The Unhinged Money Podcast

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Think Loud
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If you've ever typed a money question into Google at 11pm because you were too embarrassed to ask a real person, this show is for you. Join mortgage brokers, Ellie King; a Sydney mortgage broker and director of Elevate Financial Lending, and Evan Reid, founder of Neo Finance Group in Newcastle with seventeen years in lending, who are funny about money and serious about getting it right.

Episodes

  1. 9h ago

    Is Sarah Unhinged for Planning a Wedding and Buying a House at the Same Time?

    Sarah got engaged this year. The wedding is eight months away, and she and her partner are saving for it and a house out of the same account. Every wedding deposit pushes the house further away, and every open home makes her feel guilty about the wedding. Her partner's mum says house first. Her friends say you only get married once. She wants to know if she's unhinged for trying to do both. Ellie and Evan unpack the "wedding tax", whether the bridal party should ever pay a cent, what their own weddings cost, and how lenders actually treat wedding deposits when you apply for a home loan. Spoiler: you can do both, just not out of one bank account. In this episode: Why the word "wedding" seems to add a markup to everything from the dress to the cake Why Ellie and Evan think the bridal party shouldn't pay for a thing Why financing a wedding is a big red flag Setting a wedding budget you can actually afford, and why the guest list is the first place to cut How much to give as a wedding guest, in their opinion How lenders treat wedding deposits and other one-off costs in a home loan application Why one savings account for two goals doesn't work, and how to split your house and wedding savings About your hosts: Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lendinghttps://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder of Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four bankshttps://neofinancegroup.com.au/ For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's on your mind. https://www.instagram.com/unhingedmoneypod/ The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. Everything in this show is general information only. We haven't looked at your situation, your goals or your finances, and nothing we've said today is personal advice. Talk to someone who can actually look at your circumstances before you make a decision. The Unhinged Money Podcast, recorded and produced by Think Loud. 00:00 Intro01:02 Wine lover or alcoholic?02:22 This week's question: Sarah asks about a wedding and a house at the same time02:57 Can you only get married once?03:53 The wedding tax04:27 Wedding dresses and cost per wear05:27 Should the bride and groom pay for the bridal party?07:38 What Ellie and Evan's weddings cost09:15 Why it feels like you have to choose: wedding or house10:18 Pick what you value more12:01 Should you finance a wedding?13:19 How much to spend, and who to invite13:53 How much to give as a wedding guest15:15 How lenders treat wedding expenses on a home loan16:44 How buying a house changes the way you see money18:14 When everything happens at once18:41 Planning a build and a wedding together20:20 Is Sarah unhinged?20:45 The takeaway: plan both timelines and split your savings22:00 Send us your "Am I unhinged?" question wedding or house firstsaving for a wedding and a housewedding costs australiafinancing a weddingwedding gift etiquette australiafirst home buyer australiahome loan living expensesNeo finance groupEllie the BrokerFinancial brokerMortgage broker ChaptersKeywords

  2. Oct 26

    Should You Pay Off Your HECS Before Buying a Home?

