Making Cents

A small change to a payment strategy can save hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of repayment time from your mortgage, cutting one of the biggest expenses most people will face. A replay of Frances Cook's column for Stuff.co.nz, read here with permission.  Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MakingCentsPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MoneyPodcast #FinancialFreedom

What do you do when you’re stuck between two bad options? Sell a home you bought near the peak of the market, even though it’s now worth hundreds of thousands less, or stay put in a house that no longer fits your life? That’s the dilemma facing this week’s listener. They bought in late 2020, welcomed kids, watched their house value fall by around $250,000, and now feel trapped: too much mortgage pressure, not enough flexibility, and no clear “right” move. Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz is in the expert hot seat, to tell us about the shocking number of New Zealanders in this situation, and what they can do about it. We talk about: What selling in a down housing market really means for your money Whether holding on longer could help, or just prolong the stress How life changes (kids, cashflow, burnout) should factor into property decisions Why feeling “stuck” is common, and how a clear plan can restore control If you’re weighing up sell or stay, worried about selling your house at a loss, or feeling trapped by a house that no longer works for your family or finances, this episode has the tactics you need to be thinking about. If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz (mailto:ask@francescook.co.nz) and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #NZProperty #WellingtonRealEstate #NZHousingMarket #HousePrices #NegativeEquity #LowEquity #SellOrStay #propertyadvice Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:12 Listener letter: bought at the peak, now stuck 00:03:43 How common is this situation? 00:07:47 First steps: get a realistic valuation 00:08:33 Talk to a mortgage advisor or financial advisor 00:09:15 Could you wait it out? Considering 2026 00:09:57 Creative options: students, Airbnb, and short-term solutions 00:11:49 What if you've lost your deposit? 00:13:33 The power of having a plan 00:15:05 Outro

For decades in New Zealand, property wasn’t just an investment, it was THE investment. The safest bet. The biggest capital gains. Often tax-advantaged. And for many households, the clearest path to building long-term wealth. But that narrative is starting to shift. House prices remain high. Debt is expensive. And a growing number of New Zealanders are questioning whether residential property is still the best way to build wealth. In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook speaks with BusinessDesk journalist Dileepa Fonseka about New Zealand’s housing market, property prices, and long-term investment trends. Together, they explore whether New Zealand’s decades-long property obsession is beginning to crack. Why has property been such a dominant wealth-builder in NZ for so long? Are we reaching a ceiling on house price growth? Is this just a market cycle, or a structural turning point? If you’ve ever wondered whether buying property is still the smartest investment strategy, or whether it’s time to rethink the traditional path to wealth, this conversation will challenge your assumptions. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook  Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:38 Meet Dileepa Fonseka: tracking the winds of change in property 00:03:12 The land myth: why property prices can't rise forever 00:05:50 The COVID property mania and the crash that followed 00:17:10 Is there a ceiling on house prices? 00:06:48 The political shift: capital gains tax enters the conversation 00:10:17 From share market skeptics to everyday investors 00:23:35 The rise of accessible investing: apps, Kiwisaver, and the new generation 00:26:04 Property's hidden costs: climate change, insurance, and rising rates 00:28:13 Election year battlegrounds: where is money going next? 00:31:36 Outro

In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about the growing "resist and unsubscribe" movement, how everyday New Zealanders can use their wallets to make a statement, and why your KiwiSaver might be one of the biggest votes you'll ever cast. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

What if you genuinely can’t earn more? Are you stuck financially? In this Ask the Experts mailbag episode of Making Cents, we tackle a question that so many teachers, nurses, and public sector workers quietly wrestle with: what do you do when your income is capped? Today’s letter writer is a teacher. She’s hearing the usual advice, to “earn more”, “start a side hustle”, “increase your income”, but her reality is strict salary bands, long hours, and family commitments. So if climbing the income ladder isn’t straightforward, what’s the next best move? In the hot seat is Kristin Sutherland, financial advisor at EnableMe, and we break this down properly: – Are you really “stuck” in a capped-income career, or is there more wiggle room than it feels like? – If a pay rise isn’t coming anytime soon, what should you focus on instead? Investing, spending strategy, debt reduction, or something else? – Does investing still make sense when your income is flat? – How to think strategically about promotions, specialisation, or changing employers – Whether side hustles are worth it (and how to avoid burnout) – Navigating relationship dynamics when one partner is aggressively pursuing higher income and the other offers stability Listen now to learn how to move forward — even when your income doesn’t. If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz (mailto:ask@francescook.co.nz) and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook

If you want the truth about retiring early as a regular person, it doesn’t come from highlight reels or motivational posts. It comes from the numbers. When you strip away the vibes, hacks, and hot takes, the numbers show what actually works, what doesn’t, and how real people build passive income that gives them real choice over their time. That’s where Bronwyn Candish comes in. Bronwyn is a chartered accountant who specialises in working with everyday people who want to retire early. It’s not the theory of it, but the messy, real-life version. By digging into people’s finances, she sees the patterns others miss: the spending leaks, the mindset traps, and the systems that move the needle over time. In this episode, Bronwyn shares what she’s seen behind the scenes, including the common mistakes that hold people back, the simple tactics that actually stick, and why automation beats motivation every time. She’s not just advising from the sidelines either. Bronwyn is building her own retire-early plan, using the same investing strategies, income levers, and intentional spending choices she recommends to her clients. This is a grounded, honest look at how normal people really make progress, from passive income through shares, to optimising KiwiSaver, to getting your partner on the same page, and using community as a secret weapon. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #FinancialIndependence #FIREmovement #PassiveInvesting #PassiveIncome #FIRE #RetireEarly #Retirement Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:32 Meet Bronwyn: the accountant for people pursuing financial independence 00:05:14 Bronwyn's financial independence journey: divorce, debt, and discovery 00:07:23 COVID, parenthood, and purchasing a practice 00:09:10 Who Bronwyn works with: from lazy balance sheets to FIRE enthusiasts 00:13:00 Is financial independence accessible for normal people? 00:14:43 Best tactics for regular people: business as a bank account and expense awareness 00:15:45 The power of increasing income and self-employment 00:18:48 Black Friday: building community and brainwashing partners 00:27:23 Bronwyn's personal tactics: index funds, automation, and intentional spending 00:30:00 Mindset shifts: from deprivation to appreciation 00:33:45 The debt-free journey and the power of teamwork 00:35:50 Advice for skeptics and where to find Bronwyn

Money fights aren’t really about money. They’re about expectations, and how differently we respond to them. In this episode of Making Cents, I’m breaking down the four money personalities that shape how you save, spend, budget, and argue about money. Get ready to finally understand why financial advice works brilliantly for some people and completely falls apart for others. Based on Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework, these personalities explain why: You can know what to do with your money… and still not do it Your partner’s approach makes perfect sense to them, but drives you mad Discipline isn’t the issue, but mismatched systems are. You’ll learn how the Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel money personalities actually behave with money, where each one thrives, where it goes wrong, and what strategies genuinely work for each type. We also dig into how different money personalities clash (and connect) in relationships. Why money is such a common source of tension, and how to design shared systems that don’t leave one person feeling controlled, rushed, unsupported, or sabotaged. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #moneypersonality #moneymindset #financialpsychology #financialfreedom #FourTendencies #Upholder #Questioner #Obliger #Rebel Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:11 The upholder: the goody two shoes who follow all the rules 00:05:58 The questioner: research everything, customize everything 00:10:54 The obliger: brilliant for others, terrible at prioritizing themselves 00:13:51 The rebel: identity over obligations 00:17:33 Why most money advice is written for upholders 00:18:27 Money personalities in relationships: why couples fight about expectations 00:20:49 Wrapping up: stop fighting yourself and design systems that fit 00:21:08 Outro

From the real risks behind AI hype and whether we're heading for a crash, to the surprising weakness hiding inside Big Tech's profits, and why digital advertising might be the canary in the coal mine that nobody's watching… it’s time to make sense of the chaos. Fast Money with Jim Mora on RNZ’s Sunday Mornings, it’s time for the money update you need. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe, or Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #ShareMarket #MarketVolatility #Bitcoin #Gold #Silver #AI #BigTech #Investing #NZEconomy #PropertyInvesting #MarketCorrection

