Dollars & Distractions

Maryanne Elliott
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🎙️ Dollars & Distractions – Podcast Description (SEO Optimised) Welcome to Dollars & Distractions, the Australian money and property podcast hosted by two mortgage brokers who believe financial conversations shouldn’t feel intimidating. Each week, we talk about real-life finance — from home loans and borrowing power to saving for a deposit, money mindset, property investing and building long-term wealth. We break down:How much you can actually borrowWhat banks really look at when assessing home loansFirst home buyer tips in AustraliaSaving strategies that actually workFixed vs variable rate decisionsMoney habits, behaviour and mindsetFinancial confidence for womenThe emotional side of buying propertyAnd because we’re human (and slightly distraction-prone), you’ll also hear the tangents — client stories, real estate drama, relationship money conversations and the behind-the-scenes reality of being mortgage brokers. If you’re: ✔ A first home buyer in Australia ✔ Unsure about your borrowing power ✔ Trying to save a house deposit ✔ Feeling financially behind ✔ Wanting clearer money strategy ✔ Or just love honest, unfiltered finance conversations This podcast is for you. We believe financial confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from clarity and action. New episodes weekly. Because money doesn’t respond to chaos — it responds to clarity.

  1. 6h ago

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 33 Is That $80,000 Car Costing You Your Dream Home? 🚗🏡

    Is That $80,000 Car Costing You Your Dream Home? 🚗🏡 That shiny new car might look amazing in the driveway… but could it be the very thing standing between you and your dream home? In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Mez and Bec are talking about the financial decisions we make today that can have a BIG impact on our future.With interest rates changing and borrowing capacity tightening, taking out a car loan (or even a novated lease!) could mean the difference between buying the home you really want and having to compromise. But don't worry, we're not here to tell you that you can't have nice things! We're talking about finding the balance between enjoying your money now and making sure your decisions align with where you want to be in five or ten years.In this episode, we chat about: 🚗 How an $80,000 car loan could affect your home loan borrowing capacity 🏡 Why falling property prices don't necessarily mean buying a home is getting easier 💰 The difference between what you CAN borrow and what you SHOULD borrow 🤔 Emotional spending and the purchases we later regret (including Mez's very expensive risotto machine!) 👀 Why your financial goals should influence the decisions you make today ❤️ How life changes, including separation, can completely shift your financial priorities 🎯 Why it's never too early to have a conversation with a mortgage broker Plus, Bec shares why she's considering downsizing her car, Mez tells us how she was sold a car based on a fantasy of shopping at farmers markets, and we both admit we've made some questionable financial decisions along the way! The takeaway? You don't have to give up everything you love to build financial security. But understanding the trade-offs means you can make decisions that actually work for YOU. Because sometimes it's not about whether you can afford the car. It's about what else that car might cost you. 🎧 Tune in for some honest money conversations, plenty of laughs and a reminder that your future self deserves a little consideration too.Want to understand your borrowing capacity before making a big financial decision? Book a chat with the team at 360 Mortgage Solutions:https://link.teamos.ai/preview/VnIGaMOE64W6aAlEHG9oGeneral information only. This episode doesn't take into account your personal financial circumstances.

  2. Oct 14

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 32 Feeling Behind in Life? You're Not Running Out of Time!

    Feeling Behind in Life? You're Not Running Out of Time Ever looked around and thought, "Hang on… wasn't I supposed to have my life together by now?" 🙋‍♀️Maybe you thought you'd own a home, be married, have kids, be financially comfortable or have a healthy savings account by this age. But life hasn't exactly gone according to plan.In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Maryanne and Bec are talking about something we've probably all experienced at some point, feeling like we're falling behind.And let's be real, it's pretty hard not to compare yourself when everyone on social media seems to be buying houses, driving fancy cars, going on holidays and living their best lives.But here's the thing… just because someone looks wealthy doesn't mean they are! We're chatting about: 💰 Why comparing your financial position to someone else's can be dangerous 🏡 Buying your first home young and the lessons we wish we'd known beforehand 🚗 Why fancy cars, boats and beautiful homes don't always equal financial success 📱 How social media can make you feel like you're falling behind 🎯 Setting financial goals based on what YOU actually want, not what everyone else is doing 📝 Why understanding your income, expenses, assets and debts is the best place to start ❤️ And why it's never too late to change direction and start building the life you want.Of course, there are a few distractions along the way, including $55 lip gloss, questionable spending habits and some rather interesting Gold Coast observations! 😂The biggest takeaway?You're not behind. You're just on your own timeline.And the best time to start getting your finances on track? Right now. 🎁 WANT OUR FREE BUDGET PLANNER?We mention our budgeting spreadsheet in this episode, and we'd love to share it with you!Simply email info@360mortgagesolutions.com.au and ask for the budget planner. We'll send it straight through — no blood samples required! 😂 🎙️ Thanks for listening to Dollars & Distractions with Maryanne & Bec.General information only. This episode isn't personal financial advice.