    Michael's dad says HECS is a debt like any other and the bank will hate it. His mate says it's not a real debt, so ignore it. One of them is wrong. Michael wants to know if he's unhinged for wanting to pay it off before he even looks at buying. Ellie (40 grand of HECS, one commerce degree) and Evan (zero HECS, one expulsion letter) break down what HECS actually is, when you have to start paying it back, and how lenders really treat it when you apply for a home loan. Spoiler: paying it off isn't always the move. For some buyers, keeping it can mean borrowing more. In this episode: Why HECS is still a real debt, and how indexation keeps adding to it How banks factor HECS into your borrowing power, and why the income threshold matters Why owing $3,000 or $48,000 can look the same to a lender The lender policies that can work in your favour, and why your own bank might not have them How HECS compares to a car loan, personal loan or credit card in a home loan application Why your dad, your mate and the bloke at the barbecue shouldn't be your financial advisers About your hosts: Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lendinghttps://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder of Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four bankshttps://neofinancegroup.com.au/ For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's on your mind. https://www.instagram.com/unhingedmoneypod/ The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. Everything in this show is general information only. We haven't looked at your situation, your goals or your finances, and nothing we've said today is personal advice. Talk to someone who can actually look at your circumstances before you make a decision. The Unhinged Money Podcast, recorded and produced by Think Loud. 00:00 Intro00:45 Ellie's $40K HECS confession02:21 This week's question: Michael asks about paying off HECS03:08 Why parents shouldn't be your financial advisers04:05 Evan gets expelled (and fired on Christmas Eve)06:04 Is HECS a real debt?06:24 How indexation works07:12 What HECS actually is08:10 When you have to start paying it back09:40 How lenders look at HECS on a home loan10:59 Lender policies that can work in your favour12:14 Why $3,000 and $48,000 can look the same to a bank13:02 Pay it off, or keep saving your deposit?14:49 HECS vs car loans and credit cards16:56 A real first home buyer example17:58 Why online borrowing calculators can mislead you18:27 Wrap up19:32 Send us your "Am I unhinged?" question HECS debtshould I pay off my HECSHECS and home loansHECS borrowing powerHECS indexationfirst home buyer australiabuying a house with HECS debtNeo finance groupEllie the BrokerFinancial brokerMortgage broker ChaptersKeywords

  3. Oct 19

    The Affordable Mum Breaks the Budgeting Stigma

    Kelsey is a mum of two, an accountant, and the content creator behind "The Affordable Mum." She's been using the same budgeting spreadsheet for 9 years, and she doesn't budget because she's struggling, she budgets because she understands that control is power. Ellie and Evan sit down with Kelsey to talk about why automation beats willpower, how to know if you're living beyond your means, and why the people with expensive things on Instagram usually have the most debt behind them. In this episode, we cover: ✓ Breaking the budgeting stigma✓ Kelsey's 9-year spreadsheet system (and why it works)✓ The four-account system explained✓ Why bills should be less than 60% of your income (here's the math)✓ Why willpower doesn’t work (and what to do about it)✓ How to find $300+ a month in cuts✓ What to do when interest rates rise✓ The one-week rule for impulse purchases✓ Teaching kids about money✓ Credit cards: do they encourage overspending? This is general information, not advice for your situation. But you WILL understand the budgeting framework Kelsey uses, why rich people budget too, how to automate your money so willpower isn't the problem, and what to do this week if you're scared to open your banking app. Find Kelsey: Instagram: @theaffordablemum About your hosts Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lending https://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder or Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four banks https://neofinancegroup.com.au/ This is general information, not advice for your situation. But you WILL understand the four actual pathways, why the 20% is a myth, and why you’re not behind in your property buying journey, even if you’re in your 30’s and 40’s For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's on your mind. The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. New episodes weekly Chapters 0:00 Intro: "Budgeting isn't for poor people" 2:00 What Is The Affordable Mum? 3:00 Breaking the Budgeting Stigma 5:00 The Unhinged Ways Kelsey Saves  9:30 The 9-Year Budgeting Spreadsheet System 11:00 Step 1: Know Your Income 12:00 Step 2: Bills (The 60% Target) 14:00 Step 3: Irregular Expenses 15:30 Step 4: Calculate Leftovers/Shortfall 17:00 The Four-Account System 18:30 Are You Living Beyond Your Means? (The shame question) 20:00 Automation vs. Willpower (The game changer) 22:00 Adjusting When Interest Rates Rise (Real example) 23:30 The Subscription Trap 25:00 Personal Spending Allowance (The relationship hack) 26:30 The One-Week Rule (Impulse purchase defense) 27:30 Teaching Kids About Money 30:30 Credit Cards (Do they encourage overspending?) 31:30 Lightning Round  33:00 Your One Action This Week Keywords budgeting spreadsheethow to budgetbudgeting tipspersonal finance australiahow to save moneybudget planner templatemoney management spreadsheetaffordable mum budgetbudgeting for familiessubscription costsliving beyond your meansfinancial planning australiaexpense trackingsaving money hackshow to budget with a family spreadsheetbest budgeting system that actually workshow much should you spend on billswhy you should automate your budgetbudgeting tips for australiahow to stop overspending on subscriptionsis budgeting a sign you're poor

