Making Cents
Episodes
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...
From how I invest, to getting rid of the mortgage fast: A chaotic Ask Me Anything episode
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Frances Cook answers the questions that you sent in, in a solo episode covering the best investing strategies, revolving mortgages, and what's up with...
How to master debt, and pay it off faster
29 Jan 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 take control of your money behaviour
28 Jan 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 ...
Financially free at 30: How this dad quit the corporate world
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Gentle, buyers agent, property coach, and a self-described “frugality geek”, shares how he managed to become financially independent by 30. P...
Saving made simple: How to stay motivated for long-term goals
22 Jan 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 create money goals you can stick to
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A highlight clip from the December 16th episode, “The hidden psychology that helps you build wealth”, with Dr Brad Klontz.LinksFollow Frances Cook...
How to ‘turbocharge’ your way to financial independence
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shang Saavedra, now a work-optional financial coach, shares how she 'turbocharged' her finances in order to create time freedom. When it comes to buil...
Your cheat sheet for knowing what the property market will do next
15 Jan 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 lightbulb moment of discovering Financial Independence
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A highlight clip from the December 2nd episode, “I regret paying off my mortgage early”, with financial analyst Nick Carr.LinksFollow Frances Cook...
The bargain hunter’s playbook: Mastering savings in your town
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shell Shields, who runs the page Christchurch Deals, shares how she finds a good bargain, which community is the secret weapon, and what she'd never c...
The different mortgage types that get you debt-free, faster
08 Jan 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 to know before you make a career change
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A highlight clip from the October 28th episode, "How financial freedom can lead to a career change", with Natasha Etschmann, also known as Tash Invest...
From burnout to business launch
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Clarissa Hirst, professional coach and marketing consultant, shares how a panic attack and burnout led to quitting the corporate world and launching h...
Quick Hit: Balancing money goals, and living life
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A highlight clip from the December 2nd episode, “I regret paying off my mortgage early”, with financial analyst Nick Carr.LinksFollow Frances Cook...
Quick Hit: How to create a business that works for your lifestyle
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A highlight clip from the November 4th episode, "The no BS strategy for budgeting, investment, and ditching debt", with Glen James from the Money Mone...
Quick Hit: How to start house sitting and travel for free
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A highlight clip from the September 30th episode, "How house sitting with alpacas turned into a digital nomad dream", with Sarah Kelsey from the OneUp...
Why this family switched 'early retirement' for 'mini retirement' in a van
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kellie Dawson, financial freedom seeker and mum, shares how her family were able to quit work and hit the road in Australia, for a year of nomad life ...
Temperature check: what’s up with the economy?
18 Dec 2024
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...
The hidden psychology that helps you build wealth - and why meditating hurts your money
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Brad Klontz, co-author of the new book Start Thinking Rich: 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom, shares how money beliefs c...
Will a house or apartment make you more money?
11 Dec 2024
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...
The secret to making money doing what you love
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pepper Raccoon, artist and merch designer, shares her tactics for creating a proper living out of being an artist. There’s a common belief that when...
Christmas cash: How listeners are being money smart in the festive season
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frances Cook shares listener tips for being money smart over Christmas, for everything from presents, to food, and bringing in extra cash to fund it a...