Frances Cook
@francescook.bsky.social
Caffeine-powered independent financial journalist. Like cats a bit much.
“It’s time to put your big girl undies on.”
A 46-year-old solo mum wrote in terrified about poverty in retirement.
Time to hustle? Yes.
Impossible? No.
We're breaking down the options, on the new Making Cents episode.
A 46-year-old solo mum wrote in terrified about poverty in retirement.
Time to hustle? Yes.
Impossible? No.
We're breaking down the options, on the new Making Cents episode.
November 26, 2025 at 4:34 AM
“It’s time to put your big girl undies on.”
A 46-year-old solo mum wrote in terrified about poverty in retirement.
Time to hustle? Yes.
Impossible? No.
We're breaking down the options, on the new Making Cents episode.
A 46-year-old solo mum wrote in terrified about poverty in retirement.
Time to hustle? Yes.
Impossible? No.
We're breaking down the options, on the new Making Cents episode.
Most people overpay their mortgage by thousands without realising it.
I cut mine by eight years… with $20.
New episode breaks down exactly how, plus the other strategies that actually work.
Linked next post.
I cut mine by eight years… with $20.
New episode breaks down exactly how, plus the other strategies that actually work.
Linked next post.
November 23, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Most people overpay their mortgage by thousands without realising it.
I cut mine by eight years… with $20.
New episode breaks down exactly how, plus the other strategies that actually work.
Linked next post.
I cut mine by eight years… with $20.
New episode breaks down exactly how, plus the other strategies that actually work.
Linked next post.
I genuinely don’t want to hear another fucking thing about this horrific Sanson fire. It’s awful. It’s so upsetting. There’s nothing I can do about it, and nothing to be gained from shoving it in my face with push alerts and breaking news banners. It’s grief porn. It’s awful. Stop.
November 17, 2025 at 1:32 AM
I genuinely don’t want to hear another fucking thing about this horrific Sanson fire. It’s awful. It’s so upsetting. There’s nothing I can do about it, and nothing to be gained from shoving it in my face with push alerts and breaking news banners. It’s grief porn. It’s awful. Stop.
Better food, lower cost, zero shame about finding delicious food that doesn't break the budget.
Chef Alice Taylor is talking ways to beat the cost of living crisis in the pantry... but also the wider problems with food prices. On the latest Making Cents podcast, linked next post.
Chef Alice Taylor is talking ways to beat the cost of living crisis in the pantry... but also the wider problems with food prices. On the latest Making Cents podcast, linked next post.
November 16, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Better food, lower cost, zero shame about finding delicious food that doesn't break the budget.
Chef Alice Taylor is talking ways to beat the cost of living crisis in the pantry... but also the wider problems with food prices. On the latest Making Cents podcast, linked next post.
Chef Alice Taylor is talking ways to beat the cost of living crisis in the pantry... but also the wider problems with food prices. On the latest Making Cents podcast, linked next post.
You can boycott your coffee. Post your outrage online.
But the most powerful vote you’ve got?
It’s sitting in your KiwiSaver.
How to use your KiwiSaver to make your voice heard, on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
But the most powerful vote you’ve got?
It’s sitting in your KiwiSaver.
How to use your KiwiSaver to make your voice heard, on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
November 9, 2025 at 6:31 AM
You can boycott your coffee. Post your outrage online.
But the most powerful vote you’ve got?
It’s sitting in your KiwiSaver.
How to use your KiwiSaver to make your voice heard, on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
But the most powerful vote you’ve got?
It’s sitting in your KiwiSaver.
How to use your KiwiSaver to make your voice heard, on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
Everyone’s obsessed with getting on the housing ladder, but what if the smarter move isn’t a house at all?
A Making Cents listener asked if commercial property could be the underrated way in.
Higher risk, higher return, and a few surprises along the way.. episode linked next post
A Making Cents listener asked if commercial property could be the underrated way in.
Higher risk, higher return, and a few surprises along the way.. episode linked next post
November 5, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Everyone’s obsessed with getting on the housing ladder, but what if the smarter move isn’t a house at all?
A Making Cents listener asked if commercial property could be the underrated way in.
Higher risk, higher return, and a few surprises along the way.. episode linked next post
A Making Cents listener asked if commercial property could be the underrated way in.
Higher risk, higher return, and a few surprises along the way.. episode linked next post
At 23, Ecoya CEO Claire Barnes lost $100k of her dad’s life-insurance money on a business that collapsed.
That fear of failure followed her for years, even as she turned Ecoya into a household name.
Now she's learned how to use that fear - and is even launching a new business.
That fear of failure followed her for years, even as she turned Ecoya into a household name.
Now she's learned how to use that fear - and is even launching a new business.
