SugarMamma’s Fireplay

The Budget That Could Change How Australians Build Wealth, Financial Independence & Stability  In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna shares her honest thoughts and concerns around the proposed Federal Budget changes to Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing — and what she believes these changes may mean for everyday Australians trying to build wealth, financial indep...

Right now, the wellness industry is louder than ever. Protein powders, greens blends, creatine, collagen, gut health supplements… Everywhere you turn, there’s a new product promising better energy, improved health, and longevity. But with so many options—many of them expensive and subscription-based—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed… and even easier to overspend....

Why Hard Work Isn’t Paying Off (And The New Way To Build Wealth) Lately, something has shifted. People are working harder than ever… Doing the “right” things… Trying to save, invest, and get ahead… And yet still feeling like they’re falling behind. In this episode, I unpack the growing sense of financial frustration and what economists are calling the &...

We’ve all heard the advice: “Live within your means.” But what does that actually look like in today’s world? With rising living costs, financial pressure, and the constant noise of comparison and lifestyle expectations… this traditional advice can feel confusing, outdated, and even unrealistic. In this episode of Start Here , we break down what living within your me...

This is a foundational episode. Because no matter how motivated you are… No matter how much you’ve learned about investing, passive income, or financial freedom… If your cashflow feels messy, unclear, or reactive, it will quietly hold you back. In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I walk you through the five most common budgeting mistakes I see including the ones hig...

If you found yourself at 47 with no debt, $300,000 in super, and $310,000 sitting in cash… what would you do next? In this episode of Start Here , I walk through this exact scenario — breaking down the key considerations, strategies, and decisions to help you move from saving money to intentionally growing it . This isn’t about quick wins or risky moves. It’s about underst...

We often talk about saving, investing, and building passive income… But what about spending intentionally? Especially when rewarding yourself for a major milestone or achieving a particular financial goal? In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, we explore the evolving world of modern luxury with Talitha Cummins, Founder and Design Director of The Cut Jewellery. We’re seeing a...

Check out PocketSmith here: http://pocketsmith.com/fireplay So you’ve built up a strong super balance but still feel unsure about retiring — you are not alone. In this Start Here episode, Canna answers a powerful listener question: “I have $830,000 in super and I’m in my early 60s… but how do I know if I can actually afford to retire?” Retirement isn’t ju...

Check out PocketSmith here:   http://pocketsmith.com/fireplay Financial advice can feel expensive. Especially with the average cost of a comprehensive financial plan sitting around $5,000. And for many people, that price tag alone is enough to delay or avoid seeking help altogether. But is that the real cost? Or is the bigger cost the missed opportunities, tax inefficiencies, emotional decisi...

Check out PocketSmith here: pocketsmith.com/fireplay If you’re just starting university, your first job, or your financial life, this episode is for you. In this episode of Start Here, Canna answers a listener question from Kate — a university student who has just finished school and wants to know the smartest financial steps she can take now to set herself up for the future. The truth...

Check out PocketSmith here: pocketsmith.com/fireplay At the beginning of 2025, I read Atomic Habits  by  James Clear , and it fundamentally shifted how I approach money, discipline and long-term success. Not through motivation. Not through extreme budgeting. Not through hustle. But through systems and tiny repeated behaviours. In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I break down...

Check out PocketSmith here: pocketsmith.com/fireplay In this Start Here episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna answers a thoughtful question from a listener navigating the financial realities of single parenthood and irregular child support payments. When income is unpredictable, building financial stability can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re also trying to eliminate...

Check out PocketSmith here: http://pocketsmith.com/fireplay Switching superannuation funds is up 17% in the past year — and many Australians making the move have balances under $100,000. In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna Campbell unpacks what’s really happening behind the rise in switching, the growing concerns around lead-generated financial advice, and why smaller...

Is it better for couples to retire at the same time — or stagger retirement dates? In this Start Here episode, Canna answers a listener question from a couple aged 53 and 60 who are considering retiring together within the next five years… but are noticing many of their friends are staggering retirement due to cost-of-living pressures and inflation. Could staggering retirement actuall...

Micro-investing apps have helped thousands of Australians take their first step into investing — and that’s a good thing. But starting is not the same as progressing. In this episode, Canna Campbell breaks down: Why micro-investing has exploded in popularity Where it genuinely helps — and where it can quietly hold people back The myths that keep investors stuck at “starter...

Debt recycling can be a powerful long-term wealth strategy. But it’s not a “hack.” And it’s definitely not something to rush into. In this Start Here episode, I answer a listener who says they are finally ready to pull the trigger on debt recycling… but they’re feeling nervous. And honestly? That’s a good sign. In this episode we cover: ✔ What debt recycl...

Interest rates are rising again — and for many homeowners, it’s starting to feel overwhelming. But instead of panicking, what should you actually be doing right now? Fix your rates? Refinance? Review? Or accelerate your repayments? In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna Campbell sits down with senior mortgage broker Adam McCabe from Blue Lantern to break down exactly how...

Emergency money is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — foundations of financial wellbeing. In this Start Here episode, Canna walks through exactly how to build emergency savings from $0, without panic, shame or unrealistic expectations — even if you’re eager to move onto more advanced strategies like investing or debt recycling. This episode is for anyone w...

You’ve probably heard the rule: “You need 3–6 months of living expenses as emergency money.” But real life isn’t generic — and neither are emergencies. In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna Campbell challenges the one-size-fits-all advice and explains how to work out the right amount of emergency money for your actual life, your risks, and your r...

In this Start Here episode, Canna responds to a listener feeling unsettled after seeing friends and family chase aggressive property strategies using buyer’s agents — including selling and re-buying multiple properties and withdrawing superannuation to fund deposits. This episode is a grounding reminder that: • not all strategies are suitable for all people • high rental yiel...

In this special International Women’s Day episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna Campbell explores one of the most important financial challenges facing Australian women today — the superannuation gender gap. Right now, Australian women retire with around $50,000 less superannuation than men on average, and in many cases the gap can be significantly larger. This financial inequa...

Global tensions, market volatility and frightening headlines can make even experienced investors question their strategy. In this episode of Start Here, Canna Campbell responds to a listener question from Isobel, who is worried about whether she should sell her share portfolio and superannuation investments due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. If you’ve ever felt the urge...

Every year I commit to Frugal February — and every year I learn something new. But this year was different. Coming off Christmas, school holidays and years of rising living costs, I genuinely believed there wasn’t much more fat to trim from our household budget. Luckily I was wrong. If you want me to help you find similar savings, here are the details to my Budget and Cashflow Academy...

he idea of a “mini-retirement” is gaining momentum — especially among Gen Z and Millennials who are feeling burnt out, disconnected, and desperate for more presence in their lives now, not decades from now. In this Start Here episode, Canna responds to a listener question about whether taking a mini-retirement is a smart move — or one that could quietly derail long-term fin...

Today we are talking about the 5% deposit government guarantee program that has been established to help more first home owners get their foot in the door when it comes to the property market. However with all major financial decisions, we must know and understand all the fine print so that any decision we make, upholds our best interests, in both the short and long term. To help break this down,...