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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!
- 321 - Is The Worst Over For NZ? Simplicity’s Sam Stubbs on Housing, NZ Super & More
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 economyBorrowing vs investing: why saving our way to prosperity beats debtThe Australia comparison: how a $1 trillion KiwiSaver pool could wipe out our infrastructure deficitWhy KiwiSaver must become compulsory with rising contributionsThe side-pocketing rule: unlocking billions of KiwiSaver funds for local startups and high-growth businessesWhy the best investment you can ever make during tough times is in yourselfWhether you are feeling squeezed by the cost of living or wondering where the New Zealand economy is really heading, this episode breaks down what you need to know to take control of your financial future on your own terms.
Mon, 02 Nov 2026 - 43min - 320 - NZ Election 2026: What It Means for Your Money. LIVE WEBINAR REPLAY
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 UniversityMichael Gorin from EnableMeDean Anderson, Founder and CEO of KernelGeorgia Grange, Head of NZ at RevolutWe 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 weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe
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Fri, 30 Oct 2026 - 54min - 319 - How Much Do You Really Need to Retire in NZ?
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 freezeFinding your baseline: how to audit three months of bank statements and strip out temporary costsThe cost of kids and mortgages in retirement: why paying down debt early unlocks your planCash flow leaks: how cutting $10,000 of yearly waste saves you $250,000 across retirementSavings vs investing: why KiwiSaver and growth assets are essential to bridge the gapWhy 65 isn't a financial cliff: using investment buckets to keep your money growingFollow me everywhere!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 29 Oct 2026 - 17min - 318 - NZ Food Prices: What The Supermarket Debate Is Missing
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 tableThe financialisation of food: how a system meant to feed us became focused on shareholder returnsWhy Kiwi farmers are price-takers, not price-makers, and why the current model doesn't work for growers eitherOffshoring our staples: the reality of shipping local fish overseas to be crumbed and sent backWhy fresh food from farmers' markets, local butchers, and green grocers is often cheaper than the supermarketResisting the convenience trap: why frictionless delivery apps and supermarket AI cost you moreHow to "find your food people"Why New Zealand needs a dedicated Food Minister and a national food security strategyWhether you are trying to trim your grocery budget or want to know where your food actually comes from, this episode breaks down practical steps to help you take control of your plate and your money on your own terms.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 26 Oct 2026 - 46min - 317 - The 80% Rule: Why I Turn Down Most Sponsors
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.
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Fri, 23 Oct 2026 - 04min - 316 - Kiwis Want Time More Than Money: Here’s Why
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 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.*
In this episode:
- The four-day work week reality: why 44% of Kiwis would trade pay for time
- The generational divide: why 65% of young workers want shorter weeks while older bosses hold back
- Why overtime and "always-on" digital tools are driving burnout and unpaid work
- How budgeting became the #1 free-time drain for 32% of New Zealanders
- The Sunday scaries test: why spending hours on spreadsheets is a red flag
- How to automate your income, bills, and wealth building so money management takes 10 minutes a week
- Using disposable virtual cards and spend limits to kill unwanted subscriptions and overspending
- Moving from presenteeism to output: what workplaces need to change
Whether you're feeling burnt out by the daily grind or spending way too much of your weekend stuck in spreadsheets, this episode breaks down real, practical steps to help you take control of your time and your money on your own terms.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 22 Oct 2026 - 20min - 315 - How Some Kiwi Families Keep Their Wealth for Generations
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 moneyWhy 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% by the thirdThe entitlement trap: why handing kids a soft landing can backfireThe tradie family blueprint: how a modest-income family set their daughters up to own property togetherHow to create a "family sandbox" and family advisory board to practice money decisions safelyWhy every family upset is actually a broken rule, and how to define your family rules earlyThe two-year transition model: moving from a "family business" to a "business family"How to teach kids to fail safely so they build resilience and protect their reputationWhether you are starting from modest means or building a legacy to pass on, this episode breaks down practical steps to help you lead your family and build lasting wealth on your own terms.
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.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 - 39min - 314 - Overtime, Property Prices, AI Shopping and $608 Billion in Debt: Your Money News Roundup
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.
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Fri, 16 Oct 2026 - 19min - 313 - Auckland House Prices Just Hit a 6-Year Low - But The South Island Is Booming
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 sellersWhy the South Island is booming while the North Island coolsSelling in a buyer’s market: the 3 non-negotiables to get your property sold without slashing your priceThe "roast me" test: why brutal feedback on presentation can save you thousandsWhy waiting for the election or summer could cost buyers their negotiating edgeWhether you're looking to buy your first home, make a move, or work out what the shifting market means for your equity, this episode breaks down the numbers to help you make your move on your own terms.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 15 Oct 2026 - 19min - 312 - From Employee To Owner: How She Bought The Magazine She Worked For
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 bossWhat it takes to value an established business and get bank approval with no formal business backgroundThe "part-time work" trap for working parents, and taking on your dream role with young kidsNavigating the shift from coworker to editor-in-chief and business ownerBalancing creative integrity vs the bottom line: why "bougie" brand details sometimes matterThe modern media blueprint: turning a print magazine into a 360-degree ecosystem of events and membershipsPractical advice for pitching your boss if you want to buy out or take over a companyWhether you're dreaming of turning your career into business ownership or navigating the high-stakes world of running a brand, this episode breaks down what it really takes to back yourself and build something on your own terms.
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.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 12 Oct 2026 - 37min - 311 - KiwiSaver Is An Election Bidding War
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.
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Fri, 09 Oct 2026 - 06min - 310 - My Car Costs $13 to Fill Up... Should You Go Electric Too?
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 trapEV 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 2–3 year old EV saves you tens of thousands How green loans work: using 0% to 1% interest bank financing without touching high-interest car loans Frances’s golden rule: why the cheapest car is almost always the one already in your drivewayWhether you are feeling squeezed at the pump or weighing up your next vehicle purchase, this episode breaks down the practical numbers to help you make the right call on your own terms.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 08 Oct 2026 - 34min - 309 - Bernard Hickey: The Money Issues That Will Decide This Election
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 workersThe overseas investment problem: why 60% of KiwiSaver funds head offshore instead of building NZ infrastructureThe first-home buyer dilemma: why using KiwiSaver as a deposit fund pumps up house pricesHow Australia built the world’s third-largest pension pool, and the sliding door moment New Zealand missedSupermarket duopolies: why splitting up Foodstuffs and Woolworths needs a telecom-style breakup to workWhy New Zealand can feed 40 million people while grocery bills push families to the brinkThe real driver behind youth unemployment and why inflation targets are punishing the wrong peopleHow New Zealand could become self-sufficient in food, energy, and housing during global disruptionWhether you're trying to figure out what election promises mean for your retirement fund or wondering why your weekly grocery shop keeps climbing, this episode breaks down what’s really going on with your money and our economy.
