Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective

This episode, we're tackling a topic that comes up in conversations with clients all the time: "I think I'm doing okay, but I just want to check." For many people, the question isn't really "How much money do I need?", but rather "Am I on the right track?" Darlene is honest about her aversion to retirement, sharing why the idea of stopping work has never appealed to her and how differently she and...

This week, we're exploring two topics that have a huge impact on our financial wellbeing – navigating separation and divorce, and understanding the money stories that shape our decisions (and our lives). Inspired by the conversations we have every day at The Money Collective, we discuss why it's never too early to understand your financial position, know your options, and start planning for the fu...

We are back with an episode talking about something we know a lot of people are feeling right now. It's that frustrating sense that no matter how hard you work or how much you try to be responsible, you just can't seem to get ahead – or even stay on top of your day-to-day expenses. Mel kicks things off with an honest money update of her own, sharing why her family has gone back through the numbers...

The Podcast duo are back! 🎉 Mel and Darlene are back, mics on and hearts full, wrapping up a massive year of business, family and money lessons – and looking ahead to 2026. In this episode, they kick off with two big real-life money stories from home: Willow saving 50% of his first-year apprenticeship wage to buy his first car (and why Mum didn't just hand over the cash), and Logan learning the h...

IN THIS EPISODE Is your budget just a spreadsheet you set and forget, or worse, avoid entirely? In this refreshingly honest and empowering episode of The Money Collective Podcast , Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu unpack what it really means to create a realistic budget in today's financial climate. From the rising cost of living to the emotional load of managing money in relationships and families, the...

IN THIS EPISODE Darlene interviews seasoned real estate expert and community coach Mark Brown to explore the human side of buying and selling property. With over 25 years in the industry, Mark shares valuable insights on how to choose the right agent, what makes a great negotiator, and why trust and communication are everything in real estate. From money stories to goal setting, Mark also reflects...

IN THIS EPISODE Mel and Darlene dive into the incredibly powerful topicof optimising your home loan. Whether you're a seasoned mortgage holder or just trying to figure out what "offset" actually means, this episode is unmissable. With over 50 years of finance experience between them, Mel and Darlene unpack practical strategies to help you save thousands and shave years off your home loan, all whil...

IN THIS EPISODE In this inspiring episode of The Money Collective Podcast , we dial in with entrepreneur Dani Ferron, whose journey as a hairdresser and thriving business owner and now expat in America is nothing short of remarkable. Dani shares how breaking free from childhood money beliefs, embracing risk, and focusing on personal growth transformed her financial life and wellbeing. We explore t...

IN THIS EPISODE Divorce isn't just a legal process—it's a financial and emotional rollercoaster. In this week's episode of The Money Collective Podcast, we sit down with Andrea Hooper, Divorce and Separation Coach, to talk about the hidden costs of separation, the realities of navigating finances post-divorce, and the importance of financial empowerment for women. If you think your only options ar...

IN THIS EPISODE In this week's episode we dive into one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of financial wellbeing: building financial resilience. Life throws curveballs—unexpected expenses, changes in income, or simply the rising cost of living—and your ability to weather these storms depends on how prepared you are. Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu share their expert insights, practical...

IN THIS EPISODE This episode dives into a topic that's fascinating and important—money and gaslighting. With over 50 years of combined experience in finance, your hosts Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu break down how money dynamics can subtly influence relationships, self-esteem, and decision-making. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the stories we tell ourselves and the power we give (or take)...

IN THIS EPISODE Welcome back to The Money Collective Podcast! In this engaging episode, Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu kick off Season 3 with an exploration of a topic that touches so many of us: receiving an inheritance. With over 50 years of combined experience in finance and banking, Mel and Darlene blend expertise with practical advice, offering listeners valuable insights into navigating this oft...

* Content Warning: This episode mentions gambling  Join Mel and Darlene as they chat with Kelly Bracegirdle, who shares her journey of living with ADHD and discovering her diagnosis as an adult. Kelly opens up about her money story, the emotional aspects of finances, and the concept of the "ADHD tax," which includes unintentional expenses like online shopping, wasted food, and overlooked subscript...

Mel and Darlene start by reflecting on the cathartic nature of discussing their personal financial journeys and how listening back to their own discussions feels like getting sage advice from a friend. In this episode we explore the challenges of dealing with increasing health insurance premiums and the decisions about coverage and excess. Then, we talk about Mel setting up systems to manage finan...

* Content warning, this episode discusses mental health and the link to financial health, mentioning suicide. Mel and Darlene dive headfirst into a candid conversation about navigating work you're not passionate about, the emotional journey when parents retire, and preparing for that transition. The core of their discussion centres around the unconscious biases and judgments people face regarding...

Mel kicks off by diving into her budget review and getting ready for some big family expenses. Meanwhile, Darlene shares a story about her daughter's spending spree over the school holidays, highlighting the classic battle between saving and splurging. It's all about setting money goals making them a family affair. Guest Trenna Probert, the dynamic CEO of Super Fierce, a company on a mission to em...

Mel and Darlene kick off this episode by sharing personal insights, discussing the importance of setting goals with your partner, and the concept of paying children for household chores. The focal point of the episode revolves around the often taboo topic of financial hardship, emphasizing that it can affect anyone and is frequently not openly discussed, even within the financial industry. Mel and...

In this episode, Mel opens up about her experiences of being a financial support for her daughter, while also grappling with spending money on things that don't align with her values as she saves for a family holiday. Darlene discusses setting spending limits and giving pocket money within a budget, highlighting the importance of being mindful of their children's desires to spend and building inde...

Mel discusses receiving a fine for driving an unregistered vehicle and the challenges of navigating the payment system. Darlene shares insights on managing her self-managed super fund, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring. The hosts explore the gender pay gap in Australian workplaces and its impact on career choices. They also discuss women's roles in the household, career breaks, and the i...

Mel and Darlene share personal stories and practical advice on managing competing priorities like private health insurance, income protection, and saving for family holidays. They emphasize the importance of planning for financial resilience and discuss the impact of traditional gender roles on financial dynamics in relationships. The hosts encourage listeners to strive for interdependence by acti...

Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu are your Financial Wellbeing Coaches and Mortgage Brokers, bringing you over 50 years experience in the finance industry and their vision to uplift your financial wellbeing with their honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation. IN THIS EPISODE 8 Mel and Darlene discuss spending on clothing, and the importance of aligning spending to your values. They talk abo...

Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu are your Financial Wellbeing Coaches and Mortgage Brokers, bringing you over 50 years experience in the finance industry and their vision to uplift your financial wellbeing with their honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation. IN THIS EPISODE 7 Deep dive into understanding more about what forms your behaviours, thoughts, actions, and relationship with money...

Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu are your Financial Wellbeing Coaches and Mortgage Brokers, bringing you over 50 years experience in the finance industry and their vision to uplift your financial wellbeing with their honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation. IN THIS EPISODE 6 Explore the 8 Step Financial Wellbeing Program with Mel and Darlene as they unpack a little about each of the key a...

Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu are your Financial Wellbeing Coaches and Mortgage Brokers, bringing you over 50 years experience in the finance industry and their vision to uplift your financial wellbeing with their honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation. IN THIS EPISODE 5 Have you ever wondered why you make certain financial decisions, while others seem to have completely different app...

Mel Pearce and Darlene Neu are your Financial Wellbeing Coaches and Mortgage Brokers, bringing you over 50 years experience in the finance industry and their vision to uplift your financial wellbeing with their honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation. IN THIS EPISODE 4 Listen to Mel and Darlene explore different professionals in the finance industry and unpack where financial wellbe...