In this episode of Untidy, Matty and Hannah chat to Frances Cook, the award-winning journalist, financial expert, and host of the chart-topping ‘Making Cents’ podcast. Frances shares her journey from being a self-proclaimed “financial hot mess” to becoming one of New Zealand’s most trusted voices in personal finance — making money and investing simple and achievable for everybody.

Frances shares her wisdom and wit on money mindsets, investing, KiwiSaver, and the financial decisions that will shift the dial no matter if you’ve got some to spare, or your living paycheck to paycheck. This episode is packed with relatable, practical advice and more than a few honest confessions!

Listen in for a robust discussion on how childhood experiences shape our money mindset, why women make betters investors, how a 10-minute tweak can double your Kiwisaver return, the ‘core-satellite strategy’ for investing Hannah and Matty accidentally nailed, why we need to “index and chill”, how to financially prepare for parental leave and raising kids, practical budgeting and saving hacks that you won’t hate, and, how to talk to kids about money without freaking them out.

Resources mentioned in the show:
Making Cents podcast
francescook.co.nz
Money made simple course
Investing made simple course
Books by Frances Cook — ‘Tales from a Financial Hot Mess’ & ‘Your Money, Your Future’
Sorted — Kiwisaver fund finder
Sharesies NZ
Kernel
Hatch
Investnow

Follow Frances on Instagram and TikTok for bite-sized but life-changing financial tips @francescooknz.

If you’re enjoying Untidy, we need your support by subscribing to the show in your podcast app and tapping the ‘+ follow’ button. You can also find us and subscribe on YouTube! That way, you’ll never miss an episode. Help us to keep building this supportive community – subscribe, share an episode with a mate, and chuck us a 5-star review. Thank you for listening, contributing and supporting our independent production! You’re the best!

Untidy is made for you – the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess we call parenthood! Follow the show and DM us on Instagram @untidypodcast or email hello@untidypodcast.com. Your stories and ideas to help us shape the show! Find us online at Untidy podcast. Find Matilda at @matootles and get your copy of The Feel Good Guide. Find Hannah at @hannahedavison and her My Big Moments children’s books at @mybigmoments. Enter code UNTIDY at checkout for 10% off your order.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.