  4. Oct 12

    Having a Baby on One Income: The Real Math (Australian Maternity Leave Edition)

    Lucas says he's done the math and one income won't work. Is he right?  Ellie and Evan share their own messy stories about having kids without the buffers they thought they needed, break down what the government actually pays in maternity leave (spoiler: not as much as you think), and explain why a $50K reduction in borrowing power per child might actually be the conversation you're not having. We cover: ✓ Why you'll never feel financially ready (and why that's okay) ✓ Evan's story (two kids, missed the $40K buffer, still managed) ✓ Ellie's story (two kids, no plan, wishes she'd planned better) ✓ Government maternity leave (26 weeks at minimum wage, starting July 1, 2026) ✓ Employer-paid maternity and paternity leave (and how to check if you have it) ✓ The real cost: income gap, childcare, health insurance, reduced borrowing power ✓ How having a baby reduces borrowing capacity (~$50K per child) ✓ Whether to buy a house before or after kids ✓ Budget hacks: online groceries, hand-me-downs, cutting without sacrificing ✓ The math you need to do before you decide to have a baby ✓ Why telling your bank you're pregnant might actually help About your hosts Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lendinghttps://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder or Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four bankshttps://neofinancegroup.com.au/ This is general information, not advice for your situation. But you WILL understand the four actual pathways, why the 20% is a myth, and why you’re not behind in your property buying journey, even if you’re in your 30’s and 40’s For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's on your mind. The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. New episodes weekly Chapter 0:00 Intro: "You'll never be financially ready" 0:06 Evan's Rant: The Myth of Being Ready 0:45 Host Intros 1:15 Why This Episode Matters (Lucas's question) 3:00 Evan's Personal Story 7:30 TheMentalLoad:Parents&MaternityLeave 9:00 Government Maternity Leave (26weeks, minimumwage) 11:00 Employer PaidMaternity / PaternityLeave 13:00TheRealCosts (Beyond the obvious) 14:30 Telling Your Bank About Pregnancy 16:00 Borrowing Capacity Impact 17:30 Timing Property Purchases: Before or After Kids? 19:00 Budget Hacks (Online groceries, hand-me-downs) 21:30 The Real Math: Income Gap Calculation 23:00 Your Action Item 24:00 How to Send Us Questions 24:30 Outro Keywords having a baby on one incomematernity leave australiababy budget planningfinancial planning for babiesmortgage with maternity leavecan you afford a babyaustralian government maternity leaveincome gap maternity leavebaby cost australiaborrowing capacity childrenemployer maternity leavechildcare costsfinancial preparation pregnancyone income family budgethow to budget for maternity leave in australiacan you get a mortgage while on maternity leavehow much does maternity leave pay in australiadoes having a baby affect your borrowing capacityhow to prepare financially for having a babyaustralian government maternity payment 2026one income family budget with new baby

  5. Oct 5

    Should You Combine Finances With Your Partner?