There is a lot of mortgage advice out there that is confidently wrong. And the cost of following it isn’t just money, it’s time. Sometimes years of your life spent under pressure you didn’t actually need. In this episode of Making Cents, we’re cutting through the biggest mortgage myths that trip people up both before they buy a home and long after they’ve signed the papers. From “cleaning up” bank statements and chasing the lowest interest rate, to misunderstood rules around deposits, credit scores, extra repayments, and offsets, this is the stuff that sounds smart on paper, but can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. Mortgage Man Aaron Cattell is a mortgage adviser on the front lines, working with real borrowers, real numbers, and real lending rules, and he’s ready to let you peek behind the curtain. We break down: What banks actually care about when approving a mortgage (and what they don’t) Common mortgage-ready myths that no longer apply in New Zealand Why loan structure matters more than chasing the cheapest interest rate The simplest ways to cut years off your mortgage, without needing a windfall When extra repayments, lump sums, offsets, or revolving credit actually make sense The tactics that sound clever, but Aaron would ban tomorrow If you’re buying your first home, refixing soon, or just want more control over the biggest debt most people will ever take on, this episode will help you avoid mistakes that quietly steal time from your future. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock Aaron’s references mentioned in the episode: - https://www.themortgageman.co.nz/links #MakingCents #FrancesCook Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:37 Meet Aaron Kital: the mortgage man on the front lines 00:04:00 Busting the deposit myth: you don't need 20 percent 00:05:30 The clean bank statements myth and what banks actually care about 00:09:25 Auctions, valuations, and the first-time buyer obstacle course 00:12:40 Is buying your own home actually a good investment? 00:15:00 Myths from overseas: credit scores and payment frequency 00:19:03 Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest elsewhere? 00:23:48 Three ways to smash your mortgage faster 00:26:06 Offset accounts and revolving credits: when they work and when they don't 00:34:42 Fixed versus floating: why structure beats interest rates every time 00:41:24 When mortgages keep you awake at night: hardship options 00:43:43 The easy win: one simple change that saves years 00:44:14 Outro

If you're feeling the February slump and wondering how to get back on track without starting from scratch, this one's for you! A replay of Frances Cook's column for 1 News, read here with permission, on 7 science-backed ways to get your money back under control. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe or level up your investing knowledge with the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook

This episode was originally part of the Market Memo newsletter, where you learn about sharemarket investing every week. You can subscribe to that, here https://marketmemoweekly.substack.com/ It’s never been easier to start investing. And that’s both brilliant, and part of the problem. Between constant headlines, market swings, hot takes on social media, and apps that let you trade with a swipe, investing has turned into a psychological minefield. Now, for most people, the biggest risk to their money isn’t the market. It’s their own brain. In this episode of Making Cents, it’s the seven common mental traps that trip investors up. We’ll cover: Why losses hurt so much more than gains (and what that makes people do) How herd behaviour and FOMO sneak into otherwise sensible decisions Why sticking to what feels familiar can cost you real growth The mental shortcuts that make short-term noise feel more important than long-term plans And the simple systems that help emotions stop driving the car This episode isn’t about suppressing your feelings or becoming some emotionless investing robot. It’s about understanding how your brain works, and putting smart guardrails in place so it doesn’t sabotage your future. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #InvestingPsychology #BehaviouralFinance #MoneyPsychology #InvestorMindset #MentalTraps #Investing Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:18 Loss aversion: the pain hits harder than the pleasure 00:03:31 Overconfidence bias: the 'I can time the market' illusion 00:05:21 Herd behavior and FOMO: when everyone's buying, beware 00:07:13 Home bias: comfort can cost you 00:08:31 Confirmation bias: the echo chamber effect 00:09:39 Recency bias: thinking yesterday predicts tomorrow 00:10:48 Present bias: the 'now' trap 00:12:19 Wrapping up: stop emotions from driving the car 00:13:00 Outro

If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually going on behind the scenes of the 1%, beyond the headlines, Instagram posts, and glossy business profiles, this episode pulls back the curtain. Because beneath the public image of wealth is usually a highly deliberate money strategy. And it doesn’t have to be exclusive to the ultra-rich. In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook speaks with Andrew Clements, a private wealth and succession lawyer who works with some of New Zealand’s wealthiest families. Andrew spends his days helping high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients build wealth, protect it, and stop it being blown up by one bad decision, whether that’s an investment mistake, poor structure, or family conflict. What he’s learned may surprise you. We talk about: How wealthy families think in decades, not years Why protecting money often matters more than chasing returns The “guardrails” the wealthy put around their money, and their families Why the rich often sell when others are rushing in The risks that don’t show up on balance sheets, including family and succession risk How downturns are treated as opportunity, not panic And which wealth strategies are realistic for everyday NZers to copy Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #GenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #WealthManagement #FinancialLiteracy #SuccessionPlanning #ImpactInvesting #FinancialAdviser #PrivateWealth #HighNetWorth #NZBusinessOwners Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:13 Meet Andrew Clements: private wealth and succession lawyer 00:03:39 Money talks, but wealth whispers 00:04:25 Values over dollars: what wealthy families actually prioritize 00:08:19 The long game: how the wealthy build and protect assets 00:09:44 The Lithuanian entrepreneur who didn't get greedy 00:12:38 Investing in yourself: the best investment you can make 00:18:43 Philosophy breeds methodology: finding advisors who understand you 00:22:12 How the wealthy invest differently: shares over property 00:27:24 Impact investing: making money and making a difference 00:29:22 Family risk: how inheritance can become poison 00:33:16 Beating the three-generation curse 00:37:20 The hundred dollar note on the dinner table 00:42:13 Can average people become wealthy? Yes, here's how 00:44:39 Outro

