Making Cents

What it’s really like to quit work forever at 30, with Captain FI

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a fantasy many of us share: what if you could retire early, walk away from your job forever, and live life on your own terms by the age of 30?W...

No pay rise? How to ask for benefits instead

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fast Money with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from cost-of-living savings, how to pay off debt faster, how to get a pay ris...

Side hustle mistakes that cost you time and money

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Side hustles can boost your money life, but only if you avoid the mistakes that tank most people early on.In this episode of Making Cents: Ask the Exp...

How to find a financial adviser you can actually trust (In NZ)

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finding a financial adviser in New Zealand can feel both overwhelming, and risky.With so many options, how do you know who to trust with your money, y...

Small changes to beat the cost of living

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're hitting the supermarket, or paying your regular bills, here are some quick ways to tackle the cost of living in your daily life. France...

The KiwiSaver trap: why a common tactic can accidentally torpedo your nest egg

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you accidentally sabotaging your KiwiSaver?KiwiSaver is one of the most powerful tools New Zealanders have for growing wealth, but if you’re on ...

From Uber to dog poop: The side hustles people really get paid for

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone wants a bit of extra cash, but are side hustles actually worth your time, or just another way to burn out?From driving for Uber to picking up...

Cheap reno wins vs expensive fails: What adds real value

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Small fixes for a big win: it’s time for renovations that actually add valueNot all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades could cost you thou...

Outsmart the cost of living: Here’s why your wallet feels empty

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why does life still feel so expensive?In this webinar, we break down what’s really driving the cost of living in New Zealand, and why your grocery b...

How to quit the money guilt (without quitting your financial goals)

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling guilty every time you spend money? You’re not alone, but it might be doing more harm than good.In this episode of Making Cents, we’re divi...

Why New Zealanders are scared of the sharemarket

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A quick hit highlight clip from the April 2025 episode "Housing, KiwiSaver, and debt: Solving NZ’s biggest money issues with the Retirement Commissi...

How to stay motivated when your money goals feel too big

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt like your financial goals are just too far away?Whether you're dreaming of financial independence, planning for early retirement, or just tr...

When stage 4 cancer hit, financial independence gave her room to breathe

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the worst happened, but you were financially ready?When Caroline Gordon was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, everything changed. But be...

How do banks decide if they'll lower interest rates - and are they going down more?

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will your mortgage rate go down soon, or will banks keep them higher for longer?In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook joi...

We love Lotto, but investing loves us back

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why we choose Lotto over investing, even when it’s irrational, and how to flip the script so investing feels just as exciting.A replay of a conversa...

From broke to thriving: Money fixes for self-employed and side hustlers

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you enjoying the freedom of self-employment - or just underpaid, overworked, and financially stressed?Running your own business can give you freed...

“We sold everything and moved into a caravan” - creating financial freedom without the fat paycheck

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

She hit financial freedom at 51, by downsizing to a caravan and selling the family trade business.It wasn’t a tech salary. It wasn’t an inheritanc...

How to stop guilt sabotaging your money goals

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 1news Breakfast team have questions about how we can beat the guilt, and create systems to help us feel better about our money. A replay of the TV...

Are house prices about to drop more? What you need to know in 2025

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are house prices about to drop more, or is this the bottom of the market?In this episode of Ask the Experts, we dig into what’s really going on with...

Building FU money on an average income - "Enough is not a number, it's a decision"

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t need a million dollars to reach financial freedom.In this episode of Making Cents, we’re breaking down how Germano Gomes built lifestyle...

Major money changes you need to know: protect your savings account, KiwiSaver cuts, and grocery fights

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a wave of major money changes rolling through New Zealand, hitting everything from where you keep your savings, to what’s in your KiwiSave...

The real estate standoff: Buyers, sellers, and the gap no one wants to close

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Being too polite could cost you $240,850

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if being polite was secretly draining your bank account?Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving...

How to get your boss to pay for your insurance

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hate paying for insurance? What if you didn’t have to?Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the insid...

Rentvesting: A fast look at pros and cons

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 1news Breakfast team have questions about the good and bad of rentvesting. A replay of the segment from 22 July. Making Cents is supported by our ...

"Why I gave up my dream home to rentvest instead" - Ilse Wolfe

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if renting your dream home and building long-term wealth weren’t opposites?Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial f...

The pocket money debate: Should kids earn it or just get it?

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should kids get pocket money, and what’s the best way to teach them to use it?Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the i...

