Oct 27

Do You Really Need a Credit Card?

"It's fine – I pay it off every month." It's one of the most common things we hear about credit cards. Plenty of Australians see their card as a clever way to use the bank's money, collect points and keep a safety net in the drawer. But is your credit card really working for you, or is it costing you more than you think? In this episode, Mel and Darlene dig into the beliefs many of us hold about credit cards, where those beliefs came from, and what it can look like to step away from the card – one purchase at a time. We discuss: Mel and Darlene's money truths: letting go as their children grow into adults – from Darlene's son getting engaged and her daughter's exchange plans, to Mel's daughter finishing Year 12 – and why boundaries and honest conversations work better than control Why knowing your mandatory cost of living makes it easier to see what's really going on your credit card The "use the bank's money" theory, where it came from, and why it doesn't add up for most people Why banks love you having a credit card – late payment fees, annual fees and interest Whether frequent flyer points and travel insurance are really worth it Why an emergency fund can give you more peace of mind than a credit card in the drawer The first steps to getting off your credit card, starting with moving your direct debits and building your belief that you can do it This week's TMC Take is that if you don't have a credit card, you don't need one – including to build your credit history or get a home loan. In fact, applying for several cards can show up when a lender assesses your home loan application. If you already have a card, it can be difficult to come off it, so take it step by step. And if you're one of the rare few who never overspends on your card, carry on, our friend. We hope this episode gives you the confidence to take a fresh look at your credit card – and decide what's right for you. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together the stories and insights Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have gained through working with thousands of Australians and helping them navigate their finances. With more than 50 years of combined experience in banking and finance, Darlene and Mel break down the barriers we face every day when it comes to money, relationships and family life. It's an honest, no-holds-barred podcast about financial wellbeing and the role money plays in all our lives. READY TO BEGIN YOUR FINANCIAL WELLBEING JOURNEY? Get to know your cost of living by listing your expenses using our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources Book a time to chat with us, ask questions and talk about all things financial wellbeing, home loans and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au Take action and improve your financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Oct 13

Separation, the Family Home and Your Financial Future

When a relationship ends, one of the first questions people ask is: what happens to the house? Can I keep it? Can I afford to buy somewhere else? Will I need to rent? Where will the kids live? Separation is one of the biggest financial and emotional changes we can go through – and because most of us only do it once, it's hard to know where to start. In this episode, Mel and Darlene share what they see in their one-to-one chats with people going through a separation, and the steps that help people move forward with more confidence and clarity. We discuss: Mel and Darlene's money truths: when life doesn't go to plan, Darlene's feelings about the word "retirement", and why Mel is protecting her long-term savings for the first time Why it pays to be deliberate about how much you spend today versus how much you set aside for tomorrow The assumptions people make about who can (and can't) keep the family home Why getting a home loan as an individual is different from applying as a couple – and why it's never too early to find out your borrowing capacity How stretching yourself to keep the house initially can buy you time to make your next decision on your own terms The experts who can help, from mortgage brokers to divorce coaches and intermediaries Why knowing your numbers at different settlement splits can help you move forward This week's TMC Take is that it's never too early to think about it – even when your relationship is happy. Be empowered with your numbers and stay involved in your household finances. If you're already going through a separation, bring in a fair third party to help, make sure you walk away with your fair share, and remember you don't need to solve all of life in one go. It's a topic many of us will experience, either ourselves or through someone we love. We hope this conversation helps you take the next step, whenever you're ready. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together the stories and insights Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have gained through working with thousands of Australians and helping them navigate their finances. With more than 50 years of combined experience in banking and finance, Darlene and Mel break down the barriers we face every day when it comes to money, relationships and family life. It's an honest, no-holds-barred podcast about financial wellbeing and the role money plays in all our lives. READY TO BEGIN YOUR FINANCIAL WELLBEING JOURNEY? Get to know your cost of living by listing your expenses using our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources Book a time to chat with us, ask questions and talk about all things financial wellbeing, home loans and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au Take action and improve your financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Sep 29

Want to Buy Your First Home? Start With a Plan

If buying your first home feels completely out of reach, we recommend stepping away from the property listings and gathering the facts. The headlines tell us that buying a home is harder than ever. But without understanding the options available, it's easy to assume home ownership isn't possible – or put off learning more until you feel "ready". In this episode, Mel and Darlene explore why the first-home journey should begin with financial education, a clear plan and a better understanding of what matters to you. We discuss: Darlene and Mel's money truths: supporting their children as they work towards independence – from first jobs and moving away to learning to drive and saving for a car How the stories we hear about housing affordability can shape our beliefs and behaviour Why facts can help you move beyond fear, assumptions and financial overwhelm Why your values, lifestyle and future plans should guide the type of home and loan you choose How the five per cent deposit scheme could help eligible first-home buyers purchase sooner than they think The questions to ask a bank or mortgage broker before committing to a loan Why your first move shouldn't necessarily be opening realestate.com.au This week's TMC Take is that your first-home journey should start with a plan, not a property search. Learning what's possible gives you the confidence to decide whether buying is right for you, what you're comfortable spending and which options could support the life you want to create. You don't need to have everything figured out before asking questions. Start early, get curious and don't be afraid to seek another perspective if you aren't receiving the information you need. We hope this conversation helps you cut through the noise, explore your options and take the next step in your own time. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together the stories and insights Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have gained through working with thousands of Australians and helping them navigate their finances. With more than 50 years of combined experience in banking and finance, Darlene and Mel break down the barriers we face every day when it comes to money, relationships and family life. It's an honest, no-holds-barred podcast about financial wellbeing and the role money plays in all our lives. READY TO BEGIN YOUR FINANCIAL WELLBEING JOURNEY? Get to know your cost of living by listing your expenses using our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources Book a time to chat with us, ask questions and talk about all things financial wellbeing, home loans and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au Take action and improve your financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Sep 15

