Teach Me Money

As we wave goodbye to 2025, I'm taking time to reflect on the financial journey we've all trekked this year. This has been a mixed bag of unexpected aha moments and those little nudges to keep us grounded. Managing money isn't about flashy moments; it's about the steady, everyday stuff that actually gets you somewhere. Today, I'm sharing what 2025 has taught me about money, and I hope these lesson...

If you're standing at the crossroads of finishing school and stepping into adulthood, you're likely riding a wave of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, anticipation, maybe even a bit of fear about what comes next. Today, I'm sharing the financial lessons I wish someone had sat me down and explained when I was leaving school. These tips can make a massive difference to your future, whether you're h...

Spring is here, and while most people are doing a spring clean of their homes, we're doing a spring clean of our finances and money habits. Today I'm sharing the top nine things I do every spring to stay mindful about my money. I usually take a look at not only what I'm spending, but what's happening to that money.  The episode covers practical steps like checking subscriptions you haven't us...

If you've been with the same bank, phone company or electricity provider for years, you might be paying what's called a "loyalty tax" - and it's costing you more than you think. This isn't an actual government tax, but rather the extra money you're forking out simply because you've stayed loyal to a service provider while they roll out the red carpet for new customers with better deals. Today we’r...

I'll be the first to admit - there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the residential properties my family invested in over the years. But looking back with the knowledge I have now? I absolutely wish we'd done things differently. Through running our mortgage broking and business finance operation, I get to see something most investors never do - the real numbers on both residential and commerci...

You've probably heard that you need a 5% deposit to buy your first home, but is that the whole story? In this episode, we're unpacking the reality behind that magic number and what it actually means for your home buying journey. We'll explore why banks aren't just looking for any 5% - they want to see "genuine savings" that demonstrate your financial discipline and money management skills. Beyond...

Having financial goals in place is great. But have you really thought about how you’re actually going to get there? Today, we’re talking all about strategy. Whether you want to pay off your home loan in 10 years, go on that overseas holiday or get the renovations started, having a solid game plan of how to get there is crucial. Now, saving for success isn’t always exciting. You might have to forgo...

If you've ever felt a bit adrift in the sea of finances, you're in good company. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or you're still figuring things out as a seasoned professional, managing money isn't a walk in the park. Today we're diving into the often sneaky world of financial red flags that particularly affect those in their twenties and thirties - and more importantly, what y...

Let’s be honest—paying off a home loan probably ranks low on the fun scale, especially if you’re among the younger crowd. But bear with me, because this could be life-changing. Today, I’m sharing a strategy that helped my husband and I become mortgage-free before we hit 40. If you’re part of a two-income household, I’ve got a strategy that can really make a difference—using one income to live on a...

If you're a first home buyer feeling overwhelmed by deposit requirements in today's property market, this episode unpacks a potential solution you might not have fully understood - guarantor loans. We're talking about how this financial tool could help accelerate your path to homeownership, even in the current cost of living crisis. We'll explore how a family member can use their property equity (...

Money mistakes - we've all made them, and there’s zero judgement here! But after having several eyebrow raising conversations recently with people about spending habits, I wanted to share my thoughts on some financial decisions that might make you think twice about where your money is going. From small daily purchases to life's biggest celebrations, we're exploring the real impact of our spending...

In the last quarter, nearly 8 out of 10 Australian home buyers chose to work with mortgage brokers rather than going directly to banks - and for good reason. Today, we're exploring the role of mortgage brokers, debunking common misconceptions about the home loan process and revealing why mortgage brokers can help you secure more options and better terms for your property purchase or upgrade. Plus,...

Margin loans are both exciting and risky - and definitely not for the fainthearted! While it’s possible you’ve never heard of them, by the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of what they are and whether they might fit into your financial strategy.   What Exactly is a Margin Loan? A margin loan allows you to borrow money for investments, typically in managed funds or t...

Spare money: what even is that? We’re in the middle of a cost of living crisis and naturally, there isn’t a lot of extra cash in the bank for most people. However, there are circumstances where people do unexpectedly receive a windfall of money, such as an inheritance from a death in the family, a sold asset or a payout.  Receiving an unexpected lump sum can be bittersweet, because while it’s...

If you have equity in your home and are wondering what to do next, chances are you’ve thought about using it to buy a residential investment property. But what happens when you want to take your property investment to the next level? There is another way to successfully grow your equity, set yourself up for retirement and see higher yields: commercial property investment. Whether you're a seasoned...

I probably get two calls a week from clients asking me how to buy property inside their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF).  SMSFs can be a little tricky to get your head around, and it’s a rabbit hole my husband and I are still going down almost two years into deciding to set one up ourselves. However, I’m going to break things down and give you an overview of what to expect if you’re going down...

Buying your first home is a significant milestone, filled with excitement, anticipation, and let's be honest, a little bit of stress, too. A lot of clients that I speak to fine the whole process quite overwhelming, and I understand why. I've got some valuable information to share that might just make your journey to home ownership a little smoother.  I’ll be covering three essential governmen...

What exactly is equity? It’s one of those financial terms that gets thrown around frequently, yet often leaves people scratching their heads.  In this episode, we'll break it down and also explore how you can leverage your property's equity to purchase another property, substituting it for cash. We'll discuss: Equity Explained: The Basics Capital Growth and Its Impact on Equity Why Equity Mat...

I’m the first to admit that I haven’t always been the best with money. Like many, I’m continually learning, and yes, sometimes I spend money on things I shouldn’t. Discipline isn’t always my best friend, but I strive to be consistent, adhering to something akin to the 80/20 rule: 80% of the time, I stick to good financial habits, and for the remaining 20%, I simply aim to learn and adjust. So how...

Today, I want to talk about something crucial that can shape your financial journey: the difference between good debt and bad debt. You'll learn how to identify the difference between the two and discover strategies to manage your financial obligations effectively.  So, why do we need to understand good debt versus bad debt? Many people are just embarking on their financial journeys, and othe...

Finances can feel like a topic shrouded in secrecy, something we're taught not to discuss openly. Whether you're a teen or in your sixties, understanding the best ways to use your money can be empowering. Here's a decade-by-decade guide to help you make the most out of your income, no matter where you are in life. Teenagers: Building Foundations Let’s start with the teenage years—a perfect time to...

Many of us shy away from talking about finances, leading to a lack of open discussion and the perpetuation of bad habits. That's what we're here to change. As a mortgage broker who sees the ups and downs of financial decisions every day, I'm here to share some common pitfalls people unknowingly fall into, and how to steer clear of them. Understanding Your Credit History One common mistake is a lac...

Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging venture. As a new business owner, you're likely juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, from managing operations to nurturing client relationships. One of the biggest hurdles you might face, though, is not just running the business itself, but navigating how your business decisions, particularly financial ones, impact your personal finan...

Money can often feel like a mysterious, taboo subject that we're reluctant to discuss with our friends and family. It's often seen as rude or unsavoury to talk about finances openly, but I'm here to change that narrative. Money doesn't have to be complicated, though it's not necessarily easy either. It all comes down to making those small, consistent steps that can shape your financial future. Wit...