SugarMamma’s Fireplay

How to Build a Better Share Portfolio (Beyond ETFs & LICs)
Many Australians begin their investing journey through ETFs, LICs and superannuation — and rightly so, it is the easiest and fastest way to being your investing journey and start earning passive income via dividends.
But eventually, many investors become curious about taking the next step:
How do you actually identify a great business?
What makes one company stronger than another?
How do experienced investors determine value?
And how do you build a stronger, more intentional share portfolio over time?
In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with one of Australia’s most respected value investors, Roger Montgomery, founder of Montgomery Investment Management and author of Value.able.
Together, we break down investing in a way that is practical, beginner-friendly and empowering — helping everyday Australians better understand what makes a quality company, how successful investors think, and the habits that matter when building long-term wealth.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The key things to understand before investing in individual shares
How experienced investors research companies
Why share price and value are not the same thing
How to identify quality businesses
What Return on Equity (ROE) means and why it matters
The importance of management teams and capital allocation
Why Roger avoids airlines and certain industries
How to practise patience and emotional discipline as an investor
Dividends vs growth: finding the right balance
The habits that help build serious long-term wealth
Roger’s most important investing advice for everyday Australians
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Successful investing is not about hype or quick wins
Great investing starts with understanding quality businesses
Patience and discipline matter more than prediction
Long-term wealth is built slowly and intentionally
Emotional control is one of the most important investing skills
Great investors focus on value — not noise
ABOUT ROGER MONTGOMERY
Roger Montgomery is an Australian value investor, founder of Montgomery Investment Management and author of the investing book Value.able.
Roger is widely recognised for helping everyday investors better understand how to identify quality businesses and think more intentionally about long-term investing and value.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast episode is general information only and does not take into account your personal financial situation, needs or objectives. Always do your own research and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
💡 Work With Me
Want more support on your financial journey? Here’s how we can work together:
The SugarMamma Budget & Cashflow Academy
Sick of living paycheque to paycheque or feeling overwhelmed by your money?
This course includes aone-on-one appointment with me so I can personally help you.
👉 Enrol here
Money Mindset & Manifestation Mentorship
Join my program for ongoing support, clarity, and motivation around the way to show up and work on your financial goals and dreams, including attracting the life that you want. Get started here.
📚 My Books
If you’re ready to deepen your financial knowledge, check out my books:
Best Seller:The $1000 Project
**Mindful Money](https://amzn.to/3RV0poc)
Motivated Money by Peter Thornhill(a huge inspiration for me): Read it here
(These are Amazon affiliate links to my own books.)
🌟 Stay Connected & Inspired
Instagram:@SugarMammaTV — money, budgeting, cashflow & motivation
Instagram:@CannaCampbellofficial — lifestyle, capsule wardrobe fashion, motherhood
Substack Quiet Wealth: https://substack.com/@sugarmammaquietwealth
Keynote speaking book via canna@sugarmamma.tv
TikTok:@SugarMammaTV
YouTube:SugarMammaTV — over 500 bite-sized videos with more than 12 million views!
Website:SugarMammaTV.com
Don’t forget my other podcast:How Do They Afford That? 👉 Listen here
⚖️ General Advice Warning
While we discuss financial topics, everything shared here is general information only — never personal, product, or investment advice. Always:
Do your own research.
Weigh up the pros, cons, fees, caps, taxes, and risks.
Seek professional advice before making financial decisions.
📜 Financial Planning License Details
The information in this podcast does not take into account your personal circumstances, goals, or needs. Always read relevant Product Disclosure Statements before acquiring any financial product, and seek independent financial advice where appropriate.
Canna Campbell is an Authorised Representative and Financial Adviser of Links Licensee Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 700012 | ABN 97 678 975 589).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel like you need to have your own finances “perfect” before you start investing for your children?
You don’t.
In this Start Here episode, Canna breaks down how you can begin building wealth for your kids — even if you’re still learning, growing and figuring things out yourself.
