My Happy Money Journey with Phoebe Blamey

S3_E10 Holiday Harmony: Spend Smarter, Stress Less

Episode Summary:Christmas is coming, and so are the endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and, let’s be honest, the financial stress. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’m diving into ways to make the holiday season simpler, cheaper, and way less overwhelming.
We’ll chat about how much we really spend this time of year (spoiler: it’s a lot) and why it’s time to rethink those sky-high expectations. I’ll share my favorite hacks, like why homemade gifts can save your budget and make you look super thoughtful, how to turn family gift-giving into a fun (and affordable) Kris Kringle, and why hosting doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself.
What You’ll Get Out of This Episode:
Easy, thoughtful gift ideas that won’t blow your budget (hello, pickled red onions and chili jam!).
A fun way to simplify family gift-giving and cut costs.
Hosting tips to keep you sane, like potluck dinners and sharing the workload.
A reminder to breathe, slow down, and focus on what really matters—spending time with people you love.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel ready to take on Christmas with less stress, less spending, and more joy. Plus, stick around for a sneak peek at an upcoming story packed with even more holiday hacks.
Resources Mentioned:
Homemade gift inspiration
How to organize a family Kris Kringle
Stress-free potluck hosting tips
So grab a cup of tea (or wine), tune in, and let’s make this Christmas one to remember for all the right reasons!

S3_E9 You Can Buy A House!

On this episode of My Happy Money Journey, we’re talking about getting you home...especially for you if you are starting over after divorce or raising kids solo.
It’s not hopeless!!! 
I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Nittaya Phommachack, mortgage broker extraordinaire and finance whiz from our sponsor, Entourage. 
Nittaya is a true champion for women and first-home buyers, she is also committed to busting myths around home ownership and getting more people home sooner…and she’s here sharing her insights and advice with you.
Nittaya stumbled into mortgage broking after uni and has turned it into over a decade of helping people achieve their property dreams. 
One of the big topics we tackle is the financial hurdles women face, especially after a divorce. 
Nittaya breaks it all down, from understanding your finances to exploring options like the government’s single parenting scheme. It’s a program that lets single parents buy a home with just a 5% deposit—making home ownership more achievable than ever, even without family financial help.
We also talk about the realities of part-time or casual work and how it affects borrowing power. Nittaya’s advice? Don’t get discouraged—take things step by step and find experts to help you navigate the process.
And for parents who want to help their kids buy a home but don’t have spare cash lying around, Nittaya shares the magic of family guarantee loans. It’s a creative way to help your kids get on the property ladder without breaking your own bank.
Nittaya also drops some amazing tips on budgeting, mindful spending, and figuring out what mortgage repayments you’re truly comfortable with (hint: it’s not just about what the bank says you can borrow), so that you can start thinking about getting home loan ready!
This episode is packed with so much gold!! 
Nittaya’s warmth and expertise shine through, and she makes what can feel like a daunting process actually seem doable—and dare I say, exciting. I can’t wait to have her back for more of these amazing conversations!
You can get in touch with Nittaya via the Entourage website: https://entourage.com.au/staff/nittaya-phommachack/

S3E8 Investing

Today, we’re unpacking the risks and rewards of investing. and I will give you four key factors for you to consider.
 
Let’s start by saying most of you are already investors. If you’ve got superannuation, you’re in the game! But like many, I had a set and forget attitude toward my super. Over time, I’ve realised how that approach can massively impact our retirement plans—and not in a good way.
 
We are lucky to be able to use our own super as a launch pad for investment strategy. So, look at your balance, the type of investments you’re holding, any fees you’re paying, and how your investments are performing. Finally the time line to access!
Investing outside of super gives you control and access to your investments. 
 
