Making Cents

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week we’ve partnered up with AMP, which has kindly leant us their expert Aaron Klee, General Manager, Investment Management. We’re talking how it feels like the world is falling apart at the moment, and how to invest through volatility, uncertainty, and a rollercoaster ride of a stock market.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 9th episode, “The secret to making money doing what you love”, with Pepper Raccoon, artist and merch designer.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Beth Vickers, vocal coach, singer, doula, gardening influencer, shares how motherhood led to changing everything about her career. It can be really hard to make life and work fit together, and that’s particularly the case when kids come along. Time becomes scarcer than ever, but you also very much need to keep paying the bills. Now you might not think that that’s the ideal time to launch your own business… but that’s what one mum did. She took the leap into the self-employed life, and found that with a bit of planning she was actually working less, earning more, and enjoying life a lot more. Here’s the unusual way she made it work. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week I’ve partnered up with realestate.co.nz, who has kindly leant us their expert Vanessa Williams, and we’re talking about what you need to know before you sell your house, so that you can be the smartest seller out there.LinksIf you want to join the Money Bootcamp course, click here https://www.francescook.co.nz/money-bootcampFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the November 4th episode, “The no BS strategy for budgeting, investment, and ditching debt”, with Glen James, author of The Quick-Start Guide to Investing and host of the Money Money Money podcast.LinksIf you want to join the Money Bootcamp course, click here https://www.francescook.co.nz/money-bootcampFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Muhammad Lambat, content creator and founder of @musliminvesting, shares how halal investing works, and some of the barriers for Muslim people becoming confident with their money. There are lots of issues that can hold people back from learning about their money, and one of them is just feeling like it could all be a bit complicated and hard.So add in a layer of religion, and what works and doesn’t work for your faith, and you have a recipe for people getting confused, and giving up. Enter Muhammad Lambat from Muslim Investing. He’s dedicated himself to figuring out halal investing, and what that means, from whether you can get a mortgage, to when crypto is ok, or not. There are also lots of grey areas, where even people in the know disagree. So let’s jump in to figure it out.  LinksIf you want to join the Money Bootcamp course, click here https://www.francescook.co.nz/money-bootcampFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week I’ve partnered up with Xero, who has kindly lent us their expert, chartered accountant Paul Churchman, and we’re talking about the myths that pop up at the end of the financial year.If you want to bag a bargain, Making Cents listeners can get a whopper of a discount on Xero. Go to this link www.xero.com/francescook to help supercharge your small business.The information in this podcast is general information only and you should seek appropriate tax, financial and legal advice as may be appropriate for your personal or business needs.LinksIf you want to join the Money Bootcamp course, go to https://www.francescook.co.nz/money-bootcampFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 23rd episode, “Why this family switched 'early retirement' for 'mini retirement' in a van”, with Kellie Dawson.LinksIf you want to join the Money Bootcamp course, click here https://www.francescook.co.nz/money-bootcampFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 trying to live your best life for less, there’s an underrated trick… just getting organised. Knowing what you have, and where it is, can mean not buying as much overall. Not to mention, your time has value, and being organised can save a heap of that. But where do you start, and do you need to buy a bunch of stuff to get organised too? Let’s bring in the pros. LinksIf you want to join the Money Bootcamp course, click here https://www.francescook.co.nz/money-bootcamp Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week we’ve partnered up with Kiwibank, which has kindly leant us their expert Hayley Tito, senior product manager for everyday banking, and we’re talking parenthood and how that changes your finances.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 16th episode, “The hidden psychology that helps you build wealth - and why meditating hurts your money”, with Dr Brad Klontz, co-author of the new book Start Thinking Rich: 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 Anything session. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week we’ve partnered up with AdviceFirst, which has kindly leant us their expert Willie Moala, national insurance lead. We're talking everything you've always wanted to know about insurance, including what you need, and what you don't.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 23rd episode, “Why this family switched 'early retirement' for 'mini retirement' in a van”, with Kellie Dawson, financial freedom seeker and mum.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 investing decisions, and how to take your career to the next level.Your career is a huge investment in your financial future, but only if you take control of it. If you want to earn more, and get the bigger opportunities, you have to get strategic, and learn how to negotiate. So how pushy can you get? Well let’s talk to someone who’s been at the top of the financial industry, so they can tell us not only how to negotiate like a CEO… but also how to invest like one. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week I’ve partnered up with realestate.co.nz, who has kindly leant us their expert Vanessa Williams, and we’re talking about what actually happens with house values, the myths, and the truth of it.