November 2, 2025 at 3:40 AM
At 23, Ecoya CEO Claire Barnes lost $100k of her dad’s life-insurance money on a business that collapsed.
That fear of failure followed her for years, even as she turned Ecoya into a household name.
Now she's learned how to use that fear - and is even launching a new business.
That fear of failure followed her for years, even as she turned Ecoya into a household name.
Now she's learned how to use that fear - and is even launching a new business.
If you're earning $6,000 a month, and spending $10,000 a month, how long can that last?
Not long.
Today we're answering a listener question, for where to start when life costs are spiralling out of control.
Episode linked next post!
Not long.
Today we're answering a listener question, for where to start when life costs are spiralling out of control.
Episode linked next post!
October 30, 2025 at 2:26 AM
If you're earning $6,000 a month, and spending $10,000 a month, how long can that last?
Not long.
Today we're answering a listener question, for where to start when life costs are spiralling out of control.
Episode linked next post!
Not long.
Today we're answering a listener question, for where to start when life costs are spiralling out of control.
Episode linked next post!
My first book was called “Tales from a Financial Hot Mess”. It was well named! And I am still the same person!
So if you’re someone like me, can we still get ahead financially without having a personality transplant?
Absolutely yes.
open.substack.com/pub/francesc...
So if you’re someone like me, can we still get ahead financially without having a personality transplant?
Absolutely yes.
open.substack.com/pub/francesc...
Inside my own money plan
The lazy guide to doing well with your cash
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:51 AM
My first book was called “Tales from a Financial Hot Mess”. It was well named! And I am still the same person!
So if you’re someone like me, can we still get ahead financially without having a personality transplant?
Absolutely yes.
open.substack.com/pub/francesc...
So if you’re someone like me, can we still get ahead financially without having a personality transplant?
Absolutely yes.
open.substack.com/pub/francesc...
A money myth I’ll happily bust: "good with money” doesn’t mean spreadsheets or daily discipline.
My money plan is lazy! Automation, multiple accounts, index funds, and it works.
Talked all about it (plus financial freedom + rebuilding in your 30s) on the latest Making Cents, linked next post
My money plan is lazy! Automation, multiple accounts, index funds, and it works.
Talked all about it (plus financial freedom + rebuilding in your 30s) on the latest Making Cents, linked next post
October 27, 2025 at 2:17 AM
A money myth I’ll happily bust: "good with money” doesn’t mean spreadsheets or daily discipline.
My money plan is lazy! Automation, multiple accounts, index funds, and it works.
Talked all about it (plus financial freedom + rebuilding in your 30s) on the latest Making Cents, linked next post
My money plan is lazy! Automation, multiple accounts, index funds, and it works.
Talked all about it (plus financial freedom + rebuilding in your 30s) on the latest Making Cents, linked next post
If you're worried about your job, and want to quickly boost your savings... how do you do that? And where is the smartest place to keep those savings?
A real sign of the times, but I'm answering this listener question on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
A real sign of the times, but I'm answering this listener question on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
October 23, 2025 at 7:31 AM
If you're worried about your job, and want to quickly boost your savings... how do you do that? And where is the smartest place to keep those savings?
A real sign of the times, but I'm answering this listener question on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
A real sign of the times, but I'm answering this listener question on the latest Making Cents podcast. Linked next post.
“Financial freedom” is often sold as needing a tech-level salary or Lotto win to achieve, and is then funnelled into afternoons lazing about on a yacht.
So the ordinary NZers who’ve managed it might surprise you.
www.stuff.co.nz/money/360862...
So the ordinary NZers who’ve managed it might surprise you.
www.stuff.co.nz/money/360862...
11 years to financial freedom? Here’s how ordinary New Zealanders did it
Financial freedom is more accessible than many of us realise, writes Frances Cook.
www.stuff.co.nz
October 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
“Financial freedom” is often sold as needing a tech-level salary or Lotto win to achieve, and is then funnelled into afternoons lazing about on a yacht.
So the ordinary NZers who’ve managed it might surprise you.
www.stuff.co.nz/money/360862...
So the ordinary NZers who’ve managed it might surprise you.
www.stuff.co.nz/money/360862...
What if financial freedom didn’t take a lifetime, or Lotto?
Ruth Henderson from The Happy Saver hit work-optional in just 11 years, on an ordinary income.
No tricks, no stock-picking, no inheritance.
Her story’s on the latest Making Cents, one of my favourite chats yet. Linked in the next post.
Ruth Henderson from The Happy Saver hit work-optional in just 11 years, on an ordinary income.
No tricks, no stock-picking, no inheritance.
Her story’s on the latest Making Cents, one of my favourite chats yet. Linked in the next post.
