Making Cents

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 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.Pocket money seems simple, but it can actually be one of the most powerful tools to shape a child’s long-term relationship with money. So… should you pay kids for chores? Give it freely? Or skip it altogether?In this episode of Ask the Experts, Kiwibank’s Julia Jackson to explore the latest research on kids and money, including how to raise financially confident children in a world of tap-and-go spending.We unpack:The pros and cons of giving pocket moneyWhy some parents tie it to chores (and others avoid it completely)How to talk to kids about money without stressing them outCreative ways to make money feel tangible, even in a digital worldTools and apps that help kids safely experiment with spending and savingIf you want the next generation to avoid the financial mistakes you learned the hard way, this one’s essential listening.Hit play, and get ready for some 'aha' moments.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.

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 house prices are down, and how to get the best mortgage rate.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 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.Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are no longer just for tech bros and Reddit threads. As crypto edges closer to the mainstream, new ways to invest are opening up, including through fully regulated, tax-efficient managed funds.In this episode, I’m joined by Anthony Edmonds, the investment manager behind New Zealand’s first regulated Bitcoin PIE fund.We break down why he created it, who it’s for, and how it lets everyday investors access Bitcoin without needing to mess around with exchanges, wallets, or tracking capital gains tax.We cover:- How regulated Bitcoin PIE funds work (and why they matter)- Why crypto is shifting from a fringe asset to being part of serious portfolios- What risks still exist (even in a “boomer-friendly” version of Bitcoin)- How fund structures like PIEs make investing simpler, especially for high earners- Whether other coins like Ethereum could followIf you’re crypto-curious but cautious, this one’s for you.Making Cents is supported by our friends at KiwibankLinksFollow 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.Buying a house is one of the biggest financial commitments most people ever make, and unless you’re one of the lucky few born into millions, chances are you’ll need a mortgage to do it.But here’s the part most people don’t realise: how you structure that mortgage can be the difference between paying it off decades from now… or shaving years (and tens of thousands of dollars) off your loan.In this episode, I’m joined by financial strategist Katie Wesney from EnableMe, who breaks down the biggest mortgage structure mistake people make, and how to fix it.We unpack how your money personality should shape your strategy, why flexibility can matter more than the lowest rate, and when tools like split loans or revolving credit can supercharge your repayments.Whether you’re a first-home buyer or already deep into your mortgage journey, this episode is packed with tips to help you build a plan that actually works for your life.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 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 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.

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 derail your entire budget, and for many Kiwis, it already has.In this episode of Making Cents, I’m joined by Chef Alice Taylor, the force behind @AliceTaylorEats, whose cheap, delicious, and realistic recipes have built a devoted following online. She’s also furious about how hard it’s become just to feed yourself well, and she’s doing something about it.We get into:The cost-saving kitchen hacks that actually workWhy she’s calling out politicians over food pricesHow to build a staple pantry that saves you time, money, and stressTips for feeding picky kids, eating with allergies, and still getting the occasional treatBecause while some things are out of our control, there’s still power in what we can do, especially when we share what’s working.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 industry insiders to get the inside word on what’s happening in the market, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.Here’s a wild stat to kick things off: almost one in three New Zealanders have accidentally bought a house.Not just wealthy investors, we're talking first-home buyers too.So how on earth does that happen? And what does it tell us about the current New Zealand housing market, property prices, and buying strategies?For this episode I’m joined by Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz , who’s got the data to explain it all, and how you can be ready if an unexpected homeownership opportunity lands in your lap.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 February 3rd episode, “From how I invest, to getting rid of the mortgage fast: A chaotic Ask Me Anything episode”, with Frances CookLinksFollow 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 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.Has the world gone mad, and is that why gold prices are hitting record highs?With inflation, war, and market instability making headlines, more people are asking the same question: Should I be investing in gold?It’s the classic “safe haven” asset. But is it actually safe? And is now the right time, or are you already too late?In this solo episode, I’m cutting through the hype to help you decide whether gold deserves a spot in your investment strategy, or if it’s just fear in a shiny wrapper.We talk about:– Why gold spikes during global chaos– When it works… and when it really doesn’t– The biggest gold investing mistakes to avoid– How to actually buy gold (without getting scammed)– Whether gold is right for your money goalsIf you’ve ever wondered whether gold is a smart move or just investing FOMO, this episode’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.