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the Novemer 11th episode, “Your questions, answered: Why I quit, best investing strategy?”.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Dan Bell, financial adviser and co-founder of Colab Mortgages, shares how his tips for property investment, mastering the mortgage, and understanding international money markets. If you’ve been lucky enough to get a first home, or even an investment property, there’s two things that happen quite quickly. First, the excitement of making a big money move for your future. Second, the mild panic of seeing several hundred thousand dollars of mortgage debt turn up in your account. And there are all sorts of ‘gurus’ who take advantage of that to get your attention with mortgage hacks that may or may not work. So what’s good, and what’s not, from someone who both works in the financial industry and is a property investor themselves? Let’s find out. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week I’ve partnered up with Xero, who has kindly lent us their expert Bridget Snelling, Country Manager NZ and we’re talking about how to stop any extra money leaking out of your small business or side hustle, and especially what magic an accountant can and can’t work, in order to help you with that.If you want to bag a bargain, Making Cents listeners can get a whopper of a discount on Xero. Go to this link www.xero.com/francescook to help supercharge your small business.The information in this podcast is general information only and you should seek appropriate tax, financial and legal advice as may be appropriate for your personal or business needs.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 9th episode, “The secret to making money doing what you love”, with Pepper Raccoon, artist and merch designer.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 her weird accent?Questions in this episode: I want to know more about your accent! There is more than one in there, right? I love it, I’m just curious. Is sharesies ok for a short term savings account or too risky? EG $10k for a holiday in 6 months?What to do with a big windfall ($1 mill). Save, invest, or property?What’s your view on revolving credit?If buying in the next five years, what kiwisaver fund should I be using?Why can’t I include my house equity in my retirement savings maths?What should you use your emergency fund for – I find it hard to let go of!I have a job that pays terribly, ($30k pa) but I love it. Should I change to a higher paying job? What are your qualifications? How to increase savings long term? Why is it so much easier to dip into savings after you do it the first time? And how to stop!I have $18,000 in credit card debt, and $15,000 in shares, do I cash it in and pay off the credit card debt? Early 30s, mortgage free, what to do next? Invest? Where do we start?Are we better to open our toddler a bank account and put money in it, kiwisaver or a sharesies account?Best ethical investments? Copy trading? Too high risk? Is the extra cost of being a home owner worth it? Can you do a solar power podcast? How it works in your home to save money. Is investing in a financial adviser worth it? Good income, young family, I’m overwhelmed but aim to progress. What’s the best looking bank note? How do you feel about buying into shares for a company you work for? I would love to know your opinion on paying down your mortgage versus investing? What’s the best thing you’ve ever SPENT money on? Aka not investing or a house. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week we’ve partnered up with EnableMe, which has kindly leant us their expert Katie Wesney, a head strategic coach. We're talking debt and how to control it, so that it doesn't control you.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the November 4th episode, “The no BS strategy for budgeting, investment, and ditching debt”, with Glen James, author of The Quick-Start Guide to Investing and host of the Money Money Money podcast.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Nick Gentle, buyers agent, property coach, and a self-described “frugality geek”, shares how he managed to become financially independent by 30. Picture this: it’s 2.30 on a Wednesday afternoon, and you’re not in the office. Instead, you’re coaching your son’s latest sports team. This time it’s soccer, other days, it’s chess. This is the reality for one dad, who quit corporate life at just 30. How? A mix of living a very frugal life, and property investing. Here’s how he did it. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week we’ve partnered up with KiwiBank, which has kindly leant us their expert Hayley Tito, senior product manager for everyday banking, and we’re talking savings, and how to actually want to do it.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 16th episode, “The hidden psychology that helps you build wealth”, with Dr Brad Klontz.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Shang Saavedra, now a work-optional financial coach, shares how she 'turbocharged' her finances in order to create time freedom. When it comes to building towards a good financial future, you’ll need some spare cash in order to hit your goals, whether that’s paying off debt, investing, or whatever else. In order to get there, there’s basically two options. You need to earn more, or spend less, in order to have the funds that let you do the interesting things. But what if you did a bit of both? Cutting back on spending at the same time as looking for opportunities to earn more, so you can truly turbocharge your finances towards your goals? One person who’s been there, done that, and achieved financial independence is Shang Saavedra, who used that method to become ‘work optional’, with a flexible, financially secure lifestyle that let’s her prioritise family. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week I’ve partnered up with realestate.co.nz, who has kindly leant us their expert Vanessa Williams, and we’re talking about how you can learn to read the tea leaves of the property market, and make a smart prediction on what’s coming next.