for the investing and KiwiSaver insights you need to knowFollow 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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock

Money panic doesn’t always come from not having enough. Sometimes it comes from suddenly having far more than you ever expected - $8 million more, to be exact. This week’s Ask the Experts letter comes from a couple who spent 40 years dairy farming, living with constant debt and tight cashflow. Now they’ve sold the farm and their financial reality has flipped overnight. A dream problem? Maybe. But sudden wealth is notoriously risky. Will White from Heartland Bank is in the expert hotseat, to talk about how you protect a huge cash balance, avoid rushing into bad decisions, and turn a once-in-a-lifetime payout into a secure, comfortable retirement. 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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MoneyMindset #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #TermDeposit #Windfall #SuddenWealth #ScamAwareness

They say that the first $100,000 invested is the hardest milestone, but also most important. Once you’re there, compounding starts to do more of the heavy lifting. But getting there, well, you’ll have to scrap for it.Today’s guest, Jane Joo, reached that milestone by age 25.So how did she actually do it?This episode cuts through the noise to unpack what works in the real world.No trust fund, no extreme deprivation, and no finance degree. Just consistent habits, deliberate choices, and a clear goal.Jane shares how she started investing while still a university student, why she focused on small, regular contributions instead of waiting to feel “ready,” and how she balanced earning more with spending intentionally. We talk about avoiding lifestyle creep, negotiating fixed expenses, side hustles, and what is really took to build her first $100k.We also dig into her investing approach - from early stock picking to a growing preference for index funds - plus the mindset shifts that helped her stay consistent through market ups and downs.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/subscribeThis podcast was filmed & produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana ByrneAudio engineering by Tash Chittock#MakingCents #FrancesCook #Investing #FinancialFreedom #CompoundInterest #IndexFunds #InvestingForBeginners #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #SideHustle #LifestyleCreep #SavingsHacks