  3. Oct 7

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 31 Are Offset Accounts a Gimmick?

    Are offset accounts a gimmick? Is redraw better? And should we really be getting our financial education from TikTok? This week, Maryanne and Bec unpack a social media video that got them fired up, particularly the claim that offset accounts and other common home loan features are simply gimmicks designed to benefit the banks. We break down what offset accounts, redraw facilities and lines of credit actually do, why the way you use them matters, and why there isn't necessarily one home loan structure that's right for everyone. We also get into the bigger issue of financial advice on social media and how easily a clever Reel or TikTok can make something complicated sound very black and white. Plus, in true Dollars & Distractions style, we somehow wander into socks, Bunnings, screwdrivers, teenagers, AI and Bec's potential alternative career before eventually finding our way back to money. In this episode:Are offset accounts really a gimmick?How does an offset account work?Offset accounts vs redrawWhat is a line of credit?Why understanding your home loan mattersMaking every dollar work harderFinancial education and financial literacyMoney advice on TikTok and social mediaWhy asking questions about your finances is so importantThe impact of social media and AI on critical thinkingThe takeaway? Don't make a financial decision based on one Reel, TikTok or catchy headline. Understand how the product works, ask questions and work out whether it actually suits you and the way you manage your money.🎙️ Dollars & Distractions — more money, more mindset, and plenty of distractions along the way.General Information Only: This podcast contains general information and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

  4. Sep 30

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 30 Is the Money Advice Our Parents Gave Us Outdated?

    Buy a house. Pay it off. Avoid debt. Credit cards are bad. Your first home should be somewhere you can stay forever.Sound familiar? In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Maryanne and Bec unpack some of the money and property advice many of us grew up with — and ask whether it still makes sense in today's financial and property landscape.The reality is that property prices, mortgages, lifestyles and the way people build wealth have changed significantly. That doesn't necessarily mean the advice our parents gave us was wrong — but it might not always fit the goals we're working towards today.Maryanne and Bec chat about rentvesting, whether paying off your mortgage as quickly as possible should always be the goal, principal and interest vs interest-only loans, using credit cards strategically, buying your first home and why there's no single “right” way to build wealth.They also dive into how our own upbringing influences the way we think about money — and the financial lessons we're now passing on to the next generation.In this episode: • Why financial advice from parents and family isn't always one-size-fits-all • What rentvesting is and why people choose to rent where they want to live while investing elsewhere • Paying down debt vs investing and building wealth • Principal & interest vs interest-only home loans • Why an interest-only strategy that works for an investor may not suit a first home buyer • Whether credit cards are actually “bad” — or whether it comes down to how they're used • Using an offset account and understanding your spending • Why your first home doesn't have to be your forever home • Getting into the property market without ticking every box • Property investing and alternative ownership structures • Why accountants and other professionals can be an important part of investment decisions • Teaching kids about money, work and starting from scratch • The importance of defining your own financial goals Ultimately, the message is simple: listen to the advice, educate yourself, ask questions and then decide what works for your circumstances and your goals. There is more than one way to build wealth — and someone else's financial strategy doesn't automatically need to become yours. 🎧 Dollars & Distractions — more money, more mindset and plenty of distractions along the way.DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute personal financial, tax, legal or credit advice. Always consider your individual circumstances and seek appropriate professional advice before making financial decisions.SEO Keywords: outdated money advice, money advice from parents, Australian personal finance podcast, Australian money podcast, rentvesting Australia, rentvesting explained, property investing Australia, first home buyer Australia, mortgage tips Australia, home loan advice, principal and interest vs interest only, interest only home loan, paying off your mortgage, building wealth Australia, credit cards and mortgages, money mindset, financial education Australia, property investment podcast

  5. Sep 23

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 29 What Actually Makes a Good Mortgage Broker? Experience, Awards & Industry Perception

