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Making Cents

Frances Cook

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!

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  • 27 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 27 min
  • English

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  • Yesterday · 32 min

    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 buyers The "Sunday hangover" effect: navigating negative cash flow and high borrowing costs Why identical new builds carry hidden risks for value and rent control The three big structural red flags to watch out for during property due diligence Why DIY "sweat equity" might cost you more than hiring a trusted trade team What happens to house prices around election time and why waiting on the sidelines can cost you Whether 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. 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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  • Thursday · 6 min

    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. 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

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  • Wednesday · 17 min

    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! 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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  • September 6 · 38 min

    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 down What open banking actually is, and how directly sharing bank data cuts out fake documents The truth about data privacy: why regulated open banking is safer than emailing PDF statements Using ChatGPT or AI chatbots for money questions: the benefits, privacy risks, and why AI is often too eager to agree with you Why human financial advisers and judgment still matter when the market takes a dive New smart tools that automate your emergency savings, track insurance, and scan for better interest rates What the next 12 months look like for open banking and fintech in New Zealand Whether 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. 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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  • September 3 · 8 min

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

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  • September 2 · 18 min

    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 timeline Why getting caught up in scary economic news headlines hurts your long-term growth The three questions you must ask yourself before choosing or switching a KiwiSaver fund Why waiting for "perfect market timing" to switch providers is a trap Smart KiwiSaver and retirement strategies for self-employed people who don't get employer contributions The 3-letter tax setting (PIR) you need to check today so you don't accidentally overpay tax Big policy changes that could make KiwiSaver fairer for everyday New Zealanders 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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  • August 30 · 53 min

    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. 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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  • August 27 · 5 min

    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. 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

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  • August 26 · 18 min

    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! 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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  • August 23 · 1 hr 2 min

    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 years Why friends and family thought their frugal lifestyle meant they'd lost the plot, and how to be financially disciplined without being miserable The one investing move Alan says he'd make from day one if he could go back Why 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 funds Why getting on the same page with your partner about money can matter more than any spreadsheet, budget or savings plan How to keep spending on what you actually value while cutting everything else, so you save without feeling like you're missing out Whether 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. 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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  • August 20 · 6 min

    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. 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

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  • August 19 · 16 min

    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 home Why bedrooms and bathrooms are the big winner on value, but have a hidden downside The areas where people waste money on renovations, without realising it If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz 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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  • August 16 · 56 min

    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 strategy Credit scores, and how much they really matter for a NZ mortgage application Rent vs buy, and how to figure out the numbers for the NZ context This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to http://odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz 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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  • August 13 · 6 min

    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. 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

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  • August 12 · 32 min

    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 NZ The "rockets and feathers" effect: why petrol prices jump instantly but fall painfully slowly The on-the-record quote from a US CEO who admitted he "prays for inflation" because it "expands margins" Brand-new Reserve Bank of New Zealand research showing when businesses raise prices, and when they cut them The 4-question "sniff test" to tell a genuine price rise from a cynical one Practical ways to fight back against inflation, and excuseflation If you've ever felt like prices only go one way, this episode explains why, and what you can actually do about it. 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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  • August 9 · 34 min

    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 them How to get more money from your KiwiSaver What changes are coming for KiwiSaver in the future, and the politics that could change your money What actually happens to your KiwiSaver when you die Whether you can trust putting your money into KiwiSaver, Ethical investing options Whether the government could ever take your KiwiSaver Whether you're just starting out or trying to optimise years of contributions, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know about KiwiSaver. This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to 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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  • August 6 · 21 min

    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. 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

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  • August 5 · 18 min

    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 stress Whether a secret investment account is a gift, or a missed lesson The right age to start involving kids in money decisions Should you give your kid an allowance at university, or let them work for it What financial independence should actually look like for a teenager leaving home If you've ever wondered whether doing everything for your 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! 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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  • August 2 · 36 min

    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. 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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  • July 30 · 9 min

    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. 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

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