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/