Making Cents

Why Kiwis Are Quitting to Go Solo, And How To Succeed

Even the worst economy can still have winners - if you figure out the lay of the land, and have the courage to bet on yourself. Sarah Davies, founder of Sweet Spot Business Coaching, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to share the roadmap to ditching employment and thriving as a solopreneur or independent consultant. From her "proof first" validation method to avoiding the feast-and-famine trap, Sarah pulls back the curtain on how to build a business that gives you your time back. In this episode: Why being good at what you do and running a business require two different skill sets The biggest mistake new business owners make: building on guesswork instead of evidence The "proof first" validation method: how 5 conversations can save you 2 years of trial and error Why tough economic downturns create massive opportunities for fractional consultants The pricing trap: factoring in taxes and overheads so you don't work for less than minimum wage Escaping the feast-and-famine cycle: how to build marketing systems that fit your strengths Why niching down makes you referable, while being a generalist leaves you overlooked How New Zealand business owners can access up to 50% government co-funding through Regional Business Partners As mentioned in the episode, take Sarah’s free 2-minute "Win More Work" quiz to spot the gaps and get your custom action report: https://win-more-work.scoreapp.com/ Whether you're facing redundancy, craving freedom over your calendar, or ready to turn your professional skills into an independent business, this episode breaks down practical steps to help you take the leap on your own terms. This episode is supported by Tiger Fintech (NZ) Limited. Sign up through my link to get an extra NZ$100 Stock Discount Voucher. You can also scan the QR code on screen, or enter FRANCESCOOK (all one word, no space) as your Invitation Code https://www.tigersecurities.com/signup?&invite=FRANCESCOOK&region=NZL&lang=en_US To qualify, your Net Deposit also needs to reach NZ$2,000 within 14 days of your first deposit. This is not financial advice. Investing carries risk. Terms and conditions apply to each campaign. See tigerbroker.nz for more. T&C’s https://www.tigerbrokers.nz/activity/forapp/rules?id=COOK2628 Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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Nobody Is Talking About Property This Election. Here Is Why That Is Actually Good News

With election day almost here, I join the TVNZ Breakfast team to look at what the financial promises actually tell us, why the KiwiSaver focus is welcome but incomplete, and what it means that property has barely come up this campaign. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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Want a Promotion? Make or Save Your Boss Money (A CEO Explains)

How far you get in your career isn't always down to how hard you work. Sometimes, what you really need is someone in your corner. Sarah Wood left school at 17. Today, she is the CEO of http://realestate.co.nz - New Zealand’s longest-standing property site - and heads a business named our number one small workplace two years running. Sarah Wood joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to share the real-world career moves that get you noticed and promoted. From learning how to make or save a business money to building a personal board of directors and navigating leadership with a family, Sarah shares practical steps to help you back your ambition and step into senior roles. In this episode: The best early career rule: learning how to make a company money or save it money Why understanding commercial numbers matters more than job titles How to build a "personal board of directors" to guide your next career step How to ask someone for coffee without feeling awkward Vetting workplace culture and team fit during the interview process The reality of managing a big leadership role alongside three teenagers Why career mistakes are really just continuous learning Whether you want to move up the ladder, pivot industries, or build the confidence to back your own voice, this episode breaks down practical steps to help you build your career on your own terms. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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 economy Borrowing vs investing: why saving our way to prosperity beats debt The Australia comparison: how a $1 trillion KiwiSaver pool could wipe out our infrastructure deficit Why KiwiSaver must become compulsory with rising contributions The side-pocketing rule: unlocking billions of KiwiSaver funds for local startups and high-growth businesses Why the best investment you can ever make during tough times is in yourself Whether 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.

