Cooking the Books with Frances Cook

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to spot the true ethical investments that aren't greenwashing. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the shift in how bitcoin is treated by the mainstream finance world. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the best strategy to take to actually make an ethical impact. Hosted by Frances Cook. This episode is brought to you by Milford Asset Management. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's whether truly passive income is possible. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to be boujee on a budget. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week, BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackle a different money problem. Today, it's how “impact investing” is taking over the ethical space. Hosted by Frances Cook. This episode is brought to you by Milford Asset Management.  If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's a live event brought to you by the New Zealand Shareholder's Association featuring women talking about how they used the sharemarket to create independence. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how sole traders can still protect their future finances, in a tough economic environment. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to help your kids feel confident in the money world. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you want to join the Investing Made Simple course for April, you can find out more at Frances Cook's website here If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how economics becomes the engine room behind your money. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's what you can do to manage stress levels at work. Hosted by Frances Cook. This episode is brought to you by AIA New Zealand. What do you do if you love your job, but it's stressing you out? That's the question many financial advisers seem to be asking themselves, after wellbeing research showed 50% say they feel burned out or stressed, and 52% saying they feel as though they can never keep up. That's from the New Zealand Financial Advisers Wellbeing Report 2023, supported by AIA New Zealand. The issue being only 10% of them say they aren't happy in their job. So when there's a lot happening, but you don't want to quit, how do you manage it all? For the latest episode I talked to Sharron Botica, Chief Distribution Officer at AIA New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's first home tricks that can help you over the line. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the August 2018 episode "What's the best investment for your life stage?", with Mark Lister from Craig's Investment Partners. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's first home tricks that can help you over the line. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackle a different money problem. Today, it's how mortgage rule changes will impact everyone from first-home buyers to investors. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the July 2019 episode "How to fix a bad credit history", with Dan York from Harmoney. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to find the best KiwiSaver options for a wealthy retirement. Hosted by Frances Cook. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how a couple retired early for more family time. Hosted by Frances Cook. Retiring early while your kids are still young enough to actually want to hang out with you? A dream, surely. Well this couple managed it, through a combination of property investing, and very frugal living, hitting their goal number in their early 30s. They don't feel as though they missed out on life though, far from it – so here's what they decided to keep and cut, as they raced to early retirement. For the latest podcast I talked to Aleisha Rutherford.  If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the August 2021 episode "The argument against maximising your KiwiSaver contributions", with David Boyle from Mint Asset Management. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's why investors are turning away from meme stocks, to more traditional investing methods. Hosted by Frances Cook. It's been a wild few years on the share market. When interest rates were so low, other types of investments didn't seem too interesting, so investors flooded to shares.That led to a sugar rush on the market, sky rocketing values, and trends like meme stocks taking over social media. Well as anyone can tell you after a binge on junk food, sometimes you're left craving a salad, and it seems that's what investors are feeling now. The more boring side of investing is making a comeback, along with other types of investments like bonds, and even savings accounts. So here's what to know as we head into another fun year of making the most of our money. For the latest podcast I talked to Dean Anderson from Kernel. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the February 2020 episode "How to tell an ethical KiwiSaver from a greenwashed one", with Mindful Money founder and CEO Barry Coates. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the hidden tricks to a successful AirBnB listing. Hosted by Frances Cook. With life more expensive by the day, plenty of people are looking for ways to bring in more money. One popular option I've seen people go for is using AirBnB, whether it's just a room in their house, or renting out the whole thing, while they go and stay with family members for a holiday. The problem with AirBnb is that it can be trickier than it looks at first. Customers can be fussy, and a lot depends on getting some gorgeous photos to really sell the place. There are some tricks to make that listing pop though, and they don't have to cost much, either. For the latest podcast I talked to Kellie Richardson, from Kurved by Design. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the November 2018 episode "How to successfully make money from your hobbies", with Xero's then-Managing Director for New Zealand and Pacific, Craig Hudson. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the longterm planning that can make a big difference to your finances. Hosted by Frances Cook. Having kids is a joy and delight, but often also a big hit to the finances, and even the career. It's a busy new schedule, and as parents try to figure it out, there's a particular pattern that often crops up. In a heterosexual couple, often the pair look at who's earning more, and do a bit of ‘couple maths', deciding that if the woman earns less it's her who should go down a gear in her career. But this can have big impacts on future earnings, as well as planning for the future, such as your KiwiSaver. So how do you figure it out, so that it's a deal everyone is happy with? For the latest interview I talked to Ellen Hooper, career coach and co-founder of the Growth Collective. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the February 2020 episode "How to tell an ethical KiwiSaver from a greenwashed one", with Mindful Money founder and CEO Barry Coates. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how the push to work from home changed the commercial property game. Hosted by Frances Cook. When you think about investing into property you probably think about buying a house, renting it to someone, and acting as a landlord. But an area that's often overlooked is commercial property, such as shops, or office buildings. They're more expensive, but become achievable for the everyday investor when they're part of something like a fund. Just like investing in shares, you pool your money with other investors, and then get a slice of the profits. But with the work from home revolution, insurance costs going up, and interest rates still high, is commercial property still the cash cow it once was? For the latest podcast I talked to Scott McKenzie, CEO of PMG Funds.  If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the August 2019 episode "the NZ couple who paid off $566k of debt in three years", with Bradie Claydon. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the likely good and bad in the year ahead. Hosted by Frances Cook. New year, new us, new money problems. After a 2023 where we battled falling house prices, rising interest rates, and eye wateringly expensive cost of living… what's next? I rallied the troops to help us peer into the crystal ball and predict the good, bad, and in between that could be heading our way for 2024. For the latest podcast I talked to Pattrick Smellie, editor at BusinessDesk, and Liam Dann, business editor-at-large for the New Zealand Herald. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the June 2023 episode "from living paycheque to paycheque, to mortgage free, in just seven years", with Cathy Anderson from Curated Money. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the February 2023 episode "Is it still worth investing in property?" with Ed McKnight from Opes Partners. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how fake sales can lead to a overspend, and debt spiral. Hosted by Frances Cook. Christmas is an expensive time of year, which can leave us vulnerable to tricky sales tactics, and getting pulled into a debt spiral. Figures out from PriceSpy show some shops even indulge in ‘fake sales' – the recent Black Friday sales saw 15% of products actually have a price increase before the sale was announced, so that the shop could claim a bigger percentage drop, and trigger our love of a bargain. Meanwhile 16% of products had a price increase so steep, they were actually more expensive than before, even with a supposed sale going on. I'd like to think we won't be repeating that on Boxing Day sales, but the cynical side of me feels it's likely. The push to spend alongside these types of tactics can lead to some of us swiping our credit cards to make it all happen. So how can we reduce the need for debt in the first place, and what do we do if we've already racked some up? For the latest podcast I talked to Money Sweetspot co-founder and CEO Sasha Lockley. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the February 2023 episode "How to baby-proof your finances… kind of", with Cat Emerson from Kernel. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to fight back when fraud is committed in your name. Hosted by Frances Cook. It's the sort of thing that makes for a good scary headline, but you might never think could happen to you. Having your identity stolen, so that people can commit fraud and dodgy financial dealings in your name, while you suffer the consequences. Well you might be surprised to learn just how easily it can happen, and just how hard it is to stop. One New Zealander has discovered exactly that, but as he's battled the issue, found techniques that stopped the debt collectors in their tracks. For the latest podcast I spoke to Keith Ng. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the December 2019 episode "how other NZers stay on budget over Christmas", with Tom Hartmann, from the Commission for Financial Capability. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week, BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackle a different money problem. Today, it's how your KiwiSaver could be working harder for you. Hosted by Frances Cook. Let's start with the good - I'm a huge fan of KiwiSaver. It helps you save up for a first home or retirement, when it can be daunting to do so by yourself. It's also full of little sweeteners, such as the employer contribution and Government contribution, which can double your money from the start. But now on to the bad, and look, there are some dark clouds. When you look at KiwiSaver compared to other countries, it could be doing more for us. The amount you put in is quite low, so you could think you're dutifully saving for retirement and still come up short once you hit the golden years. The Government contribution is nice and all, but you do still get taxed on the money going in, while other countries give much higher tax breaks to help your savings go further. For the latest podcast, I talked to Sharesies co-founder and co-chief executive Leighton Roberts. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it.  I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how to sell your business for a tidy profit. Hosted by Frances Cook. Even the most successful business owner at some point faces the decision to step back, and let someone else take over. If handled right, exiting the business can mean a sale for a tidy profit, and an easier retirement. But it does take preparation to make the most of it. For the latest podcast, I talked to Andrew Martin, regional director for the Strategic Specialists Group. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it.  I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here. This podcast contains general information only, not professional advice. BNZ and NZME are not liable for any losses resulting from this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how a bit of personal marketing can land you the dream job. Hosted by Frances Cook. It's never been more needed, but more difficult, to get a pay rise. The cost of living is shooting up, making it difficult for many people to pay the bills. But the economy is also fairly rough, and businesses aren't handing out fat pay packets just because you ask nicely. That doesn't mean it's impossible, though. Often you know that you have the skills, the work ethic, and the results to justify being paid well. The problem is how you communicate that to the people in charge of the purse strings. For the latest podcast I talked to Rosie McCarthy, founder and CEO of Badass Careers. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the September 2019 episode "the most successful ways to travel on a budget", with Herald travel editor Stephanie Holmes If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week, BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackle a different money problem. Today, it's how to check if your KiwiSaver is working as hard for you as it should be. Hosted by Frances Cook. It's the things we know we should do, but never quite get around to, that can be killers in the money world. So I winced, but wasn't all the surprised, when new research rolled across my desk showing that ignoring your KiwiSaver could mean you have $88,000 less in there by the time you retire. That's from the new KiwiSaver Value for Money report, from National Capital. Even if you've figured out what type of fund you should be in, such as growth or conservative, different providers can give you a better return. Sticking with a provider that isn't doing so well could cost you big time, or in this case, an average of $88,000. Retirement can feel so far away that it's easy to ignore - you tell yourself you'll get around to it soon. Then there's a panic on at the finish line when you realise you've run out of time to make the easy changes that could have saved you tens of thousands of dollars. The good news is that it can be quite easy to make a few tweaks to your KiwiSaver, then sit back and reap the rewards. For the latest podcast, I talked to National Capital director Clive Fernandes.For the interview, listen to the podcast here. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's all about staying successful in challenging times. Hosted by Frances Cook.  It's been a rough time for business lately, with a maybe yes maybe no recession that appeared and then disappeared just as quickly.  But in reality, there are always challenges in the business world.  The key is how you tackle them.  For the latest podcast, I talked to Liam Dann, Herald Business editor at large.  If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it.  I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here. This podcast contains general information only, not professional advice. BNZ and NZME are not liable for any losses resulting from this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how one family managed to travel the world on a shoestring budget. Hosted by Frances Cook. Many of us will have thought of chucking in the day job and travelling the world, but it's not always so easy to turn into reality. Particularly if you have children – you obviously have to consider their schooling, extra costs from extra people, and also just whether they'll be able to handle it. Well, this family did it, and managed to make it work permanently. They decided to quit the 9-5 when the kids were teenagers, and take off on a year long trip around the world. It went so well, they decided it was time to become nomads permanently, setting up their own business to allow them to earn money remotely while they travelled. For the latest podcast I talked to Liz Deacle, host of the NZ Ahead podcast. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the ways to make a boring budget a bit happier. Hosted by Frances Cook. Let's start with the elephant in the room, nobody likes the idea of a budget.It immediately makes you think of cutting back, restricting, losing the little things that make life enjoyable. But there's also the reality that times are tough, and creating financial security means knowing where your money is going, and taking control of it so that you can have savings, and even investments. So how do you take control of your money, while still having a fun life? We've got some techniques to help. For the latest podcast I talked to Jessica Irvine, personal finance expert, and author of four books including the latest, The Money Diary. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's all about the tricks to boost your cashflow. Hosted by Frances Cook. One of the biggest killers for business is the pure and simple reality of cashflow. So, today's quick hit is all about getting to the heart of this problem, with four factors that can get that money coming into your business. For the latest podcast, I talked to BNZ head of business development Matt Carnell.  If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here. This podcast contains general information only, not professional advice. BNZ and NZME are not liable for any losses resulting from this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's why interest rates have changed the favoured investment types. Hosted by Frances Cook. Interest rates have rocketed up both in New Zealand and around the world, and it's safe to say, it's changed the maths for a lot of investors. While savings accounts, term deposits, and bonds were all a bit miserable for a while there, now they're making more money. You may well be watching this trend and thinking hmm, I'd like to dabble. But what's the best option for you, and how should you weigh it up against other money priorities? For the latest podcast I talked to Stuart Williams, managing director of Nikko Asset Management New Zealand. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the April 2018 episode "How to stop emotions hurting your finances", with Martin Hawes, Authorised Financial Advisor. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the reliability (or not) of AI and your money. Hosted by Frances Cook. • Check out Frances Cook's new money course, Money Made Simple, at francescook.co.nz, for a masterclass on everything from setting goals, creating a spending plan that works, mastering debt, beginning to invest, and understanding your KiwiSaver. Everyone is abuzz about AI, and of course, that means people are hunting for ways to use it to make money.Some obvious benefits spring to mind – pulling information quickly, and cheaply, to help guide your decisions.But there are obvious drawbacks, too.AI has a reputation for pulling some sometimes, rather funky information. Depending on what system you're using, ask the wrong question, and the computer will just plain old make something up.So what does the money world make of AI developments, and can we use it in a way that helps us, not hinders?For the latest podcast I talked to Charlie Meaden, co-founder of Gembot.ai If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. Here is a link to the audience survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRF9TBG I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's all about expanding your customer base by going international. Hosted by Frances Cook. When you're on the hunt for customers, you usually would like as many as possible. One way to increase those numbers is to increase the size of your hunting ground, by taking your business international. Of course, that is better suited to some businesses than others, and you might need to change tactics in order for it to work. For the latest podcast, I talked to David Downs, CEO of the New Zealand Story. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here. This podcast contains general information only, not professional advice. BNZ and NZME are not liable for any losses resulting from this podcast. T&Cs apply to BNZ products and services.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's the changes coming from open banking law changes, and a Commerce Commission investigation. Hosted by Frances Cook. • Check out Frances Cook's new money course, Money Made Simple, at francescook.co.nz, for a masterclass on everything from setting goals, creating a spending plan that works, mastering debt, beginning to invest, and understanding your KiwiSaver. Your bank account is a fairly central part of your money life, and it's currently undergoing changes from many different angles. The Commerce Commission is investigating whether our big banks are overcharging, and whether there's enough competition. There are problems with fraud and scams, and questions over whether the banks are doing enough to stop it happening. And there is change underway for open banking, to let you take control of your own data, and use your banking information to help your financial life run more smoothly. It's a lot, and you will start to see changes in how you interact with your bank because of it. How to figure it out? Well it's a fairly complicated area, but I've found someone who has the know-how to actually make it interesting. Local boy done good Adrian Smith spent years with the big banks in the UK, learning how some of the best in the business get it done, and is now back in NZ, as one of those at the forefront of the change makers in our financial sector. For the latest podcast I talked to Adrian Smith chief product officer and co-founder of Blinkpay. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highlight clip from the January 2018 episode "could you retire at 30?", with Alpha Leung.  If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's how it works if you're interested in riskier investments should as margin lending or crypto. Hosted by Frances Cook. • Check out Frances Cook's new money course, Money Made Simple, at francescook.co.nz, for a masterclass on everything from setting goals, creating a spending plan that works, mastering debt, beginning to invest, and understanding your KiwiSaver. If you pay attention to the money world long enough, you'll hear about some interesting investments that give you a walk on the wild side.There are plenty of money gurus who'll tell you you just need to be courageous, dive in, and you'll be rich in no time.It's easy to wonder, if you're serious about investing, should you be looking into these options?Do you need to learn about margin lending, contracts for difference, or crypto, if you're taking your money future seriously?Spoiler alert, no, you don't need to go there, and they're not financial products I invest in myself.But frankly, if we only leave these topics to the ‘gurus', then it'll end up with a conversation that's all hype, and no substance.Besides, a walk on the wild side of investing can be pretty interesting, even if you don't want to put any money there yourself.For the latest podcast I talked to Darcy Ungaro, financial adviser and host of the Everyday Investor podcast. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week BusinessDesk and the NZ Herald's Cooking the Books podcast tackles a different money problem. Today, it's all about finding the growth strategy to take you to the top. Hosted by Frances Cook. Once upon a time, doing well in business meant competing with someone down the road, or if you did really well, others throughout New Zealand. Now, whatever your size, you're often having to compete globally from day one. So growing your business has challenges, from day one. Luckily, a seasoned competitor is ready to share her insights into what makes successful businesses stand out from the pack. For the latest podcast, I talked to Debbie Humphrey from D/Srupt. If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here. This podcast contains general information only, not professional advice. BNZ and NZME are not liable for any losses resulting from this podcast. T&Cs apply to BNZ products and services.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.