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.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 05 Oct 2026 - 51min - 308 - Other Sharemarkets Are Booming... Not NZ
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.
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Fri, 02 Oct 2026 - 06min - 307 - What AI Actually Gets Right About Your Finances (And Where It’s Failing You)
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 assumptionsWhy AI chatbots are designed to be agreeable, and why that makes them terrible financial advisersThe real difference between feeling confident and actually being financially preparedThe foundational numbers AI misses: net worth, monthly spending load, interest rates, and emergency buffersHow people are successfully using AI for financial education, budgeting, and asking better questionsHow to stress test your goals—from buying a first home to paying off your mortgage faster or planning retirementIf 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!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 - 14min - 306 - The 3 Things That Decide Your KiwiSaver Balance (In Order)
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 yearsThe launch of the Buffer BuilderWhy increasing contribution rates could actually hurt lower-income earnersWhere KiwiSaver fails: contractors, sole traders, and bridging the gender retirement gapCan we actually rely on NZ Super in the future?Regularity vs perfection: the #1 habit that matters more than fees or fund performanceWhether you are trying to stay ahead of day-to-day bills, build an emergency buffer, or plan decades ahead for retirement, this episode breaks down what the new rules mean for your money and how to make the system work 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.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 - 46min - 305 - Three Mortgage Myths Which Shouldn't Stop You Buying
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.
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Fri, 25 Sep 2026 - 04min - 304 - Dark Patterns: How to Escape the Subscription Trap
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 spendingHow to escape subscription traps, cancel free trials, and avoid forced cancellation phone callsThe hidden cost of drip pricing and checkout fee sneakinessHow foreign transaction fees and bad exchange rates make international online shopping more expensiveHow open banking, AI fraud detection, and fintech security tools protect your personal dataHow to build a security buffer between your primary bank account and online merchantsIf 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!
*T&Cs apply. Spend min $1 to receive reward. Exchange rates will vary. Comparison to major bank rates based on exchanging NZD $1K Mon-Fri, within your plan’s fair usage limits. More info: https://www.revolut.com/en-NZ/nz-fx-substantiation. Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty Ltd.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
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Thu, 24 Sep 2026 - 15min - 303 - The 5 Ways Regular Kiwis Are Buying Businesses
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 scratchHow to view a business as an asset class rather than just an incomeHow to fund a business purchaseWhy you don’t need $1 million in cash to buy a $1 million businessThe "build your own boardroom" rule: the four key experts you need on your sideThe hidden trap of debt servicingBuilding liquidity and rainy day funds to ride out economic downturnsHow to know when you're in "build mode" vs "cut mode" with your moneyWhether you are looking to step out of the 9-to-5, build a new income stream, or grow your long-term wealth, this episode breaks down the real steps to buying and running a business on your own terms.
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.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 - 59min - 302 - Values Based Spending: How to Enjoy Your Money Now and in the Future
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.
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Fri, 18 Sep 2026 - 09min - 301 - You Sent Me 14 Money Questions. Here Are My Honest Answers
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 targetThe reality of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)Moving from "average" to actually getting ahead: the two levers that make or break your moneyWhat to do when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and can't see a clear way forward financiallyShould you invest in your employer’s share scheme? The risks of having all your eggs in one basketHow to get a reluctant partner on board with money goals without fightingMortgage vs SharesThe shifting risks around Airbnb investments vs traditional long-term rentalsWhy index funds remain the core foundation of her own long-term investing strategyWhether you're struggling to find breathing room in your budget or working towards full financial freedom, this episode breaks down real, practical steps to help you take control of your money on your own terms.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 - 53min - 300 - How Ilse Wolfe Built A $20 Million Property Portfolio
When headlines scream about the worst property downturn in 30 years, is it time to panic - or is it the buying opportunity you’ve been waiting for?
Prices are down, listings are flooding the market, and buyers have more choice than they’ve seen in years. But picking up a bargain isn’t as simple as buying any cheap property and hoping the market does the heavy lifting.
Ilse Wolfe, property investor and founder of Wolfe Property Coaching, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to explain why market freezes are when seasoned investors make their move. From dodging identical new build traps to adding instant equity through smart cosmetic renovations, Ilse shares how to create your own safety buffer in a tricky economic climate.
In this episode:
Why a buyer's market creates an abundance of opportunity for prepared buyersThe "Sunday hangover" effect: navigating negative cash flow and high borrowing costsWhy identical new builds carry hidden risks for value and rent controlThe three big structural red flags to watch out for during property due diligenceWhy DIY "sweat equity" might cost you more than hiring a trusted trade teamWhat happens to house prices around election time and why waiting on the sidelines can cost youWhether you're looking for your first home or weighing up an investment, this episode breaks down the practical strategies you need to take control of your property decisions in any market.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
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Mon, 14 Sep 2026 - 32min - 299 - I Got Deepfaked. Here's How To Spot A Scammer.
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.
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Fri, 11 Sep 2026 - 06min - 298 - What Do You Do When Your House Is Worth Way Less Than When You Bought It?
What do you do when your home is worth less than what you paid for it, and the layout no longer works for your family? Can you actually renovate your way out of negative equity, or does pouring six figures into an extension just dig a deeper financial hole?
This week on Ask the Experts, Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz breaks down the real property data on what buyers are paying for, which renovations actually add resale value, and how to balance lifestyle needs against cold, hard financial decisions.
It’s a dilemma many Kiwi homeowners will recognise: should you renovate, cut your losses and sell, or reset your property goals entirely?
This episode covers:
- How the post-boom property correction is affecting Kiwi homeowners
- Why "renovating your way out of a loss" can be a dangerous financial trap
- The real property value change of adding bedrooms vs. adding bathrooms
- Why general home maintenance costs ($5k–$10k/year) shouldn't be counted as value-adding renovations
- The "devil you know vs. devil you don't" dilemma of selling an older home to buy another fixer-upper
If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 - 17min - 297 - AI Is Making Mortgage Fraud Easier. Here's What Changes
It seems everyone is using AI to make life quicker and easier - and apparently, fraudsters are too.
From doctored bank statements and inflated income to fake paperwork that used to take serious skill to forge, AI is making mortgage and insurance fraud easier to pull off in minutes. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is actively investigating, and honest borrowers are the ones left competing against fake applications.
Josh Daniell, co-founder of open banking platform Akahu, joins Frances Cook to break down how the finance industry is fighting back, how open banking protects your data, and what the rise of AI chatbots means for everyday money decisions.
