Episode Summary: Christmas is coming, and so are the endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and, let’s be honest, the financial stress. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’m diving into ways to make the holiday season simpler, cheaper, and way less overwhelming.

We’ll chat about how much we really spend this time of year (spoiler: it’s a lot) and why it’s time to rethink those sky-high expectations. I’ll share my favorite hacks, like why homemade gifts can save your budget and make you look super thoughtful, how to turn family gift-giving into a fun (and affordable) Kris Kringle, and why hosting doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself.

What You’ll Get Out of This Episode:

• Easy, thoughtful gift ideas that won’t blow your budget (hello, pickled red onions and chili jam!).
• A fun way to simplify family gift-giving and cut costs.
• Hosting tips to keep you sane, like potluck dinners and sharing the workload.
• A reminder to breathe, slow down, and focus on what really matters—spending time with people you love.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel ready to take on Christmas with less stress, less spending, and more joy. Plus, stick around for a sneak peek at an upcoming story packed with even more holiday hacks.

Resources Mentioned:

• Homemade gift inspiration
• How to organize a family Kris Kringle
• Stress-free potluck hosting tips

So grab a cup of tea (or wine), tune in, and let’s make this Christmas one to remember for all the right reasons!

On this episode of My Happy Money Journey, we’re getting real about the housing market—especially for you if you are starting over after divorce or raising kids solo. It’s not hopeless!!!

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Nataya Phommachack, mortgage broker extraordinaire and finance whiz from our sponsor, the Entourage Group. Nataya is a true champion for women and first-home buyers, and she’s here to share her incredible insights and advice.

We kick things off by diving into Nataya’s story—how she stumbled into mortgage broking after uni and turned it into nearly a decade of helping people achieve their property dreams. She opens up about navigating the ups and downs of the industry, including the crazy surge of first-time buyers during COVID-19.

One of the big topics we tackle is the financial hurdles women face, especially after a divorce. Nataya breaks it all down, from understanding your finances to exploring options like the government’s single parenting scheme. It’s a program that lets single parents buy a home with just a 5% deposit—making home ownership more achievable than ever, even without family financial help.

We also talk about the realities of part-time or casual work and how it affects borrowing power. Nataya’s advice? Don’t get discouraged—take things step by step and lean on experts to help you navigate the process.

And for parents who want to help their kids buy a home but don’t have spare cash lying around, Nataya shares the magic of family guarantee loans. It’s a creative way to help your kids get on the property ladder without breaking your own bank.

Nataya doesn’t stop there—she drops some amazing tips on budgeting, mindful spending, and figuring out what mortgage repayments you’re truly comfortable with (hint: it’s not just about what the bank says you can borrow).

This episode is packed with so many golden nuggets and empowering advice. Nataya’s warmth and expertise shine through, and she makes what can feel like a daunting process actually seem doable—and dare I say, exciting. I can’t wait to have her back for more of these amazing conversations!

You can get in touch with Nittaya via the Entourage website: https://entourage.com.au/staff/nittaya-phommachack/

Today, we’re unpacking the risks and rewards of investing. and I will give you four key factors for you to consider.

Let’s start by saying most of you are already investors. If you’ve got superannuation, you’re in the game! But like many, I had a set and forget attitude toward my super. Over time, I’ve realised how that approach can massively impact our retirement plans—and not in a good way.

We are lucky to be able to use our own super as a launch pad for investment strategy. So, look at your balance, the type of investments you’re holding, any fees you’re paying, and how your investments are performing. Finally the time line to access!

Investing outside of super gives you control and access to your investments.

Here is the website to compare your fund:

https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/super-yoursuper-comparison-tool

That makes it easier to explore four essential considerations for investing:

Your Risk Profile: What’s your comfort level with risk? Knowing this helps guide your choices.

Investment Options: What are you investing in, and does it align with your goals?

Timeframe: How long do you plan to hold your investments? This can influence your strategy.

Costs: Know the fees, taxes, and other costs that can eat into your returns.

There are risks to any investment. The more you understand the easier it is to make a choice that lines up with your needs.

This podcast is intended to be general in nature and is not personal financial product advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. In particular, you should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or other offer document prior to making an investment decision in relation to a financial product (including a decision about whether to acquire or continue to hold).