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.FOMO is sneaky — it slides in to lighten your wallet while you're just trying to live your life.From social media comparison to impulsive late-night purchases, it's all too easy to get distracted from your long-term financial goals. Never mind the locked in spending like groceries, which can destroy the budget entirely.In this episode, we unpack the real psychology behind overspending, why self-control isn't just about willpower, and how to build systems that help you win without giving up what you love. Then it's on to tackling those bills you can't avoid, and getting life basics for less.EnableMe senior financial adviser Justin Gauci joins Frances Cook to share practical mindset shifts and small changes that can help you break the FOMO loop — and actually feel good about 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 Janury 27th episode, “Financially free at 30: How this dad quit the corporate world”, with Nick Gentle, buyers agent and property coach.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.

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 that helped everyone negotiate better. Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee..I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you. Buying a house is one of the biggest financial moves most of us will ever make. But paying it off smartly? That’s where the real money is.You could be spending thousands more on your mortgage than you need to, simply because nobody told you the tricks to get a better deal.There’s the interest rate that's advertised, and then there’s the real rate — the one they might offer if you know exactly what to ask for.There are also extra perks on the table (think cashbacks or fee waivers), but they often don’t mention them unless you bring it up.So in this episode, I talk to someone who’s built a business around helping people negotiate like a pro — after realising his mates were quietly saving thousands just by playing the mortgage game better.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.Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

Want to save more money without relying on willpower? You might need a moodboard.In this live episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook dives into the unexpected psychology behind saving money — and how a tool usually reserved for Pinterest weddings might actually be your biggest financial secret weapon.Don't believe me? Here's what you need to know: Why traditional budgeting often fails (and what to do instead)The science-backed link between moodboards and higher savings ratesHow to use “future self” visualisation to beat impulsive spendingWhat financial psychologists like Dr Brad Klontz have discovered about motivationPractical hacks like renaming accounts, mental accounting, and financial mindfulnessThis isn’t about magical thinking — it’s neuroscience, and it works.If you’re tired of spreadsheets, and want a way to make money habits stick, this episode is for 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.

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.We talk a lot about how to buy property — but what if you’re renting?With rental prices rising and housing taking up a huge chunk of the average budget, renters need smart strategies too. In this episode, I team up with realestate.co.nz and speak with property expert Vanessa Williams about how to make the most of your money while renting.We cover how to understand the rental market in New Zealand, how to protect yourself financially as a tenant, what to know if you want to buy a home eventually, and how to set goals that work whether you rent short- or long-term.Whether you're a lifelong renter or saving for your first home, this episode, we've got your back.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.

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 the dream job. The big career. The success everyone else envies. And still realise; this isn’t the life you want.That’s exactly what happened to Sharyn Casey, who you probably already know from listening to her on the radio during her long stint on The Edge, or maybe when she hosted Dancing with the Stars. Or maybe you just like following her on instagram, along with tens of thousands of other people. And if you do know her from all of that, you’ll also know, that at the top of her game, she walked away.So what actually happens when you step off the success treadmill?What about the bills that still need paying, the kids that still need feeding, the future you still have to build?What does it take to quit a top-tier media career?How do you handle the financial impact of leaving a steady job?And is it really possible to rebuild a better life on the other side?In this episode of Making Cents, Sharyn shares what led to her decision to quit, how she’s handling the transition financially, and the surprising truths about burnout, motherhood, and building a more meaningful career.If you’ve ever fantasised about quitting your job – or wondered what it really costs to change your life – this one’s for you.Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.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 AMP, who has kindly leant us their expert Devon Walen, a client adviser, and we’re talking about when you can crack into your KiwiSaver a little early, whether it’s for good, or bad reasons.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.

Live replay from a YouTube listener mail question.After years of living paycheck to paycheck, a Making Cents listener has received a substantial inheritance.But now she's frozen, worried about making the right choice, and torn between buying a first home for her family, or investing the money.There's also a layer of emotional pressure to not waste the gift her beloved dad left her.Frances Cook lays out the best money options for this situation, as well as inviting the Making Cents community to offer their own advice for this situation.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.

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 financial decisions.The property journey can be a frustrating one, and frankly, a bit intimidating. We’re talking big numbers, lots of jargon, and people in suits who are in charge of telling you yes or no to your dream. Lovely. So what about a digital helper? An app, that helps you figure out what’s possible and what’s not? Of course, it’s 2025, so it’s using AI. Now this might sound like a welcome handy helper, or it might freak you right out, because you’re wondering why you would trust AI with some of your most sensitive financial information. So let’s dive in - what’s possible, what’s not, and should you trust it? Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank. 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.