In this episode:
How AI is fueling mortgage and insurance fraud, and why the FMA is cracking downWhat open banking actually is, and how directly sharing bank data cuts out fake documentsThe truth about data privacy: why regulated open banking is safer than emailing PDF statementsUsing ChatGPT or AI chatbots for money questions: the benefits, privacy risks, and why AI is often too eager to agree with youWhy human financial advisers and judgment still matter when the market takes a diveNew smart tools that automate your emergency savings, track insurance, and scan for better interest ratesWhat the next 12 months look like for open banking and fintech in New ZealandWhether you're curious about using AI for your own money or wondering how open banking will change the way you borrow, save, and invest, this episode breaks down what you need to know to stay protected and get ahead.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 07 Sep 2026 - 38min - 296 - The Price of Playing It Safe With Your Money
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.
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Fri, 04 Sep 2026 - 08min - 295 - What KiwiSaver Actually Needs to Change, According to an Adviser
Five minutes could be enough to add hundreds of thousands of dollars more to your KiwiSaver.
There are simple, low-hanging fruit changes that can mean serious money landing in your account - but simple changes cut both ways. There are costly traps to avoid, and easy tweaks to your settings that can make a massive difference to your balance over time.
This week on Ask the Experts, Katie Wesney from EnableMe joins Frances Cook to answer your KiwiSaver questions, from splitting funds to self-employed strategies and tax checks.
In this episode we’re talking:
Why you don't have to be all-or-nothing: how splitting across multiple funds protects your money and matches your personal timelineWhy getting caught up in scary economic news headlines hurts your long-term growthThe three questions you must ask yourself before choosing or switching a KiwiSaver fundWhy waiting for "perfect market timing" to switch providers is a trapSmart KiwiSaver and retirement strategies for self-employed people who don't get employer contributionsThe 3-letter tax setting (PIR) you need to check today so you don't accidentally overpay taxBig policy changes that could make KiwiSaver fairer for everyday New ZealandersIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 03 Sep 2026 - 18min - 294 - Biggest Mortgage Myths: What Banks Are Actually Checking In 2026 (It's Changed)
What if the home buying rules you think are holding you back don't actually exist anymore?
Between outdated advice, myths about needing massive deposits, and the fear of trying to buy on a single income, it is easy to assume you are locked out of the property market before you even start.
The truth is that many old lending rules have expired, and with the right strategy, getting into your first home might be much closer than you thought.
Claire Williamson is the Director of My Mortgage and 2025 Regional Mortgage Adviser of the Year. She specialises in helping people who thought they were completely out of the home buying game find a way in.
In this episode:
- Why you do not always need a 20% deposit to buy a house
- How Kāinga Ora First Home Loans and 5% deposit options work
- How buying solo on a single income is possible
- How to buy property with friends or family, and the agreements you need to protect everyone
- How everyday debts, like a small credit card limit, can shrink your home loan budget by tens of thousands of dollars
- Straightforward steps for self-employed buyers to get approved for a mortgage
- How to manage your KiwiSaver and spending habits without giving up your lifestyle
Whether buying a home feels miles away or you are actively getting your deposit together, this episode breaks down real, practical steps to get into the property market on your own terms.
As discussed on the podcast, Claire wants to help as many first home buyers as possible into their first homes so has given us a sneaky code for 30 of our lucky audience to get her book for free. Add to cart and use code FRANCES.
Link here - https://www.mymortgage.co.nz/shop/product/658205/smashed-avo-to-smashed-goals/
Find Claire on Instagram @claire__williamson / @mymortgage.co.nz
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 31 Aug 2026 - 53min - 293 - Prices Are Going Up. But Not Always for the Reason You Think
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.
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Fri, 28 Aug 2026 - 05min - 292 - Why Your Money Disappears (And The Fix That Actually Works)
Is your Afterpay habit hurting your financial future and stopping you from hitting big life goals like buying your first home?
Every financial decision leaves a digital footprint, and banks and mortgage lenders use that data to check your creditworthiness, spending habits, and loan affordability. But with so much scaremongering and myths around credit scores in New Zealand, it's easy to panic.
This week on Ask the Experts, Jessica O’Hare, Head of Lending at Revolut, breaks down the truth about what lenders actually care about, what gets flagged on your credit report, and how to set up simple money systems that stick.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Revolut, the card and app for everyday spending in NZ, and smarter money on your travels. Use this link https://get.revolut.com/e9Jc/makingcents7 to try them out, spend, and Revolut will give you $40 to get started.
This episode covers:
- How lenders check your credit score, payment history, and loan affordability in New Zealand
- What happens when you miss an Afterpay, BNPL, or utility bill payment, and how long defaults stay on your credit file
- Red flags vs. green flags on your bank statements and credit reports when applying for a mortgage
- Why positive credit reporting means your phone and power bills can actually help your credit history
- How to automate your income, split your salary, and use "money pockets" to stop overspending
*T&Cs apply. Spend min $1 to receive reward. Exchange rates will vary. Comparison to major bank rates based on exchanging NZD $1K Mon-Fri, within your plan’s fair usage limits. More info: https://www.revolut.com/en-NZ/nz-fx-substantiation. Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty Ltd.
If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 27 Aug 2026 - 18min - 291 - From 0 to $1 Million And Financial Freedom - In 10 Years
What if financial independence is something you could build for yourself, before you even hit 40?
Katie and Alan Donegan did exactly that.
No lottery win, no trust fund, just a determination to live simply, stack their cash, and build a life where they didn't have to answer to anyone else.
They retired at 35 and 40, and now travel the world while running Rebel Finance School, a free money course that's helped thousands of people worldwide sort out their finances.
Financial journalist Frances Cook sits down with the Donegans on the Making Cents podcast to find out what it actually takes for normal people to reach financial independence and retire early.
In this episode:
The three financial levers they pulled at once - spend less, earn more, invest - and how that took them from $0 to $1 million in about ten yearsWhy friends and family thought their frugal lifestyle meant they'd lost the plot, and how to be financially disciplined without being miserableThe one investing move Alan says he'd make from day one if he could go backWhy fees are one of the only proven predictors of how well an investment fund performs, and what to check on your own KiwiSaver or index fundsWhy getting on the same page with your partner about money can matter more than any spreadsheet, budget or savings planHow to keep spending on what you actually value while cutting everything else, so you save without feeling like you're missing outWhether financial independence feels like a pipe dream or you're already working towards it, this episode breaks down real, practical steps for building wealth, investing for the long term, and designing a life on your own terms.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 - 1h 02min - 290 - Take the 50k or Flip for a Million?
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.
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Fri, 21 Aug 2026 - 06min - 289 - The Best Way To Add Property Value - And The Mistake To Avoid
Renovating to add value is the dream, but overcapitalising is the nightmare that can turn your dream reno into a costly mistake. So how do you tell the difference before you've spent a single dollar?
This week's Ask the Experts letter comes from a homeowner who badly needs more space and is weighing up an extension to their house.
Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz joins Frances to pull back the curtain on what actually pays off from a reno.