Because waiting for the “perfect time” often means missing the most powerful advantage your children have:
Time.
In this episode, we cover:
✔ Why you don’t need to be financially perfect to get started✔ The power of starting small (and why consistency matters more)✔ How investing for your kids can actually strengthen your own financial habits✔ The emotional benefit of investing with your children, not just for them✔ How to introduce children to money, investing and long-term thinking✔ The role of compounding and why time in the market matters✔ How to think about structure (in simple terms, without overwhelm)✔ Why this is about building generational knowledge — not just wealth
This episode is not about doing everything at once.
It’s about:
• starting where you are• using what you have• and building something meaningful over time
Because one of the most powerful messages you can give a child is:
“I believe in your future.”
💡 Key Takeaway
You don’t need to be ahead to help someone else start.
You just need to begin.
📚 My Books
If you’re ready to deepen your financial knowledge, check out my books:
Best Seller:The $1000 Project
**Mindful Money](https://amzn.to/3RV0poc)
Motivated Money by Peter Thornhill(a huge inspiration for me): Read it here
(These are Amazon affiliate links to my own books.)
💡 Work With Me
Want more support on your financial journey? Here’s how we can work together:
The SugarMamma Budget & Cashflow Academy
Sick of living paycheque to paycheque or feeling overwhelmed by your money?
This course includes aone-on-one appointment with me so I can personally help you.
👉 Enrol here
Money Mindset & Manifestation Mentorship
Join my program for ongoing support, clarity, and motivation around the way to show up and work on your financial goals and dreams, including attracting the life that you want. Get started here.
🌟 Stay Connected & Inspired
Instagram:@SugarMammaTV — money, budgeting, cashflow & motivation
Instagram:@CannaCampbellofficial — lifestyle, capsule wardrobe fashion, motherhood
TikTok:@SugarMammaTV
YouTube:SugarMammaTV — over 500 bite-sized videos with more than 12 million views!
Website:SugarMammaTV.com
Don’t forget my other podcast:How Do They Afford That? 👉 Listen here
⚖️ General Advice Warning
While we discuss financial topics, everything shared here is general information only — never personal, product, or investment advice. Always:
Do your own research.
Weigh up the pros, cons, fees, caps, taxes, and risks.
Seek professional advice before making financial decisions.
📜 Financial Planning License Details
The information in this podcast does not take into account your personal circumstances, goals, or needs. Always read relevant Product Disclosure Statements before acquiring any financial product, and seek independent financial advice where appropriate.
Canna Campbell is an Authorised Representative and Financial Adviser of Links Licensee Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 700012 | ABN 97 678 975 589).
⚠️ General Advice Disclaimer
This episode is general financial education only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, please seek advice from a licensed financial planner or qualified professional.
💬 Let’s Connect
If this episode resonated with you:
• Share it with a parent who wants to do better with money• DM me your questions for a future Start Here episode• Follow along at @SugarMamma and @CannaCampbellOfficial

investing for kids Australiahow to invest for childrenteaching kids about moneystarting investing with kidsgenerational wealth Australiafinancial literacy for childrenbeginner investing Australiapassive income for families
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many Australians feel financially exhausted right now.
If you need help reviewing your mortgage, understanding your options or improving your cashflow structure, Adam can be contacted here: Adam.mccabe@bluelantern.com.au or 0423 685 133
Please know that I do not receive any benefit both upfront and ongoing if you work with Adam. I am grateful for his time and the value that he gives us and the peace of mind that I get knowing that if you do work with Adam, that you are in very capable hands.
Back to the cost of living crisis and raising interest rates...most households have already:
cut discretionary spending
cancelled subscriptions
reduced eating out
delayed holidays
tried budgeting harder
…but mortgage and rent pressure and cost of living stress still feel overwhelming.
