START WELL®

Dawn Thomas
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  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

Welcome to the START WELL® podcast – I'm Dawn Thomas, your host. As a mother, financial adviser, and researcher, I'm here to guide you on empowering the next generation's financial journey. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or the coolest aunt or uncle, join me in exploring how impactful conversations about money can shape a young person's future. During each episode, we will be unpacking a resource or money concept, so you can take the conversation home with you. Let's harness their superpower of time and your superpower of influence to ensure they Start Well and thrive for a lifetime.

  1. It's Not About the Money - Jenny Rolfe-Wallace

    5 DAYS AGO

    It's Not About the Money - Jenny Rolfe-Wallace

    🎙️ START WELL® Podcast Episode 1: It's Not About the Money With Jenny Rolfe-Wallace We’re kicking off the new season of START WELL® with special International Women's Day episode. This is a powerful and practical conversation for parents and grandparents who want to shape confident, financially capable young women. In this episode, Dawn sits down with award-winning financial educator and podcast host Jenny Rolfe-Wallace, creator of It’s Not About the Money, which received international recognition at the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards. Together, they explore one of the most important foundations of financial wellbeing: 👉 We must start valuing the work of women at all levels, beginning in the home. Because when value is embedded early, it flows into decision-making, workplaces, policy and systems. When it’s not, we often find ourselves trying to prove there’s an issue instead of seeing and addressing it clearly. This conversation connects household money habits to broader themes of fairness, opportunity and justice. Why financial conversations at home shape lifelong confidence How valuing unpaid and paid work influences future earning power Why many women still feel they need to “prove” inequity exists The current workforce moment — and why it may be a powerful time for women to negotiate salary and conditions What supportive workplaces should be thinking about now: Meaningful parental leave Caring leave for those supporting ageing parents Support during menopause Paying people what they are worth Most importantly, we focus on what parents and grandparents can do this week to help the next generation start well. Resources discussed: MoneySmart budgeting tools and calculators Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez Money School by Lacey Filipich Who cooked Adam Smith's Dinner by Katrine KielosStop Fixing Women by Catherine FoxBreaking the Boss Bias by Catherine FoxKids Ain’t Cheap by Ana Kresina Workplace Gender Equality Agency data and gender pay gap insightshttps://sprouteducation.com.au/its-not-about-the-moneyhttps://www.iwd.net.au/homeDomestic Abuse:https://www.wa.gov.au/government/coercive-controlThis episode is a reminder that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about value.It’s about confidence.And it’s about creating homes where young people grow up knowing their contribution matters. If this conversation resonated, share it with a parent, grandparent or educator in your life. General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. The information, including tax information and any advice provided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because ofthat, you should before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to those things. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned and consider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.  Dawn Thomas is a Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064 480Australian Financial Services Licence No.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    47 min

  2. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    START WELL® season 2 is coming March 8th 2026!

    START WELL® Podcast – Season 2 Trailer Season 2 of the START WELL® Podcast is here. This season we’re turning up the volume on early conversations, practical planning, and financial confidence at every stage of life. We open the season with a special International Women’s Day episode featuring Jenny Rolfe Wallace, exploring women, money, and the systems that shape our financial futures. This season also brings you conversations with authors behind some of the most important money books right now: James Wrigley, author of Retire Life Ready Jessica Brady, author of Get Growing Glen James, author Quick Start Guide to Investing Plus, our resident book reviewer Michelle Flanagan and guest reviewers unpack powerful reads including: The 100-Year Life How They Get You The Art of Spending At its heart, START WELL® exists to spark conversations — about money, planning, and the future. Conversations with your kids. Conversations with your partner. Conversations with yourself. Because starting well isn’t about having it all figured out.It’s about starting earlier than you think you need to. Subscribe now to catch every episode of Season 2 and join us as we build financial confidence, one conversation at a time.

    1 min
  3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Michelle Flanagan

    25/11/2024

    Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Michelle Flanagan

    This week resident reviewer Michelle Flanagan and host Dawn Thomas talk about the wildly popular book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Looking at it from a perspective of financial advisers as well as how concepts can be passed on to young people. As always Michelle provides her rating on the book, in relation to how impactful it would be in relation to building financial knowledge in young people. General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. The information, including tax information and any advice provided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because ofthat, you should before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to those things. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned and consider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.  Dawn Thomas is a Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064 480Australian Financial Services Licence No.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    43 min
  4. Buying Happiness - Kate Campbell

