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.
Small fixes for a big win: it’s time for renovations that actually add value
Not all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades could cost you thousands without adding a cent to your resale value.
In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz to reveal which home improvements genuinely increase property value, and which ones are a total waste of money.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to be smart about where you invest in your home, understanding the return on renovation is crucial.
A $50,000 kitchen revamp might look stunning, but will buyers actually pay for it?
We cover:
If you want to increase your home’s value without overcapitalising, this episode is your essential guide to renovation decisions that make a real difference.
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.
Why does life still feel so expensive?
In this webinar, we break down what’s really driving the cost of living in New Zealand, and why your grocery bill, rent, and power costs keep climbing while tech and travel seem cheaper.
You’ll learn:
- The hidden forces pushing up the price of essentials
- Smart ways to save on food and bills without giving up life’s small joys
- Budgeting strategies that actually work in today’s economy (no “just skip coffee” advice here)
- How to take back control, even when the headlines say you shouldn’t be struggling
Whether you’re renting, paying a mortgage, or just trying to stretch your pay further, this is your chance to get practical, realistic tips to help your money go further, without guilt or judgment.
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.
Feeling guilty every time you spend money? You’re not alone, but it might be doing more harm than good.
In this episode of Making Cents, we’re diving into why money guilt is one of the biggest mindset traps stopping people from saving, investing, or sticking to a budget.
I’ll break down the psychology behind guilt and spending, and show you how to shift your habits without giving up the things that make life fun.
We’ll talk:
• Why guilt-based budgeting usually backfires
• How to enjoy your money while staying on track with financial goals
• The science-backed way to build better money habits (without relying on willpower)
• What behavioural economists like Richard Thaler and psychologists like Brad Klontz say about shame and self-sabotage
• How to set up systems that make saving, spending, and financial planning easier
• Why small wins and values-based spending matter more than you think
Whether you’re dealing with debt, trying to grow your savings, or just want to stop feeling anxious every time you tap your card, this episode is your guide to dropping the shame and taking control.
Because being good with money shouldn’t mean punishing yourself.
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.
A quick hit highlight clip from the April 2025 episode "Housing, KiwiSaver, and debt: Solving NZ’s biggest money issues with the Retirement Commissioner", with Jane Wrightson.
Making Cents is supported by 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.
Ever felt like your financial goals are just too far away?
Whether you're dreaming of financial independence, planning for early retirement, or just trying to build up a decent savings buffer, staying motivated over the long haul can be tough.
In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, we're talking about how to stay on track with your biggest financial goals, even when progress feels slow.
Financial adviser Lisa Butler from EnableMe shares practical money mindset strategies, goal-setting techniques, and real-life examples of clients who turned things around, one small step at a time.
We break down how to:
If you're working toward long-term wealth, debt freedom, retirement planning, or simply want to get better at sticking to your financial plan, this is the episode for you.
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.
What if the worst happened, but you were financially ready?
When Caroline Gordon was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, everything changed. But because she’d already built financial independence, she had something many people in crisis don’t: options.
In this episode of Making Cents, we dive into how financial freedom became Caroline’s safety net. She shares how it allowed her to:
- Self-fund private cancer treatment not available in the public system
- Travel overseas for surgery when time was critical
- Step away from a stressful job to focus on recovery
- Maintain her quality of life without financial panic
Whether you’re working towards FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), building your first emergency fund, or just trying to create more security, this episode shows what financial freedom really means.
Caroline shares her investing strategy (including index funds and ethical investing), and what she wishes more people understood about money, health, and freedom.
It’s not about the money.
It’s about what the money makes possible, especially when life gets messy.
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.
Will your mortgage rate go down soon, or will banks keep them higher for longer?
In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook joins RNZ’s Nights on 14 August, to break down everything you need to know about New Zealand interest rates right now.
We cover:
Whether you’re a homeowner, first-home buyer, or looking to grow your savings, this episode explains how bank decisions, Reserve Bank policy, and market competition all affect your wallet.
