1D AGO

Sea changes, marriage and riding the waves of midlife with Kate Halfpenny

Midlife is supposed to be the time when things settle down. The kids grow up, careers feel stable, and life gets a little simpler. Right? Well, that's not always how it plays out. Careers shift, marriages strain, parents age, health changes, and suddenly you're rewriting the script entirely. In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Kate Halfpenny — columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, founder of Bad Mother Media, and author of Boogie Wonderland, to talk about what happens when midlife doesn't go to plan. Kate's memoir shares her sea change after COVID, her husband's struggle with alcoholism, navigating empty nesting and perimenopause, and starting a business in her mid-fifties after 40 years as an employee. This conversation mirrors what many of our listeners are experiencing — the messy, beautiful, challenging reality of midlife transformation. What we talk about: What drew Kate to journalism and her decades-long careerThe financial reality of being a writer that people misunderstandWhat inspired her to write Boogie WonderlandThe sea change decision post-COVID and the gap between expectation and realityRealities people should consider before making a sea changeHow midlife forces you to work out what you really want and go get itStarting Bad Mother Media in her mid-fifties after being an employee for 40 yearsWhy she chose the name "Bad Mother Media"What she's learned from running her own businessCreating a life on her own schedule with no boss, no 9-5Writing a book late in life while managing clients and a businessWhat she hopes people take away from her storyIf you're navigating midlife transitions, career changes, relationship challenges, or simply wondering how to thrive when life doesn't follow the script, this conversation offers honest insight and hope. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. Find us at www.tribecafinancial.com.au Our guest: Kate Halfpenny, Columnist & Author Follow Kate on Instagram Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Visit Kate’s website Buy Kate’s book – Boogie Wonderland Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Connect with Steph on LinkedIn Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

43 min

FEB 9

Overcoming financial shame and starting fresh with Bec Allan

Most people think that working in finance means having your money life sorted. But today's guest proves that even the experts aren't immune to burnout, financial stress, and major setbacks. For more than 20 years, Bec Allan built a career inside Australia's major banks. She climbed the ranks, built a reputation, and did everything "right." But behind the scenes, she was exhausted, stretched thin, and carrying the weight of being a single mum trying to hold everything together — including $80,000 of personal debt. In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Bec to talk about what happened when her corporate career ended abruptly, how she rebuilt her entire relationship with money, and why she now helps other women do the same. This is a conversation about financial burnout, debt recovery, empowerment, and what it really takes to build a calm, confident relationship with money. What we talk about: Bec's 20-year banking career and what led her to leave the corporate worldFinding herself $80,000 in debt as a single mumWorking two to three jobs for over two years to dig out of debtThe turning point moment on November 1st, 2018 with her daughterTransitioning from corporate burnout to building a money coaching businessWhy vulnerability is central to her work with clientsHelping clients shift from fear and scarcity to calm, grounded decision-makingCommon money behaviours and emotional patterns that hold women backClient transformation stories, from toxic debt cycles to purchasing homesFirst steps for people who feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or scared to look at their financesTaking a holistic approach that blends mindset, strategy, and emotionCreating values-aligned relationships with moneyIf you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of earning, spending, and striving without true financial peace, this conversation will show you there's another way. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. Find us at www.tribecafinancial.com.au Our guest: Bec Allan, Mortgage Broker and Money Coach Connect with Bec on LinkedIn Follow Bec on Instagram Visit Chamberlain & Co’s website Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Connect with Steph on LinkedIn Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

36 min

JAN 26

The big picture: global markets decoded with Anthony Kritikides

Banking and global markets can sound distant, sometimes even irrelevant. But the reality is, bonds, interest rates and currencies shape almost everything in your day-to-day life. Your mortgage, your super, your cost of living, even airfares. In this episode of Money and a Good Life, we’re joined by Anthony Kritikides, Managing Director and Global Head of Institutional Sales at CBA Global Markets. Anthony sits at the centre of global financial markets, helping some of the world’s largest institutions navigate volatility, manage risk, and plan for what’s next. Together, we zoom out to the big picture, what’s happening in the economy right now, why markets feel so volatile, and what it all means for everyday Australians. Anthony breaks down complex topics in plain English, explaining how bonds work, why fixed income is back in focus, where interest rates may be heading, and what’s driving movements in the Australian dollar. If you’ve ever wondered “Why should I care about this?” this conversation connects the dots. In this episode, we cover: What bonds actually are and how governments and companies use themWhy fixed income has made a comebackWhat drives interest rate movements and how they affect households and businessesThe big forces moving the Australian dollarWhy super funds are investing more offshore and why currency mattersWhat Anthony thinks people should be paying more attention to right nowHere's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. Find us at www.tribecafinancial.com.au Our guest: Anthony Kritikides, Managing Director and Global Head of Institutional Sales at CBA Global Markets Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/ Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

