Financially Empowered Women

Dionne Payn

The Financially Empowered Women podcast, hosted by Dionne Payn, tackles the shocking reality that 400,000 women in Australia are at risk of homelessness. The podcast dives into the barriers that lead to financial insecurity, aiming to give women the knowledge and tools they need to build a strong financial foundation. Featuring world-class experts, each episode provides practical, women-specific tips on topics such as negotiating a better salary, demystifying superannuation, and navigating divorce and separation while ensuring assets are distributed fairly. This podcast is designed to help women build a strong financial foundation, take control of their financial future and create lasting social change.

  1. 20H AGO

    S2: Ep. 1: How Women Can Build Wealth After Divorce and Starting Over

    Have you ever felt like you were starting from scratch financially after divorce? What if the hardest part wasn’t the money itself, but believing you could rebuild? For many women, divorce brings a financial reset, and often a deep emotional one too. The fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm can feel paralysing. But the truth is, rebuilding wealth is possible, and it begins with the mindset you carry into the next chapter. Money mindset for women is at the heart of this powerful episode. Mel Browne shares her deeply personal journey from financial trauma and starting over, to becoming a self-made multimillionaire with choice, freedom, and a mission to help other women do the same. Together, we explore why women have been conditioned to shrink financially, how investing can be simple and values-led, and why it’s time for women to stop opting out of wealth. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money after separation, doubted your ability to build wealth, or wanted to feel more confident in your future, this episode is made for you. 🎧 Press play now to discover how a stronger money mindset for women can unlock freedom, security, and a life on your own terms. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn why money mindset for women is the foundation of financial power and long-term security ✅ Discover how small investing steps and compound interest create real wealth over time ✅ Understand how women can align money choices with values, confidence, and community impact About Mel Browne Mel Browne is an ex-accountant, former financial adviser, bestselling author, and one of Australia’s most trusted financial educators. After running a successful accounting and financial planning business for nearly 20 years, Mel now teaches women how to build wealth with clarity, confidence, and zero shame. She’s the author of five books, including the global bestseller Unfck Your Finances*, and her latest release, Dare to Be Wealthy, is a bold call for women to reclaim financial agency and rewrite the system from the inside out.   📚 Dare to Be Wealthy (Book): https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/books 🌐 Website: www.melissabrowne.com.au 📱 Instagram: @melbrowne.money 📘 Blog: https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/blog/hwhwvideo 🔗 Free Resource Page: https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/FEW — 💡  𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions – helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    50 min
  2. Ep. 24 Own Your Worth: How Women Can Stop Shrinking and Start Building Wealth

    07/18/2025

    Ep. 24 Own Your Worth: How Women Can Stop Shrinking and Start Building Wealth

    What if money wasn’t just about maths and spreadsheets, but mindset, identity and choice? What if your financial freedom began with the belief that abundance is your birthright? Money mindset for women is more than a catchphrase—it’s a revolution. In this episode, Dr. Renée Baker shares how her two-decade career on Wall Street shaped her understanding of wealth, why women often shrink in financial spaces, and how reclaiming your worth is the most important investment you’ll ever make. With powerful insights on education, scarcity, self-worth, and the systemic barriers women face, this episode will spark confidence and action in anyone ready to own their financial power. If you’ve ever felt behind, undervalued, or overwhelmed when it comes to your finances, this episode is made for you. 🎧 Press play now to learn how changing your money mindset for women can change everything else too. In this episode, you will:  ✅ Discover why financial education is your gateway to personal power—not just financial control  ✅ Learn how to dismantle scarcity thinking and create a mindset of abundance  ✅ Understand the importance of financial literacy for women across every income level and life stage Dr. Renée Baker is a financial empowerment advocate, entrepreneur, and educator with more than 20 years of experience on Wall Street. As CEO of The RBI Group, she helps financial advisors grow their practices while championing financial literacy for women. She’s a TEDx speaker, host of The Unleashed Life podcast, and author of Abundance Unleashed. Her mission is to help women step into their worth, rewrite their money stories, and create the life and legacy they deserve. Resources & Links 🌐 Website: www.reneebaker.com 🎧 Podcast: The Unleashed Life – Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-unleashed-life-with-dr-ren%C3%A9e-baker/id1767619338 📖 Book: The Unleashed Life - https://www.amazon.com.au/Unleashed-Life-Dr-Ren%C3%A9e-Baker/dp/B0DGLVVJCW/ 📱 Instagram: @itsReneeBaker 📘 LinkedIn: Renee Baker - https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsreneebaker/ 💡  𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions – helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    43 min
  3. Ep. 23 Closing the Super Gap: How Women Can Secure Their Financial Future