In this episode we’re talking:
How to choose between lifestyle and money factors when you renovate your homeWhy bedrooms and bathrooms are the big winner on value, but have a hidden downsideThe areas where people waste money on renovations, without realising itIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 - 16min - 288 - The Mortgage Advice That Fails in NZ: With Aaron Cattell (The Mortgage Man)
Time to fact-check the mortgage advice taking over social media, and see what actually holds up.
Mortgage adviser Aaron Cattell (aka The Mortgage Man) is ready to go myth-by-myth through the mortgage advice doing the rounds online, and find out what actually survives contact with someone who does this for a living.
We cover:
The "pay a dollar a day" trick, the viral claim that resets your mortgage interest.Weekly vs fortnightly vs monthly repayments; does paying more often actually shave years off your mortgage in New Zealand, or is that a US myth that doesn't translate?The "buy two houses, one each" couple strategyCredit scores, and how much they really matter for a NZ mortgage applicationRent vs buy, and how to figure out the numbers for the NZ contextThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 - 56min - 287 - The Easiest Shortcuts To Save Money
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.
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Fri, 14 Aug 2026 - 06min - 286 - Get Ready For ‘Excuse-flation’ - That’s About To Drive Up Cost Of Living Even Further
"Excuseflation" is the secret reason your groceries, petrol and power keep going up.
Why did butter come down a third in global price... and only drop two cents on the shelf? Why does petrol rocket up in a day but crawl back down for months? There's a name for this: excuseflation, when real inflation gives businesses cover to hike prices for no real reason at all.
In this episode, financial journalist Frances Cook breaks down:
The real numbers behind headline inflation for NZThe "rockets and feathers" effect: why petrol prices jump instantly but fall painfully slowlyThe on-the-record quote from a US CEO who admitted he "prays for inflation" because it "expands margins"Brand-new Reserve Bank of New Zealand research showing when businesses raise prices, and when they cut themThe 4-question "sniff test" to tell a genuine price rise from a cynical onePractical ways to fight back against inflation, and excuseflationIf you've ever felt like prices only go one way, this episode explains why, and what you can actually do about it.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 - 32min - 285 - Simple KiwiSaver Mistakes That Cost You Thousands (And How To Fix Them)
You sent in your KiwiSaver questions, time for us to answer them.
KiwiSaver is one of the biggest financial tools most New Zealanders have, but just a few changes can mean tens of thousands of dollars more for you.
Personal finance journalist Susan Edmunds, author of the new book Your KiwiSaver Questions, Answered, is on the Making Cents podcast and ready to sort it out.
In this episode:
The most common KiwiSaver mistakes people make, and how to avoid themHow to get more money from your KiwiSaverWhat changes are coming for KiwiSaver in the future, and the politics that could change your moneyWhat actually happens to your KiwiSaver when you dieWhether you can trust putting your money into KiwiSaver,Ethical investing optionsWhether the government could ever take your KiwiSaverWhether you're just starting out or trying to optimise years of contributions, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know about KiwiSaver.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
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Mon, 10 Aug 2026 - 34min - 284 - How to Build Financial Independence Without Living on Instant Noodles
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.
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Fri, 07 Aug 2026 - 21min - 283 - Have I Set My Kids Up, or Set Them Back?
Most parents want to give their kids a softer landing than they had.
But what if the soft landing is the problem?
This week's letter writer has done everything right, on paper. Bills covered. Kids never stressed about money. An investment account quietly building in the background, for a nice surprise one day.
But with the kids about to fly the nest, they're rethinking whether thiswas the right tactic. Because maybe protecting them from money stress means they've never actually learned to handle it.
Katie Wesney, national coaching lead from EnableMe has answers. Together with Frances Cook, they talk about:
How to talk to kids about money without making it a source of stressWhether a secret investment account is a gift, or a missed lessonThe right age to start involving kids in money decisionsShould you give your kid an allowance at university, or let them work for itWhat financial independence should actually look like for a teenager leaving homeIf you've ever wondered whether doing everything for your kids is setting them up, or setting them back, this is the one to listen to.
If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 06 Aug 2026 - 18min - 282 - I Interviewed Dozens Of Money Experts - This Was The Best Advice
It’s time for the ultimate budget hacks to save money on food, petrol, and life.
Because a good budget should help you keep your cash for the fun stuff.
Today we’re pulling together the best tips and tricks from past Making Cents guests, so you get just their best moment on how to save money, from groceries, to apps, subscriptions, banking, food costs.
Chris Schulz breaks down the money-saving apps and budgeting apps that actually work, and the sneaky tactics shops use to take your cash. Full episode, 22 March: Supermarket Tricks, Insurance Hacks & Subscription Traps: How to Stop Overpaying.
Hannah Koumakis went viral for the budgeting system she built after nannying for billionaires on her OE — money habits that create financial security without the status symbols. Full episode, 11 Oct 2025: I Nannied for Billionaires, It Changed My Entire Money Outlook.
Jason Leong, CEO of Pocketsmith, reveals the hidden money leaks and subscription traps quietly draining your spending. Full episode, 20 Dec 2025: NZ Banking Just Changed All the Rules, Are You Ready?
Alice Taylor, chef, shares how to cut your grocery bill and food costs without cutting the flavour, with proof that good food doesn't have to cost the earth. She's been on twice: 15 Nov 2025 and 5 July 2025.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 - 36min - 281 - The Catch Behind a "Timeless" Investing Strategy
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.
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Fri, 31 Jul 2026 - 09min - 280 - How To Travel For Years Without Killing Your Career
The difference between long-term travel being the best decision you ever make and a very expensive mistake usually comes down to one thing: whether you had a plan.
This week on Ask the Experts, Frances Cook and Georgia Grange, head of Revolut NZ, answer a letter from a twenty-something who wants to take a couple of years to travel properly, but without going into debt or derailing their finances.
This episode covers:
How much money you actually need saved before you goThe hidden costs of international travel that drain your budget without you noticingHow to manage money across multiple countries and currencies on a long tripSimple ways to make your budget last longer when you're travelling on a limited amountEarning money while you travel, including the choice between bar work, remote work, and the digital nomad lifestyleIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Revolut, the card and app for everyday spending in NZ, and smarter money on your travels. Use this link https://get.revolut.com/e9Jc/makingcents1 to try them out, spend, and Revolut will give you $40 to get started.
T&Cs apply. Spend min $1 to receive reward. Exchange rates will vary. Comparison to major bank rates based on exchanging NZD $1K Mon-Fri, within your plan’s fair usage limits. More info:https://www.revolut.com/en-NZ/nz-fx-substantiation . Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty Ltd
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 30 Jul 2026 - 19min - 279 - Is Your Home an Investment - Or Just a Place to Live?