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 2nd episode, “I regret paying off my mortgage early”, with financial analyst Nick Carr.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 cut back on. I will die on this hill - one of the best ways to manage your money is to be around people with similar values to you, who are part of your team, and cheering you on. This is particularly the case when it comes to trying to cut back and save. If friends and family are on the same page as you, you can all work together to make sure that social occasions don’t break the bank, and share any secret deals you each find. Taking this idea of a deal-hunting community to the next level is the woman behind Christchurch Deals. Her Instagram page details plenty of bargains happening throughout Christchurch, and while she finds plenty of them herself, they’re also sent to her by followers, friends, and family. It’s one happy community of bargain-hunters. So here’s how she finds the deals, and the tactics you can use to find some in your own city. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week we’ve partnered up with EnableMe, which has kindly leant us their expert Katie Wesney, a head strategic coach. We’re talking the different types of mortgage you can get, and how they help you make the most of your cash. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the October 28th episode, "How financial freedom can lead to a career change", with Natasha Etschmann, also known as Tash Invests .LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Clarissa Hirst, professional coach and marketing consultant, shares how a panic attack and burnout led to quitting the corporate world and launching her own business. It’s something we’re often encouraged to do when we’re establishing our careers – work hard, take on extra projects, join networking groups and do extra with them too.The problem is, there’s only so much of us to go around, and sometimes this can lead to you hitting the wall, and realising you can’t do it anymore.That’s what happened to today’s guest, when she had a panic attack at one of the very events she’d been most looking forward to.On doctor’s orders, she had to quit her job.But as she decided on what to do next, she hatched a plan – to start a business.Not exactly a recipe for a calm work life, you might think, as the self-employed life isn’t exactly known for being stress free.But she had an idea for how to make it work. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the December 2nd episode, “I regret paying off my mortgage early”, with financial analyst Nick Carr.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

A highlight clip from the November 4th episode, "The no BS strategy for budgeting, investment, and ditching debt", with Glen James from the Money Money Money podcast.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 Project.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 in a van. There’s a tension when we talk about money. Often creating financial security for the future can mean giving things up now… but life is also for living, and you could get hit by a bus tomorrow. So how do you balance it? By setting goals, and a strategy, but being willing to change them along the way. That’s exactly what today’s guest did. They wanted to create financial freedom, setting the ambitious goal to not need to work by the time they hit forty. But then, as they had kids, and those kids started to grow up, they wanted to change those goals. Specifically, to be able to take a year off, travel around Australia, and spend quality time with the kids before the kids were too old to want to do it anymore. So that’s exactly what they’re going to do, with the plane tickets booked for later this year. Has it changed the strategy? A little bit. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week we’ve partnered up with Kiwibank, which has kindly leant us their expert MJ Vergara, senior economist, and we're talking the economy. Is it good, is it bad, and what does all of this mean for your wallet? Can you expect a pay rise in 2025, and what's going to happen with house prices? LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 can hold you back. Most of us have been there - you know what you should be doing with money, but you’re not doing it. Why? Well there’s a whole bunch of wiring deep in our brains that can trip us up and sabotage us. That doesn’t mean it’s all a lost cause … it means that you need to take control of your mind, before you truly take control of your money. Follow me, Frances Cook, on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week. 00:00 - Introduction 01:16 - Dr. Brad Klontz and His Work 02:50 - The Impact of Upbringing on Financial Mindset 04:46 - Locus of Control: Taking Charge of Your Financial Future 10:49 - Privilege and Its Role in Financial Success 13:32 - Shifting Mindsets: If They Can Do It, So Can You 14:16 - The Journey to Thinking Rich 18:37 - Rethinking Job Satisfaction 23:50 - Understanding the Hedonic Treadmill 28:45 - Finding Meaning in Work and Life 33:06 - Connecting Financial Goals to Core Values 36:29 - The Psychology of Spending and Wealth 40:56 - Mediation and Finances 42:12 - The Insecurity Behind Luxury Spending 48:48 - Community and the Importance of Asking for Help 51:55 - The Most Important Key Takeaway

