The Real Cost of a Baby with Frances Cook
· 54 min
Episode The Real Cost of a Baby with Frances Cook
Bringing a new human into the world triggers a huge shift in our lives, and very often, a massive shift in our finances. From navigating paid parental leave and the zero-to-three money crunch to figuring out how to set your baby up with investments from birth, financial preparation can feel overwhelming fast.
In this episode of The Cyclist Pregnancy Miniseries, Jess is joined by financial journalist, host of Making Cents, and author Frances Cook. Frances shares her journey from self-described financial hot mess to one of New Zealand's most trusted money experts, breaking down everything pregnant mamas and new parents actually need to know about money, without the jargon, judgment, or guilt.
Together, Jess and Frances unpack the turning point where money changes from a panicky stressor into a powerful tool for life. Frances explains why time and money are best buddies, offering practical ways to keep your KiwiSaver and future investments ticking over while taking time out of the workforce so you don't fall behind. They get into the real talk on how to start joint money conversations with your partner by uncovering your core money values, and how to navigate the financial identity shifts that come with expanding your family.
They also tackle the practical realities of parenting finances right here in New Zealand. Frances breaks down how to set up investment accounts like Sharesies for your kids, using small contributions to teach them long-term financial literacy rather than just handing over a cash nest egg. From surviving NZ’s notoriously crunchy zero-to-three year period with minimal government support to calling out "guilt trip marketing," this conversation is packed with actionable advice, including why Facebook Marketplace and secondhand clothes are the ultimate hacks to save your money and your mental load.
This series is proudly brought to you by our headline sponsor, Pure Mama. Thoughtfully developed, genuinely clean bodycare for every stage of pregnancy and postpartum: https://www.puremama.com
And our supporting partner The Lactation Station, easy, practical products for pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding: https://www.thelactationstation.co.nz
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Website: wearethecyclist.com
Hit play. And send this episode to your partner or support crew so you can get on the same page before baby arrives.
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