Here is the website to compare your fund:
https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/super-yoursuper-comparison-tool
 
That makes it easier to explore four essential considerations for investing:
 
Your Risk Profile: What’s your comfort level with risk? Knowing this helps guide your choices.
Investment Options: What are you investing in, and does it align with your goals?
Timeframe: How long do you plan to hold your investments? This can influence your strategy.
Costs: Know the fees, taxes, and other costs that can eat into your returns.
 
There are risks to any investment. The more you understand the easier it is to make a choice that lines up with your needs.
This podcast  is intended to be general in nature and is not personal financial product advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. In particular, you should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or other offer document prior to making an investment decision in relation to a financial product (including a decision about whether to acquire or continue to hold).

S3E7prt2 Do you really know your style? How to create your style and be seen!

Jane Vandermeer is a multi-award winning, global expert personal stylist, and we chat to her about colour, corporate and how to be seen. Recently named ‘Best International Personal Stylist CEO 2023 and 2024’ also ‘Must Trusted International Personal Stylist of the Year” this woman is amazing! Jane wanted to challenge the stereotypes about midlife women and instead of being part of the problem, choosing to be part of the solution. By developing a personal styling business that would empower midlife women to become highly visible. So if you are feeling invisible - tune in!

S3E7 part 1 Do you really know your style? How fashion can break the partiarchy!

Jane Vandermeer is a multi-award winning, global expert personal stylist, and we chat to her about colour, corporate and how to be seen. Recently named ‘Best International Personal Stylist CEO 2023 and 2024’ also ‘Must Trusted International Personal Stylist of the Year” this woman is amazing! I loved talking to Jane about fashion, and all about how we take up space.  Back when I was in corporate I wore a black or grey suit and tried to stay very neutral....now its all about daring! We can really show up for ourselves by dressing in our own style...so if you have been wanting to be seen and heard this is the episode for you! Jane wanted to challenge the stereotypes about midlife women and instead of being part of the problem, choosing to be part of the solution. By developing a personal styling business that would empower midlife women to become highly visible. So if you are feeling invisable - tune in!

S3E6 What to do with a million dollars

We all have big ideas of what we would do if we had a sudden windfall of a million dollars - but today we want to get practical.  Now, I know it’s tempting to imagine a dream getaway, buying luxury items, or even a private island! Today's episode explores some smart strategies to maximise that million-dollar windfall. I know you know that a  million dollars could truly change your life. Lets dig down to the how: by paying out debts, buying a home, getting smart with your investment strategy, putting some aside for retirement and spending on things that bring you pure joy! Its your money so have some fun and enjoy the journey! Here is the link to the quiz https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/64c1bd228bcf2e0014107f90
 

S3E4 (Part 2) Jules Brooke: How To Be A Woman Of Influence.

Oh how I love chatting with Jules Brooke….after the formality of part one of this interview - where Jules tells us how to be a woman of influence, we are chatting about changing the world.
How is it that women, and in particular women who feel invisible and devalued can step into our power. Lets deep into the patriarchy, the empowerment of women in particular the importance of women stepping into their power and becoming visible leaders, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the challenges and triumphs we face as invisible women.Jules is so committed to creating a world where women have actual influence, supporting diversity and being the person that mentions your name in a room full of opportunity. 
 
This episode was not just a discussion about women and money; it’s a rally cry for all women to embrace their power, challenge the status quo, and support each other in the journey toward equality and influence. Enjoy this little bit of inspiration and of course, enjoy the journey!

S3E5 Breaking Free from Debt: Overcoming Shame and Taking Control

About 12 years ago I was broke and broken up with.  Debt seemed insurmountable and I was in a constant state of scarcity. That state really does keep you from moving forward.
So here I am - diving deep and giving you some of the strategies that got me from there to here…not without a few wrong turns of course. What I found was its not just one thing that gets us out of debt. It’s the combination of the what and the woo!
There are different types of debt - with different values.
Credit:  credit cards, personal loans, and home loans
Messy debts: overdue bills, late payments and stuff that accumulate often unnoticed. 
When you understand the difference between good debt used to leverage and lead to financial growth, and bad debt, which are all those things you paid on credit and forget immediately.  
I know this because I have lived it - more than once. One of the best things I discovered on the part of my happy money journey that took me out of debt was EFT or tapping.  There are a number of ways to change your state, and take you from a feeling of scarcity to abundance but this is one of my favourites. Here are some links that will help you explore more:
  https://www.happymoneyjourney.com.au/pl/2148300463 Link to debt list download 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRfLTQjJhp0 Nick Ortner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hVGAUbK-8 - Brad Yates 
 