There's a belief that's almost a religion to some people: buy a home, hold onto it, pay off the mortgage, and you're financially sorted.
More often than not, it's not true. And if you let that belief guide you, you could miss real opportunities for building wealth, because you feel like you're ahead when you're actually not.
Janika ter Ellen knows this better than most. She's a property reporter for Stuff, covering these issues every day.
So when she finally sat down and ran the actual numbers on her own home, what she found surprised her, and not in a good way.
Turns out there are hidden costs to owning a home, and missed opportunities while you're paying off that mortgage, that change the story we've all been sold.
So if your home isn't quite the investment you thought it was, what is it? And does that change whether you should buy at all?
In this episode:
Is buying a house a good investment in New Zealand, and what happened when she ran the numbers on 11 years of home ownershipWhy city and regional property markets tell completely different storiesHouse vs shares returns over 10 yearsWhat she'd have been worth if she'd invested her deposit instead of buyingThe hidden costs of home ownershipRenting vs buying a houseThe difference between a home as an asset versus a home as an investmentAuckland house prices vs regional house pricesThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 27 Jul 2026 - 30min - 278 - How To Get Paid More In NZ - WEBINAR REPLAY
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.
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Fri, 24 Jul 2026 - 59min - 277 - The NZ Property Market Just Had Its Biggest Change Since 2020
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
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 23 Jul 2026 - 19min - 276 - The Kiwi Teenager With Four Businesses Bringing In Six Figures
There’s nothing quite like starting young. But most of us don’t build a business before we can vote. Never mind several of them.
Hamish Sutherland is 17 and already on his fourth business.
He felt the spark to get ahead early on but turns out it’s hard to get a job when you’re eight. Rather than let a tricky thing like employment law hold him back, he just started his own business instead.
By 13, that was a lawn mowing and water blasting business. At 15, he wrote a Kindle book that made $60,000. Then he moved into a property investment project. Now he’s building AI-focused businesses, fresh off an entrepreneurship intensive in Malaysia.
The world of work is changing fast, and it’s easy to freeze when you’re not sure where you fit into that change. Hamish isn’t freezing. He’s looking for the opportunity in it.
In this podcast we talk about:
• How to start a business as a teenager with no money or experience
• Making money on Kindle direct publishing, and how his book made $60,000
• Investing in property young
• AI business ideas for 2026, and where he’s focusing next
• Using social media to grow a business as a young entrepreneur
• Gen Z entrepreneurship, and why young people are more willing to take the risk
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too young, too late, or too unqualified to start something of your own, this episode is the reminder that none of that has to be true.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 - 49min - 275 - The "Safe" Place for Your Money Is Not What You Think
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.
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Fri, 17 Jul 2026 - 05min - 274 - I Put Solar On My House. Was It Worth It? (Numbers Breakdown)
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 workHow to run the numbers to find out how long solar would take to pay itself off. I’ve got a three-figure back-of-envelope calculation anyone can do with last year's power billsDo you need a battery to make solar power worthwhile?What to do if money's tight, or you rentWhere solar power is heading next, including balcony solar and virtual power plantsFollow me everywhere!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 - 42min - 273 - How to Embrace Ambition Without Burnout, with Mindset Coach Sarah Robb
Why do so many high performers end up exhausted and burned out?
Mindset coach Sarah Robb has spent years working in this area, and says that unfortunately, many of us burn ourselves out, usually trying to prove we're good enough.
At 26, Sarah had lost both her parents, in difficult circumstances.
What she built afterwards became the foundation for how she now coaches high achievers, business owners, and ambitious women through burnout, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt - without losing their drive.
In this episode:
How to stop burnout without giving up ambitionWhy energy management matters more than time managementThe hidden reasons we hold onto limiting beliefsHow to set boundaries and say no without guiltHow to build self-compassion (not just self-love)Why presence, not productivity, is the antidote to overwhelmIf you've ever felt successful on the outside but exhausted on the inside, this conversation is for you.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 - 51min - 272 - Make Money And Save Money Through The Secondhand Market
Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk through one of her favourite money hacks, using the second hand market to both clear out the clutter at home and score serious bargains on everything from furniture to kids clothes.
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Fri, 10 Jul 2026 - 06min - 271 - The Hidden Areas Of NZ Where Houses Don't Cost As Much
Are there still good property deals in New Zealand right now? Here's where to actually look.
A listener wrote in with the question everyone's asking: prices are technically down, but they still feel expensive. Interest rates aren't friendly. Rents don't cover the mortgage.
So is property investment still worth it, or has the window already closed?
On this episode of Ask the Experts, Katie Wesney from EnableMe is ready to talk about what changes the calculations on whether property investment is worth it.
In this episode:
New builds vs. existing homes: which one actually protects your moneyThe real relationship between rental yield and capital gainsWhy buying outside your own city can be a smart risk-mitigation moveWhich parts of New Zealand currently have the strongest property fundamentalsHow to use equity in your own home instead of waiting to save a depositThe difference between a genuine bargain and a property that's "cheap for a reason"The one question to ask before buying ANY investment propertyIf you've been told property investment doesn't work anymore, this episode will change how you think about it.
If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 - 16min - 270 - The $2 Daily Habit That Could Be Worth $419,000 at Retirement
There's actual behavioural science behind why we freeze up around money, and it's the same science that Mark White-Robinson has built a business around solving.
Mark is the co-founder of Feijoa, an app that rounds up your everyday purchases and tips that spare change straight into your KiwiSaver.
Seven months in, his users are on track to build millions in retirement savings.
The trick to money is usually small habits, over a long time. That's it. But there's a real science to making them stick.
In this episode we get into:
Why doing nothing is usually the worst financial decision you can makeThe three things that stop people taking action with money (and how to get around them)Why 1 million eligible New Zealanders are missing out on over a billion dollars a year in free KiwiSaver contributionsThe behavioural tricks built into Feijoa, and how to steal them for your own money lifeWhat open banking has changed for everyday KiwisThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 06 Jul 2026 - 29min - 269 - Jobs, Mortgages, AI Investing and Extreme Saving Hacks: Your Money News Roundup
Frances Cook joins Jim Mora on RNZ Sunday Morning to cover the latest in money news, from why the job market feels so tough right now and where the work actually is, to the AI investment boom, social media spending traps and whether nicking the hotel soap counts as a financial strategy.
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Fri, 03 Jul 2026 - 18min - 268 - The New Rules of Running a Side Hustle in New Zealand
Your side hustle is making real money. Now what?
Because when the income is real, things are growing, you can suddenly realise the whole operation is held together with sticky tape and good intentions.
Income from a job, income from side work, all of it landing in the same personal account with no clear picture of what's coming in, what's going out, or what any of it means for tax time.