Dual Incomes, Good Money… So Why Are We Still Struggling?

This week, we're discussing a common situation we see: dual-income households earning great money but still struggling to get ahead. Most of us believe that earning a better wage will help us achieve financial wellbeing. But in reality, it's about knowing your numbers, being in the driver's seat when it comes to your money and spending according to your values. In this episode, we cover: Mel and Darlene's money truths: the reality of installing solar and the challenge of holding firm in the face of financial pressure from a teenage daughter Why so many dual-income households are struggling – and our top tips for putting yourself in the driver's seat when it comes to your finances What financial wellbeing actually means Why it's normal for your financial focus to change at different stages of life The trade-offs that come with every financial decision How not knowing your numbers can prevent you from making confident decisions Our TMC take is that earning more doesn't necessarily equate to improved financial wellbeing. In fact, as we often see in our one-to-one chats, people navigating tight financial circumstances are often more informed and deliberate with their money. We love talking about money – and we believe that the more we have these conversations, the more we can reduce the shame and stigma surrounding a topic that plays such a significant role in all our lives. We hope this episode resonates with you. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together the stories and insights Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have gained through working with thousands of Australians and helping them navigate their finances. With more than 50 years of combined experience in banking and finance, Darlene and Mel break down the barriers we face every day when it comes to money, relationships and family life. It's an honest, no-holds-barred podcast about financial wellbeing and the role money plays in all our lives. READY TO BEGIN YOUR FINANCIAL WELLBEING JOURNEY? Get to know your cost of living by listing your expenses using our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources Book a time to chat with us, ask questions and talk about all things financial wellbeing, home loans and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au Take action and improve your financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Sep 1

Your First Home Might Be Closer Than You Think

Owning your home is a core part of the great Australian dream – but it's also something many people feel is out of their reach these days, especially for the younger generation. In this episode, we explore why housing feels so unaffordable for first home buyers and share our best tips for getting into the market (we believe in you!). We cover: This week's personal money truths: balancing the competing priorities of work and family; and wondering when it's okay to contribute to a kid's purchase Where to start as a first home buyer – and why Government schemes can be a great way to get into the market How much you REALLY need for your deposit Why it's essential to know your facts and figures Why we recommend talking to a mortgage broker before you feel "ready" The TMC view on why budgets don't work – and how to make yours stick If you're saving for your first home, dreaming of getting into the market or have a loved one who's planning on buying their first home, we hope this episode is the pep talk you need to understand that it IS possible. As mortgage brokers, we help people take their first steps towards home ownership every day – and with the right information, preparation and planning, you might be closer than you think. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together stories and experiences from working with thousands of Australians when it comes to money. This is a no-holds-barred, honest podcast. Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have been working in banking and finance for over 50 years and break down the barriers we face every day when it comes to our relationships, families and finances. READY TO GO ON THE JOURNEY OF FINANCIAL WELLBEING? Know your cost of living by listing your expenses with our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources Book a time with us to ask questions and talk all things financial wellbeing, home loans, and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au⁠ Take action and uplift your own level of financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Aug 18

Money Mindsets, Big Dreams and Savings Stress

You've heard us talk about the importance of money stories before, but in this episode we REALLY break it down for you – sharing why they matter, how they drive our behaviour, and opening up about how our own upbringings shaped our personal money stories. Whether you realise it or not, your money beliefs are influencing every decision you make – and how big you dare to dream when it comes to your life and finances. In this episode, we cover: How a recent exciting work trip got us thinking differently about what's possible – and the ways our families brought us back down to reality The importance of challenging yourself and changing your behaviour to get a different outcome What to do if you feel like you're just not building your savings Why you need to know your numbers to create a real plan The TMC view on how our money beliefs shape our behaviour – and how to better understand yourself Mel and Darlene's personal money stories, and how they've shaped their attitudes and decisions throughout their lives We hope that by talking openly about our own money stories (and encouraging you to chat to others about yours), we can collectively break down the shame, stigma and ego around money. At the end of the day, your story is trying to keep you safe – but you have the choice to keep the parts that are serving you and release the parts that aren't. We hope you enjoy this episode – and in the spirit of uplifting financial wellbeing across Australia, we'd love it if you'd share it with someone who'd benefit from it. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together stories and experiences from working with thousands of Australians when it comes to money. This is a no-holds-barred, honest podcast. Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have been working in banking and finance for over 50 years and break down the barriers we face every day when it comes to our relationships, families and finances. READY TO GO ON THE JOURNEY OF FINANCIAL WELLBEING? Know your cost of living by listing your expenses with our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources Book a time with us to ask questions and talk all things financial wellbeing, home loans, and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au⁠ Take action and uplift your own level of financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Jul 14

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Start Investing? It All Comes Down to Your Why.