00:00:00 - Introduction to Debt and Mindset00:01:15 - The Importance of Understanding Debt00:02:30 - Types of Debt: Credit vs. Messy Debt00:04:36 - Good Debt vs. Bad Debt00:05:58 - Overcoming Overwhelm and Scarcity00:08:08 - Taking Control: Listing Your Debts00:09:12 - Addressing Day-to-Day Living Expenses00:10:49 - The Cost of Ignoring Maintenance00:11:31 - Creating a Repayment Plan00:12:02 - Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Introduction00:13:17 - Using EFT to Shift Your Mindset00:15:06 - The Process of EFT Explained00:17:15 - Conclusion and Resources00:19:13 - Acknowledgment of Traditional Land00:19:35 - Closing Remarks and Disclaimer

S3E4 (Part 1) Jules Brooke: How To Be A Woman Of Influence.

Hey Honeys In this exciting first part of a two-part interview, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Jules, a true powerhouse in the realm of public relations and women's empowerment. Our conversation centered around the vital topic of how women can take up more space and become influential figures in their respective fields. We kicked off our discussion by addressing the societal pressures that often make women feel uncomfortable about promoting themselves. Jules emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from oneself to the impact one can have on others, particularly younger women who are seeking role models. She shared compelling research indicating that many young girls struggle to identify role models in the careers they aspire to, underscoring the necessity for women to step into the spotlight. Jules introduced her "seven pillars" strategy for building influence, starting with the power of LinkedIn. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn has a significantly lower percentage of active posters, making it an ideal space for women to stand out and share their professional stories. We discussed the importance of crafting a compelling LinkedIn profile that goes beyond a mere resume, encouraging listeners to share their personal journeys and motivations. We also explored the role of public relations in establishing credibility. Jules shared her insights on how getting featured in media outlets and participating in podcasts can enhance one's visibility and authority. She emphasized that having a strong online presence is crucial, as it shapes how others perceive you when they search for your name. Networking emerged as another vital tool for influence. Jules passionately spoke about the importance of building connections and how these relationships can provide support and open doors throughout one's career. She shared her experiences of creating spaces for women to connect and uplift each other, particularly in environments where they may feel isolated. We also touched on the significance of public speaking and how it positions women as leaders. Jules highlighted the alarming statistic that only 15% of speakers are women, which motivated her to create a directory for female speakers. She encouraged listeners to embrace speaking opportunities as a means to share their expertise and influence change. Lastly, we discussed the potential of online courses as a way to showcase knowledge and build a personal brand. Jules suggested that even simple FAQ videos on a website can provide insight into one's expertise and personality. As we wrapped up this first part of our conversation, I was left inspired by Jules' insights and practical advice on how women can raise their profiles and become influential leaders. But this is just the beginning! In a couple of weeks, we’ll dive deeper into the implications of becoming a woman of influence. join us as we continue this empowering journey, encouraging each other to take up space, share our stories, and support one another in our paths to influence. Be sure to check the show notes for additional resources and insights from this episode!
00:00:00 - The Empty Vessel of Status Discussion on the pressures men face regarding status and identity tied to material possessions.
00:00:19 - Introducing Jules Introduction of Jules and her work in PR and promoting women.
00:01:57 - Taking Up Space Exploring how women can become influential and take up more space in their fields.
00:02:25 - The Importance of Role Models The need for women to be visible as role models for younger generations.
00:03:39 - The Power of LinkedIn Discussion on the unique advantages of using LinkedIn for professional visibility.
00:06:29 - The Role of PR The significance of public relations in building credibility and influence.
00:07:43 - Building Relationships with Media How to establish connections with journalists and media outlets for better exposure.
00:09:09 - The Value of Awards The importance of winning awards for credibility and self-reflection.
00:11:09 - Leveraging Podcasting Using podcasts as a tool for networking and showcasing expertise.
00:12:54 - Networking as a Tool for Success The benefits of networking and building a supportive community.
00:14:57 - Creating a Supportive Environment The importance of fostering a supportive network among women in business.
00:17:32 - The Importance of Speaking Engagements How public speaking can position women as leaders and influencers.
00:19:52 - Online Courses as a Platform Using online courses to share expertise and build a personal brand.
00:20:51 - Consistency in Building Influence The necessity of consistency and time in raising one's profile.
00:24:43 - What Happens When You Become Influential Teaser for the next part discussing the implications of being a woman of influence.

