Episode Details

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