The podcast for people who want financial freedom, without giving up their coffee.
That means it's time to make the money world make cents. Join Frances Cook, best-selling author and award-winning journalist, to talk about the proven ways to invest your way to financial independence, buy your first home, or just get your spending under control.
Every Monday we have the week's feature interview, with someone who's done something interesting with their money. From paying off a mountain of debt, or investing for financial independence, or starting a new business, these are the ordinary people making the extraordinary possible.
On Thursday we have Ask the Experts, where industry insiders answer your questions on the money world. From earning more in your career, to investing, or sticking to a budget, they'll help make money simple.
Every now and then you'll get a bonus episode too, but the fun of those is that you never know when they're coming!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The podcast for people who want financial freedom, without giving up their coffee.
That means it's time to make the money world make cents. Join Frances Cook, best-selling author and award-winning journalist, to talk about the proven ways to invest your way to financial independence, buy your first home, or just get your spending under control.
Every Monday we have the week's feature interview, with someone who's done something interesting with their money. From paying off a mountain of debt, or investing for financial independence, or starting a new business, these are the ordinary people making the extraordinary possible.
On Thursday we have Ask the Experts, where industry insiders answer your questions on the money world. From earning more in your career, to investing, or sticking to a budget, they'll help make money simple.
Every now and then you'll get a bonus episode too, but the fun of those is that you never know when they're coming!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial commitments most people ever make, and unless you’re one of the lucky few born into millions, chances are you’ll need a mortgage to do it.
But here’s the part most people don’t realise: how you structure that mortgage can be the difference between paying it off decades from now… or shaving years (and tens of thousands of dollars) off your loan.
In this episode, I’m joined by financial strategist Katie Wesney from EnableMe, who breaks down the biggest mortgage structure mistake people make, and how to fix it.
We unpack how your money personality should shape your strategy, why flexibility can matter more than the lowest rate, and when tools like split loans or revolving credit can supercharge your repayments.
Whether you’re a first-home buyer or already deep into your mortgage journey, this episode is packed with tips to help you build a plan that actually works for your life.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on the best tips to save money from your food budget.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Grocery prices have gone off the rails. Butter costs more than brunch, olive oil feels like a luxury item, and meat? Don’t even ask.
It’s enough to derail your entire budget, and for many Kiwis, it already has.
In this episode of Making Cents, I’m joined by Chef Alice Taylor, the force behind @AliceTaylorEats, whose cheap, delicious, and realistic recipes have built a devoted following online.
She’s also furious about how hard it’s become just to feed yourself well, and she’s doing something about it.
We get into:
Because while some things are out of our control, there’s still power in what we can do, especially when we share what’s working.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to industry insiders to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.
Here’s a wild stat to kick things off: almost one in three New Zealanders have accidentally bought a house.
Not just wealthy investors, we're talking first-home buyers too.
So how on earth does that happen? And what does it tell us about the current New Zealand housing market, property prices, and buying strategies?
For this episode I’m joined by Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz , who’s got the data to explain it all, and how you can be ready if an unexpected homeownership opportunity lands in your lap.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A highlight clip from the February 3rd episode, “From how I invest, to getting rid of the mortgage fast: A chaotic Ask Me Anything episode”, with Frances Cook
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
Has the world gone mad, and is that why gold prices are hitting record highs?
With inflation, war, and market instability making headlines, more people are asking the same question: Should I be investing in gold?
It’s the classic “safe haven” asset. But is it actually safe? And is now the right time, or are you already too late?
In this solo episode, I’m cutting through the hype to help you decide whether gold deserves a spot in your investment strategy, or if it’s just fear in a shiny wrapper.
We talk about:
– Why gold spikes during global chaos
– When it works… and when it really doesn’t
– The biggest gold investing mistakes to avoid
– How to actually buy gold (without getting scammed)
– Whether gold is right for your money goals
If you’ve ever wondered whether gold is a smart move or just investing FOMO, this episode’s for you.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a live episode of Making Cents, it's time to decode the tension still simmering in the US-Iran-Israel conflict, and the reaction from the money world.
Oil prices, KiwiSaver balances, inflation pressure, and economic growth could all be impacted. What does this mean for your money?
Host Frances Cook is joined by top financial minds to unpack what’s happening and what you can do about it:
Jarrod Kerr, chief economist at Kiwibank
Michael Gorin, wealth adviser at AdviceFirst
Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics
Real-time, expert-backed analysis to help you stay calm, informed, and in control. Whether you're an investor, homeowner, or just trying to get by, this episode is for you.
We cover:
How global conflict is affecting oil prices and inflation
What the situation could mean for your KiwiSaver
Whether now is the time to buy, sell, or sit tight
What smart investors and advisers are doing right now
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before: that you need to do everything possible to buy a house, right now, as soon as possible, because rent is dead money and you are falling behind every single day that you don’t own your own home.
But is that true?
Not necessarily. There’s a lot more nuance here, and both the numbers and lifestyle need to be part of the conversation.
In this episode, I’m breaking it all down with Katie Wesney from EnableMe:
Whether you’re a renter wondering if you’re falling behind, or a homeowner stressing about your mortgage, this episode is full of real talk and smart tactics to help you make a plan that actually works for your life.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on how being too polite could actually cost you thousands of dollars.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
If your hair really bothered you, to the point where you thought about it all the time, would you spend $20,000 on a permanent fix?
Today’s guest did exactly that. And not only does he say it was worth it, he also says it was a good financial decision.
That’s a bold claim, but he would know. Because he’s a financial adviser.
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s nice if you’ve got $20,000 to throw away on your hair.” But as he puts it, that’s the point.