Everyone says you should start investing in the stock market, but how do you actually do that? Time for a quick roadmap to get you started. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or you’ve been investing for a while but you’re not sure you’re nailing it, this is the live session to help you feel like the confident investor you should be. With top industry experts -Kernel chief executive Dean Anderson -Stuff money editor Damian Venuto -Massey University Professor Claire Matthews As we answer questions live, we’re talking about what actually matters when investing in shares in 2026, how to get started without overthinking it, building a system that lets you keep investing no matter what, and getting under the hood of what’s happening in the sharemarket right now. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook

Are home renovations actually an investment, or just an expensive way to make your house nicer to live in? In this Ask the Experts mailbag episode, it’s time to answer the question many are scared of: have I overcapitalised my home? Which renovations genuinely add value, and which ones don’t? Is your own home an investment, or a lifestyle choice? And if you’ve already spent the money, should you even consider an investment property? To break it all down, I’m joined by Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz who brings the data on what actually moves house prices in New Zealand: from extra bedrooms and bathrooms, to the renovation traps that don’t stack up financially. We cover: – When renovations can increase resale value, and when they won’t – The real difference between lifestyle upgrades and wealth-building moves – How to tell if you’ve overcapitalised (and what to do if you have) – Whether using home equity to invest in property is still an option – How to think about your home versus a true investment property If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz (mailto:ask@francescook.co.nz) and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #NewZealandProperty #PropertyMarket #PropertyInvestment #HomeRenovation #RenovationROI #Overcapitalising #HomeEquity #InvestmentProperty #FirstHomeBuyer #DIYRenovation #PropertyValuation Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:14 Listener letter: renovated but worried about overcapitalizing 00:02:18 What renovations actually add value vs lifestyle upgrades 00:03:30 The data: how much value each bedroom adds 00:05:28 Kitchens and decks: investment or lifestyle choice? 00:06:46 How to know if you've overcapitalised 00:08:48 Is your home an investment? The debate 00:12:25 Using home equity to buy an investment property 00:14:57 Next steps: gathering information and exploring options 00:17:28 Outro

Quick-fire tips and tricks for feeling more in control of your money in 2026. Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about it, replayed here with permission. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe Become a confident sharemarket investor by signing up to the Market Memo newsletter https://www.francescook.co.nz/invest

Gold and silver prices are booming, and it’s being driven by something deeper: how people are feeling about their money. When trust starts to break down, investors don’t just talk about it, they move their money. Darcy Ungaro, a financial adviser and host of the NZ Everyday Investor, is seeing more New Zealanders actively asking about gold, silver, Bitcoin, and other alternatives. It’s not out of greed, but out of caution. In this episode we talk about: Why gold and silver prices are rising Whether silver is a good investment, or just dangerously volatile The real risks behind the silver price surge (and why it can “rip your face off” if you get it wrong) Gold vs silver: how they behave differently in uncertain markets How to invest in gold and silver ETFs in NZ, versus holding physical metal How to think about allocation, not hype, when markets feel unstable If you’ve been wondering whether gold or silver belongs in your portfolio - or why so many people are suddenly asking the question - this episode will help you make sense of it. Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #Silver #Gold #Bitcoin #AlternativeInvestments #PreciousMetals #Investment Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:09 Meet Darcy Ungaro: financial adviser and everyday investor 00:04:04 The rise in precious metals: what's driving it? 00:15:02 Gold and silver during global instability 00:17:05 Silver: the volatile cousin of gold 00:27:14 Darcy's biggest mistake: trading silver with 50X leverage 00:30:15 Gold vs silver: similarities and differences 00:33:49 Bitcoin as digital gold: does the comparison hold up? 00:41:54 How to allocate: the 80/20 portfolio approach 00:48:03 Where to start: getting into gold and silver without losing your face 00:51:10 Outro