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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 University Michael Gorin from EnableMe Dean Anderson, Founder and CEO of Kernel Georgia Grange, Head of NZ at Revolut We dig into the financial issues on the table, what the parties are promising, and whether those fixes could actually work. KiwiSaver: is the political focus deserved, and what should change as it nears its 20th birthday? The cost of living squeeze: record fuel prices, rising unemployment and inflation, and what you can do now Investing through uncertainty: are there opportunities amid the chaos? Competition in banking and supermarkets: will the proposed policies move the needle? The property market: Auckland’s average price dips under $1m for the first time since 2020, and what a two-speed economy means for building wealth What the politicians are getting right, and the missed opportunities. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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 freeze Finding your baseline: how to audit three months of bank statements and strip out temporary costs The cost of kids and mortgages in retirement: why paying down debt early unlocks your plan Cash flow leaks: how cutting $10,000 of yearly waste saves you $250,000 across retirement Savings vs investing: why KiwiSaver and growth assets are essential to bridge the gap Why 65 isn't a financial cliff: using investment buckets to keep your money growing Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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 table The financialisation of food: how a system meant to feed us became focused on shareholder returns Why Kiwi farmers are price-takers, not price-makers, and why the current model doesn't work for growers either Offshoring our staples: the reality of shipping local fish overseas to be crumbed and sent back Why fresh food from farmers' markets, local butchers, and green grocers is often cheaper than the supermarket Resisting the convenience trap: why frictionless delivery apps and supermarket AI cost you more How to "find your food people" Why New Zealand needs a dedicated Food Minister and a national food security strategy Whether 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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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 money Why 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% by the third The entitlement trap: why handing kids a soft landing can backfire The tradie family blueprint: how a modest-income family set their daughters up to own property together How to create a "family sandbox" and family advisory board to practice money decisions safely Why every family upset is actually a broken rule, and how to define your family rules early The 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 reputation Whether 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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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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 sellers Why the South Island is booming while the North Island cools Selling in a buyer’s market: the 3 non-negotiables to get your property sold without slashing your price The "roast me" test: why brutal feedback on presentation can save you thousands Why waiting for the election or summer could cost buyers their negotiating edge Whether 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. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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 boss What it takes to value an established business and get bank approval with no formal business background The "part-time work" trap for working parents, and taking on your dream role with young kids Navigating the shift from coworker to editor-in-chief and business owner Balancing creative integrity vs the bottom line: why "bougie" brand details sometimes matter The modern media blueprint: turning a print magazine into a 360-degree ecosystem of events and memberships Practical advice for pitching your boss if you want to buy out or take over a company Whether 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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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. Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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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 trap EV insurance and servicing costs: the trade-off between higher premiums and lower maintenance Will the battery die and bankrupt you? Real-world data on EV battery degradation and warranties The depreciation rule: why buying a 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 driveway Whether 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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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 workers The overseas investment problem: why 60% of KiwiSaver funds head offshore instead of building NZ infrastructure The first-home buyer dilemma: why using KiwiSaver as a deposit fund pumps up house prices How Australia built the world’s third-largest pension pool, and the sliding door moment New Zealand missed Supermarket duopolies: why splitting up Foodstuffs and Woolworths needs a telecom-style breakup to work Why New Zealand can feed 40 million people while grocery bills push families to the brink The real driver behind youth unemployment and why inflation targets are punishing the wrong people How New Zealand could become self-sufficient in food, energy, and housing during global disruption Whether 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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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 assumptions Why AI chatbots are designed to be agreeable, and why that makes them terrible financial advisers The real difference between feeling confident and actually being financially prepared The foundational numbers AI misses: net worth, monthly spending load, interest rates, and emergency buffers How people are successfully using AI for financial education, budgeting, and asking better questions How to stress test your goals—from buying a first home to paying off your mortgage faster or planning retirement If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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 years The launch of the Buffer Builder Why increasing contribution rates could actually hurt lower-income earners Where KiwiSaver fails: contractors, sole traders, and bridging the gender retirement gap Can we actually rely on NZ Super in the future? Regularity vs perfection: the #1 habit that matters more than fees or fund performance Whether 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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom Production and video editing by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Filmed by Fanaticals

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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. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

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