Could you save on insurance, or should you cancel it? As well as grocery prices, house values, and how to survive NZ's money madness

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fast Money with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from why your groceries are so expensive, how to save money on insurance, why...

Bitcoin made boring: How crypto going mainstream is changing how we invest into it

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee. I’m Frances Cook, an independent financia...

The mortgage mistake that’s costing you thousands (and how to fix it)

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

More food tips that'll save your budget (fast edition)

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on the best tips to save money from your food budget.Making Cents is supported by our friend...

“Food shouldn’t be this expensive” - chef Alice Taylor on eating well for less

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Grocery prices have gone off the rails. Butter costs more than brunch, olive oil feels like a luxury item, and meat? Don’t even ask.It’s enough to...

One in three NZers 'accidentally' bought a house? Here's how

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to industry insiders to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market, and what that mea...

Quick Hit: Is a revolving credit mortgage worth it?

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the February 3rd episode, “From how I invest, to getting rid of the mortgage fast: A chaotic Ask Me Anything episode”, with ...

Should you invest in gold?

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial...

The US-Israel-Iran conflict shows chaos is the new normal - LIVE replay

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a live episode of Making Cents, it's time to decode the tension still simmering in the US-Iran-Israel conflict, and the reaction from the money wor...

Is renting really throwing money away?

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Why being too polite, costs you

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on how being too polite could actually cost you thousands of dollars. Making Cents is suppor...

I spent $20,000 on my hair - and I'm a financial advisor

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial...

By age 7, your money personality is locked in — can you change it?

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Will property bounce back, should you invest in gold?

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fast Money with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from what's happening with the economy, will house prices go back up, and sho...

Why Jay-Jay Feeney started a business with ex Dom Harvey, and went from radio star to startup life

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial...

The hidden cost of being single: How to beat the ‘singles tax’ and build wealth anyway

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Investing red flags to watch out for

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on red flags to watch out for if you're investing in the sharemarket. Making Cents is suppor...

Spain, sun, and investing: The real way to move overseas and keep building wealth

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial...

Thank you.

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

House buying negotiation mistakes that cost you thousands (and how to avoid them)

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market right now, an...

The ultimate first home buyer's guide (NZ edition) - LIVE REPLAY

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A special live edition where we look at what is happening with NZ property right now, and what that means for hopeful first home buyers.Whether you're...

Think like a financial journalist: how to research stocks like a pro

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial...

The investing shift that builds wealth (even in a recession)

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: Can you mix money and family?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the February 10th episode, “Viral mortgage hacks debunked: Separating clickbait from real advice”, with Dan Bell, financial ...

How to be "boujee on a budget"

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial...

Making Cents of the Budget: What KiwiSaver changes mean for you, and could you get a pay rise? LIVE REPLAY

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

KiwiSaver’s been cut, so what should you do now?In this special live episode of Making Cents, we unpack the 2025 Budget and what it means for your m...

What the bank wants to know before it approves your mortgage

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

KiwiSaver changes, renters get a break, and should we worry about the brain drain? BONUS episode

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Money world update, with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from possible changes to KiwiSaver, whether renters can get ahead ri...

"You can have it all, but at what cost?" How to beat burnout with Claire Wasserman from Ladies Get Paid

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, shares how she went from 'having it all' to suffering burnout, and how that's changed the advice she giv...

FOMO vs financial goals: How to stay focused when everything’s a temptation

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: The reality behind early retirement

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the Janury 27th episode, “Financially free at 30: How this dad quit the corporate world”, with Nick Gentle, buyers agent and...

How to negotiate a killer mortgage

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jackson Hapeta, co-founder of Lenda, shares the moment he realised he was overpaying for his mortgage, and how that inspired him to found a business t...

Why a moodboard is the secret to mastering your money: LIVE REPLAY

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to save more money without relying on willpower? You might need a moodboard.In this live episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Co...

Renting doesn't have to suck - how to outsmart the housing market to get the best deal

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Sharyn Casey on quitting the 'dream job'

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sharyn Casey, radio, TV, and podcast personality, shares why she quit what was once her dream job, and how she's handled that financially.You can have...

When can you crack into your KiwiSaver early?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Listener mail: Buy your first home or invest? LIVE REPLAY

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Live replay from a YouTube listener mail question.After years of living paycheck to paycheck, a Making Cents listener has received a substantial inher...

AI vs human mortgage advice: Why 77% now prefer the robot

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Roy Chowdhury, founder of Homely, shares how he created an AI tool to make home lending easier, and the dangers of letting AI take part in your financ...