    Dan is 33, his partner wants to combine finances, and he's hiding car loan and credit card debt because he doesn't know how to talk about it. Ellie and Evan share their own messy money stories; and spoiler, they disagree on how to split bills and explain why the money conversation matters more than the timing of it. The real issue isn't whether to combine finances. It's whether you're comfortable enough to be honest about yours. We cover: ✓ Evan and Ellie's personal money journeys (how they combined finances in their relationships) ✓ Equal vs weighted contributions (and where the hosts disagree) ✓ The shame around debt (it's not a reflection on who you are) ✓ When you should actually combine finances (commitment levels matter) ✓ What to do if you suspect financial abuse or hidden spending ✓ The money conversation framework (from The Barefoot Investor) ✓ How both people can have visibility without controlling each other ✓ Whether Dan should disclose his debt before combining accounts Resources: The Barefoot Investor - BookASIC Broker Register: https://asic.gov.au [LINK] About your hosts Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lendinghttps://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder or Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four bankshttps://neofinancegroup.com.au/ This is general information, not advice for your situation. But you WILL understand the four actual pathways, why the 20% is a myth, and why you’re not behind in your property buying journey, even if you’re in your 30’s and 40’s For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's on your mind. The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. New episodes weekly Chapter 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - Evan's Money Story (19, Early Finances) 5:30 - Ellie's Money Story (Uni, Weighted Contributions) 8:00 - Equal vs Weighted: The Disagreement 12:30 - Dan's Listener Question 13:15 - The Real Issue: Debt Shame 16:00 - When to Combine Finances 20:15 - The Money Conversation 22:00 - Financial Abuse & Transparency 26:00 - How Evan & Ellie Do It 27:15 - Is Dan Unhinged?28:15 - Your Action Items 28:45 - Send Us Your Question Keywords combining finances with partnerjoint bank accountshould you share money with girlfriendrelationship financesmoney conversations couplesfinancial advice relationshipshidden debt from partnershame about debthow to talk about moneyrelationship money problemsfinancial abuseweighted income contributionsshould we have a joint bank account before marriagehow much should i contribute to bills if i earn moreis it normal to hide debt from your partnerhow to have a money conversation with your partnerwhen to combine finances in a relationshipequal vs proportional contributions bills

  6. Sep 28

    Do You REALLY Need 20% to Buy a House? (Australian First-Time Buyers)

    The 20% deposit is a myth. It doesn't exist. And it's probably stopping you from buying. We break down the four actual ways to get into the property market, explain why everyone is stuck in 2005, and answer whether Ross is delusional for thinking he can buy with just 5%. We cover: ✓ Where the 20% deposit myth came from✓ Four pathways to property ownership  ✓ The 5% government scheme explained  ✓ Family guarantees and zero-deposit options✓ Lenders mortgage insurance: when it makes sense✓ Ellie’s first home story About your hosts Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lending https://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder or Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four banks https://neofinancegroup.com.au/ This is general information, not advice for your situation. But you WILL understand the four actual pathways, why the 20% is a myth, and why you’re not behind in your property buying journey, even if you’re in your 30’s and 40’s For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's on your mind. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unhingedmoneypod/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11or5PAmNCzuuK5grLKS0Z?si=d268500e4b464e0d Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-unhinged-money-podcast/id6811329397 If you've ever typed a money question into Google at 11pm because you were too embarrassed to ask a real person, this show is for you. Join mortgage brokers, Ellie King; a Sydney mortgage broker and director of Elevate Financial Lending, and Evan Reid, founder of Neo Finance Group in Newcastle with seventeen years in lending, who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. Resources: ASIC Broker Register: https://asic.gov.au  NSW 5% Deposit Scheme: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/buying-and-selling-property/home-buying-assistance The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. New episodes weekly Chapter Markers  0:00 Intro 1:15 The 20% Deposit Myth  3:00 Ross's Question: "Am I unhinged?" 5:30 The Four Pathways to Buying Property 5:35 Pathway 1 8:30 Pathway 2 10:15 Ellie's Property Journey  12:45 Pathway 3:  13:00 Pathway 4: 18:45 Is Ross Actually Unhinged?  19:15 Your Action Item how to buy a house australia first time home buyer australia property investment australia mortgage broker australia 5 percent deposit scheme family guarantee property lenders mortgage insurance first home buyer australia buying a house with less deposit property market australia real estate advice can i buy a house with less than 20 percent deposit 5 percent government scheme property australia family guarantee real estate australia how much deposit do i need to buy a house first home buyer 5 percent deposit zero deposit property purchase australia