October 20, 2025 at 2:09 AM
What if financial freedom didn’t take a lifetime, or Lotto?
Ruth Henderson from The Happy Saver hit work-optional in just 11 years, on an ordinary income.
No tricks, no stock-picking, no inheritance.
Her story’s on the latest Making Cents, one of my favourite chats yet. Linked in the next post.
Ruth Henderson from The Happy Saver hit work-optional in just 11 years, on an ordinary income.
No tricks, no stock-picking, no inheritance.
Her story’s on the latest Making Cents, one of my favourite chats yet. Linked in the next post.
Working for billionaires looked like the dream, until Hannah saw what money without meaning really looks like.
It changed everything she thought about money. Now she's focused on freedom, not stress.
Using money to build a life, not just earn one, on Making Cents - linked next post.
It changed everything she thought about money. Now she's focused on freedom, not stress.
Using money to build a life, not just earn one, on Making Cents - linked next post.
October 13, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Working for billionaires looked like the dream, until Hannah saw what money without meaning really looks like.
It changed everything she thought about money. Now she's focused on freedom, not stress.
Using money to build a life, not just earn one, on Making Cents - linked next post.
It changed everything she thought about money. Now she's focused on freedom, not stress.
Using money to build a life, not just earn one, on Making Cents - linked next post.
The most expensive words in personal finance?
“I’ll start when I feel ready.”
You won’t. Confidence doesn’t come first, instead it’s built through tiny, repeatable wins.
The new Making Cents episode is all about rebuilding your money confidence, linked in next post!
“I’ll start when I feel ready.”
You won’t. Confidence doesn’t come first, instead it’s built through tiny, repeatable wins.
The new Making Cents episode is all about rebuilding your money confidence, linked in next post!
October 6, 2025 at 2:24 AM
The most expensive words in personal finance?
“I’ll start when I feel ready.”
You won’t. Confidence doesn’t come first, instead it’s built through tiny, repeatable wins.
The new Making Cents episode is all about rebuilding your money confidence, linked in next post!
“I’ll start when I feel ready.”
You won’t. Confidence doesn’t come first, instead it’s built through tiny, repeatable wins.
The new Making Cents episode is all about rebuilding your money confidence, linked in next post!
@haydendonnell.bsky.social you’re the only journo I can think of who’s up to the task - we need a come dine with me nz follow up, particularly on the “I only eat plain food” potatoes girl. Has she grown up? Does she admit she cheated, yet? Nz deserves to know
Seriously, she’s my Roman Empire 😅
Seriously, she’s my Roman Empire 😅
October 1, 2025 at 4:36 AM
@haydendonnell.bsky.social you’re the only journo I can think of who’s up to the task - we need a come dine with me nz follow up, particularly on the “I only eat plain food” potatoes girl. Has she grown up? Does she admit she cheated, yet? Nz deserves to know
Seriously, she’s my Roman Empire 😅
Seriously, she’s my Roman Empire 😅
I’m just genuinely a bit sad about Nigel Latta. He was a good guy. Deserved more time.
September 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM
I’m just genuinely a bit sad about Nigel Latta. He was a good guy. Deserved more time.
Walking away from stability is terrifying.
But sometimes the bigger risk is staying put.
That's why financial freedom isn’t about money, it’s about choices. To walk away, start over, rebuild something better.
My own story of burning it down and starting again on Making Cents, linked in next post.
But sometimes the bigger risk is staying put.
That's why financial freedom isn’t about money, it’s about choices. To walk away, start over, rebuild something better.
My own story of burning it down and starting again on Making Cents, linked in next post.
September 29, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Walking away from stability is terrifying.
But sometimes the bigger risk is staying put.
That's why financial freedom isn’t about money, it’s about choices. To walk away, start over, rebuild something better.
My own story of burning it down and starting again on Making Cents, linked in next post.
But sometimes the bigger risk is staying put.
That's why financial freedom isn’t about money, it’s about choices. To walk away, start over, rebuild something better.
My own story of burning it down and starting again on Making Cents, linked in next post.
One thing I love about having a 4yo is the incessant “why?” sends the whole family down Wikipedia rabbit holes.
Like guys, mammoths are so cool.
Steppe mammoths are like fricking HUGE.
Like guys, mammoths are so cool.
Steppe mammoths are like fricking HUGE.
September 15, 2025 at 8:26 AM
One thing I love about having a 4yo is the incessant “why?” sends the whole family down Wikipedia rabbit holes.
Like guys, mammoths are so cool.
Steppe mammoths are like fricking HUGE.
Like guys, mammoths are so cool.
Steppe mammoths are like fricking HUGE.
Early retirement sounds dreamy, until you realise nobody tells you about the dark side.