This episode is about:
practical options
creating breathing room
reducing stress
understanding available tools
acting early rather than avoiding the issue
Key message:
“Sometimes the goal during a difficult season is not getting ahead financially overnight. Sometimes the goal is simply stabilising and protecting your home.”
INTRODUCTION TALKING POINTS
Mortgage stress is affecting many Australians
Even financially responsible households are struggling
People often don’t realise there may be options available
Today’s episode = practical strategies, not panic
Adam will explain: benefits
risks
costs
long-term considerations

Transition:
“Adam, let’s walk through 7 ways Australians may be able to relieve some mortgage pressure right now.”
1. ASK YOUR BANK FOR A BETTER RATEDiscussion Points
Many loyal customers are paying unnecessarily high rates
Banks often reserve sharper pricing for new customers
Small reductions can create meaningful monthly savings
People should regularly review their rate
Example
$750,000 mortgage:
What does a 0.25% reduction potentially save monthly?
What does it save yearly?
Important Notes
Ask politely but confidently
Mention competitor rates
Use a broker if needed
Risks / Considerations
Fixed loans may have break costs
Cheapest rate is not always the best loan structure
2. EXTEND YOUR LOAN TERM TO REDUCE REPAYMENTSDiscussion Points
Extending from say 25 years back to 30 years
Reduces minimum repayments
Creates short-term breathing room
Key Message
“This can be about survival and stability, not failure.”
Risks / Costs
More interest paid long term
Slower debt reduction
Should ideally be reviewed later when finances improve
3. REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGEDiscussion Points
Better rates
Improved cashflow
Better loan features
Debt consolidation opportunities
High Interest Debt Discussion
Credit cards
personal loans
buy now pay later debt
Important Message
“The earlier people act, the more options they generally have.”
Risks / Considerations
Extending short-term debt over 30 years
Fees and refinancing costs
Need discipline to avoid re-building debt
4. SPEAK TO YOUR BANK EARLY ABOUT FINANCIAL HARDSHIPDiscussion Points
Many people avoid this conversation out of fear or shame
Banks may offer temporary support options
Support is usually easier BEFORE repayments are missed
Potential Options
repayment pauses
reduced repayments
temporary interest only
restructuring
Emotional Talking Point
“Avoidance usually increases stress.”
Important Reminder
Seeking help early is smart and proactive
5. UTILISE OFFSET & REDRAW FACILITIES PROPERLYDiscussion Points
Many people don’t fully understand offsets
Savings sitting in offset reduce interest charged
Offset = flexible emergency buffer
Example
$10,000 sitting in an offset against a $750,000 mortgage:
how much interest may potentially be saved?
Redraw Discussion
difference between redraw vs offset
accessibility
discipline
Risks / Considerations
Redraw rules can change
Tax implications for future investment strategies (general mention only)
6. REVIEW REPAYMENT FREQUENCY & LOAN STRUCTUREDiscussion Points
Weekly/fortnightly repayments can reduce interest faster
BUT may worsen cashflow stress for some households
Important Nuance
“The mathematically optimal strategy isn’t always the best strategy for your mental health or cashflow right now.”
Discussion Areas
Switching temporarily back to monthly repayments
Timing cashflow with salary cycles
Reviewing split loans
Simplifying structure
Risks / Considerations
Monthly repayments may increase total long-term interest slightly
But may improve immediate breathing room
7. CONSIDER TEMPORARY INTEREST-ONLY REPAYMENTSDiscussion Points
Can significantly reduce repayments short term
Creates breathing room during difficult periods
Should be strategic and temporary
Important Framing
“There is no shame in needing breathing room.”
Risks / Costs
Higher long-term interest costs
Slower principal reduction
Not suitable forever
Lending criteria apply
KEY THEMES TO REPEAT THROUGHOUT EPISODE
Seek help early
Don’t ignore the problem
Cashflow management matters
Protect your mental health
There is no shame in adjusting strategy temporarily
Every household situation is different
Long-term plans can be adjusted during difficult seasons
CONCLUSIONFinal Talking Points
Many Australians are feeling overwhelmed right now
Mortgage stress is incredibly common
There are often more options available than people realise
Small adjustments can create meaningful breathing room
Early action creates more flexibility
Final message:
“The goal right now may simply be stability — and that is completely okay.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debt Recycling, CGT Changes & a Baby on the Way: Should We Change Our Wealth Plan?
