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).

Jane Vandermeer is a multi-award winning, global expert personal stylist, and we chat to her about colour, corporate and how to be seen. Recently named ‘Best International Personal Stylist CEO 2023 and 2024’ also ‘Must Trusted International Personal Stylist of the Year” this woman is amazing! Jane wanted to challenge the stereotypes about midlife women and instead of being part of the problem, choosing to be part of the solution. By developing a personal styling business that would empower midlife women to become highly visible. So if you are feeling invisible - tune in!

Jane Vandermeer is a multi-award winning, global expert personal stylist, and we chat to her about colour, corporate and how to be seen. Recently named ‘Best International Personal Stylist CEO 2023 and 2024’ also ‘Must Trusted International Personal Stylist of the Year” this woman is amazing! I loved talking to Jane about fashion, and all about how we take up space. Back when I was in corporate I wore a black or grey suit and tried to stay very neutral....now its all about daring! We can really show up for ourselves by dressing in our own style...so if you have been wanting to be seen and heard this is the episode for you! Jane wanted to challenge the stereotypes about midlife women and instead of being part of the problem, choosing to be part of the solution. By developing a personal styling business that would empower midlife women to become highly visible. So if you are feeling invisable - tune in!

We all have big ideas of what we would do if we had a sudden windfall of a million dollars - but today we want to get practical. Now, I know it’s tempting to imagine a dream getaway, buying luxury items, or even a private island! Today's episode explores some smart strategies to maximise that million-dollar windfall. I know you know that a million dollars could truly change your life. Lets dig down to the how: by paying out debts, buying a home, getting smart with your investment strategy, putting some aside for retirement and spending on things that bring you pure joy! Its your money so have some fun and enjoy the journey! Here is the link to the quiz https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/64c1bd228bcf2e0014107f90

Oh how I love chatting with Jules Brooke….after the formality of part one of this interview - where Jules tells us how to be a woman of influence, we are chatting about changing the world.

How is it that women, and in particular women who feel invisible and devalued can step into our power. Lets deep into the patriarchy, the empowerment of women in particular the importance of women stepping into their power and becoming visible leaders, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the challenges and triumphs we face as invisible women.Jules is so committed to creating a world where women have actual influence, supporting diversity and being the person that mentions your name in a room full of opportunity.

This episode was not just a discussion about women and money; it’s a rally cry for all women to embrace their power, challenge the status quo, and support each other in the journey toward equality and influence. Enjoy this little bit of inspiration and of course, enjoy the journey!

About 12 years ago I was broke and broken up with. Debt seemed insurmountable and I was in a constant state of scarcity. That state really does keep you from moving forward.

So here I am - diving deep and giving you some of the strategies that got me from there to here…not without a few wrong turns of course. What I found was its not just one thing that gets us out of debt. It’s the combination of the what and the woo!

There are different types of debt - with different values.

Credit: credit cards, personal loans, and home loans

Messy debts: overdue bills, late payments and stuff that accumulate often unnoticed.

When you understand the difference between good debt used to leverage and lead to financial growth, and bad debt, which are all those things you paid on credit and forget immediately.

I know this because I have lived it - more than once. One of the best things I discovered on the part of my happy money journey that took me out of debt was EFT or tapping. There are a number of ways to change your state, and take you from a feeling of scarcity to abundance but this is one of my favourites. Here are some links that will help you explore more:

https://www.happymoneyjourney.com.au/pl/2148300463 Link to debt list download

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRfLTQjJhp0 Nick Ortner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hVGAUbK-8 - Brad Yates

00:00:00 - Introduction to Debt and Mindset 00:01:15 - The Importance of Understanding Debt 00:02:30 - Types of Debt: Credit vs. Messy Debt 00:04:36 - Good Debt vs. Bad Debt 00:05:58 - Overcoming Overwhelm and Scarcity 00:08:08 - Taking Control: Listing Your Debts 00:09:12 - Addressing Day-to-Day Living Expenses 00:10:49 - The Cost of Ignoring Maintenance 00:11:31 - Creating a Repayment Plan 00:12:02 - Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Introduction 00:13:17 - Using EFT to Shift Your Mindset 00:15:06 - The Process of EFT Explained 00:17:15 - Conclusion and Resources 00:19:13 - Acknowledgment of Traditional Land 00:19:35 - Closing Remarks and Disclaimer