This week on Ask the Experts, James Gibson, head of Revolut Business, walks through exactly what to do when a side hustle outgrows its informal beginnings.
It’s a question that a lot of self-employed New Zealanders will recognise: how do you set up your finances properly when your side hustle starts making serious money?
This episode is proudly supported by Revolut Business. Sign up online and get a one-month free trial at this link https://get.revolut.com/e9Jc/makingcents1 T&Cs apply, subscription fees will apply at the end of the trial, see website for details. Revolut Payments New Zealand Pty Ltd.
This episode covers:
When to open a separate business bank account for your side hustleHow to manage multiple income streams without losing trackWhat happens if you mix personal and business finances, and why it matters at tax timeHow to track self-employed income and expenses without an accountantBudgeting and cash flow basics for first-time business ownersSimple financial systems for the self-employed that don't require a finance backgroundHow to structure your money when you're employed and self-employed at the same timeIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 - 15min - 267 - Your Income Cheat Code: How Buying a Business Changes Everything
There’s a wealth transfer ready to happen right now, but only if you know where to look for it.
A generation of baby boomers built their businesses over decades. Now they're ready to retire. But they can't find buyers.
Which means there are businesses out there right now, with existing customers, existing income, existing systems, waiting for the right person to take them over.
Jeremy Pak has a ringside seat to all of it. He's a chartered accountant and managing director of Velocity Capital, who spends his days helping New Zealanders buy and sell businesses worth millions.
What he's learned about how wealth actually gets built in this country might change how you think about your own options.
In this episode we cover:
When to buy a business, vs starting one from scratchHow to fund a business purchase even if you don't have cash sitting around (including vendor finance)What Jeremy is seeing in the market, and why he's forecasting a threefold increase in business sales next yearHow to stress test a business before you buy itWhich types of NZ businesses Jeremy thinks have the potential to earn the mostThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 45min - 266 - How to Invest for Financial Freedom - WEBINAR REPLAY
Financial freedom sounds great in theory, but what does it actually take to get there as a normal person?
In this webinar, Frances Cook is joined by Sheppard & Ormsby chartered accountant Bronwyn Candish and EnableMe national coaching lead Katie Wesney to break down what financial freedom really means, how to find the money to invest, the biggest mistakes people make along the way, and one thing you can do this week to get started
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Fri, 26 Jun 2026 - 49min - 265 - Why "Being Normal" Is The Most Expensive Thing You Can Choose
Being weird with money is the smartest thing you can do, to get financial freedom.
Most of us are following the same money playbook, and it’s not working.
Around 30% of New Zealanders don't have $1,000 in savings, and over 60% couldn't cover a real emergency.
Frances Cook, financial journalist and host of Making Cents, shares exactly how embracing "weird" money habits helped her build financial freedom, and how you can do the same.
In this episode:
Why the standard approach to money keeps so many of us stuck, and what to do insteadThe hedonic treadmill: the psychology trick that's draining your walletHow to figure out what actually makes you happy (it's probably cheaper than you think)The secondhand challenge that changed Frances's financesWhy a cheaper daily life and big one-off experiences beats an expensive lifestyle every timeHow to stop spending on what other people want, and start spending on what YOU wantFollow me everywhere!
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 25 Jun 2026 - 28min - 264 - What Accountants Wish You Knew About the IRD
Many New Zealanders are overpaying tax, missing refunds they're entitled to, and leaving money on the table, simply because the system is confusing and nobody explained the rules.
In this episode of Making Cents, chartered certified accountant Baqir Hussain, founder Finex Accounting, breaks down exactly how to stop losing money to the tax system and start making it work in your favour.
We talk:
The single biggest mistake Kiwis make with the IRD, and how it turns small issues into massive tax debtHow New Zealand's progressive tax system actually works (and why you should always take that pay rise)Surprise tax bills: the most common causes and how to avoid themWhat salary earners can legitimately claim back, including income protection insurance, donations, and investment costsWorking for Families: who qualifies, how to backdate claims up to four years, and how one family recovered $15,000 they didn't know they were owedHome office deductions for self-employed workers and contractorsWhy tax threshold creep means most Kiwis are quietly paying more tax every yearWhether you're a salary earner, raising a family, or running a small business, there are straightforward steps you can take right now to reduce your tax bill — legally, and simply.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 34min - 263 - Why Being a Loyal Customer Costs You Thousands
Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to explain the loyalty tax costing New Zealanders hundreds of dollars a year on power, insurance and banking, and the simple habit that can win it back without even switching providers.
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Fri, 19 Jun 2026 - 06min - 262 - What Actually Gets You a Better Price for Your House
You're about to spend thousands getting your house ready to sell. Professional staging. A photographer. Maybe a lick of paint on the fence.
But in a buyer's market with interest rates climbing, how do you know what actually moves the needle for getting the house sold?
Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz is back in the hot seat with the actual data on what's working right now.
We get into whether professional staging shows up in the sale price, which presentation upgrades are genuinely worth it and which ones aren't, what http://realestate.co.nz sees in listing performance when photos are good versus average, and whether the ROI on all of this changes when buyers have more choice.
If you're about to list and wondering where to spend and where to save, this one's for you.
In this episode:
Does professional staging actually increase your property sale price?Which house upgrades are worth it, and which aren't?Does better photography get more home buyers through the door?How to sell a house in a buyer's marketWhat sellers can do themselves vs where to spend the moneyThe mistakes sellers make that cost them thousandsIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 19min - 261 - The Truth About NZ's Economy Right Now
Something’s off, and that something is the economy.
The latest drop of economic forecasting shows exactly what’s happening with the cost of living, your job, and your mortgage. It’s not looking great. But if we know what's coming, we can actually plan for it.
To help us make sense of it all, Massey University’s Christoph Schumacher is in the hot seat. He’s Professor of Innovation and Economics, Director of the Knowledge Exchange Hub, and more importantly, he can explain all of this like a real human being.
We cover:
Why your money is feeling so tiring right nowHow much of this is the impact of the Iran war and fuel pricesWhat rising inflation means for your mortgage, your job, and your everyday costsThe NZ productivity problem, and which industries actually have a future hereWhat’s happening with AI, and how AI will change your jobWhen a real recovery might arrive, what it depends on, and what you can do to make life easier until thenThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 46min - 260 - The SpaceX IPO Needs a Bright Red Hype Warning
As SpaceX hits the share market in one of the biggest IPOs ever, Frances Cook breaks down how IPOs actually work, why retail investors are getting an unusually large slice this time and whether that is as generous as it sounds.
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Fri, 12 Jun 2026 - 10min - 259 - How to Plan Your Retirement as If NZ Super Won't Be There
Retirement planning is stressful enough without governments constantly threatening to move the goalposts.
Means testing, wealth taxes, a rising retirement age; how much of it is real, and how much can you actually count on NZ Super?