    07/11/2025

    Ep. 23 Closing the Super Gap: How Women Can Secure Their Financial Future

    Closing the Super Gap: How Women Can Secure Their Financial Future   How often do you think about your superannuation? For many women, it’s something to worry about “later”—but waiting too long can lead to serious financial consequences. What if small changes today could secure your financial future and prevent you from becoming one of the 1 in 6 women who retire into poverty? Women and superannuation are issues that are often overlooked, but the reality is that the system was never designed for women’s financial needs. Career breaks, part-time work, and the gender pay gap all contribute to women retiring with significantly less than men. In this episode, entrepreneur and superannuation expert Pascale Helyar-Moray explains why ignoring your super is a dangerous strategy, how the system disadvantages women, and the simple hacks you can use to take control of your retirement savings today. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll deal with my super later,” felt unsure about how to grow your super, or worried about whether you’ll have enough to retire comfortably, this episode is made for you. Press play now to learn how women and superannuation must be a priority, not an afterthought. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn why women and superannuation are one of the biggest financial challenges facing women today. ✅ Discover the biggest mistakes women make with super and how to fix them. ✅ Understand simple strategies to boost your super, even if retirement feels far away. Pascale Helyar-Moray OAM is an award-winning entrepreneur, financial services expert, and passionate advocate for gender equality in superannuation. She is the founder of Grow My Money, a world-first platform that helps users grow their super through everyday spending. With a background in finance, marketing, and leadership, Pascale has worked with government, wealth managers, and thousands of women to understand the real challenges around superannuation. She is also the author of Rich Woman, Poor Woman, a guide to helping women take charge of their financial future. Resources & Links: 🌎 Website: www.pascalehm.com.au 📘 Book: Rich Woman, Poor Woman – Buy here 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascale-helyar-moray/ Financially Empowered Women Podcast The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions, helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. Next Steps Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    44 min
  4. Ep. 22 From Tax Tips to Super Strategies: A Woman’s Guide to Smarter Money Moves

    07/04/2025

    Ep. 22 From Tax Tips to Super Strategies: A Woman’s Guide to Smarter Money Moves

    Have you ever wished there was a simple, no-nonsense way to manage your money, especially while juggling motherhood, business, or life after separation? Financial planning for mums often gets pushed to the side in favour of everything else on the to-do list. But understanding tax, superannuation, budgeting, and how to future-proof your finances doesn’t have to be complicated - or boring. In this episode, Chartered Accountant and mum of three, Lina De Marco, breaks down tax strategies, explains the power of SMSFs, and shares her personal journey of financial independence after divorce. Her goal? To help women create a calm, confident relationship with money, no matter their circumstances. If you’ve ever felt unsure about money management, avoided tax planning, or wanted to feel more financially in control (without giving up your morning coffee), this episode is made for you. 🎧 Press play now to learn how financial planning for mums can give you the confidence to make smart, long-term money decisions. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn the most overlooked tax tips women can use before the end of the financial year ✅ Discover how mums can rebuild financial independence through small but powerful changes ✅ Understand the role of super and SMSFs in creating values-aligned investing and long-term security Lina De Marco is the founder and CEO of Ademus Business Solutions, a chartered accounting firm supporting small businesses and families. With over 25 years of experience and a deep passion for accessible financial education, she’s helped hundreds of clients build sustainable financial plans while navigating real-life challenges like raising kids, starting over, and running a business. Lina is also a self-managed super fund auditor, an advisor to multiple not-for-profits, and an advocate for empowering women through financial literacy and smart planning. Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: www.ademus.com.au 📧 Email: lina@ademus.com.au 📘 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-de-marco-29b8a525/ 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ademusbusinesssolutions — 💡  𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions – helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    50 min
  5. Ep. 21 Bridging the Housing Gap: Real Solutions for Women Locked Out of Home Ownership