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.
Why we choose Lotto over investing, even when it’s irrational, and how to flip the script so investing feels just as exciting.
A replay of a conversation with Wallace Chapman on RNZ's The Panel, from 11 August.
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.
Are you enjoying the freedom of self-employment - or just underpaid, overworked, and financially stressed?
Running your own business can give you freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build something that truly works for you.
But without the right systems in place, it’s also easy to end up burnt out, broke, and completely unprepared for the future.
In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Justin Gauci from EnableMe to unpack the money traps that trip up self-employed Kiwis.
Then? It’s how to fix them.
We cover the essential questions every freelancer, contractor, sole trader or small business owner needs to ask:
This episode is full of practical financial advice for self-employed people who want to earn well, save smart, and run their business like a grown-up, without sacrificing their lifestyle or security.
Whether you’re just starting out or several years into your self-employed journey, this is your roadmap for building a solid financial foundation.
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.
She hit financial freedom at 51, by downsizing to a caravan and selling the family trade business.
It wasn’t a tech salary. It wasn’t an inheritance. It was good old-fashioned DIY thinking, property investment, and a whole lot of planning.
In this episode of Making Cents, you’ll meet Charmaine Hands, who “re-lifed” in her 50s and built a whole new life of travel, flexibility, and financial independence.
She ran a glazing and locksmithing business with her husband for over two decades, raising their family and carefully reinvesting in assets along the way.
Then, with the kids grown and the business ready to hand over, she took the leap.
Sold the business to a staff member. Turned their home into a rental. Bought commercial property for passive income. Moved into a caravan to travel New Zealand. Started living the life they’d always imagined.
No million-dollar pay cheque. Just smart money moves, DIY upgrades, and a relentless vision for something better.
We talk about:
- What it really takes to build financial freedom without a big income
- How to turn your home or business into long-term wealth
- The pros and cons of living in a caravan full-time
- Why imagination and stubbornness might be your best financial tools
If you're dreaming of more freedom, flexibility, and meaning in your next chapter, this episode is 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.
The 1news Breakfast team have questions about how we can beat the guilt, and create systems to help us feel better about our money.
A replay of the TVNZ segment from 5 August.
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.
Are house prices about to drop more, or is this the bottom of the market?
In this episode of Ask the Experts, we dig into what’s really going on with New Zealand’s housing market in 2025.
Whether you’re a first home buyer, property investor, or current homeowner, understanding the true drivers behind NZ house prices is essential to making smart money choices.
House prices are flat or falling across much of the country. So what’s holding the market back, and what could trigger the next move?
Join Kiwibank economist Sabrina Delgado and host Frances Cook for a deep dive into:
If you’re wondering whether to buy now, sell soon, or wait it out, this is the expert insight you need to make confident property decisions in 2025.
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.
You don’t need a million dollars to reach financial freedom.
In this episode of Making Cents, we’re breaking down how Germano Gomes built lifestyle freedom on an average income. No lottery win. No six-figure job. Just smart money moves.
He paid off his mortgage in five years, lived simply, and built up enough FU money to say no to the traditional 9–5. All while still enjoying the things that matter most.
Now? He works part of the year, travels the world, and funds it with casual jobs on his terms.
This approach is sometimes called Barista FIRE. It’s a version of early retirement where you save and invest just enough to cover the basics, and use flexible work to fund the fun.
It means more freedom, sooner.
We talk:
- How he hit financial independence without a high income
- The exact strategy he used to pay off his house fast
- Why he walked away from property investing
- How much he actually spends now
- And the mindset shift that made it all possible
“Enough is not a number — it’s a decision.”
Hit play to find out how he made his.
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.
There’s a wave of major money changes rolling through New Zealand, hitting everything from where you keep your savings, to what’s in your KiwiSaver, to the price of your weekly groceries.
In this live Making Cents episode, Frances Cook is joined by Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy to break down what actually matters, and what you should do next.