Katie Wesney, National Coaching Lead at EnableMe, joins us in the hot seat to cut through the noise.
We get into whether the pension is a plan or just a foundation, what the actual numbers look like week to week in retirement, how KiwiSaver, property, and investments fit together, and why worrying about a wealth tax might be the most expensive mistake you make.
Plus: the one mindset shift that separates people who reach financial freedom from people who are still waiting for a politician to sort it out.
If retirement feels far away, close, or just confusing, this one's for you.
In this episode:
How much can you actually rely on NZ Super?What does retirement actually cost week to week?How KiwiSaver, property, and investments work togetherShould you worry about means testing or a wealth tax?How to build a retirement plan that doesn't depend on government settings staying the sameIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 - 15min - 258 - The Investing Trap That Even the Experts Fall Into (And How to Avoid It)
Most investing mistakes don't look like mistakes when you're making them.
Chris Walsh from MoneyHub joins us to break down the most common investing traps New Zealanders fall into, and the simple strategies that actually work long term.
We get into why dollar cost averaging beats trying to time the market, what "invest in what you know" actually means (and how it gets misused), why borrowing to invest is riskier than most people realise, and what financial foundations you need in place before you start investing at all.
Plus: why 86% of active fund managers underperform the index, and what that means for the rest of us trying to grow our money.
If you've ever wondered whether you're investing smart or just getting lucky, this one's for you.
In this episode:
Why dollar cost averaging works, and how to do itThe problem with picking single stocksWhat "invest in what you know" gets wrongShould you borrow to invest? The risks explainedTime in the market vs timing the marketWhat financial foundations to have before you start investingKiwiSaver: are you leaving free money on the table?How to course correct if you've made investing mistakesThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 08 Jun 2026 - 42min - 257 - HOLY SH*T WE WONFri, 05 Jun 2026 - 01min
- 256 - You're On Your Own, Kid. Here's What That Means For Your Money
With the latest Budget signalling little relief for struggling Kiwis, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about what you can actually do to protect yourself financially when the recovery keeps getting pushed further down the road.
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Fri, 05 Jun 2026 - 06min - 255 - Are Shoebox Apartments About To Take Over NZ?
Could the home of the future be the size of a carpark? The government is talking about scrapping minimum apartment size rules, and one Making Cents listener wants to know if that's a housing fix or a housing trap.
Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz has fresh data to help us figure this out.
We get into whether micro apartments could actually ease the housing shortage, what banks will and won't lend on when it comes to small apartments, and who this would most likely impact, from first home buyers, to investors, or students.
Plus: how New Zealand's apartment market compares to the rest of the world, and whether our obsession with the quarter-acre dream is starting to shift.
In this episode:
Could scrapping minimum apartment sizes help first home buyers?What do banks actually lend on when it comes to small apartments?Are micro apartments a smart investment or a future problem?How New Zealand's property culture compares globallyWho stands to gain, and who should be cautiousIf you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 04 Jun 2026 - 16min - 254 - A Michelin-Trained Chef's Insider Secrets To Saving Money On Your Food
Adele Holland cooked for billionaires on private jets. Now she helps real people eat well for $50 a week, and she reckons the skills transfer better than you'd think.
Adele is a Michelin-trained chef who spent years cooking in Swiss chalets and on superyachts before walking away from the waste and opulence of that world.
Now, as the creator behind Dishes with Del, she's on a mission to make budget meals genuinely delicious.
In this episode, we get into how to meal plan on a budget, the cheap pantry staples that do the heavy lifting, how to stretch expensive proteins further than you thought possible, and the small chef tricks that make a real difference to your grocery bill and your food waste. Think feta brine, coconut cream ice cubes, and frozen soup bases you can make from scraps.
Whether you're trying to cut your supermarket spend, reduce food waste, or just get more interesting meals on the table for less, this one's for you.
In this episode:
How to meal plan for the week on $50Budget pantry staples every kitchen needsHow to reduce food waste with simple chef tricksHow to stretch meat and protein on a tight budgetWhy planning is the unsexy secret to saving money on groceriesThis episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 01 Jun 2026 - 30min - 253 - Are Small Homes A Bad Buy?
Apartments and townhouses are selling for less than people paid for them, and in record numbers.
Frances Cook joins RNZ Nights to break down why smaller properties are taking a bigger hit than the rest of the property market and what it means for first home buyers, investors, and owners in negative equity.
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Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
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Fri, 29 May 2026 - 13min - 252 - The Money Timeline That Lets Normal People Build Wealth
If you've ever wondered why some people build real wealth on ordinary incomes, while others save for decades and still feel behind, this episode is the answer.
Financial journalist Frances Cook breaks down the relationship between money and time, and why getting this right changes everything about how you invest, where your money goes, and how hard it can work for you.
In this episode:
The rule of 100 - how to figure out how much to invest vs keep in cashNow money, soon money, and later money - the simple framework for organising your financesWhy your emergency fund needs to stay in cash (even when it feels like a missed opportunity)Compounding returns explained simply - and why $10k will eventually feel smallThe rule of 72 - how to calculate how fast your money doublesWhether you're just starting your investing journey or want to make sure your money is working as hard as possible, this episode gives you a practical framework you can actually use.
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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Thu, 28 May 2026 - 27min - 251 - Why Overwhelmed Parents End Up Spending More Money, And How To Fix It
What if the chaos of parenthood is actually building your business brain?
Renata Wiles was posting videos on the internet, with no business background, no tech background, and no real following.
Now she's the founder of Roam with Kids, an app helping New Zealand parents find family-friendly places to go.
In this episode, Frances talks with Renata about the messy reality of going from frustrated mum to tech founder.
They’re talking:
Why overwhelmed parents spend more, and the surprisingly simple fixThe KiwiSaver gap for parentsHow to turn a parenting pain point into a businessBuilding multiple income streams so one bad month doesn't sink youWhy you don't need a following, a business degree, or a perfect plan to startIf you've ever had a business idea but talked yourself out of it, this episode is the nudge you needed.
This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals
Mon, 25 May 2026 - 54min - 250 - KiwiSaver Changes On The Cards Again - Are They Worth It?
Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to crunch the numbers on a proposed policy that would automatically enrol newborns into KiwiSaver with a $1,000 government contribution and what that could actually be worth by the time they retire.
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Fri, 22 May 2026 - 06min - 249 - NZ's Hottest Jobs in 2026… And How to Get Paid More in Any of Them
One in four young people in NZ can't find work. But some jobs are up 200% year on year.
The job market hasn't collapsed - it's split. And if you're on the wrong side of that split, waiting for things to improve isn't a strategy.
In this episode, we get into which jobs are actually booming right now, what the latest Stats NZ unemployment numbers really mean once you dig past the headline figure, and what it tells us about where the economy is actually heading.
