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Tales from a Financial Hot Mess
The realest guide to money ... and how to have more of it.
Are you stymied by debt? Clueless about where your paychecks go?
Journalist, podcaster and reformed money mess Frances Cook is here for you.
Tales from a Financial Hot Mess is the story of Frances getting her money sh*t sorted. With no idea where she was going wrong and what to do about it, she took it upon herself to learn from the best – and soon found out that the fixes were right in front of her the whole time. (She just needed to wise up a bit.)
Frances learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Dishing up a brilliant, often hilarious personal narrative, proven financial advice, handy how-tos (and please-don’ts) and many expert insights (from 22 actual experts), this book will guide you along the rocky path to financial freedom – however that might look for you.
Tales from a Financial Hot Mess is the real deal – not another bulleted, tabled, graphed lecture from a financial advisor who’s never had issues with money. Read it and enjoy – who knows, you might learn a thing or two.
What have you got to lose?
Are you stymied by debt? Clueless about where your paychecks go?
Journalist, podcaster and reformed money mess Frances Cook is here for you.
Tales from a Financial Hot Mess is the story of Frances getting her money sh*t sorted. With no idea where she was going wrong and what to do about it, she took it upon herself to learn from the best – and soon found out that the fixes were right in front of her the whole time. (She just needed to wise up a bit.)
Frances learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Dishing up a brilliant, often hilarious personal narrative, proven financial advice, handy how-tos (and please-don’ts) and many expert insights (from 22 actual experts), this book will guide you along the rocky path to financial freedom – however that might look for you.
Tales from a Financial Hot Mess is the real deal – not another bulleted, tabled, graphed lecture from a financial advisor who’s never had issues with money. Read it and enjoy – who knows, you might learn a thing or two.
What have you got to lose?
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
43 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Frances Cook
2 books8 followersFrances Cook is a reformed money mess, currently managing podcasts for the New Zealand Herald, Newstalk ZB, and RadioSport. She is best known for hosting the personal finance podcast 'Cooking the Books', one of New Zealand’s top podcasts.
Gaining a Master’s in Media Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, Frances went on to work as a journalist, first at RadioLive then NewstalkZB, before moving to cover politics for ZB. She more recently made the switch to work at the Herald, first as a senior multimedia journalist, and now in her podcast role.
As well as hosting ‘Cooking the Books’, Frances also hosts ‘The Front Page’, which goes behind the scenes of the biggest investigations out of the Herald newsroom. She is the executive producer of podcasts ‘Speaking Secrets’ and ‘Trip Notes’, with others in the pipeline. She is a regular commentator for Newstalk ZB radio shows, particularly on politics and personal finance matters.
Gaining a Master’s in Media Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, Frances went on to work as a journalist, first at RadioLive then NewstalkZB, before moving to cover politics for ZB. She more recently made the switch to work at the Herald, first as a senior multimedia journalist, and now in her podcast role.
As well as hosting ‘Cooking the Books’, Frances also hosts ‘The Front Page’, which goes behind the scenes of the biggest investigations out of the Herald newsroom. She is the executive producer of podcasts ‘Speaking Secrets’ and ‘Trip Notes’, with others in the pipeline. She is a regular commentator for Newstalk ZB radio shows, particularly on politics and personal finance matters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 1, 2019
I must disclaim that my sister wrote this book - I think anyone with younger sisters will be well aware that this wouldn't result in a biased rating, but just in case - I've written this as objectively as I possibly could.
Tales from a Financial Hot Mess is the book-of-the-podcast Cooking the Books, a financial advice/information podcast that's been around for two years now (and well worth the listen - again, my totally unbiased opinion ;))
This is a book full of advice for people who actually want to continue living their lives while they manage their money - be that getting on top of a mess, improving a situation that's already ok, or just simply increasing their knowledge on how to make their money work for them. You don't have to be in dire straits to know you could be doing better, after all, and the advice found here is the kind that works for anyone's situation.