34 min

JAN 12

Money from a Millennial’s POV with Jake Boulter

Sometimes Millennials get a bad wrap for how they manage their money. The narrative has been that they don't save and they'd rather spend on travel or avocado toast than build wealth. But is that really true? In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Jake Boulter, Senior Adviser at Tribeca and a Millennial who grew up in a family spanning four generations, from Boomers to Gen Z. Jake shares what Millennials really think about money, how their approach differs from other generations, and why housing instability has fundamentally shaped how his generation approaches wealth building. If you've ever struggled to see eye-to-eye with your adult children about finances, or if you're curious about how younger Australians are managing money in a changing world, this conversation offers intergenerational insights that might just bridge the gap. What we talk about: Growing up around four generations and noticing different money attitudesHow housing instability has defined Millennial attitudes toward wealthThe property market gap between generations and its lasting impactThe "Bank of Mum and Dad" and intergenerational wealth transferWhy Millennials are more values-driven with their money and investingWhether ethical investing is a passing trend or lasting shiftGetting financial information from social media, finfluencers, and TikTokThe stereotype about Millennials preferring crypto and ETFs over propertyHow generational differences shape advice conversationsIf you're navigating generational money differences, whether as a parent, advisor, or simply someone curious about how attitudes are shifting this conversation offers real insight without the stereotypes. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. Find us at www.tribecafinancial.com.au Our guest: Jake Boulter, Senior Advisor at Tribeca Financial Connect with Jake on LinkedIn here: Jake Boulter | LinkedIn Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/ Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

35 min

12/08/2025

Financial literacy for kids with Vivianne Nikou

How do we make sure young people are leaving school ready to face the real world, not just academically, but financially as well? Because right now, the stats aren't great. Nearly half of all Australian adults are considered financially illiterate. But when it comes to young people? Things look even more concerning. Only 28% of teenage boys and just 15% of teenage girls demonstrate essential financial literacy skills. In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Dr Vivianne Nikou, Principal of Alphington Grammar School and passionate advocate for education that builds well-rounded, resilient young people. Viv shares how schools and parents can work together to create financially confident adults, what financial education looks like at different ages, and the practical skills every 18-year-old should have before they leave school. What we talk about: The concerning statistics on youth financial literacy in AustraliaWhy teenage girls lag behind boys in financial knowledgeHow digital money is changing young people's understanding of financesAt what age children should start learning about moneyMaking financial concepts relevant and engaging for different age groupsThe biggest challenges schools face delivering financial educationMoney conversations parents should be having with their kidsChanges needed in Australian financial educationIf you're a parent, educator, or simply care about the next generation's financial wellbeing, this conversation offers practical guidance and real solutions. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. Find us at www.tribecafinancial.com.au Our guest: Dr Vivianne Nikou, Principal of Alphington Grammar School - School website Connect with Alphington Grammar on LinkedIn Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/ Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

43 min

11/26/2025

BONUS EPISODE Retire life ready with James Wrigley

For a lot of people, retirement is a big financial unknown. Do I have enough super? Am I doing enough? Am I too late? What if I get there and hate it? In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with James Wrigley, Melbourne based financial advisor, part-owner of First Financial, and author of Retire Life Ready, to talk about building wealth, shaping a retirement that actually feels good, and navigating the critical years just before you retire. James is known for making money matters simple and relatable. With over two decades of experience and a strong following on social media (over 200,000 across TikTok and Instagram), he helps thousands of Australians take control of their finances and get retirement-ready. What we talk about: Reframing what retirement could look like for your life Addressing the anxiety people feel in their 50s about "leaving it too late" Financial advice as more than numbers, it's about living well now and later Where to start if you're picking up Retire Life Ready today If you're unsure about retirement, worried you're not doing enough, or wondering if it's too late to get on track, this conversation will show you that you're not alone, and there's always a path forward. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. You can find us at https://www.tribecafinancial.com.au/ Our guest: James Wrigley, Financial advisor, part-owner of First Financial, author of Retire Life Ready Learn more about James: Website | LinkedIn | TikTok: @iamjameswrigley | Instagram: @iamjameswrigley Buy ‘Retire Life Ready’ by James Wrigley here. Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/ Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

