Making Cents

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...

“I regret paying off my mortgage early” - financial analyst Nick Carr

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Carr, financial analyst from Your Money Blueprint, shares why he regrets paying off his mortgage early, and the numbers behind why he would have ...

When is it a bad idea to put more into KiwiSaver?

27 Nov 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...

BONUS: How do you talk to your kids about money?

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Frances Cook talks kids and money with Chris Chang, on TVNZ's Breakfast.Last week I was on TVNZ’s Breakfast, talking to Chris Chang about some strat...

How this SAHM manages skyrocketing grocery costs for their family of four

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Leutele, also known as the Savvy Saver, shares her tips for staying on a budget as a family, and changing your money to prioritise life.Becomin...

How to make your bank account work harder for you

20 Nov 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...

BONUS: Is crypto about to boom?

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Frances Cook talks cryptocurrency with Jim Mora, on RNZ's Sunday Morning.You might have noticed that there was a fairly significant election recently,...

From women’s refuge to financial freedom at 33

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Angela Strang, property investor and business owner, shares her tips for reaching financial independence. Sometimes a difficult experience early in li...

Brodie Kane on the pros and cons of buying a house with a friend

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TV presenter Brodie Kane shares her co-ownership journey, and what she learned from hosting the new TV series On The Ladder with Kiwibank. Buying a ho...

Your questions, answered: Why I quit, best investing strategy?

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Frances Cook answers the questions that you sent in, in a solo episode covering the best investing strategies, and why she launched her own business.T...

Decoding the housing market's alphabet soup

06 Nov 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 no BS strategy for budgeting, investment, and ditching debt

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Glen James, author of The Quick-Start Guide to Investing and host of the Money Money Money podcast, talks money pitfalls and how to invest successfull...

How to avoid being tricked about what's in your investments

30 Oct 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...

How financial freedom can lead to a career change

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Natasha Etschmann, as known as Tash Invests, shares how investing into stocks and the sharemarket created the opportunity to move from working in heal...

Quick Hit: Instagram versus reality, for digital nomad life

23 Oct 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...

From professional poker, to a podcast empire: the realities of starting a business in the internet age

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Holloway and Seamus Marten from Between Two Beers share what it takes to make a business work in the internet age. In some ways, it’s never be...

Is the forever home no more?

16 Oct 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 key to reaching financial independence while raising a family

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ana Kresina, financial educator and author, shares her tactics for career and investments, to get to financial independence faster. Having enough in i...

The underrated way to pay off the mortgage early

09 Oct 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...

Getting BDE vibes for your budget

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cameron Wislang, founder of Big Dollar Energy budgets, shares the tricks for confidence with your money, and budgeting without missing out on life. Bu...

The traveller’s guide to staying money smart

02 Oct 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...

How house sitting with alpacas turned into a digital nomad dream

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Kelsey from the OneUp Project shares the highs and lows of digital nomad life, and how she uses house sitting to make the dream a reality.The id...

Trailer

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Making Cents, where we do exactly what it says on the tin - make the money world make sense. I'm Frances Cook, a best-selling author and aw...