We've all read the articles that talk about giving up coffee or avocado toast, and not only is that NOT what this book wants to do, it actively calls those articles out for being full of it. No, what lies within these pages is advice that works for people at any stage of the money management journey, but more importantly, people who live in the real world.
It's also compulsively readable. I sped through it, despite my eyes having a tendency to bounce off a page as soon as we're dealing with too many numbers, because it's written in an easy and conversational style that's frank while completely judgement-free. It helps that Frances is open about her own financial struggles, while managing to show how far she's come without coming across as braggy. It's a fine line!
In short, though some of the advice (most particularly about specific financial tools and apps) is New Zealand-centric, there's information in here that can help everyone. Biased or not, I heartily recommend it, and I'm even going to take a lot of the advice.
Tales from a Financial Hot Mess is the book-of-the-podcast Cooking the Books, a financial advice/information podcast that's been around for two years now (and well worth the listen - again, my totally unbiased opinion ;))
This is a book full of advice for people who actually want to continue living their lives while they manage their money - be that getting on top of a mess, improving a situation that's already ok, or just simply increasing their knowledge on how to make their money work for them. You don't have to be in dire straits to know you could be doing better, after all, and the advice found here is the kind that works for anyone's situation.
We've all read the articles that talk about giving up coffee or avocado toast, and not only is that NOT what this book wants to do, it actively calls those articles out for being full of it. No, what lies within these pages is advice that works for people at any stage of the money management journey, but more importantly, people who live in the real world.
It's also compulsively readable. I sped through it, despite my eyes having a tendency to bounce off a page as soon as we're dealing with too many numbers, because it's written in an easy and conversational style that's frank while completely judgement-free. It helps that Frances is open about her own financial struggles, while managing to show how far she's come without coming across as braggy. It's a fine line!
In short, though some of the advice (most particularly about specific financial tools and apps) is New Zealand-centric, there's information in here that can help everyone. Biased or not, I heartily recommend it, and I'm even going to take a lot of the advice.
January 13, 2024
A life changing eight hours of reading: starting 2024 off on the right foot! I found it really useful to dive into FC’s practical, NZ focused and no-nonsense perspective alongside reading the more philosophical US/Aus financial feminism books that helped me feel understood/seen and less intimidated. Zoomed through this - grateful to Bridgo for the recommendation and to have read this in my early/mid twenties, having just spent all my savings on travel and beginning full time work on Monday… 🤩
May 9, 2025
Finally a book about money management I could resonate with, delivered in a non judgemental way. Would recommend if you want to read something that talks about impulse spending and the potential spiral (it starts with this, rather than just suggesting you make a budget without doing some digging about why they might be hard to stick to). The author also shares her own experience which helps with seeing how you could implement change yourself.
February 14, 2020
I've followed Frances' podcast (Cooking the Books) for about a year and a bit now, and so was super excited about her book.
And even though I'm about 10 chapters in to her process (ie, I'm saving and investing and paying down the mortgage and otherwise consumer-debt free, and we've had those hard discussions), I could still appreciate the story telling and the framing of the advice.
Those who regularly read FIRE-community type books will only find re-affirmation in here.
So I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start on their financial journey, who wants to make sure they aren't living paycheck to paycheck, and to read about how another everyday kiwi, on an everyday income has managed to pull themselves out of a hole and make stability possible.
I'm handing it on to my husband next, since he doesn't read the books / listen to the same podcasts I do. While we're on the same page generally, I reckon this will solidify for him that I'm not just making this stuff up! :)
Thanks Frances!
And even though I'm about 10 chapters in to her process (ie, I'm saving and investing and paying down the mortgage and otherwise consumer-debt free, and we've had those hard discussions), I could still appreciate the story telling and the framing of the advice.
Those who regularly read FIRE-community type books will only find re-affirmation in here.
So I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start on their financial journey, who wants to make sure they aren't living paycheck to paycheck, and to read about how another everyday kiwi, on an everyday income has managed to pull themselves out of a hole and make stability possible.