The whole reason to pursue financial freedom is so that you can spend money on the things that really matter to you, without going into debt, and while still hitting your other long-term goals, like buying a house, saving for retirement, or investing to build wealth.
In this episode we talk about:
– Values-based spending
– Budgeting for major lifestyle expenses
– How to avoid financial guilt
– Tools for tracking your money
– And yes... does a hair transplant hurt?
It’s money, mindset, and spending without regret.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.
Here’s a scary stat for you: there’s research that shows your money personality is already set, done, dusted, by the time you’re seven. Seven!
That’s well before most parents start talking to their kids about money — let alone teaching them how to save, budget, or understand the value of a dollar.
So what does that mean for your kids' financial future? And what can you do if you didn’t get a great financial education growing up?
In this episode, we tackle the big questions around raising money-smart kids, breaking bad money habits, and how to teach financial literacy at home, even if you’re still figuring it out yourself.
Kiwibank's Julia Jackson is a pro in helping families build stronger money habits. We dive into:
It's practical steps to raise financially confident kids — no spreadsheets required
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fast Money with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from what's happening with the economy, will house prices go back up, and should you be investing in gold at a time like this?
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
You’ll definitely recognise the name of today’s guest - Jay-Jay Feeney, who was on the airwaves across New Zealand for 33 years.
A radio career that many would kill for, except she decided to chuck it all in, and launch a business instead.
Taking all of that radio knowledge and channelling it into what she sees as the future for audio: podcasting.
Problem being, she’s the first to admit that she’s not naturally a business-person.
So she decided to team up with someone she trusted, her ex-husband, fellow former radio host Dom Harvey.
The ex is not who most people would go into business with, but Jay-Jay and Dom are not like most former couples.
They decided that trust, and their continuing friendship, was the most important foundation to build their business on. They’ve got practice because they’ve actually never really bothered to separate their finances, just the romantic relationship.
So, the business parts, they figured they could also work out together.
This episode dives into the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to reinvent your career, including:
Whether you're thinking about quitting your job, launching a podcast, or starting a business with someone unexpected, this is a must-listen episode packed with honest insights on personal finance, career reinvention, and startup life in New Zealand.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.
Here’s a horrifying stat: economist Shamubeel Eaqub crunched the numbers and found that single people spend 14% more than couples.
In some categories, it’s even worse. Housing? 53% more. Healthcare? 40% more.
That’s not avocado toast. That’s basic survival.
This episode is all about what you can do to fight back.
Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, we’re breaking down the numbers, calling out the hidden costs, and helping you find smart ways to protect your financial future, without compromising your lifestyle.
For this episode I’ve partnered with Enable.Me, and their strategic consultant Shelley Palman joins us to break it all down.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on red flags to watch out for if you're investing in the sharemarket.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
This episode is for anyone torn between living life and staying smart with money. Because you don’t have to choose just one.
When Mireia Muller-Pallares decided to leave her 9–5 and move to Spain, she wasn’t willing to blow her savings or give up on her future goals. So she built a plan to keep investing, cover her student loan, and stay financially secure - while still living her dream life in Valencia.
We cover:
How to set up your finances before moving overseas
What really happens to your KiwiSaver and student loan when you leave NZ
Creative ways to keep investing while earning less
How to redefine “success” when you’re no longer climbing the ladder
Whether you're planning an OE, thinking about quitting your job, or just craving a different way to live — this episode proves it's possible to do it without tanking your money.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market right now, and what that means for the strategies you should use to make the most of your money.
If you’re a first home buyer or property investor, you already know the stakes: house prices are high, and competition is fierce.
We’ve recently covered how to get mortgage-ready and what to look for in a property, but today, we’re diving into the part that could literally save you tens of thousands of dollars.
The negotiation.
This is where most buyers freeze. Should you go in low? How do you spot a vendor bluffing? What phrases can kill your offer?
We’re breaking down the biggest negotiation mistakes people make when buying a house, and how to avoid them.
Whether you’re in the middle of house hunting, prepping your first offer, or just want to get smart before entering the market, this episode is packed with expert-backed advice to help you negotiate like a pro.
This week I’ve partnered up with http://realestate.co.nz, who’ve kindly lent us their expert Vanessa Williams, to walk us through it all.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A special live edition where we look at what is happening with NZ property right now, and what that means for hopeful first home buyers.
Whether you're just starting to save or already scrolling property listings, this live expert panel has the insider tips you need to get in the door faster.
Mortgage advisor Claire Williamson (My Mortgage) and Vanessa Williams (realestate.co.nz) join Frances Cook on Making Cents to break down everything first home buyers need to know, including:
Where to buy in 2025
KiwiSaver tips to boost your deposit
What kind of property to look for (and what to avoid)
How to save smarter and get mortgage-ready
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But with the right info, the right strategy, and a little expert help, you can make it happen.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
When it comes to investing, one question tops my inbox: how do you actually figure out if a company is worth your money?
In this episode, we dive deep into how financial journalists read company financials, and the tactics retail investors can borrow to make smarter, more confident investment decisions.
We cover:
- Which numbers matter (and which ones don’t)
- The red flags to watch for in financial statements
- The green flags that signal strong leadership and long-term value
- Why “gossip” and corporate culture can be just as important as the numbers
I’m joined by longtime business journalist Paul McBeth, editor of The Bottom Line (https://www.thebottomline.co.nz/), to unpack the tools he’s used for years to understand what’s really going on inside a company. It's time to know how you can use them too, before you invest another dollar.
If you want to learn how to spot the story behind the numbers, this one’s for you.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
Links
Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
