Making Cents

How far you get in your career isn't always down to how hard you work. Sometimes, what you really need is someone in your corner. Sarah Wood left school at 17. Today, she is the CEO of http://realestate.co.nz - New Zealand’s longest-standing property site - and heads a business named our number one small workplace two years running. Sarah Wood joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to share the real-world career moves that get you noticed and promoted. From learning how to make or save a business money to building a personal board of directors and navigating leadership with a family, Sarah shares practical steps to help you back your ambition and step into senior roles. In this episode: The best early career rule: learning how to make a company money or save it money Why understanding commercial numbers matters more than job titles How to build a "personal board of directors" to guide your next career step How to ask someone for coffee without feeling awkward Vetting workplace culture and team fit during the…

The money world feels like it’s falling apart, but underneath the doom and gloom, is New Zealand’s economy actually on the brink of its best 30 years? Between high petrol prices, food bills, and a housing downturn, everyday life feels tough. Yet for the first time in modern history, house prices have dropped 30% in Auckland without dragging the wider economy into a deep recession. We are moving from a country that borrows to an economy that saves and invests - and that changes the game. Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to challenge the story we've been telling ourselves about our money. Sam shares why New Zealand is at a major turning point, how KiwiSaver is quietly transforming our wealth, and the simple shifts we need to make to stop copying a poverty mindset. In this episode: Why Auckland house prices dropped 30% without crashing the economy Borrowing vs investing: why saving our way to prosperity beats debt The Australia comparison: how a $1 trillion KiwiSaver pool…

Election day is almost here, and money is top of mind for a lot of us. In this special live edition of Making Cents, I’m joined by: Claire Matthews from Massey University Michael Gorin from EnableMe Dean Anderson, Founder and CEO of Kernel Georgia Grange, Head of NZ at Revolut We dig into the financial issues on the table, what the parties are promising, and whether those fixes could actually work. KiwiSaver: is the political focus deserved, and what should change as it nears its 20th birthday? The cost of living squeeze: record fuel prices, rising unemployment and inflation, and what you can do now Investing through uncertainty: are there opportunities amid the chaos? Competition in banking and supermarkets: will the proposed policies move the needle? The property market: Auckland’s average price dips under $1m for the first time since 2020, and what a two-speed economy means for building wealth What the politicians are getting right, and the missed opportunities. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free…

Do you really need $1 million to retire? Scary headlines say so, and that falling short means facing cold, miserable years ahead. But for most people, that massive benchmark is unhelpful, daunting, and causes people to give up before they even start. Katie Wesney, Head Strategic Coach at EnableMe, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to dismantle the $1 million retirement myth and help you find your actual number. In this episode: The $1 million retirement myth: why one-size-fits-all numbers cause people to freeze Finding your baseline: how to audit three months of bank statements and strip out temporary costs The cost of kids and mortgages in retirement: why paying down debt early unlocks your plan Cash flow leaks: how cutting $10,000 of yearly waste saves you $250,000 across retirement Savings vs investing: why KiwiSaver and growth assets are essential to bridge the gap Why 65 isn't a financial cliff: using investment buckets to keep your money growing Follow me everywhere! Facebook /…

We grow enough food in New Zealand to feed 40 million people - eight times our own population. So why does your weekly grocery bill feel like it’s eating your entire paycheque? Angela Clifford, CEO of Eat New Zealand, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to unpack why our food model feels broken and how everyday eaters hold the power to fix it. Living on a North Canterbury permaculture farm where her family produces roughly 80% of what they consume, Angela explains why "community sufficiency" beats pure self-reliance, and what simple shifts we can make this week to cut costs and take back control of our food. In this episode: Feeding 40 million vs food insecurity: why a third of Kiwi families are struggling to put food on the table The financialisation of food: how a system meant to feed us became focused on shareholder returns Why Kiwi farmers are price-takers, not price-makers, and why the current model doesn't work for growers either Offshoring our staples: the reality of shipping local fish overseas to be…

Two years into running Making Cents as an independent business, I sit down with the TVNZ Business Breakfast team to talk about what I got right, what went wrong, and what I wish I had known before I jumped. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