In this Start Here episode, Canna answers a thoughtful question from a listener who is debt recycling their mortgage into a share portfolio while preparing to welcome their first child.
With ongoing discussion around proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing, many investors are understandably wondering whether they should rethink their long-term wealth building strategy.
In this episode, Canna explains what these potential changes could mean, who may actually be impacted, and why reconnecting with your financial goals is often more important than reacting to political headlines.
In This Episode:
✔️ What debt recycling is and how it works
✔️ Why negative gearing and debt recycling are not necessarily the same thing
✔️ How proposed tax changes may affect investors differently
✔️ The key difference between investing for capital growth and passive income
✔️ Why CGT only becomes relevant when you sell an asset
✔️ When it may be worth seeking personalised financial advice
✔️ The additional risks of borrowing to invest when starting a family
✔️ Why emergency savings become even more important during major life transitions
✔️ Reviewing personal insurance when children arrive
✔️ The role superannuation should continue to play in your long-term wealth strategy
✔️ How to avoid making emotional decisions based on financial headlines
✔️ Why financial flexibility often matters more than chasing the perfect tax outcome
Key Takeaway
Governments change.
Tax rules change.
Markets change.
But timeless wealth-building principles remain remarkably consistent:
• Stay diversified
• Manage debt carefully
• Protect your cashflow
• Build emergency reserves
• Review your strategy regularly
• Invest with purpose
• Focus on long-term goals rather than short-term noise
The most successful investors are often not those who predict the future perfectly, but those who build resilient financial plans that can adapt as life changes.
General Advice Warning
The information discussed in this episode is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial decisions, consider seeking advice from a licensed financial adviser, accountant or mortgage broker.
Connect With Canna
📚 Author of The $1,000 Project, Mindful Money and Financial Freedom
🎙️ Host of SugarMamma’s Fireplay
📱 Instagram:
@SugarMammaTV
@CannaCampbellOfficial
🌐 Learn more at SugarMammaTV
💡 Work With Me
Want more support on your financial journey? Here’s how we can work together:
The SugarMamma Budget & Cashflow Academy
Sick of living paycheque to paycheque or feeling overwhelmed by your money?
This course includes aone-on-one appointment with me so I can personally help you.
👉 Enrol here
Money Mindset & Manifestation Mentorship
Join my program for ongoing support, clarity, and motivation around the way to show up and work on your financial goals and dreams, including attracting the life that you want. Get started here.
📚 My Books
If you’re ready to deepen your financial knowledge, check out my books:
Best Seller:The $1000 Project
**Mindful Money](https://amzn.to/3RV0poc)
Motivated Money by Peter Thornhill(a huge inspiration for me): Read it here
(These are Amazon affiliate links to my own books.)
🌟 Stay Connected & Inspired
Instagram:@SugarMammaTV — money, budgeting, cashflow & motivation
Instagram:@CannaCampbellofficial — lifestyle, capsule wardrobe fashion, motherhood
Substack Quiet Wealth: https://substack.com/@sugarmammaquietwealth
Keynote speaking book via canna@sugarmamma.tv
TikTok:@SugarMammaTV
YouTube:SugarMammaTV — over 500 bite-sized videos with more than 12 million views!
Website:SugarMammaTV.com
Don’t forget my other podcast:How Do They Afford That? 👉 Listen here
⚖️ General Advice Warning
While we discuss financial topics, everything shared here is general information only — never personal, product, or investment advice. Always:
Do your own research.
Weigh up the pros, cons, fees, caps, taxes, and risks.