Captain FI saved 90% of his income in his 20s... then quit, hated it, and then “un-retired” into a life that actually works.
On this week’s Making Cents. Link in next post.
Captain FI saved 90% of his income in his 20s... then quit, hated it, and then “un-retired” into a life that actually works.
On this week’s Making Cents. Link in next post.
September 15, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Early retirement sounds dreamy, until you realise nobody tells you about the dark side.
Captain FI saved 90% of his income in his 20s... then quit, hated it, and then “un-retired” into a life that actually works.
On this week’s Making Cents. Link in next post.
Captain FI saved 90% of his income in his 20s... then quit, hated it, and then “un-retired” into a life that actually works.
On this week’s Making Cents. Link in next post.
Wild times as a PR attempts to pitch me an interview about how high interest debt is super great actually, and also gets the name of my podcast totally, entirely wrong. Lol. Would love to know how much she was paid for that shonky effort
September 9, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Wild times as a PR attempts to pitch me an interview about how high interest debt is super great actually, and also gets the name of my podcast totally, entirely wrong. Lol. Would love to know how much she was paid for that shonky effort
Red flags aren’t always buried in fine print.
Sometimes it’s the gut feeling in that first meeting.
If a financial adviser talks down to you, rushes you, or ignores your goals? 🚩
I’ve unpacked red (and green) flags for a financial adviser in this week’s pod! Linked next post
Sometimes it’s the gut feeling in that first meeting.
If a financial adviser talks down to you, rushes you, or ignores your goals? 🚩
I’ve unpacked red (and green) flags for a financial adviser in this week’s pod! Linked next post
September 8, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Red flags aren’t always buried in fine print.
Sometimes it’s the gut feeling in that first meeting.
If a financial adviser talks down to you, rushes you, or ignores your goals? 🚩
I’ve unpacked red (and green) flags for a financial adviser in this week’s pod! Linked next post
Sometimes it’s the gut feeling in that first meeting.
If a financial adviser talks down to you, rushes you, or ignores your goals? 🚩
I’ve unpacked red (and green) flags for a financial adviser in this week’s pod! Linked next post
Reposted by Frances Cook
My streaming subscription strategy is to run them in serial, not parallel.. get one, say, Netflix or Neon, suck it dry over two or three months, then cancel and get another, suck that dry and move on. With discipline you can get by with just one sub, maybe two, at any given time, not multiple subs.
September 1, 2025 at 11:08 PM
My streaming subscription strategy is to run them in serial, not parallel.. get one, say, Netflix or Neon, suck it dry over two or three months, then cancel and get another, suck that dry and move on. With discipline you can get by with just one sub, maybe two, at any given time, not multiple subs.
You could cut your insurance bill without switching providers.
The trick? Pay yearly, not monthly.
Same cover, lower cost.
Can’t pay a lump sum?
Set up mini-instalments yourself.
One of 8 cost of living hacks in this week’s Money Memo, linked in the next post!
The trick? Pay yearly, not monthly.
Same cover, lower cost.
Can’t pay a lump sum?
Set up mini-instalments yourself.
One of 8 cost of living hacks in this week’s Money Memo, linked in the next post!
September 1, 2025 at 10:31 PM
You could cut your insurance bill without switching providers.
The trick? Pay yearly, not monthly.
Same cover, lower cost.
Can’t pay a lump sum?
Set up mini-instalments yourself.
One of 8 cost of living hacks in this week’s Money Memo, linked in the next post!
The trick? Pay yearly, not monthly.
Same cover, lower cost.
Can’t pay a lump sum?
Set up mini-instalments yourself.
One of 8 cost of living hacks in this week’s Money Memo, linked in the next post!
Someone in NZ is making money picking up dog poop. 💩
Honestly? It’s smarter than most “passive income” schemes.
It's solving real problems people will pay to avoid.
Dog poop, laundry, tutoring. Money follows pain points.
Side hustles that work, and ones that don't, on Making Cents - next post!
Honestly? It’s smarter than most “passive income” schemes.
It's solving real problems people will pay to avoid.
Dog poop, laundry, tutoring. Money follows pain points.
Side hustles that work, and ones that don't, on Making Cents - next post!
September 1, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Someone in NZ is making money picking up dog poop. 💩
Honestly? It’s smarter than most “passive income” schemes.
It's solving real problems people will pay to avoid.
Dog poop, laundry, tutoring. Money follows pain points.
Side hustles that work, and ones that don't, on Making Cents - next post!
Honestly? It’s smarter than most “passive income” schemes.
It's solving real problems people will pay to avoid.
Dog poop, laundry, tutoring. Money follows pain points.
Side hustles that work, and ones that don't, on Making Cents - next post!