    22/05/2024

    Buying Happiness - Kate Campbell

    Episode 12 of the START WELL ® podcast, titled "Buying Happiness," features  author and podcaster Kate Campbell. In this episode, Kate discusses her new book, which she had her friends in their twenties in mind, when she wrote this book. The book focuses on helping people find contentment with their financial situations while alsoempowering them to progress financially.   Kate emphasizes that money is more than just numbers. She highlights the importance of integrating one's money history and mindset with practical strategies for financial advancement. Her goal is to convey that understanding and managing money involves a blend of emotional and practical elements. She wants people to recognize that achieving financial well-being requires a holistic approach that includes both personal financial history and actionable steps for improvement. Kate also stresses the importance of not comparing oneself to others when measuring success. Instead, she suggests focusing on what you admire about others' achievements and how those can relate to your own goals.She has tips on how you can have open money conversations with others which is still inclusive and not presumptuous. When it comes to children, Kate provides tips for makingmoney conversations open and educational within the household. She advises explaining how financial systems work, such as how a mortgage needs to be paid off, and the concept of cash in an increasingly cashless world. She advises against expecting kids to do what you have done because what works for you may not work for them. It is more about supporting them in finding their own way,versus following your way. Kate recommends allowing children to take healthy financial risks, referring to the book "50 Risks to Take With Your Kids." This approach helps them learn to navigate different financialsituations. She says some of the best things happen on the other side of taking a risk. Additionally, she encourages involving kids in planning and budgeting for activities like holidays, helping them understand the end-to-end costsinvolved.   General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. The information, including tax information and any adviceprovided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to thosethings. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned andconsider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.  Dawn Thomas isa Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064 480 Australian Financial Services LicenceNo.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    43 min
  5. The Richest Man in Babylon - Grant Millar

    10/05/2024

    The Richest Man in Babylon - Grant Millar

    Episode 11: The Richest Man in Babylon – Grant Millar In this episode of the START WELL® podcast, we have guest book reviewer Grant Millar, GIF master, dad of 2, financial adviser and former DJ (rumoured). We discuss the classic financial book The Richest Man in Babylon byGeorge S. Clason, which has sold over 2 million copies and been in circulation since 1926. Grant has engaged with this book as an audio book and provides notjust his experience, but the feedback from his family, from the small snippets they listened together to in the car. The book due to its language, which is written in olden style English, may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it still covers the important foundations of finance. Some of the writing in the way people are represented (or not represented) has not stood the test of time. Grant says this book couldbe engaging for some, and inaccessible to other (his family were not too impressed), however in all cases there is the opportunity to bring back money lessons from the book to the home. Grant recommends this as an audio book which you could complete in 3 hours. The Richest Man in Babylon: Key Principles Parables are grouped into overarching themes of financialadvice, notably "The Seven Cures" and the "Five Laws ofGold." Seven Cures For a Lean Purse: Start thy purse to fattening: Save 10% of income to build wealth.Control thy expenditures: Avoid unnecessary expenses. Make thy gold multiply: Invest wisely and compoundreturns. Guard thy treasures from loss: Avoid risky investments. Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment: Own yourhome. Ensure a future income: Plan for retirement and familysecurity. Increase thy ability to earn: Continuously developskills. Five Laws of Gold: Gold cometh gladly to those who save: Saving is thefoundation of wealth. Gold laboreth diligently for the wise owner: Investmentsgrow with wise management. Gold clingeth to the cautious owner: Invest wisely withexpert advice. Gold slippeth away from unfamiliar investments: Stick to what you know. Gold flees from risky ventures: Avoid impractical or aggressive strategies.These principles emphasize the importance of saving, wise investment, caution, and avoiding imprudent financial decisions.   Follow for more money conversations.             General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. The information, including tax information and any adviceprovided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to thosethings. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned andconsider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.  Dawn Thomas is a Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064480 Australian Financial Services Licence No.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    37 min
  6. The Psychology of Money - Michelle Flanagan

    02/05/2024

    The Psychology of Money - Michelle Flanagan

    START WELL ® Podcast, Episode 10 - "The Psychology of Money"  In this episode of the START WELL® Podcast, our resident reviewer, Michelle Flanagan, shares her insights on the beloved book "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel.   Key Points Covered: Unconventional Approach: Housel's book stands out fromtraditional finance literature by employing storytelling to convey its messages. Wealth vs. Riches: Michelle appreciates the book'sexploration of the distinction between being wealthy and being rich, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment and contentment over mere material wealth. Confidence and Comparison: The book encourages readers to cultivate confidence in their own financial journey without succumbing to the trap of comparing oneself to others. Time as a Commodity: The idea of time as a valuablecurrency. Planning finances effectively can grant individuals greater control over their time, a perspective Michelle finds particularly important. Audiobook Experience: Given the book's dense text, listening to it as an audiobook could offer a more immersive and engaging experience. Representation Observation: We note a predominance of male characters in the book, suggesting potential implications for inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Parent-Child Resource: Michelle evaluates the book as avaluable resource for fostering financial conversations between parents and children, awarding it a commendable 4 out of 5 rating.   Thank you for listening to the START WELL™ Podcast. Be sure to subscribe for more enriching discussions on personal and finance and growth. General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. The information, including tax information and any adviceprovided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to thosethings. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned andconsider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.  Dawn Thomas is a Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064 480 Australian Financial Services Licence No.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    29 min
  7. Girls that Invest - Michelle Flanagan