Opposites attract, until it comes to money. This week’s listener says she’s a saver, her partner is a spender, and every attempt to “get serious” about their finances ends the same way: frustration, guilt, splurging out of spite, and a plan that falls apart by March. Instead of moving forward, they’re cancelling each other out, and it’s starting to wear them both down. In this Ask the Experts episode, EnableMe head strategic coach Katie Wesney breaks down why saver–spender dynamics are so common, and why money fights are usually about values, security, and behaviour, not just dollars. We talk about: Why saver–spender couples clash, even when they want the same life How different money personalities (savers, spenders, upholders, questioners, rebels) approach rules, goals, and plans Why behaviour matters more than the “perfect” financial strategy How starting with a shared vision changes the conversation Practical systems that reduce friction, including automation and separate “no-questions-asked” spending How couples can use their differences as strengths instead of sabotage If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz (mailto:ask@francescook.co.nz) and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #SaverVsSpender #CouplesAndMoney #MoneyInRelationships #MoneyPersonalities #MoneyMindset #BudgetingAsACouple #JointAccounts #FinancialAccountability #MortgageTips #PayOffMortgageFaster #FinancialFreedom Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:09 Listener letter: opposite money styles 00:01:48 "Money fights aren’t about money” (trust, values, security) 00:03:14 How to start the conversation: vision, numbers, timeframes 00:04:24 Money personality types: saver / shopper / plodder 00:05:34 Gretchen Rubin tendencies: upholder, obliger, questioner, rebel 00:11:08 Saver vs shopper 00:13:24 Systems for couples: joint vs separate money + autonomy 00:15:58 Where to from here? 00:16:19 Outro

Why do so many smart, motivated people struggle to stick to money goals? You set the intention to save more, invest properly, or finally get organised, and then, a few weeks or months later, it falls apart. It’s not that you don’t care or don’t know what to do. It’s that your mindset and financial habits get in the way. In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Dom Vettise, a clinical and performance psychologist who specialises in helping people move from “pretty good” to world-class performance. Dom has worked in some of the most high-pressure environments imaginable, including with Olympic athletes, New Zealand Rugby, and the All Whites. These people who simply have to perform when the stakes are highest. What’s surprising is how directly that same psychology applies to everyday money decisions. The mental habits that determine whether an athlete performs under pressure are the same ones that shape your financial habits, from sticking to a savings plan, to following an investment strategy, to breaking the cycle of “I’ll start again next month.” In this conversation, we unpack: Why mindset matters more than motivation when it comes to money How stress and pressure sabotage financial decision-making The role of perfectionism in derailing progress Why self-sabotage shows up just as you’re starting to do well Practical ways to take control of your mental habits so your money goals actually stick Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #Investing #SavingMoney #GoalSetting #Mindset #HighPerformance #SportsPsychology #PerformancePsychology #NewZealand #Olympics Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:12 Meet Dom Vittice: from forensics to Olympic psychology 00:03:20 What it's really like working with elite athletes 00:07:26 Success leaves clues: learning from what goes right 00:11:29 The framework: understand me, be me, stay me 00:13:32 Reframing pressure: distress vs eustress 00:16:44 Breathwork and staying present under pressure 00:22:45 Mental filtering and disqualifying the positive 00:24:09 Staying motivated on long-term goals 00:28:54 The MILK reflection tool: memory, improvement, learning, courage 00:31:22 Courage requires fear: normalizing the hard stuff 00:40:56 Radical self-responsibility without self-blame 00:43:57 Self-compassion vs self-criticism in setbacks 00:45:40 ACT framework: acknowledge, calm, towards 00:47:44 The number one skill: attention 00:50:06 Perfectionism and good enough 00:52:28 Outro

Time to talk about what will actually move the needle for you in 2026, and help you feel more confident with your money. Whether it’s property, investing, KiwiSaver, or just feeling calmer about the decisions you’re making, we’re covering the things you actually need to know. We’ll be talking about what an election year really means for your money, how to think about the economy as it starts to turn, where people accidentally trip up during this phase, and how to set yourself up so your money feels easier, not harder, in 2026 Frances Cook brings in her favourite experts to tackle the different areas of your money that you should know more about: realestate.co.nz's Vanessa Williams, to answer your burning questions about the property market TVNZ business reporter Jason Walls, for the big picture on the economy and political forces in play this year EnableMe head strategic coach Katie Wesney, for the investing and KiwiSaver insights you need to know Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock

Money panic doesn’t always come from not having enough. Sometimes it comes from suddenly having far more than you ever expected - $8 million more, to be exact. This week’s Ask the Experts letter comes from a couple who spent 40 years dairy farming, living with constant debt and tight cashflow. Now they’ve sold the farm and their financial reality has flipped overnight. A dream problem? Maybe. But sudden wealth is notoriously risky. Will White from Heartland Bank is in the expert hotseat, to talk about how you protect a huge cash balance, avoid rushing into bad decisions, and turn a once-in-a-lifetime payout into a secure, comfortable retirement. If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode! Follow me everywhere! Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookNZ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@francescooknz Join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week https://www.francescook.co.nz/subscribe This podcast was filmed & produced by Fanaticals Video editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock #MakingCents #FrancesCook #MoneyMindset #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #TermDeposit #Windfall #SuddenWealth #ScamAwareness