Making Cents

Frances Cook and Lighthouse Financial wealth director James Blair dig into values based spending, and how to create a financial plan that isn't about hoarding cash but about making sure your money is working toward the life you actually want, now and in the future.

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Time for a raw, unfiltered Ask Me Anything episode of Making Cents! Financial journalist Frances Cook sits down to tackle your biggest money questions.

From practical strategies to break out of feeling stuck in a cost-of-living squeeze, to whether you should pay off your mortgage or invest in shares, Frances breaks down the plain-English rules of the money game.

In this episode:
Why trying to prioritise every money goal at once leads to burnout, and how to pick one achievable target
The reality of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)
Moving from "average" to actually getting ahead: the two levers that make or break your money
What to do when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and can't see a clear way forward financially
Should you invest in your employer’s share scheme? The risks of having all your eggs in one basket
How to get a reluctant partner on board with money goals without fighting
Mortgage vs Shares
The shifting risks around Airbnb investments vs traditional long-term rentals
Why index funds remain the core foundation of her own long-term investing strategy

Whether you're struggling to find breathing room in your budget or working towards full financial freedom, this episode breaks down real, practical steps to help you take control of your money on your own terms.

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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals

When headlines scream about the worst property downturn in 30 years, is it time to panic - or is it the buying opportunity you’ve been waiting for?

Prices are down, listings are flooding the market, and buyers have more choice than they’ve seen in years. But picking up a bargain isn’t as simple as buying any cheap property and hoping the market does the heavy lifting.

Ilse Wolfe, property investor and founder of Wolfe Property Coaching, joins Frances Cook on Making Cents to explain why market freezes are when seasoned investors make their move. From dodging identical new build traps to adding instant equity through smart cosmetic renovations, Ilse shares how to create your own safety buffer in a tricky economic climate.

In this episode:
Why a buyer's market creates an abundance of opportunity for prepared buyers
The "Sunday hangover" effect: navigating negative cash flow and high borrowing costs
Why identical new builds carry hidden risks for value and rent control
The three big structural red flags to watch out for during property due diligence
Why DIY "sweat equity" might cost you more than hiring a trusted trade team
What happens to house prices around election time and why waiting on the sidelines can cost you

Whether you're looking for your first home or weighing up an investment, this episode breaks down the practical strategies you need to take control of your property decisions in any market.

This episode of Making Cents is proudly supported by Odoo. Go to https://www.odoo.com/r/hpl now and try it for free, for 15 days.

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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals

Frances Cook joins the TVNZ Breakfast team to talk about the AI deepfake scam using her likeness to lure people into dodgy investment groups, and the red flags that can help you tell the difference between genuine financial advice and someone trying to take your money.
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What do you do when your home is worth less than what you paid for it, and the layout no longer works for your family? Can you actually renovate your way out of negative equity, or does pouring six figures into an extension just dig a deeper financial hole?

This week on Ask the Experts, Vanessa Williams from http://realestate.co.nz breaks down the real property data on what buyers are paying for, which renovations actually add resale value, and how to balance lifestyle needs against cold, hard financial decisions.

It’s a dilemma many Kiwi homeowners will recognise: should you renovate, cut your losses and sell, or reset your property goals entirely?

This episode covers:
- How the post-boom property correction is affecting Kiwi homeowners
- Why "renovating your way out of a loss" can be a dangerous financial trap
- The real property value change of adding bedrooms vs. adding bathrooms
- Why general home maintenance costs ($5k–$10k/year) shouldn't be counted as value-adding renovations
- The "devil you know vs. devil you don't" dilemma of selling an older home to buy another fixer-upper

If you have a letter you’d like us to answer, send it through to ask@francescook.co.nz and you might feature on our next episode!

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Production and video editing by Lana Byrne
Audio engineering by Tash Chittock
Filmed by Fanaticals