Let’s be real—talking about money can feel a bit…meh. But what if financial planning wasn’t about spreadsheets and sacrifices, but about designing a life that actually makes you happy? That’s exactly what we’re diving into with Scott Malcolm, founder of Money Mechanics, and all-around legend when it comes to making money conversations fun and meaningful.

In this episode of My Happy Money Journey, we chat about ditching rigid goals, understanding your financial values, and how to actually enjoy your money while planning for the future. Scott shares why so many of us are stuck in outdated money mindsets, and how small shifts can lead to massive breakthroughs.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎯 Why your money mindset is just as important as your bank balance 💡 How to break free from outdated financial habits ❤️ The secret to making money decisions that align with your real-life priorities 😎 Easy steps to start feeling financially confident today

No boring jargon. No guilt trips. Just real talk about money, values, and how to make it all work for you. Grab your favorite drink, tune in, and let’s make finance fun!

Download Your Free Money Conversation Cards! Looking for a way to start better money conversations? Grab our free printable Money Conversation Starter Cards and make financial discussions fun and insightful. Download Here https://www.happymoneyjourney.com.au/pl/2148300463

Connect with Scott Malcolm: Website: Money Mechanics Instagram: @moneymechanics

In this episode of My Happy Money Journey, we’re stepping into the new year with intention and purpose. If unfulfilled resolutions have left you frustrated in the past, this episode will help you align your goals with your values and truly thrive in 2025.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Celebrating your wins: Why small victories matter and how they keep you on track.
• Shopping with intention: Supporting local businesses and making impactful choices.
• Getting financially organized: Avoid unnecessary stress by staying on top of your finances.
• Mindful spending: My simple strategy to turn impulse buys into savings.
• Aligning goals with values: Finding joy in what truly matters, from fitness to finances.

Plus, don’t miss the exciting Money Mindset Journey giveaway to kick-start your financial mindfulness journey.

Let’s make 2025 the year we thrive together. Tune in now—link in the show notes!

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 talking about getting you home...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 Nittaya Phommachack, mortgage broker extraordinaire and finance whiz from our sponsor, Entourage.

Nittaya is a true champion for women and first-home buyers, she is also committed to busting myths around home ownership and getting more people home sooner…and she’s here sharing her insights and advice with you.

Nittaya stumbled into mortgage broking after uni and has turned it into over a decade of helping people achieve their property dreams.

One of the big topics we tackle is the financial hurdles women face, especially after a divorce.

Nittaya 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. Nittaya’s advice? Don’t get discouraged—take things step by step and find 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, Nittaya 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.

Nittaya also 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), so that you can start thinking about getting home loan ready!

This episode is packed with so much gold!!

Nittaya’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