    26/04/2024

    Girls that Invest - Michelle Flanagan

    START WELL® Podcast: Episode 9 - Girls that Invest  Our Resident Book Reviewer Michelle Flanagan helps usdiscuss and unpack the popular book Girls that Invest In this episode of the START WELL® Podcast, we delve into the world of investment through a unique lens: that of women taking charge of their financial futures. Our guest Michelle Flanagan, Principal Adviser at The Wealth Designers, steps in as our resident book reviewer (coming up The Psychology of Money and Rich Dad, Poor Dad). Michelle graciously offers her insights and expertise byreviewing this hugely popular book. She recommends this book for its plethora of valuable lessons, contemporary references (like TikTok) that connect to a younger audience, and its strong call to action to just get started on the path to financial empowerment. Michelle likes the book's robust action plan at the end of each chapter and addressing potential challenges her readers may facefrom those around them when beginning their financial empowerment journey.   Michelle liked how the author, Simran, uses interesting analogies to help the reader understand concepts such as likening investing to skin care. A concept that particularly stood out to Michelle was how Simran, articulates the impact of stagnant wages effectively amounting to a pay cut due to inflation. Michelle appreciates the directnesswith which Simran addresses such crucial concepts. It's worth noting that while the book isn't solely focused on investing, it plays a vital role in empowering women to strengthen their overall financial position. Michelle has given this book a 5/5 in relation to how impactful it would be for a young person or a parent wanting to share a book with their kids.   General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. Theinformation, including tax information and any advice provided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should before acting on the advice, consider theappropriateness of the advice, having regard to those things. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned and consider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.  Dawn Thomas is a Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064 480 Australian Financial Services Licence No.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    35 min
  8. The Money Sandwich with Marc Bineham

    18/04/2024

    The Money Sandwich with Marc Bineham

    In this episode of the START WELL® podcast, we speak  with Marc Bineham, author of "The Money Sandwich." With over three decades of experience as a financial adviser, Marc brings a wealth of insight into the challenges faced by the "sandwich generation" – those caught between the responsibilities of raisingchildren and caring for aging parents.   Marc's book is a beacon of guidance for individualsnavigating this complex phase of life. He understands the time constraints that pull people in multiple directions, often hindering their ability to plan effectively for their financial futures. What sets "The Money Sandwich" apart is its recognition of the diversity of circumstances amongits readers. Marc advocates for a step-by-step approach tailored to each individual's unique situation, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.   One of the book's standout features is Marc's pragmaticapproach to financial management. He emphasizes progress over perfection, encouraging readers to work within their means and make incremental stridestowards their goals. Rejecting the notion of strict budgets or demonizing credit cards, Marc empowers his audience to take control of their finances without feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations.   Central to "The Money Sandwich" are the real-lifestories woven throughout its pages. Drawing from his extensive client interactions, Marc shares anecdotes that illustrate the diverse challenges and triumphs experienced by individuals in similar circumstances. From managingmoney with his own daughters to educating grandparents on the intricacies of investing, Marc offers practical insights gleaned from personal and professional experiences alike.   A key concept discussed in the book is the "Goldilocksphenomenon" observed in retirement planning. Marc highlights how individuals often gravitate towards the default option within their superannuation, opting for a balanced approach out of fear of making the wrongchoice. However, he cautions against this mindset, as it can significantly impact long-term returns and hinder financial growth. By challenging conventional wisdom and providing actionable advice, Marc empowers readers tomake informed decisions that align with their financial objectives.   Tune in to this enlightening episode as Marc Bineham shareshis expertise on navigating the financial complexities of the "sandwichgeneration" and offers invaluable insights for securing a prosperousfuture. General Advice Warning – This Podcast contains general advice. Theinformation, including tax information and any advice provided in this Podcast, does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should before acting on the advice, consider theappropriateness of the advice, having regard to those things. If the advice relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for any product mentioned and consider its contents before making any decision. You should consider talking to a financialadviser before making a financial decision. Dawn Thomas is a Senior Financial Adviser and is an authorised representative of TWD Licensee Services Pty Ltd ABN 88 605 064 480 Australian Financial Services Licence No.475964 (TWD Licensee Services).

    42 min
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About

Welcome to the START WELL® podcast – I'm Dawn Thomas, your host. As a mother, financial adviser, and researcher, I'm here to guide you on empowering the next generation's financial journey. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or the coolest aunt or uncle, join me in exploring how impactful conversations about money can shape a young person's future. During each episode, we will be unpacking a resource or money concept, so you can take the conversation home with you. Let's harness their superpower of time and your superpower of influence to ensure they Start Well and thrive for a lifetime.

Information

  • Creator
    Dawn Thomas
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dawn Thomas
  • Show Website
    START WELL®

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