S3E3 Manifesting VS Magical Thinking : Designing Your Dream Life.

In this episode, I dive deep into the intersection of money mindset and practical financial knowledge, emphasizing the importance of both in achieving financial success. As I embark on this solo journey, I share my thoughts on the prevalent discussions around money mindset and the often-overlooked practical aspects of managing finances.
I begin by highlighting the necessity of understanding how money works in order to master our mindset. It's not enough to rely solely on affirmations or positive thinking, we need to equip ourselves with practical knowledge to truly feel financially secure. I address the overwhelming presence of financial gurus and the narratives that often perpetuate feelings of inadequacy, particularly among women and marginalized groups.
Throughout the episode, I stress that many of us are conditioned to believe we are not good with money, which can lead to self-sabotage and imposter syndrome. I encourage listeners to take control of their financial narratives by examining their spending habits and aligning them with their true values. By conducting a "money makeover," we can identify unnecessary expenses and make conscious choices that empower us.
I also delve into the concept of manifesting and how it plays a crucial role in creating wealth. I share practical steps for setting clear intentions and visualizing our goals, while also addressing the fears and limiting beliefs that may hold us back. I emphasize the importance of trusting the process and letting go of the need to control the "how" and "when" of our financial journeys.
As I recount my personal experiences, including my journey to acquiring an investment property, I illustrate how visualization and gratitude can transform our relationship with money. I encourage listeners to embrace their fears, take action, and recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process.
In closing, I invite my audience to reflect on their fears and what they are grateful for, urging them to ponder these questions in the days to come. I promise to provide additional resources, including a blog post on the five steps to manifesting the life of their dreams.
Thank you for joining me on this enlightening exploration of money mindset and practical financial management. I can't wait to share our next exciting interview with you soon! Enjoy the journey!
 
00:00:00 - Introduction: Money Mindset and Practical Knowledge00:01:00 - The Importance of Practical Knowledge00:02:30 - Understanding Money Stories and Societal Constructs00:04:00 - Women and Money: Breaking the Cycle00:05:30 - Simple Steps to Manage Your Money00:07:00 - Aligning Spending with Values00:08:30 - Manifesting Your Financial Goals00:10:00 - Setting Clear Intentions00:11:30 - Visualizing Your Goals00:13:00 - Unpacking Fear and Limiting Beliefs00:15:00 - The Hero's Journey: Taking Control of Your Finances00:16:30 - Trusting the Process of Manifestation00:18:00 - The Beach House Story: A Personal Example00:19:30 - Overcoming Scarcity Mentality00:20:30 - Balancing Comfort and Adventure00:21:30 - Practicing Gratitude and Self-Care00:22:30 - Distinguishing Manifesting from Magical Thinking00:24:00 - Taking Action and Building Habits00:25:30 - Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Imperfection00:27:00 - Reflection: Fear and Gratitude00:28:00 - Conclusion: Enjoying the Journey