What matters more to you, money or time? Nearly half of us would accept getting paid less just to get more time back in our lives. Not more stuff, not a bigger house - just time. Yet in reality, we are getting squeezed on both fronts with less money and less time. New research from Revolut and YouGov shows 44% of Kiwis would take a pay cut for a four-day work week, while six in ten are working overtime - and nearly a third get nothing extra for it. To make matters worse, budgeting and managing money has become the single biggest drain on our free time. Georgia Grange, Chief Operating Officer at Revolut New Zealand, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to break down how to take back control of our hours. From the generational divide between Gen Z and management to practical automations that kill off the "Sunday scaries," Georgia shares how to simplify your money so you can get your life back. This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Revolut, the card and app for everyday spending in NZ, and smarter…

Building a comfortable money life for yourself is one thing - building wealth that outlives you is a completely different game. The problem is that when people get this wrong, it is not just the money that disappears; families often fall apart trying to figure it out. From mismatched expectations to the old saying that wealth is lost in three generations, passing down money without a clear plan can create entitlement rather than long-term security. Andrew Clements, private wealth and succession lawyer at Grayson Clements, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to pull back the curtain on how to make family wealth last. Drawing on his career advising some of the wealthiest families in the country, Andrew explains why generational planning isn't just for billionaires, and why the most powerful thing parents can do is equip the next generation for responsibility. In this episode: The 5 capitals of wealth: why true wealth comes from wellness, not just money Why 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation,…

I join Jim Mora on RNZ Sunday Mornings to work through the latest money news, from new data on unpaid overtime and the cost of living crunch, to Auckland house prices dropping below a million for the first time in six years, and whether Meta’s AI shopping agent is actually a good idea. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

For years, buyers have complained the property market wasn’t on their side - but that has just changed in a way New Zealand hasn’t seen in six years. Auckland’s average asking price has dropped under $1 million for the first time since 2020, and with 34,000 houses on the market across the country, buyers have serious choice and negotiating power. But while listings pile up and prices stay flat, why is a full-blown property crash still off the cards? Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to break down the latest property data and reveal what is actually happening beneath the headlines. From the South Island regions hitting record highs to what gets a home sold right now, Vanessa shares what buyers and sellers need to know. In this episode: Auckland house prices dip below $1 million: what the six-year milestone means for buyers and sellers Why the South Island is booming while the North Island cools Selling in a buyer’s market: the 3 non-negotiables to get your…

Ever wanted to turn to your boss and say, "I could run this place better, and you should let me"? In reality, you probably want to phrase it a little more diplomatically than that. But it is possible - because Sarah Murray did exactly that. Sarah Murray, owner and editor of FQ, shares the raw reality of stepping from employee to business owner. From valuing a legacy media brand and writing a winning bank business plan with no prior corporate finance background, Sarah pulls back the curtain on taking the ultimate career swing. In this episode: The audacity of buying the company: how Sarah built up the courage to pitch her boss What it takes to value an established business and get bank approval with no formal business background The "part-time work" trap for working parents, and taking on your dream role with young kids Navigating the shift from coworker to editor-in-chief and business owner Balancing creative integrity vs the bottom line: why "bougie" brand details sometimes matter The modern media…

With the election ramping up, promises to change KiwiSaver are flying thick and fast. Time to break down what each party is suggesting, what the experts think is missing from the debate, and what it could all mean for your retirement savings. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

With petrol prices spiking to record highs, hitting $3.52 a litre, switching to an electric or hybrid car can look like the ultimate way to wipe out a massive daily living cost. But is it actually the right financial move for your lifestyle, or could hidden ownership costs end up costing you more? Financial journalist Frances Cook breaks down the real numbers on petrol, hybrid, and fully electric cars. From real-world running costs and road user charges to battery lifespan facts and a brutal warning on vehicle depreciation, Frances shares the exact maths you need to know before making a move. In this episode: The real cost to charge an EV: running the numbers on off-peak power vs $3/litre petrol Factoring in NZ Road User Charges: what EV driving actually costs per 450km The hybrid trap EV insurance and servicing costs: the trade-off between higher premiums and lower maintenance Will the battery die and bankrupt you? Real-world data on EV battery degradation and warranties The depreciation rule: why buying a…