I'm handing it on to my husband next, since he doesn't read the books / listen to the same podcasts I do. While we're on the same page generally, I reckon this will solidify for him that I'm not just making this stuff up! :)
Thanks Frances!
March 30, 2020
Boy I wish I’d been able to read this book 10 years ago! It’s an easy to understand book, explaining how best to set yourself up for financial success in NZ. Things like being in the right KiwiSaver fund, how to invest your savings, and all the other information is crucial and can be hard to find without getting into the confusing depths of the business section in the newspaper.
January 12, 2021
So glad I read this as an early twenty something. Some massive lessons to be learned and some hard truths I had to face. This the most realistic book I’ve read, a normal person telling other normal people how to be savvy with money. So glad I picked this one up and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is trying to work on their financial situation, regardless of income
April 8, 2023
I learned a lot from this book. By already making some immediate changes, I can my money go further and also not have to be fixate on watching it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who feels they need a few extra tips and tricks to work their money better.
December 23, 2021
Content – This book is written to be directed towards New Zealanders and their money habits. The author lets the reader in on some of her own personal struggles with finances and makes it relatable. The book is easy to read, no hard jargon and written in a “laid back” way. It was easy to follow along, enjoyable, and informative. It tries to inform the reader on ways they can set up their finances here in New Zealand in a non-judgemental way.
Overall – The book itself was easy to read, relevant to myself as I live in New Zealand and talked about financial products that I have access to in a way that was relatable. I did like the book, however in comparison to books such as barefoot investor this book did not hold much more “new” content. It was nice to read a book directed towards New Zealand finances.
Recommendation – I recommend to anyone in New Zealand that would like some “laid back” advice on the financial products and tools available to us without the products being pushed onto the reader. It was informative but not mind-blowing for anyone who has already read financial literature. Age range felt aimed towards Teenagers and Young Adults.
Overall – The book itself was easy to read, relevant to myself as I live in New Zealand and talked about financial products that I have access to in a way that was relatable. I did like the book, however in comparison to books such as barefoot investor this book did not hold much more “new” content. It was nice to read a book directed towards New Zealand finances.
Recommendation – I recommend to anyone in New Zealand that would like some “laid back” advice on the financial products and tools available to us without the products being pushed onto the reader. It was informative but not mind-blowing for anyone who has already read financial literature. Age range felt aimed towards Teenagers and Young Adults.
September 21, 2021
It is difficult finding financial books that are entirely contextual for New Zealand, but this is a good start. It is basic and not comprehensive, but if you have no clue what you are doing with your money it is a good place to start.
February 26, 2024
Frances Cook's "Tales from a Financial Hot Mess: the realest guide to money... and how to have more of it" is a mix of general personal finance advice woven in with her personal experiences with common topics that arise in the world of managing your own money. I absolutely devoured this book! I had fallen off the bandwagon of reading regularly and have committed to getting back into it this year and this is my second book since deciding that.
I'm notoriously slow at reading and finished this book in a week. Frances writes how she speaks in her podcast/on her social media platforms. She writes as if you're having a conversation over a coffee, making a topic like personal finance a lot less stressful (and a lot less boring) to read. I really appreciated her approach of not trying to remove all of the small joys from your life (aka regular brunch catch ups etc) but rather focusing on macro changes.
Another great thing about this book (aside from it being one of the few finance books I've come across that are New Zealand-based and thus makes sense for me being based here) is that Frances laid out the chapters in this book in the way she suggests they're meant to be addressed so that you can make your money work best for you without being caught out by the unexpected that inevitably happens in life. Regardless of the type of situation you're in financially, she makes it really approachable - and removes a lot of the shame and taboo of talking about money - in this book.
Regardless of your financial position and knowledge (I have a business degree for context, so I have some general knowledge in this space already), definitely read this book.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago - the second best time is today!