We cover:
- The new bank protection rules, under the Depositor Compensation Scheme. What the $100,000 guarantee really means, and how to make sure you’re covered
- KiwiSaver contribution cuts. What’s changed, who loses out, and whether it’s still worth it
- Grocery price wars. Are the watchdogs finally growing teeth, or are we stuck with sky-high bills?
- The surcharge ban, and will that mean lower fees for you, or just higher prices everywhere else?
Whether you’re saving for a house, trying to retire, or just want to stop bleeding money at the checkout, this episode gives you the clear, practical info you need, so that you can stay savvy with your money.
Smart questions, straight answers, with one of New Zealand’s top consumer advocates.
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.
Buyers vs Sellers: What’s really happening in NZ’s housing market right now?
In this episode of Ask the Experts, we dive into the growing standoff between buyers and sellers in New Zealand’s property market.
House prices are falling across much of the country, but many sellers are refusing to budge, holding out for a rebound that may not arrive anytime soon.
While some homeowners can afford to wait, others are facing real pressure to sell in a soft market.
So what happens when seller expectations clash with property market reality? And is this a golden opportunity for buyers to make a move?
Frances Cook is joined by Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz to unpack:
If you’re trying to decide whether to buy or sell in 2025, this episode will give you the insight you need to make confident property decisions.
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.
What if being polite was secretly draining your bank account?
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, a financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
In this episode of Making Cents, I'm breaking down how to negotiate better rates, reduce your cost of living, and stop overpaying on bills, with simple phrases that could save you $240,850.
This is your guide to asking for more (without being a diva).
You’ll learn:
Change your mindset on this, and watch it change every area of your life. This is one of those episodes that could literally change your financial future.
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.
Hate paying for insurance? What if you didn’t have to?
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.
Insurance is one of those financial to-dos that’s easy to ignore, until it’s suddenly urgent.
It can be confusing, expensive, and way too easy to shove to the bottom of your priorities list. But here’s the thing: New Zealanders are underinsured, with coverage rates well below the OECD average.
So what’s actually worth paying for? What can you skip?
And… is there a way to get someone else to pay for your insurance?
In this episode, I’m joined by Willie Moala, national insurance lead at AdviceFirst, to break down the smart ways to cut insurance costs, the underrated workplace perks you might be missing, and the cover you’ll be grateful to have when life throws you a curveball.
If you're looking to save money, protect your income, or just finally get insurance sorted, this episode is your guide.
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.
The 1news Breakfast team have questions about the good and bad of rentvesting. A replay of the segment from 22 July.
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.
What if renting your dream home and building long-term wealth weren’t opposites?
Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.
I’m Frances Cook, a financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.
Today we’re diving into “rentvesting”, the strategy where you rent in the lifestyle location you love, and invest in property somewhere more affordable to grow your wealth.
It’s a smart workaround for high-price areas like Auckland or Queenstown, and a growing trend for first-home buyers and seasoned investors alike.
This episode’s guest, Ilse Wolfe from Wolfe Property Coaching, shares why she left homeownership in one of New Zealand’s most expensive suburbs, and how rentvesting let her move her family to the beach without adding to their debt.
We break down how to crunch the numbers, how to spot a good rental opportunity, and what rentvesting changes about school zones, security, and even your relationship with your landlord.
Whether you're stuck in an expensive city or just want more freedom, this episode is packed with the real-life tips you need to make it work.
Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.
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.
Should kids get pocket money, and what’s the best way to teach them to use it?
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.
Pocket money seems simple, but it can actually be one of the most powerful tools to shape a child’s long-term relationship with money. So… should you pay kids for chores? Give it freely? Or skip it altogether?
In this episode of Ask the Experts, Kiwibank’s Julia Jackson to explore the latest research on kids and money, including how to raise financially confident children in a world of tap-and-go spending.
We unpack:
If you want the next generation to avoid the financial mistakes you learned the hard way, this one’s essential listening.
Hit play, and get ready for some 'aha' moments.
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.