Then we get practical. How to make yourself the person your employer can't afford to lose. How to job hunt strategically when most roles are never even advertised. And how to ask for a pay rise, with real scripts, not vague advice about knowing your worth.
We also talk honestly about AI: what it actually means for your career right now and the two smart plays depending on where you want to go.
In this episode:
The Stats NZ unemployment data and what's buried in itThe top 10 most in-demand jobs in NZ right nowWhy the hidden job market is 70-80% of all roles (and how to access it)Two career strategies for navigating AIHow to ask for a pay rise: timing, preparation, and the exact words to useFollow me everywhere!
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Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 21 May 2026 - 37min - 248 - The Lazy Investor's Guide To Building Real Wealth
Most of us assume that getting ahead financially means working harder, watching the markets, and making smart moves. The data says that’s wrong.
In this episode, Frances talks with Sean Freer, Director of Global Exchange Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices, about why passive investing consistently beats active fund management, and what that means for everyday investors.
We talk about:
Why 86% of professional fund managers fail to beat the index over 15 yearsWhat index funds and ETFs actually are, and how to choose between 14,000+ optionsThe NZX 50, the S&P 500, and how market concentration really worksWhy fees quietly destroy your investments, and what to do about itThe behavioural finance traps that cause investors to sell at exactly the wrong momentWhy the "set and forget" approach outperforms almost everything elseWhether you're new to investing or already have a passive strategy, this episode will sharpen your thinking… and probably confirm you're overcomplicating it.
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 18 May 2026 - 39min - 247 - 10 Pieces Of Advice I'd Give My 20-Year-Old Self
Frances Cook shares the ten money lessons she wishes she'd known at 20, including the mindset shifts, small habits, and easy wins that made the biggest difference to her financial life.
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Fri, 15 May 2026 - 09min - 246 - Spending Money the Right Way (Most Kiwis Miss This)
It's one thing to build financial stability, it's another to actually let yourself enjoy it.
In this Ask the Experts episode, Frances Cook is joined by Katie Wesney from Enable Me to unpack a problem that's more common than you'd think: what happens when the scarcity mindset that helped you build financial security starts working against you?
A listener wrote in with a $5 million net worth, and genuine anxiety about spending any of it. Kmart clothes, secondhand cars, no overseas trips in six years. On paper, financially free. In practice, still living like every dollar matters.
In this episode, we get into:
– Why money anxiety doesn't disappear when the numbers improve
– The difference between what you should spend on and what actually lights you up
– How childhood experiences with money shape your relationship with it for decades
– What a financial adviser actually does to help you build permission to spend
– The practical systems that replace anxiety with confidence
– Why the 4% rule exists, and how to think about your own number.
Have a question you'd like us to tackle? Send it to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on a future episode.
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Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 14 May 2026 - 16min - 245 - Ali Mau: From TV Icon to Startup Founder at 60 (And How She Paid For It)
What does it actually cost to walk away from a successful career and build something that matters?
Ali Mau is one of New Zealand's most recognised television faces, including Breakfast, Fair Go, Seven Sharp, One News.
She was also made redundant five times along the way.
Instead of treating each setback as a dead end, she used them as clarity. Now in her sixties, she’s co-founded Tika, a tech-for-good startup helping survivors of sexual harm.
In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook talks with Ali about the real financial reality of a major career pivot: the year of zero income, burning through savings, accumulating debt, and why none of that was visible from the outside.
They dig into how to fund a passion project when traditional funding streams are stacked against you, how transferable skills show up in unexpected ways, and what you actually need to have in place, both financially and personally, before you make the leap.
If you've ever wondered how to afford a career change, how to keep the lights on while building something meaningful, or whether it's too late to start 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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 11 May 2026 - 47min - 244 - Why You Keep Buying Things You Don't Need Online
With six in ten Kiwis making impulse purchases from social media every month, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to explain the manipulative tactics behind online shopping and how to take back control of your spending.
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Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Fri, 08 May 2026 - 06min - 243 - The 5 Levels of Financial Freedom: Which One Are You?
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/subscribe
Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest
Follow me everywhere!
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#MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom
This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 07 May 2026 - 32min - 242 - The Emotion Sabotaging Your Money (A Psychologist Explains)
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 04 May 2026 - 39min - 241 - War in Iran Is About To Hit Your Mortgage And Your Money - WEBINAR REPLAY
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 uncertain
You can’t control the war. But you can control how you prepare.
Fri, 01 May 2026 - 46min - 240 - $54M Wiped From NZ Property: Here's What It Actually Means
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 ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 - 14min - 239 - Wendy Petrie Lost Her Dream Job at 50… Then Reinvented Her BEST Life
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 - 39min - 238 - Interest Rates Are Going Up, What To Do Next
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.
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Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 - 07min - 237 - The Iran War Is Already Costing You, Here's What To Do About It
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 more
This isn't doom and gloom for its own sake. It's about taking back control of the parts you can actually influence.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 - 48min - 236 - How A ‘Personal Brand’ Gets You Paid More (Even If You’re Not An Influencer)
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 - 46min - 235 - How To Live The Good Life For Less
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.
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Fri, 17 Apr 2026 - 07min - 234 - Should You Buy Property or Invest in Stocks? Most Kiwis Get This Wrong
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 overwhelmed
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 supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 - 16min - 233 - She Went From 'Bad With Money' To Successful Investor: What Actually Worked
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 - 54min - 232 - The Quick Calculation To Know If Solar and EVs Are Right For You
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.
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Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 - 05min - 231 - Breakup reset: how to rebuild financially in your 40s and 50s
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 ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 - 11min - 230 - How to eat better food, spend less, and feel good about it - with Michal Garvey from Foodprint
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 - 47min - 229 - I Spent $89,000 on Solar And Electric Car In NZ… Was It Worth It?
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 - 29min - 228 - Iran, Oil, and Your Money: Why Everything Is More Expensive And Your Investments Are Tanking - WEBINAR REPLAY
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.
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 - 53min - 227 - From $30,000 Debt to Financially Free and Travelling the World: The Shift That Changed Everything
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 30 Mar 2026 - 39min - 226 - Fast Fixes for Rising Costs: Fuel, Food, and Finances
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.
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Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Fri, 27 Mar 2026 - 06min - 225 - "Is Politics About To Ruin My First Home Buying Plans?" - Mailbag Episode
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 ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 - 17min - 224 - Supermarket Tricks, Insurance Hacks & Subscription Traps: How to Stop Overpaying
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 bill
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.
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Mon, 23 Mar 2026 - 39min - 223 - How To Save Your Cash When The Price Of Everything Is Going Up
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.
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Fri, 20 Mar 2026 - 10min - 222 - KiwiSaver Is Changing, Here’s Everything You Need To Know
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 you
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!
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This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals
Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 - 18min
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