41 min

11/24/2025

Forensic accounting in divorce and separation with Julie Garis

When a relationship ends, dividing up the finances can be one of the most stressful and confusing parts of the process. Who owns what? What's been disclosed? What's being hidden? And what happens when something just doesn't feel right? In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Julie Garis, founder of Simple Split Financials and forensic accountant with many years of experience to talk about the financial side of separation and divorce that most people don't understand until they're in it. Julie helps people going through separation understand their complete financial picture, especially when things feel murky, hidden, or unclear. She knows this work intimately - not just professionally, but personally, having navigated her own divorce. What we talk about: What forensic accounting actually is and how it fits with family law Real examples of how Julie helps people in divorce cases What Julie learned from her own divorce and financial separation Common ways people try to hide assets during separation Creative strategies Julie has uncovered in her investigations Working with private investigators and valuing businesses What to do when something just "feels off" about your partner's finances Advice for someone who suspects their spouse is hiding assets When to bring in a forensic accountant How to protect yourself financially before and during divorce Common myths and misconceptions about financial settlements Why Julie does this work and what drives her If you're going through separation, preparing for one, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical guidance for one of life's most challenging financial transitions. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. You can find us at https://www.tribecafinancial.com.au/ Our guest: Julie Garis, Forensic Accountant at Simple Split Finances Connect with Julie on LinkedIn here Learn more about Julie here Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/ Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

33 min

11/10/2025

Financial advice is more than money with Sean Birch

When you think about financial advice, what comes to mind? Numbers? Spreadsheets? Maybe superannuation or investments? But the best financial advice goes way beyond the money. In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Sean Birch - Financial Adviser & Director, former accountant, and someone who understands that financial planning is really about people, family, and legacy. Sean (or Birchy, as he's known) has that rare combination of a numbers brain and high emotional intelligence. He's built deep, long-standing relationships with his clients because he understands that advice isn't just about managing assets, it's about protecting what matters most. This conversation explores the emotional, human side of financial advice that most people don't talk about, but where some of the most powerful work happens. What we talk about: How Sean transitioned from accounting to financial adviceWhat he loves about the work and times he's made a real difference"Living legacy" - what it means and how it differs from traditional estate planningReal examples of helping families create living legacies (home ownership, investment education, business mentorship)How to involve children in financial planning in age-appropriate waysSupporting people who inherit and are scared of "getting it wrong"Facilitating delicate conversations between parents and adult children about moneyWhy young adults listen to advisers when they tune out their parentsBuilding trust with the next generation while respecting family dynamicsMaking financial planning relevant for young people (crypto, ethical investing, super)The "sandwich generation" juggling aging parents and childrenAustralia's $3.5 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer over the next 20 yearsPreparing families for gradual wealth transition versus sudden inheritanceMaking money a source of connection, not conflictThe role of adviser as advocate, protector, and trusted third partyIf you've ever wondered what truly excellent financial advice looks like, this conversation will show you it's about so much more than the numbers. Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening. You can find us at https://www.tribecafinancial.com.au/ Our guest: Sean Birch, Senior Adviser & Director Connect with Sean on LinkedIn here Learn more about Sean here Our hosts: Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/ Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd. Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

32 min

Money & a Good Life

Sea changes, marriage and riding the waves of midlife with Kate Halfpenny

Overcoming financial shame and starting fresh with Bec Allan

The big picture: global markets decoded with Anthony Kritikides

Money from a Millennial’s POV with Jake Boulter

Financial literacy for kids with Vivianne Nikou

BONUS EPISODE Retire life ready with James Wrigley

Forensic accounting in divorce and separation with Julie Garis

Financial advice is more than money with Sean Birch

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Money & a Good Life

Episodes

Sea changes, marriage and riding the waves of midlife with Kate Halfpenny

Overcoming financial shame and starting fresh with Bec Allan

The big picture: global markets decoded with Anthony Kritikides

Money from a Millennial’s POV with Jake Boulter

Financial literacy for kids with Vivianne Nikou

**BONUS EPISODE** Retire life ready with James Wrigley

Forensic accounting in divorce and separation with Julie Garis

Financial advice is more than money with Sean Birch

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BONUS EPISODE Retire life ready with James Wrigley