  7. Sep 21

    Can You Actually Afford a Home? (Money Brokers Explain)

    In this episode, we hear from Georgia who wants to know if she’s unhinged to think she can buy her first home this year.  You’ll hear exactly what banks actually look at when you want to buy a home, whether first-time buyers with credit cards are delusional, and why you should talk to a broker before you talk to Uncle Bob. We cover: ✓ What a healthy relationship with your bank account actually looks like (and what toxic looks like) ✓ The 5-stage bank approval framework ✓ The rent-to-mortgage gap test (and why it matters more than you think) ✓ Why your credit card kills your borrowing power ✓ The must have emergency fund rule ✓ How to choose a mortgage broker ✓ Is Georgia delusional for wanting to buy this year? About your hosts Ellie King: Mortgage broker, mum & founder of Elevate Financial Lending https://elliethebroker.com.au/ Evan Reed: Mortgage broker, Founder or Neo Finance Group, 14 years in big four banks https://neofinancegroup.com.au/ This isn't advice for your specific situation. We give general information. But what you WILL understand is the actual framework lenders use, the myths about mortgages that are completely wrong, and whether you're actually ready to buy or if you need to build your habits first. For Listener Questions: Send a voice memo to @unhingedmoneypod on Instagram. Start with "Am I unhinged?" and tell us what's going on. Resources: ASIC Broker Register: https://www.asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asic-registers/professional-registers-search#searchtheprofessionalregisters The Unhinged Money Podcast is an Australian money show for people in their 20s and 30s. Hosted by two mortgage brokers who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. New episodes weekly Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:45 Meet your brokers 2:15 What's a Healthy Bank Account Relationship? 5:30 Georgia's Question 7:45 The 5-Stage Bank Approval Framework 8:00 Stage 1: Savings & Saving Habits 12:00 Stage 2: Income Type & Consistency 14:30 Stage 3: Liabilities (The Credit Card Trap) 18:30 Stage 4: Your Actual Living Expenses 20:00 Stage 5: Servicing & Stress Testing 25:00 Emergency Funds & The 3-6 Month Rule 27:30 Why Talk to a Broker 28:45 Is Georgia Actually Delusional? 29:15 Your Action Item 29:45 How to Send Us Your Question If you've ever typed a money question into Google at 11pm because you were too embarrassed to ask a real person, this show is for you.  Join mortgage brokers, Ellie King; a Sydney mortgage broker and director of Elevate Financial Lending, and  Evan Reid, founder of Neo Finance Group in Newcastle with seventeen years in lending, who are funny about money and serious about getting it right. mortgage brokers australia first time home buyer how to get a mortgage buying a house australia mortgage tips financial advice credit card debt emergency fund saving for a house home loan advice australian podcast money podcast can i buy a house with a credit card how much should i save before buying a home what do banks look for mortgage application first time home buyer australia 2024 mortgage broker vs bank emergency fund how much

  8. Sep 12

    The Unhinged Money Podcast: Launching September 22

    If you've ever typed a money question into Google at 11pm because you were too embarrassed to ask a real person, this show is for you. Join mortgage brokers, Ellie King; a Sydney mortgage broker and director of Elevate Financial Lending, and Evan Reid, founder of Neo Finance Group in Newcastle with seventeen years in lending, who are funny about money and serious about getting it right.Dropping September 22, subscribe now.Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unhingedmoneypod/Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/11or5PAmNCzuuK5grLKS0Z?si=d268500e4b464e0dListen on Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-unhinged-money-podcast/id6811329397 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theunhingedmoneypodcast

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If you've ever typed a money question into Google at 11pm because you were too embarrassed to ask a real person, this show is for you. Join mortgage brokers, Ellie King; a Sydney mortgage broker and director of Elevate Financial Lending, and Evan Reid, founder of Neo Finance Group in Newcastle with seventeen years in lending, who are funny about money and serious about getting it right.

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