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Quick Hit: Mortgage hacks that don't work
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A highlight clip from the February 10h episode, “Viral mortgage hacks debunked: Separating clickbait from real advice”, with Dan Bell, financial adviser and co-founder of Colab Mortgages.
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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.
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The mortgage mistake that’s costing you thousands (and how to fix it)
16:01|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.More food tips that'll save your budget (fast edition)
08:34|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.“Food shouldn’t be this expensive” - chef Alice Taylor on eating well for less
48:26|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.One in three NZers 'accidentally' bought a house? Here's how
18:16|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.Quick Hit: Is a revolving credit mortgage worth it?
04:17|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.Should you invest in gold?
23:37|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.The US-Israel-Iran conflict shows chaos is the new normal - LIVE replay
46:07|In a live episode of Making Cents, it's time to decode the tension still simmering in the US-Iran-Israel conflict, and the reaction from the money world. Oil prices, KiwiSaver balances, inflation pressure, and economic growth could all be impacted. What does this mean for your money?Host Frances Cook is joined by top financial minds to unpack what’s happening and what you can do about it:Jarrod Kerr, chief economist at KiwibankMichael Gorin, wealth adviser at AdviceFirstGareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at InfometricsReal-time, expert-backed analysis to help you stay calm, informed, and in control. Whether you're an investor, homeowner, or just trying to get by, this episode is for you.We cover:How global conflict is affecting oil prices and inflationWhat the situation could mean for your KiwiSaverWhether now is the time to buy, sell, or sit tightWhat smart investors and advisers are doing right nowMaking 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.Is renting really throwing money away?
14:28|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.I’m sure you’ve heard this one before: that you need to do everything possible to buy a house, right now, as soon as possible, because rent is dead money and you are falling behind every single day that you don’t own your own home.But is that true?Not necessarily. There’s a lot more nuance here, and both the numbers and lifestyle need to be part of the conversation.In this episode, I’m breaking it all down with Katie Wesney from EnableMe:Is renting really a waste of money, or can it work with a different financial strategy?How to turn “dead money” into wealth by investing the rent gapThe reality of renting in New Zealand vs countries like GermanyWhy homeownership often matters more in retirementKatie’s five-point financial plan for successful rentingWhether you’re a renter wondering if you’re falling behind, or a homeowner stressing about your mortgage, this episode is full of real talk and smart tactics to help you make 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.Why being too polite, costs you
08:16|A replay of a conversation with the 1News Breakfast team, on how being too polite could actually cost you thousands of dollars. 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.