Election season is here, and every political party is lining up to promise fixes for your wallet. But behind the political promises on KiwiSaver, grocery prices, and power bills, are any of their proposed solutions actually going to fix the real problems? Independent financial journalist and founder of The Kaka, Bernard Hickey, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to pull back the curtain on the economic realities facing New Zealand. From the truth about making KiwiSaver compulsory to why a food-producing nation has a million people relying on food banks, Bernard breaks down the big structural flaws and the radical changes needed to actually move the dial. In this episode: Why making KiwiSaver compulsory without tax breaks is effectively a tax on everyday workers The overseas investment problem: why 60% of KiwiSaver funds head offshore instead of building NZ infrastructure The first-home buyer dilemma: why using KiwiSaver as a deposit fund pumps up house prices How Australia built the world’s third-largest…

While global sharemarkets are booming, New Zealand is sitting quietly near the bottom of the table. I break down why our market is built differently, what that means for your returns, and how to think about whether you should be investing here or looking overseas. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

AI can build you a full financial plan in 30 seconds flat, but what happens when that plan meets the real world? Chatbots sound confident, use big words, and can make you feel completely sorted with your money. But generic tools don't know what questions to ask, often affirm whatever you tell them, and can easily ignore massive blind spots like debt, emergency buffers, or market risk. Katie Wesney from EnableMe joins Frances Cook on Ask the Experts to break down the reality of running your finances through AI. Together, they look at where AI tools are genuinely helpful, where they act as an overconfident trap, and how to stress test your money plan so it survives bad weather. This episode covers: The danger of AI financial plans: why "garbage in, garbage out" leaves out debt and bad assumptions Why AI chatbots are designed to be agreeable, and why that makes them terrible financial advisers The real difference between feeling confident and actually being financially prepared The foundational numbers AI…

There’s a new person setting the rules for our retirement savings, so are we going to see changes for KiwiSaver? David Boyle has just stepped in as New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner, bringing decades of experience helping people navigate wealth, funds management, and financial education. He joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to break down what’s really working, what’s broken, and where our retirement policy needs to go next. From the hidden trap of hiking contribution rates to why simple consistency beats chasing the "perfect" fund, David shares the practical tools and honest insights everyday Kiwis need to build a nest egg they can genuinely rely on. In this episode: Why KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals have tripled in five years The launch of the Buffer Builder Why increasing contribution rates could actually hurt lower-income earners Where KiwiSaver fails: contractors, sole traders, and bridging the gender retirement gap Can we actually rely on NZ Super in the future? Regularity vs perfection: the #1…

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to bust the mortgage myths that are putting people off buying a home, from the 20% deposit rule to whether your Uber Eats habit will tank your application. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

If you have ever felt like the world is designed to drain your bank account, you are not imagining it. Online shopping and digital services are full of sneaky money traps - known as dark patterns - built to make spending effortless and canceling nearly impossible. This week on Ask the Experts, Jan Verberne, Senior Legal Counsel at Revolut, pulls back the curtain on how these manipulative online checkout tactics work and the exact tools you can use to outsmart them. 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: What dark patterns are and how online retailers use them to manipulate your spending How to escape subscription traps, cancel free trials, and avoid forced cancellation phone calls The hidden cost of drip pricing and checkout fee sneakiness How foreign…

When the job market feels completely stuck, what if you could create your own job by owning a business? And instead of starting from scratch and hoping it works, what if you bought an established business with a proven track record? Buying a business isn't just buying yourself a job - run properly, it’s an asset you can grow, earn from, and eventually sell. Jess Shaw, Director of Vesta Finance joins Frances Cook on Making Sense to break down how everyday people can buy a business like an asset class. From borrowing options that don’t require a million dollars in cash to red flags in business and knowing what to look for under the hood, Jess shares the practical tools you need to take the leap. In this episode: Buying a business vs starting from scratch How to view a business as an asset class rather than just an income How to fund a business purchase Why you don’t need $1 million in cash to buy a $1 million business The "build your own boardroom" rule: the four key experts you need on your side The hidden…