    Does being an award-winning mortgage broker automatically mean someone is better at their job? Does a Certificate IV suddenly make someone experienced? And when you're choosing a broker, should you be looking at qualifications, awards, years in the industry… or something completely different? In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Maryanne and Bec get into the reality of the mortgage broking industry and how much perception can influence who we trust. Bec has officially completed her Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking, which sparks a conversation about how differently people can be perceived once they have a qualification, even when they've already spent around 20 years working in finance. From there, we get into broker experience, lender relationships, referral partners, industry politics, awards, social proof and what clients should actually look for when choosing someone to help with their home loan. We also talk about why experience in finance matters, but why nobody ever knows everything. Lender policies change constantly, different banks suit different clients, and even experienced brokers are still learning every day. In this episode, we cover:Does a mortgage broking qualification automatically make someone experienced?The difference between finance experience and broking experienceWhy lender policies are constantly changingWhy brokers need to understand more than one lenderWhat makes a broker suitable for a complex situation?How referral relationships work in the mortgage industryWhy Maryanne and Bec choose not to accept referral kickbacksWhy talking about money can feel incredibly personalWhat questions you should ask a mortgage brokerShould you ask a broker how they get paid?Should you ask which lenders they use most?Why personality and trust matter when choosing a brokerWhy some brokers are naturally more sales-focused than othersMortgage broker awards and how the award submission process worksWhy being award-winning doesn't necessarily mean someone is the best broker for youWhat does success actually look like?Why your gut feeling matters when choosing professional advisersOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple: Don't choose someone based purely on what things look like from the outside.Awards, job titles, qualifications and social media can all be helpful indicators, but they don't tell the full story. Ask questions. Find out about their experience. Understand how they work. And make sure you feel comfortable talking openly with the person who is helping you with one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.🏡 Need help with your home loan, refinance, first home or property plans? Book a chat with Maryanne and the team at 360 Mortgage Solutions:https://360mortgagesolutions.com.au/  #MortgageBroker #MortgageBrokerAustralia #HomeLoans #FirstHomeBuyer #PropertyAustralia #FinancePodcast #MortgageAdvice #MortgageIndustry #AustralianFinance #360MortgageSolutions #DollarsAndDistractions

  6. Sep 16

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 28 Do You Really Need a Will? Wills, Power of Attorney & Estate Planning Explained

    What actually happens to your money, property and super when you die? And if you already have a will, can you just tick that box and forget about it forever? In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Maryanne and Bec welcome their very first guest, Elizabeth from Ardor Legal, to talk about the stuff most of us know we should organise… but somehow keep pushing to the bottom of the to-do list: wills, enduring powers of attorney and estate planning. And there are a few myths busted along the way. We chat about:Who actually needs a will and why it isn't just for wealthy peopleWhat happens if you die without a willWhy having children can be an important trigger to review your estate planningWhen you should update or review your willWhat happens after separation or divorceWhat an executor actually doesProbate and letters of administration explained in normal languageWhether your debts disappear when you dieWhy DIY will kits can create problemsWhat happens when parents and children buy property togetherWhy family agreements can matter when multiple generations own or contribute to propertyWhether your superannuation automatically forms part of your estateBinding death benefit nominations and why some need to be renewedWhat an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) actually doesWho can make financial, personal and health decisions for you if you lose capacityEstate planning considerations for business owners, trusts and SMSFsHow to choose the right executor or attorneyOne of the biggest takeaways? Estate planning isn't necessarily a set-and-forget exercise. Life changes. You might get married or separated, have children, buy property, start a business, build wealth, lose someone you've nominated in your will or simply realise the decisions you made years ago no longer reflect your life today. Elizabeth suggests periodically pulling your will out and asking: Does this still reflect what I actually want?We also discover that your will may not control everything you think it does particularly when it comes to superannuation, companies, trusts and other structures. And because this is Dollars & Distractions, we finish with a slightly less conventional estate-planning question: Who gets the handbags, AirPods, passwords, social media accounts… and Dollars & Distractions itself? 😂 About our guest Elizabeth – Ardor LegalArdor Legal assists clients across commercial law, commercial property and estate planning, including wills and powers of attorney. New clients can also book a 15-minute complimentary discovery meeting to discuss their needs and whether the team is the right fit 🔗 Ardor Legal: ardorlegal.com.au Follow Dollars & DistractionsIf you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast so you don't miss the next one. And we'd love to know:When was the last time you actually looked at your will? This episode is general information only and isn't personal legal or financial advice. Your circumstances are unique, so speak with an appropriately qualified professional about your situation.#Wills #EstatePlanning #PowerOfAttorney #EnduringPowerOfAttorney #AustralianFinance #MoneyPodcast #PersonalFinanceAustralia #EstatePlanningAustralia #WillsAustralia #Superannuation #FinancialPlanning #DollarsAndDistractions

  7. Sep 9

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 27 I Earn Good Money… So Why Do I Still Feel Broke?