Money has a way of shining a light on the beliefs we don't even realise we're holding. This episode begins with a moment of real honesty as Darlene reflects on her son's recent engagement, the unexpected emotions it brought up, and the way it encouraged her to truly walk her walk. And Mel gets real about the challenge of running a business you're truly passionate about while also trying to show up for your family in the ways that matter most. From there, we tackle one of the biggest questions we hear from clients: should you pay off your mortgage, or start investing? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, the best financial decisions start with understanding what's important to you. We chat about: Why personal growth often means learning to let go (even when it's hard) Why having a clear purpose matters more than chasing an arbitrary financial goal How taking a long-term approach can help you build wealth with confidence Plus, in our educational segment, we explore the important topic of coercive control and financial independence We're your big-sister hotline as we unpack what coercive control can look like when it comes to money, why everyone should be informed when it comes to family finances, and how maintaining visibility can provide confidence, security and choice. As always, we hope this conversation encourages you to reflect on your own money story and remember that the best financial decisions are the ones that align with your values and the life you want to build. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together the stories and experiences of working with thousands of Australians when it comes to money. It's a no-holds-barred, honest podcast. Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have been working in banking and finance for over 50 years and break down the barriers that we face every day when it comes to our relationships, families and finances. READY TO GO ON THE JOURNEY OF FINANCIAL WELLBEING? 📊Know your cost of living by listing your expenses with our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources 💬Book a time with us to ⁠chat about money⁠ to ask questions and talk all things financial wellbeing, home loans, and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au⁠ ✨Take action and uplift your own level of financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Jun 30

Retirement, Relationships and Making Sure You're on the Right Track

This episode, we're tackling a topic that comes up in conversations with clients all the time: "I think I'm doing okay, but I just want to check." For many people, the question isn't really "How much money do I need?", but rather "Am I on the right track?" Darlene is honest about her aversion to retirement, sharing why the idea of stopping work has never appealed to her and how differently she and her husband view this stage of life. Meanwhile, for Mel, retirement isn't something she spends much time thinking about at all, preferring to focus on living a meaningful life today. In this episode, we chat about: Why retirement means different things to different people The importance of purpose, contribution and meaning The difference between retiring because you want to and retiring because you think you should Why so many people wonder "Am I on the right track?" when it comes to money The value of asking "what if?" and preparing for life's unexpected twists and turns Why it's important to enjoy life today while still planning for tomorrow Plus, in our educational segment, we discuss why money can be one of the most challenging topics for couples to navigate, the importance of open and honest communication, and some of the green flags we look for when partners are financially aligned. As always, it all comes down to understanding our individual money stories – and being open to understanding others' stories too. We hope you enjoy the episode and it encourages you to think about yours more deeply. ABOUT THE MONEY COLLECTIVE PODCAST Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective brings together the stories and experiences of working with thousands of Australians when it comes to money, this is no holds barred, honest podcast. Darlene Neu and Mel Pearce have been working in banking and finance for over 50 years and break down the barriers that we face everyday when it comes to our relationships, families and finances. READY TO GO ON THE JOURNEY OF FINANCIAL WELLBEING? 📊Know your cost of living by listing your expenses with our handy spending review spreadsheet: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/resources 💬Book a time with us to ⁠chat about money⁠ to ask questions and talk all things financial wellbeing, home loans, and more. Email team@themoneycollective.com.au⁠ ✨Take action and uplift your own level of financial wellbeing with our online course: https://www.themoneycollective.com.au/onlinecourse

Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective

Do You Really Need a Credit Card?

Separation, the Family Home and Your Financial Future

Want to Buy Your First Home? Start With a Plan

Dual Incomes, Good Money… So Why Are We Still Struggling?

Your First Home Might Be Closer Than You Think

Money Mindsets, Big Dreams and Savings Stress

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Start Investing? It All Comes Down to Your Why.

Retirement, Relationships and Making Sure You're on the Right Track

About

Information

Financial Wellbeing with The Money Collective

Episodes

Do You Really Need a Credit Card?

Separation, the Family Home and Your Financial Future

Want to Buy Your First Home? Start With a Plan

Dual Incomes, Good Money… So Why Are We Still Struggling?

Your First Home Might Be Closer Than You Think

Money Mindsets, Big Dreams and Savings Stress

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Start Investing? It All Comes Down to Your Why.

Retirement, Relationships and Making Sure You're on the Right Track

About

Information