I'm notoriously slow at reading and finished this book in a week. Frances writes how she speaks in her podcast/on her social media platforms. She writes as if you're having a conversation over a coffee, making a topic like personal finance a lot less stressful (and a lot less boring) to read. I really appreciated her approach of not trying to remove all of the small joys from your life (aka regular brunch catch ups etc) but rather focusing on macro changes.
Another great thing about this book (aside from it being one of the few finance books I've come across that are New Zealand-based and thus makes sense for me being based here) is that Frances laid out the chapters in this book in the way she suggests they're meant to be addressed so that you can make your money work best for you without being caught out by the unexpected that inevitably happens in life. Regardless of the type of situation you're in financially, she makes it really approachable - and removes a lot of the shame and taboo of talking about money - in this book.
Regardless of your financial position and knowledge (I have a business degree for context, so I have some general knowledge in this space already), definitely read this book.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago - the second best time is today!
July 1, 2021
If you are in your first job and just starting out, maybe in your thirties just starting to get serious about your money or older and a money mess then this book is a must.
Covering all the basics, budgeting, minimising costs, saving and investing it gives a real good first step to help you financially get your house in order and plan for the future.
I like the fact that the author is still quite young and writes from the perspective of someone who is currently going through the experience and not some older person who has already made it and giving advice from 30 years ago.
She has made a lot of mistakes and is very generous in sharing these mistakes with readers. This makes her very real and relevant.
Well worth a read!
P.S While it covered the basics well, she didnt cover buying a business to make money or investment property and how you can get two income streams from an asset. Rent and capital gains. Maybe she will travel that financial journey in the next few years and this will be her next book.
Covering all the basics, budgeting, minimising costs, saving and investing it gives a real good first step to help you financially get your house in order and plan for the future.
I like the fact that the author is still quite young and writes from the perspective of someone who is currently going through the experience and not some older person who has already made it and giving advice from 30 years ago.
She has made a lot of mistakes and is very generous in sharing these mistakes with readers. This makes her very real and relevant.
Well worth a read!
P.S While it covered the basics well, she didnt cover buying a business to make money or investment property and how you can get two income streams from an asset. Rent and capital gains. Maybe she will travel that financial journey in the next few years and this will be her next book.
May 14, 2023
Interesting book, loads of good tips. I didn't know the author/ podcast in advance and so I wasn't aware that she is NZ based - this would definately be useful to know on advance. The general tips were helpful and well presented but there is a lot of detailed advice around the kiwi-saver which is just redundant if you are not from New Zealand. Use your kiwi saver is essentially tip no 1 (and pretty much the overarching principle of the book). I would recommend this book, but with a huge caveat that large parts are too specific to be helpful to an international audience.
The audio version of the book was a bit glitchy towards the end.
The audio version of the book was a bit glitchy towards the end.
September 23, 2023
While I didn't particularly enjoy being called out like that - I am, in fact, also a financial hot mess - I did find that this book had some hard, but valuable, truths. It's written by a Kiwi, for Kiwis.
Cook shared her own mess and how she cleaned it up, while presenting multiple options and stating that more exist than she offered. Which is great when the usual type of financial advice I get is someone to the effect of: this is the only way. It's not, it can't be, because if it were the only way, it would work for everyone.
Cook openly states that, keeping some basic advice in mind, there is no one way and you should find the way that works for you.
Cook shared her own mess and how she cleaned it up, while presenting multiple options and stating that more exist than she offered. Which is great when the usual type of financial advice I get is someone to the effect of: this is the only way. It's not, it can't be, because if it were the only way, it would work for everyone.
Cook openly states that, keeping some basic advice in mind, there is no one way and you should find the way that works for you.
March 5, 2024
Frances cook as a very easy writing style that makes you feel as though you’re having a conversation with a friend.
I consider myself to be quite a good wee saver, and am trying to learn about investing as well. This book was so helpful for making me consider what bad habits I might have settled with (that I chose to ignore because ‘I’m a good wee saver’), and if there are any small changes I could make that might make a big difference long term. It also reaffirmed some of the positive changes I’ve been making in recent years, giving me that boost in motivation that I needed.