    Ever looked at your income and thought, “I earn good money… so where the hell does it all go?” You're definitely not the only one. In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Maryanne and Bec unpack why earning a good income doesn't necessarily mean feeling financially comfortable, especially when the cost of living, lifestyle creep, kids, mortgages, holidays, cars and all those sneaky little expenses start piling up. We talk about how earning more can sometimes lead to spending more, why the definition of a "good income" has changed dramatically, and how a lifestyle that looks comfortable from the outside can actually require a pretty serious income just to maintain. We also get into: Why lifestyle creep can happen without you even noticingHow the rising cost of living is eating into Australian household incomesWhy a bigger salary doesn't automatically mean you're better with moneyThe difference between being able to buy something and being able to comfortably afford the lifestyle that comes with itWhy self-employed people need to think differently about the money sitting in their business accountHow subscriptions, insurance and everyday expenses quietly drain your cashWhy reviewing a month of actual spending can be a massive eye-openerWhat to do with the money you free up after plugging your spending "leaks"Why comparing your financial position to someone else's can be completely misleadingAnd why having only $400 in savings at 37 doesn't mean you're screwedPlus, we introduce a new segment: Dollars & Distractions Confessions 👀Our first question: “I'm 37, earn $120,000 a year and have $400 in savings. Am I screwed?” Spoiler: No. Your age isn't your financial deadline, and someone else's financial position isn't your measuring stick. The better question is: What do YOU actually want your money to help you achieve? Once you know that, you can start working backwards and build a plan. 🎧 Listen now for money conversations without the judgement, plenty of distractions, and a reminder that earning more isn't always the answer, sometimes you just need to know where it's going. Need to talk to somone - book a free call with us here - https://link.teamos.ai/preview/VnIGaMOE64W6aAlEHG9o Dollars & Distractions - making money conversations a little less serious and a lot more relatable. General information only. This podcast does not constitute personal financial advice.Topics Cost of living Australia | Budgeting | Lifestyle creep | Money management | Personal finance Australia | Saving money | Home buying | Mortgage broker | Financial goals | High income but no savings

  8. Sep 2

    Dollars & Distractions - Episode 26 Why Your Home Loan Interest Rate Isn't the Same as Everyone Else's

    Why is your friend's home loan interest rate lower than yours? And does that automatically mean you're getting a bad deal? Not necessarily. In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, Maryanne and Bec unpack one of the most common questions mortgage brokers hear, “What's the cheapest home loan interest rate at the moment?” The problem is, there isn't one interest rate that's automatically right for everyone. Your home loan rate can be affected by your deposit, Loan to Value Ratio (LVR), loan balance, employment situation, lender, loan features, offset accounts and whether you've chosen a fixed or variable rate. That's before we even start looking at what you're trying to achieve in the short and long term. We also talk about why a lender with a higher interest rate can sometimes be the right stepping stone. If that lender can help you achieve your immediate goal, there may be an opportunity to refinance or negotiate a better rate later when your circumstances change. In this episode, we chat about: Why home loan interest rates vary between borrowersWhy the lowest rate isn't necessarily the best loanHow your deposit and LVR can affect your interest rateWhy lenders price different borrowers differentlyHow loan size can affect lender pricingHome loans for self employed borrowersUsing specialist lenders as a stepping stoneRefinancing when your financial position changesGovernment home buyer schemesOffset accounts and how they workBasic vs packaged home loansFixed vs variable home loansWhy fees and comparison rates matterThe importance of checking that your offset is actually offsetting your mortgageWhy comparing your mortgage rate with someone else's can be misleadingPlus, in true Dollars & Distractions fashion, there are plenty of detours involving angry birds attacking cars, ChatGPT, $8 chocolate and an investigation into what a soapbox actually is. The key takeaway?Don't judge a home loan on the interest rate alone.The right loan is the one that suits your circumstances, goals and longer term plans.And if you're ever wondering why you're paying the rate you're paying, ask the question.A good mortgage broker should be able to explain why your loan was recommended, whether it still suits your circumstances and whether there could be a better option available. Dollars & DistractionsMore money. More mindset. No holding back.General information only. This podcast does not provide personal financial or financial product advice. Lending criteria, interest rates, fees and eligibility can change. Consider your individual circumstances before making financial decisions.

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About

🎙️ Dollars & Distractions – Podcast Description (SEO Optimised) Welcome to Dollars & Distractions, the Australian money and property podcast hosted by two mortgage brokers who believe financial conversations shouldn’t feel intimidating. Each week, we talk about real-life finance — from home loans and borrowing power to saving for a deposit, money mindset, property investing and building long-term wealth. We break down:How much you can actually borrowWhat banks really look at when assessing home loansFirst home buyer tips in AustraliaSaving strategies that actually workFixed vs variable rate decisionsMoney habits, behaviour and mindsetFinancial confidence for womenThe emotional side of buying propertyAnd because we’re human (and slightly distraction-prone), you’ll also hear the tangents — client stories, real estate drama, relationship money conversations and the behind-the-scenes reality of being mortgage brokers. If you’re: ✔ A first home buyer in Australia ✔ Unsure about your borrowing power ✔ Trying to save a house deposit ✔ Feeling financially behind ✔ Wanting clearer money strategy ✔ Or just love honest, unfiltered finance conversations This podcast is for you. We believe financial confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from clarity and action. New episodes weekly. Because money doesn’t respond to chaos — it responds to clarity.

Information

  • Creator
    Maryanne Elliott
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Maryanne Elliott
  • Show Website
    Dollars & Distractions