Frances Cook and Lighthouse Financial wealth director James Blair dig into values based spending, and how to create a financial plan that isn't about hoarding cash but about making sure your money is working toward the life you actually want, now and in the future. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

Time for a raw, unfiltered Ask Me Anything episode of Making Cents! Financial journalist Frances Cook sits down to tackle your biggest money questions. From practical strategies to break out of feeling stuck in a cost-of-living squeeze, to whether you should pay off your mortgage or invest in shares, Frances breaks down the plain-English rules of the money game. In this episode: Why trying to prioritise every money goal at once leads to burnout, and how to pick one achievable target The reality of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Moving from "average" to actually getting ahead: the two levers that make or break your money What to do when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and can't see a clear way forward financially Should you invest in your employer’s share scheme? The risks of having all your eggs in one basket How to get a reluctant partner on board with money goals without fighting Mortgage vs Shares The shifting risks around Airbnb investments vs traditional long-term rentals Why index funds…

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 buyers The "Sunday hangover" effect: navigating negative cash flow and high borrowing costs Why identical new builds carry hidden risks for value and rent control The three big structural red flags to watch…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

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…

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 down What open banking actually is, and how directly sharing bank data cuts out fake documents The truth about data privacy: why regulated open banking is safer than emailing PDF statements Using ChatGPT or AI chatbots for money questions: the benefits, privacy…

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/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe #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 timeline Why getting caught up in scary economic news headlines hurts your long-term growth The three questions you must ask yourself before choosing or switching a KiwiSaver fund Why waiting for "perfect market timing" to switch providers is a trap Smart KiwiSaver and retirement strategies for self-employed people who don't get employer…

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…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

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…

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 years Why friends and family thought their frugal lifestyle meant they'd lost the plot, and how to be financially disciplined without being miserable The one investing move Alan says he'd make from day one…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

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 home Why bedrooms and bathrooms are the big winner on value, but have a hidden downside The areas where people waste money on renovations, without realising it If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz…

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 strategy Credit scores, and how much they really matter for a NZ mortgage application Rent vs buy, and how to figure out the numbers for the NZ context 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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

"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 NZ The "rockets and feathers" effect: why petrol prices jump instantly but fall painfully slowly The 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 them The 4-question "sniff test" to tell a genuine price rise from a cynical one Practical ways to fight back against inflation, and excuseflation If you've ever felt like prices only go one way, this episode explains why, and what you can…

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 them How to get more money from your KiwiSaver What changes are coming for KiwiSaver in the future, and the politics that could change your money What actually happens to your KiwiSaver when you die Whether you can trust putting your money into KiwiSaver, Ethical investing options Whether the government could ever take your KiwiSaver Whether 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…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

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 stress Whether a secret investment account is a gift, or a missed lesson The right age to start involving kids in money decisions Should you give your kid an allowance at university, or let them work for it What financial independence should actually look like for a teenager leaving home If you've ever wondered whether doing everything for your…

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…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

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 go The hidden costs of international travel that drain your budget without you noticing How to manage money across multiple countries and currencies on a long trip Simple ways to make your budget last longer when you're travelling on a limited amount Earning money while you travel, including the choice between bar work, remote work, and the digital nomad lifestyle If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode! This episode of Making Cents is proudly…

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 ownership Why city and regional…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok /…

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 hunting Follow…

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…

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/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Free Power Forever? The Real Cost, Payback Time, and Battery Truth on Solar in NZ 18 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 work How 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 bills Do you need a battery to make solar power worthwhile? What to do if money's tight, or you rent Where solar power is heading next, including balcony solar and virtual power plants Follow me everywhere! Facebook /…

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 ambition Why energy management matters more than time management The hidden reasons we hold onto limiting beliefs How to set boundaries and say no without guilt How to build self-compassion (not just self-love) Why presence, not productivity, is the antidote to overwhelm If 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…