Building FU money on an average income - "Enough is not a number, it's a decision"
You don’t need a million dollars to reach financial freedom.In this episode of Making Cents, we’re breaking down how Germano Gomes built lifestyle freedom on an average income. No lottery win. No six-figure job. Just smart money moves.He paid off his mortgage in five years, lived simply, and built up enough FU money to say no to the traditional 9–5. All while still enjoying the things that matter most.Now? He works part of the year, travels the world, and funds it with casual jobs on his terms.This approach is sometimes called Barista FIRE. It’s a version of early retirement where you save and invest just enough to cover the basics, and use flexible work to fund the fun.It means more freedom, sooner.We talk:- How he hit financial independence without a high income- The exact strategy he used to pay off his house fast- Why he walked away from property investing- How much he actually spends now- And the mindset shift that made it all possible“Enough is not a number — it’s a decision.”Hit play to find out how he made his.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Major money changes you need to know: protect your savings account, KiwiSaver cuts, and grocery fights
There’s a wave of major money changes rolling through New Zealand, hitting everything from where you keep your savings, to what’s in your KiwiSaver, to the price of your weekly groceries.In this live Making Cents episode, Frances Cook is joined by Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy to break down what actually matters, and what you should do next.We cover:- The new bank protection rules, under the Depositor Compensation Scheme. What the $100,000 guarantee really means, and how to make sure you’re covered- KiwiSaver contribution cuts. What’s changed, who loses out, and whether it’s still worth it- Grocery price wars. Are the watchdogs finally growing teeth, or are we stuck with sky-high bills?- The surcharge ban, and will that mean lower fees for you, or just higher prices everywhere else?Whether you’re saving for a house, trying to retire, or just want to stop bleeding money at the checkout, this episode gives you the clear, practical info you need, so that you can stay savvy with your money.Smart questions, straight answers, with one of New Zealand’s top consumer advocates.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The real estate standoff: Buyers, sellers, and the gap no one wants to close
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.Buyers vs Sellers: What’s really happening in NZ’s housing market right now?In this episode of Ask the Experts, we dive into the growing standoff between buyers and sellers in New Zealand’s property market.House prices are falling across much of the country, but many sellers are refusing to budge, holding out for a rebound that may not arrive anytime soon.While some homeowners can afford to wait, others are facing real pressure to sell in a soft market.So what happens when seller expectations clash with property market reality? And is this a golden opportunity for buyers to make a move?Frances Cook is joined by Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz to unpack:What’s happening with New Zealand house prices in 2025Why sellers are holding out, and what might force them to actHow long most people can afford to wait before sellingHow often Kiwis actually sell their homes (and how that changes in a downturn)The smartest strategies for both buyers and sellers in the current marketIf you’re trying to decide whether to buy or sell in 2025, this episode will give you the insight you need to make confident property decisions.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Being too polite could cost you $240,850
What if being polite was secretly draining your bank account?Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, a financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.In this episode of Making Cents, I'm breaking down how to negotiate better rates, reduce your cost of living, and stop overpaying on bills, with simple phrases that could save you $240,850.This is your guide to asking for more (without being a diva).You’ll learn:How to save money on everyday expensesWhat a 0.5% interest rate discount could really save youThe best phrases to use when negotiating with banks, power companies, or phone providersHow to build lifelong money-saving habitsWhy “being nice” doesn’t have to mean paying moreChange your mindset on this, and watch it change every area of your life. This is one of those episodes that could literally change your financial future.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How to get your boss to pay for your insurance
Hate paying for insurance? What if you didn’t have to?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.Insurance is one of those financial to-dos that’s easy to ignore, until it’s suddenly urgent.It can be confusing, expensive, and way too easy to shove to the bottom of your priorities list. But here’s the thing: New Zealanders are underinsured, with coverage rates well below the OECD average.So what’s actually worth paying for? What can you skip?And… is there a way to get someone else to pay for your insurance?In this episode, I’m joined by Willie Moala, national insurance lead at AdviceFirst, to break down the smart ways to cut insurance costs, the underrated workplace perks you might be missing, and the cover you’ll be grateful to have when life throws you a curveball.If you're looking to save money, protect your income, or just finally get insurance sorted, this episode is your guide.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The podcast for people who want financial freedom, without giving up their coffee.That means it's time to make the money world make cents. Join Frances Cook, best-selling author and award-winning journalist, to talk about the proven ways to invest your way to financial independence, buy your first home, or just get your spending under control.Every Monday we have the week's feature interview, with someone who's done something interesting with their money. From paying off a mountain of debt, or investing for financial independence, or starting a new business, these are the ordinary people making the extraordinary possible.On Thursday we have Ask the Experts, where industry insiders answer your questions on the money world. From earning more in your career, to investing, or sticking to a budget, they'll help make money simple.Every now and then you'll get a bonus episode too, but the fun of those is that you never know when they're coming! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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