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week I’ve partnered up with realestate.co.nz, who has kindly leant us their expert Vanessa Williams, and we’re talking about house versus apartment. There are some key differences between these property types, and it can seriously impact your money.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 you’re making career choices, you have to choose between doing what you love, or making money.While that’s sometimes true, it’s doesn’t have to be true.Even creatives, the ones most famous for becoming starving artists, can find systems to make a living without selling out to the man.It does, however, take a strategy. After all, if it was easy, everyone would do it.Well one such creative was nice enough to take time out of her day to walk me through exactly how she makes a good living as an artist.Wellingtonian Pepper Raccoon has been going for seven years now, working as a fine artist who makes pins, t-shirts, and other merchandise.It’s going so well that she’s even had to upgrade from being a sole trader, to a registered company, a big milestone.Here’s how she makes it work.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 all. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 invested into shares instead. Paying off the mortgage early is a good thing… right? Well, one New Zealander worked hard to do that, and then decided, he’d actually shot himself in the foot. When a big accident happened, the money he’d sunk into the mortgage wasn’t available, when he could have done with some cash savings to get through a tough time. Meanwhile, he later discovered investing into shares, and on looking back wished he’d put more money into those investments instead. So when is paying off the mortgage early a good idea, when is it not, and how do you balance it all? Here’s how he would handle it now if he had his time over again. Follow me, Frances Cook, on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week. 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Nick Carr’s Background 08:50 - Discovering the Financial Independence Movement 14:05 - Taking the First Steps Towards Financial Change 16:35 - Transitioning to a Career in Financial Planning 18:37 - The Regret of Paying Off the Mortgage Too Fast 20:53 - Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Paying Off a Mortgage and Investing 25:24 - The Negatives of Paying Down the Mortgage 26:15 - Comparing Returns: Share Market vs. Property 30:40 - Considering Goals, Timeframes, and the Need for Money 39:40 - Mortgage vs Investments 40:45 - The Best Approach 43:24 - Money Psychology 47:31 - One Top Tip: Mortgage vs Investments 49:57 - Conclusion

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money. This week we’ve partnered up with AMP, which has kindly leant us their expert, client adviser Devon Walen, and we’re talking about if there are times when putting more into your KiwiSaver can actually be a bad idea.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 strategies to talk to your kids about money. Particularly with Christmas coming up, can it be a present? What’s the best way to go about it? I get these questions in my inbox all the time, and the Breakfast team were nice enough to say I could put the audio up here as well, for you to listen to. Enjoy.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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.Becoming a stay at home mum is something that many people would like to do, but don’t necessarily have the funds for.It’s easy to think it’s only possible if one of the parents has a six figure income.But this mum, fresh out of getting her law degree, decided she wanted to make the stay at home mum life work even if it meant being on a string bean budget.She’s become really focused on ways to cut back and manage expenses, and shares that journey on her Instagram account as @the_savvy_saver.Here’s how she finds ways to cut back, but also, throw just a few treats in there too.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.This week we’ve partnered up with Kiwibank, which has kindly leant us their expert Hayley Tito, senior product manager for everyday banking, and we’re talking about the different bank accounts that can make the most of your money. LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Frances Cook talks cryptocurrency with Jim Mora, on RNZ's Sunday Morning.You might have noticed that there was a fairly significant election recently, with Donald Trump once again about to be President of the US. Well this has impacted all sorts of things, including the financial world, and one of those big impacts has been on crypto. In true Trump style, he’s done a 180, going from calling it a scam in 2021, to now starting his own cryptocurrency, and saying that the US government is going to boost bitcoin. As you can imagine, that’s increasing the hype and sending prices, to the moon. Well, the lovely Jim Mora from RNZ Sunday Mornings asked me to come on the radio and detangle this for him. He’s one of my favourite people to be interviewed by, so of course that was a yes. He also agreed that I could re-run the audio on this podcast, which was very kind of him. So here’s a special bonus episode of myself and Jim talking all things crypto. Enjoy.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Angela Strang, property investor and business owner, shares her tips for reaching financial independence. Sometimes a difficult experience early in life will shape you, for better or worse.For Angela, it was an early experience of finding herself as a child with her family in women’s refuge, that made her determined she would create financial stability for herself, and any future family that she had.So as a young adult she looked for highly paid jobs, and funneled that into property investments.But after hitting financial independence at 33, she didn’t want to stop.Now she’s on the cusp of buying a business, too.Why not stop and kick back a bit?Well, because she wants to help other kids who might be in a similar situation to what she once was.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

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 house is far from easy, because let’s be honest, they’re expensiveBuilding up a deposit, getting approval from the bank, then keeping paying it off, it’s all a bit of a mountain to climbNot to mention, if something goes wrong with the house, you’re now in charge and have to figure repairs, maintenance, and all the other very adult stuff. Well some people are teaming up to make these problems less scary. Rather than buying with a romantic partner, you could buy in with family, or friends.Big commitment there, but for some, the only way to get into property. So what can go right and wrong with this, and how do you do it smartly? LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.