How to crush your mortgage while rates are low

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: Mortgage hacks that don't work

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the February 10h episode, “Viral mortgage hacks debunked: Separating clickbait from real advice”, with Dan Bell, financial a...

How to hack your brain to make saving fun

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee, supported by our lovely friends at Kiwibank...

The small business finance guide for people who hate numbers

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Your 2025 financial survival plan: LIVE replay

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With tariffs flying, interest rates falling, and the job market looking a little rough... how do you survive? Here's a survival plan, and an Ask Me An...

Escaping the broken 9-5: How Rosie McCarthy went from poverty to a $3m business, then burned it all down

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee, supported by our lovely friends at Kiwibank...

Tariffs, inflation, and interest rates: LIVE REPLAY we answer your money questions

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A replay of the live webinar version of Making Cents, answering audience questions on tariffs, how to invest when the market is down, what to do about...

Avoid these home buying mistakes: Non-negotiables, weird open home tricks, and red flags

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

"TradeMe nearly failed... then we sold for $750 million" - Rowan Simpson on how to make millions in startups

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s investing, and then there’s "Capital I Investing", the one that comes with big risk, and if it works, big reward. Today’s guest Row...

Your small business crystal ball: Predicting success from past numbers

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: Do you need a degree for your dream job?

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the February 17h episode, “How to negotiate your career like a CEO”, with Rhiannon McKinnon, former CEO of Kiwi Wealth, curr...

Housing, KiwiSaver, and debt: Solving NZ’s biggest money issues with the Retirement Commissioner

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson explains some of the biggest money mistakes she sees, and how we can all do something to fix them. Money can be...

People are getting scammed - here's what you need to know

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: What's currency risk for your investments?

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the November 11h episode, “Your questions, answered: Why I quit, best investing strategy?”.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Faceb...

The four levels of FU money - and how to build them

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered, what is FU money, and could you ever have enough to quit your job? In this episode Frances breaks down what FU money is, and ...

How to invest in 2025: Predictions, risks, and strategies to sleep easy

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: How to turn a creative career into a real business

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the December 9th episode, “The secret to making money doing what you love”, with Pepper Raccoon, artist and merch designer.L...

“Screw it, just try” – how to turn your side hustle into the main hustle

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beth Vickers, vocal coach, singer, doula, gardening influencer, shares how motherhood led to changing everything about her career. It can be really ha...

The smart house seller's guide: Winning tactics for a changing property market

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: How to boost your money motivation

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the November 4th episode, “The no BS strategy for budgeting, investment, and ditching debt”, with Glen James, author of The ...

"You can be a good Muslim and be rich" - the world of halal investing

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Muhammad Lambat, content creator and founder of @musliminvesting, shares how halal investing works, and some of the barriers for Muslim people becomin...

Tax time myths, expenses, and avoiding costly mistakes

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: Why mini retirement beats early retirement

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the December 23rd episode, “Why this family switched 'early retirement' for 'mini retirement' in a van”, with Kellie Dawson....

How to organise your home to save money

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Angela McLachlan, professional organiser and founder of Sort My House, shares how to organise your life to reduce stress and save money.When you’re ...

From budgets to bottles, how to prep your money for parenthood

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: Why loving your job can hold you back

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the December 16th episode, “The hidden psychology that helps you build wealth - and why meditating hurts your money”, with D...

Predatory lending just got worse - the ugly truth of cosmetic surgery loans

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Frances Cook breaks down the problem with plastic surgery loans now targeting you on social media, then answers your questions in a quick-fire Ask Me ...

Why is insurance getting more expensive?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: How to combine family life, and financial freedom

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the December 23rd episode, “Why this family switched 'early retirement' for 'mini retirement' in a van”, with Kellie Dawson,...

How to negotiate your career like a CEO

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rhiannon McKinnon, former CEO of Kiwi Wealth, current CEO and founder of CEO101, talks climbing to the top of the finance industry, how analysts make ...

Myth or truth: Do property values really double every ten years?

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: Be careful of making "bad with money" your personality

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the Novemer 11th episode, “Your questions, answered: Why I quit, best investing strategy?”.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Faceb...

Viral mortgage hacks debunked: Separating clickbait from real advice

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Bell, financial adviser and co-founder of Colab Mortgages, shares how his tips for property investment, mastering the mortgage, and understanding ...

Small business hacks: accountant edition

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that me...

Quick Hit: The neurodivergent guide on how to run a small business

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A highlight clip from the December 9th episode, “The secret to making money doing what you love”, with Pepper Raccoon, artist and merch designer.L...