    07/01/2025

    Ep. 21 Bridging the Housing Gap: Real Solutions for Women Locked Out of Home Ownership

    What if buying a home wasn’t something you had to do alone? What if there were models where you could co-invest, build equity slowly, or buy with friends and family, without waiting for traditional finance to say yes? Women buying homes face enormous systemic barriers—from unaffordable prices to tight lending criteria and the impact of raising children on income. In this episode, Sama Balson, founder of Women’s Village Collective, shares how she went from housing displacement to driving innovative housing models that help women get a foot on the property ladder. From rent-to-buy and co-living structures to shared equity partnerships, this conversation will expand what’s possible when it comes to housing. If you’ve ever felt priced out, overwhelmed by mortgage rules, or unsure of how to buy a home in a high-cost area, this episode is made for you. 🎧 Press play now to discover how women buying homes can create new paths to ownership—together. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn how women buying homes are using co-ownership, dual-key dwellings, and rent-to-buy strategies ✅ Understand the gaps in the current housing system—and what to do if you fall between them ✅ Discover how the Women’s Village Collective is helping women build equity and financial security Sama Balson is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Village Collective, a DGR-registered charity helping women overcome housing insecurity. With a background in the arts and public service—including serving as a Byron Shire Councillor and Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee—Sama brings policy knowledge, lived experience, and creative thinking to her mission. She’s a powerful advocate for shared equity, systemic reform, and real pathways to homeownership for women who are too often left behind by current systems. Links & Resources: 🌐 Website: www.womensvillagecollective.org.au 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072069800351 📩 Email: admin@womensvillagecollective.org.au — 💡  𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions – helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    36 min
  6. Ep. 20 Rentvesting Explained: How Women Are Building Wealth While Renting

    06/20/2025

    Ep. 20 Rentvesting Explained: How Women Are Building Wealth While Renting

    Have you ever wanted to get into property but felt like it was out of reach—especially on your own? What if investing in real estate could build your wealth and support other women in the process? Women and property investing is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about building a future of financial security and doing good along the way. In this episode, Property Investment Strategist Suzi Antic shares how women can start investing through strategies like co-ownership, dual occupancy, and co-living homes. She breaks down the numbers, explains how to reduce financial risk, and shows how property can become a powerful tool for social change and long-term financial independence.   If you’ve ever felt priced out of the market, intimidated by the process, or unsure of where to begin, this episode is made for you. 🎧 Press play now to learn how women and property investing can help you grow your wealth and support other women on their journey too. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn how women and property investing can start with as little as $50,000 through co-ownership and creative structures ✅ Discover how Suzi’s clients are earning 8% yields while offering affordable housing for women ✅ Understand how to minimise risk, access depreciation benefits, and choose the right areas for long-term growth Suzi Antic is the founder of National Property Investors and a seasoned Property Investment Strategist with over 15 years’ experience in designing high-yield, purpose-driven investments. Her approach combines solid returns with social impact—helping women build wealth while offering affordable housing solutions through co-living, dual occupancy, and ethical investing. Suzi works closely with clients to guide them through every stage of the property journey and is passionate about making property investing more inclusive and achievable for women across Australia.   Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: www.nationalpropertyinvestors.net.au 📧 Email: suzi@nationalpropertyinvestors.net.au 📘 LinkedIn: Suzi Antic https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzi-antic-a5367897/ —   Financially Empowered Women The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions – helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. Next Steps Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    34 min
  7. Ep. 19 Rent-Vesting: The Secret Strategy to Buying More Property Faster

    06/13/2025

    Ep. 19 Rent-Vesting: The Secret Strategy to Buying More Property Faster

    Have you ever thought about investing in property but felt unsure about where to start? Many women believe real estate investing is too complex or risky, but what if the right education and strategy could change everything? Women and property investing are about more than just buying a home—it’s about using real estate as a tool for financial independence and generational wealth. Many women miss out on opportunities because of fear, lack of knowledge, or societal expectations that tell them to play it safe. In this episode, property investor and entrepreneur Varsha Banker shares how she built a property portfolio after her divorce, the strategies she used to buy four properties in four months, and how women can step into the real estate market with confidence. If you’ve ever felt like property investing is too complicated, worried about making financial mistakes, or struggled to see how real estate could work for you, this episode is made for you. Press play now to learn how women and property investing can open doors to financial freedom and security. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn why women and property investing is one of the best wealth-building tools available. ✅ Discover how Varsha built her portfolio quickly and the strategies that worked for her. ✅ Understand the biggest mistakes women make in real estate and how to avoid them. Varsha Banker is a property investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Real Estate for Women (R4W), a platform dedicated to educating and supporting women in real estate investing. Passionate about financial independence, she helps single mums and working women build generational wealth through property. After navigating a difficult divorce, Varsha used real estate as a way to rebuild her financial future, proving that with the right knowledge, women can thrive in property investing. Resources & Links: 🌎 Website: www.realestateforwomen.com.au 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varsha-banker/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realestate4w/  📱 Instagram: @realestateforwomen Financially Empowered Women Podcast The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions, helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. Next Steps Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    26 min
  8. Ep. 18 Future-Proof Your Marriage: The Power of Prenups and Postnups

    06/06/2025

    Ep. 18 Future-Proof Your Marriage: The Power of Prenups and Postnups

    What if you could protect your financial future, not after divorce, but during the marriage itself? Financial security after divorce isn’t just about survival—it’s about preparation, transparency, and fairness. For many women, especially those who’ve taken time out of the workforce to raise children, divorce can trigger deep financial insecurity. In this episode, life coach and divorce advocate Kathy Ferris shares her hard-won lessons from navigating her own high-conflict divorce and raising four children on her own. She shares how prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can serve as tools of empowerment, not fear, and why being financially informed before a crisis is the greatest act of self-love you can offer yourself. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by divorce, struggled to access money you thought you shared, or worried about how to protect yourself and your children, this episode is made for you. 🎧 Press play now to hear how preparing for financial security after divorce can lead to peace of mind, confidence, and a fairer future. In this episode, you will: ✅ Learn how prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can provide financial security after divorce ✅ Discover what women often overlook when it comes to credit, insurance, and shared assets ✅ Understand how to protect your emotional well-being and your finances—before, during, and after divorce Kathy Ferris is a life coach, speaker, podcast host, and single mum of four. After leaving a 21-year marriage, she rebuilt her life from scratch, without a roadmap or a financial safety net. Now she’s on a mission to help other women protect their worth, plan for life beyond marriage, and step confidently into their next chapter. She’s the host of KATapulting Confidence and a passionate advocate for women creating structure, safety, and joy in their lives, even after heartbreak. Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: www.kathyferris.com 📱 Instagram: @kathycupcakeferris 🎙️ Podcast: KATapulting Confidence https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/katapulting-confidence/id1799833663 📍 TikTok: @kathycupcakeferris Financially Empowered Women Podcast The Financially Empowered Women Podcast is for women who want to take control of their financial future and make a lasting impact. Each week, we bring on expert guests to answer real listener questions – helping them break financial barriers, build wealth, and invest in social change. Whether you’re looking to master your money, grow your income, or use your wealth as a force for good, this podcast gives you the tools to make it happen. Next Steps Join the community for free resources to help you take control of your financial future at www.women4homes.com

    33 min

About

The Financially Empowered Women podcast, hosted by Dionne Payn, tackles the shocking reality that 400,000 women in Australia are at risk of homelessness. The podcast dives into the barriers that lead to financial insecurity, aiming to give women the knowledge and tools they need to build a strong financial foundation. Featuring world-class experts, each episode provides practical, women-specific tips on topics such as negotiating a better salary, demystifying superannuation, and navigating divorce and separation while ensuring assets are distributed fairly. This podcast is designed to help women build a strong financial foundation, take control of their financial future and create lasting social change.