Seek professional advice before making financial decisions.
📜 Financial Planning License Details
The information in this podcast does not take into account your personal circumstances, goals, or needs. Always read relevant Product Disclosure Statements before acquiring any financial product, and seek independent financial advice where appropriate.
Canna Campbell is an Authorised Representative and Financial Adviser of Links Licensee Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 700012 | ABN 97 678 975 589).
#DebtRecycling #CapitalGainsTax #CGT #InvestingAustralia #AustralianShares #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #FinancialPlanning #MortgageStrategy #BorrowingToInvest #PersonalFinanceAustralia #StartHere #SugarMammasFireplay #FinancialEducation #InvestingForBeginners #MoneyPodcast #FinancialSecurity #FamilyFinance
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever opened your wardrobe and felt like you had nothing to wear… despite owning so much?
In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with Carlz J Soderstrom — a lifestyle photographer and visual storyteller whose work explores the deeper cultural shifts behind consumerism, identity and modern fashion.
What started as a conversation about Australian fashion quickly unfolds into something much bigger.
Together, we unpack:
Why fast fashion has changed the way we consume
The psychology behind overconsumption and “having nothing to wear”
How social media is shaping identity through what we buy
The disconnect between what’s marketed to us and what’s actually real
Whether clothing today is designed to last — or to be replaced
And how to reconnect with your own values, style and spending habits
This is not just a conversation about clothes.
It’s about awareness.
Because every unnecessary purchase doesn’t just take up space in your wardrobe…it takes away from your ability to build long-term financial security and freedom.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of buying more but feeling less satisfied — this episode will change the way you think about fashion, money and yourself.
What You’ll Learn:
Why modern fashion feels disposable
How marketing influences your spending decisions
The link between identity and consumer behaviour
How to build a more intentional and timeless wardrobe
Practical ways to spend less — without sacrificing style
Connect with Carlz J Soderstrom: https://www.instagram.com/carlzjsoda/ and this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVyF_lrkuTG/
💡 Work With Me
Want more support on your financial journey? Here’s how we can work together:
The SugarMamma Budget & Cashflow Academy
Sick of living paycheque to paycheque or feeling overwhelmed by your money?
This course includes aone-on-one appointment with me so I can personally help you.
👉 Enrol here
Money Mindset & Manifestation Mentorship
Join my program for ongoing support, clarity, and motivation around the way to show up and work on your financial goals and dreams, including attracting the life that you want. Get started here.
📚 My Books
If you’re ready to deepen your financial knowledge, check out my books:
Best Seller:The $1000 Project
**Mindful Money](https://amzn.to/3RV0poc)
Motivated Money by Peter Thornhill(a huge inspiration for me): Read it here
(These are Amazon affiliate links to my own books.)
🌟 Stay Connected & Inspired
Instagram:@SugarMammaTV — money, budgeting, cashflow & motivation
Instagram:@CannaCampbellofficial — lifestyle, capsule wardrobe fashion, motherhood
Substack Quiet Wealth: https://substack.com/@sugarmammaquietwealth
Keynote speaking book via canna@sugarmamma.tv
TikTok:@SugarMammaTV
YouTube:SugarMammaTV — over 500 bite-sized videos with more than 12 million views!
Website:SugarMammaTV.com
Don’t forget my other podcast:How Do They Afford That? 👉 Listen here
⚖️ General Advice Warning
While we discuss financial topics, everything shared here is general information only — never personal, product, or investment advice. Always:
Do your own research.
Weigh up the pros, cons, fees, caps, taxes, and risks.
Seek professional advice before making financial decisions.
📜 Financial Planning License Details
The information in this podcast does not take into account your personal circumstances, goals, or needs. Always read relevant Product Disclosure Statements before acquiring any financial product, and seek independent financial advice where appropriate.
Canna Campbell is an Authorised Representative and Financial Adviser of Links Licensee Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 700012 | ABN 97 678 975 589).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.