Share

Making Cents
KiwiSaver changes, renters get a break, and should we worry about the brain drain? BONUS episode
•
Money world update, with Jim Mora on Sunday Morning with RNZ. Chatting everything from possible changes to KiwiSaver, whether renters can get ahead right now, whether the property market is about to bounce back, and how worried should we be about the brain drain and everyone fleeing to Australia?
Links
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.
More episodes
View all episodes
Will property bounce back, should you invest in gold?
11:59|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 should you be investing in gold at a time like this?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.Why Jay-Jay Feeney started a business with ex Dom Harvey, and went from radio star to startup life
50:33|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.You’ll definitely recognise the name of today’s guest - Jay-Jay Feeney, who was on the airwaves across New Zealand for 33 years. A radio career that many would kill for, except she decided to chuck it all in, and launch a business instead. Taking all of that radio knowledge and channelling it into what she sees as the future for audio: podcasting. Problem being, she’s the first to admit that she’s not naturally a business-person. So she decided to team up with someone she trusted, her ex-husband, fellow former radio host Dom Harvey. The ex is not who most people would go into business with, but Jay-Jay and Dom are not like most former couples. They decided that trust, and their continuing friendship, was the most important foundation to build their business on. They’ve got practice because they’ve actually never really bothered to separate their finances, just the romantic relationship.So, the business parts, they figured they could also work out together. This episode dives into the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to reinvent your career, including:How Jay-Jay financially planned to leave her high-profile jobThe challenges of starting a bricks-and-mortar business in today’s economyThe risks and rewards of entrepreneurshipWhat happens if the business doesn’t become profitable, and how long she’s giving herself to find outWhether you're thinking about quitting your job, launching a podcast, or starting a business with someone unexpected, this is a must-listen episode packed with honest insights on personal finance, career reinvention, and startup life in New Zealand.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.- 18:27|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.Here’s a horrifying stat: economist Shamubeel Eaqub crunched the numbers and found that single people spend 14% more than couples.In some categories, it’s even worse. Housing? 53% more. Healthcare? 40% more.That’s not avocado toast. That’s basic survival.This episode is all about what you can do to fight back. Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, we’re breaking down the numbers, calling out the hidden costs, and helping you find smart ways to protect your financial future, without compromising your lifestyle.For this episode I’ve partnered with Enable.Me, and their strategic consultant Shelley Palman joins us to break it all down.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.
Investing red flags to watch out for
10:05|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 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.Spain, sun, and investing: The real way to move overseas and keep building wealth
55:25|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.This episode is for anyone torn between living life and staying smart with money. Because you don’t have to choose just one.When Mireia Muller-Pallares decided to leave her 9–5 and move to Spain, she wasn’t willing to blow her savings or give up on her future goals. So she built a plan to keep investing, cover her student loan, and stay financially secure - while still living her dream life in Valencia.We cover:How to set up your finances before moving overseasWhat really happens to your KiwiSaver and student loan when you leave NZCreative ways to keep investing while earning lessHow to redefine “success” when you’re no longer climbing the ladderWhether you're planning an OE, thinking about quitting your job, or just craving a different way to live — this episode proves it's possible to do it without tanking your money.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.Thank you.
10:14|House buying negotiation mistakes that cost you thousands (and how to avoid them)
19:27|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, and what that means for the strategies you should use to make the most of your money.If you’re a first home buyer or property investor, you already know the stakes: house prices are high, and competition is fierce. We’ve recently covered how to get mortgage-ready and what to look for in a property, but today, we’re diving into the part that could literally save you tens of thousands of dollars.The negotiation.This is where most buyers freeze. Should you go in low? How do you spot a vendor bluffing? What phrases can kill your offer? We’re breaking down the biggest negotiation mistakes people make when buying a house, and how to avoid them.Whether you’re in the middle of house hunting, prepping your first offer, or just want to get smart before entering the market, this episode is packed with expert-backed advice to help you negotiate like a pro.This week I’ve partnered up with http://realestate.co.nz, who’ve kindly lent us their expert Vanessa Williams, to walk us through 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.The ultimate first home buyer's guide (NZ edition) - LIVE REPLAY
54:21|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 just starting to save or already scrolling property listings, this live expert panel has the insider tips you need to get in the door faster.Mortgage advisor Claire Williamson (My Mortgage) and Vanessa Williams (realestate.co.nz) join Frances Cook on Making Cents to break down everything first home buyers need to know, including:Where to buy in 2025KiwiSaver tips to boost your depositWhat kind of property to look for (and what to avoid)How to save smarter and get mortgage-ready If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But with the right info, the right strategy, and a little expert help, you can make it happen.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.Think like a financial journalist: how to research stocks like a pro
46:11|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.When it comes to investing, one question tops my inbox: how do you actually figure out if a company is worth your money?In this episode, we dive deep into how financial journalists read company financials, and the tactics retail investors can borrow to make smarter, more confident investment decisions.We cover:- Which numbers matter (and which ones don’t)- The red flags to watch for in financial statements- The green flags that signal strong leadership and long-term value- Why “gossip” and corporate culture can be just as important as the numbersI’m joined by longtime business journalist Paul McBeth, editor of The Bottom Line (https://www.thebottomline.co.nz/), to unpack the tools he’s used for years to understand what’s really going on inside a company. It's time to know how you can use them too, before you invest another dollar.If you want to learn how to spot the story behind the numbers, 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.