I’m going to pass this book on to my husband next, and then on to my sister!
I consider myself to be quite a good wee saver, and am trying to learn about investing as well. This book was so helpful for making me consider what bad habits I might have settled with (that I chose to ignore because ‘I’m a good wee saver’), and if there are any small changes I could make that might make a big difference long term. It also reaffirmed some of the positive changes I’ve been making in recent years, giving me that boost in motivation that I needed.
I’m going to pass this book on to my husband next, and then on to my sister!
October 13, 2021
Highly recommend for Kiwis who want to get started on managing their money better. Money is so important, and there are ways to keep more of it, make more of it and feel more in control without getting a new higher paying job. It's rare to find money books relevant for NZers that is still current with the times, so this is an absolute gem. If I could force all my friends to read one book, this would be it.
September 24, 2024
I read this book after her follow up book so maybe that is why I can't rate it as highly as other seem to have. I found the NZ perspective valuable but the focus on young people only was a bit alienating. It felt like one persons journey which was fine but I found it hard to relate to that journey in a fair bit of the book. Good advice in between the anecdotes most definitely but it felt a bit padded out from the real "content".
September 1, 2021
Highly recommended book. Easy to read and simply worded. Would be fantastic for a teen or young adult just starting to think about their finances, and was helpful for me as a quick assessment of where I'm at as a 31yo professional who has been learning about personal finance for a few years now. Unlike many books, this didn't feel like a rehash of Frances' podcast like some books do.
January 10, 2022
Pre ordered the book when it first was announced. It was a real page turner, filled with useful information mixed in with Frances’ own struggles and funny stories which gave the advice credibility and a sense of reality. Finished it in a couple days. Later started listening to her Podcast and found a lot more useful information through them, can’t wait for her next book to come out.
January 2, 2023
Someone here is really cleverly making a career out of stating the obvious and calling it financial advice. I’m dumb enough with money that it’s still actually things I need to hear and process, but I can also see through the ruse, this is no real, actual financial journalist, just a chancer. But hey, clever move really.
July 25, 2023
Not the best name, and not the best cover- but wowee this book was the best start to financial literacy and independence. Very easy to read and understand! I have passed it between many of my friends and we all agree that this book has changed our attitude and practices towards money. Highly recommend!
January 19, 2020
a really great book with plenty of tips that is helpful, engaging, and - most importantly - non-judgemental! I really enjoyed reading this and have already made a bunch of changes to the way I view and spend money. I would recommend this to everyone.
January 28, 2020
If you’re wanting to get your finances in check and you live in NZ, this is the book for you! Frances writes in a way that is easy to understand and is relatable. I have learned a lot from this book and it will serve as a great guide as I go into big scary adult life decisions!
February 24, 2022
Some great info and advice. Got a bit lost with the shares/market chapter probably as that didn't interest me. But a great chapter on speaking about money in relationships and to your kids. A shame there wasn't a list of websites/resources mentioned in the book to refer to at the end.
March 28, 2023
Who would’ve thought a book about finances could be such an enjoyable and interesting read!
I’ve taken plenty notes for myself and already started setting goals after reading this book. Life changer.
I’ve taken plenty notes for myself and already started setting goals after reading this book. Life changer.
November 27, 2019
A must read, if you are a Kiwi who needs to get their finances sorted!
June 28, 2020
Really easy to read, informative and entertaining.
July 13, 2020
Should be compulsory reading for all millennial Kiwis. Seriously.
November 22, 2020
Easy to read and inspired. it sounds like everyone can do it, you may need to look at your budget and start prioritizing. this being easier for particular group of people. start small..
May 1, 2021
A refreshing and enthusiastic take on how to make your money work for you. Frances' honest narrative with her own mistakes and learnings is inspiring for my own financial journey.
May 3, 2021
Lots of good tips and advice
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews