Spring Has Sprung - My Top 9 Money Tips for Spring
Spring is here, and while most people are doing a spring clean of their homes, we're doing a spring clean of our finances and money habits. Today I'm sharing the top nine things I do every spring to stay mindful about my money. I usually take a look at not only what I'm spending, but what's happening to that money. The episode covers practical steps like checking subscriptions you haven't used in 90 days, finding better deals on utilities and insurance, and reassessing your home loan to avoid that costly loyalty tax. We'll also discuss the importance of rekindling your money goals - whether it's saving for a holiday or paying down debt - and how small adjustments can add up to significant improvements over time. You don't have to turn your financial world upside down overnight. Tackle one or two tips a week, and by the end of spring, you'll breathe easier knowing you've made real progress. Spring isn't about drastic changes, but rather making small adjustments that add up to significant improvements. Here’s to a financially savvy spring!LinksBook a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag/podcast-calendar-booking Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989Or send an email to our commercial property strategist John Herman: [email protected]: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/
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9:41
The Hidden Cost of Staying Put
If you've been with the same bank, phone company or electricity provider for years, you might be paying what's called a "loyalty tax" - and it's costing you more than you think. This isn't an actual government tax, but rather the extra money you're forking out simply because you've stayed loyal to a service provider while they roll out the red carpet for new customers with better deals.Today we’re diving into how this system works across industries - from telecommunications to banking - and why loyal customers like you are essentially subsidising the flashy offers companies use to attract new business. You'll discover why that attractive introductory offer you signed up for years ago has likely been surpassed by what new customers are getting today, and how companies bank on your loyalty while quietly hiking your rates.The good news? Breaking free from loyalty tax is often surprisingly simple, and we'll share practical strategies for doing just that. From the magic question you should ask your providers annually to when it might be worth bringing in professional help, this episode arms you with the tools to stop overpaying for services simply because you've been a loyal customer.LinksBook a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag/podcast-calendar-booking Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989Or send an email to our commercial property strategist John Herman: [email protected]: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/
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8:34
Why I'd invest in commercial over residential
I'll be the first to admit - there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the residential properties my family invested in over the years. But looking back with the knowledge I have now? I absolutely wish we'd done things differently. Through running our mortgage broking and business finance operation, I get to see something most investors never do - the real numbers on both residential and commercial deals. And here's what I've learnt: once you truly understand these numbers, you become a firm believer in commercial over residential.Today we’re talking about why residential property's comfort zone might actually be a double-edged sword. Sure, everyone's lived in a house and it feels familiar, but when you peel that back, you'll find a 5% return that sounds okay until you factor in the relentless parade of bills. Suddenly, you're barely breaking even. Then there's commercial properties - yes, they ask for a heftier deposit, but the reward is in the numbers. We're talking 6.5% returns where tenants often shoulder many costs, leaving you with tidy and predictable cash flow that's frankly a lot more gratifying.I'm making the pitch for embracing the "boring" side of commercial real estate - and let me tell you, that's precisely its charm. We'll explore why dealing with businesses and professionals beats residential tenant horror stories and how commercial properties shift this paradigm significantly. The numbers don't lie, and neither does experience. If you're serious about building wealth through property investment, it's time to look beyond the familiar and embrace the boring brilliance of commercial real estate. Your future self will thank you for making decisions based on logic rather than emotion.LinksBook a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtagWant to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/
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12:03
How Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy a House?
You've probably heard that you need a 5% deposit to buy your first home, but is that the whole story? In this episode, we're unpacking the reality behind that magic number and what it actually means for your home buying journey. We'll explore why banks aren't just looking for any 5% - they want to see "genuine savings" that demonstrate your financial discipline and money management skills.Beyond the deposit itself, there are significant additional costs that can catch first home buyers off guard. We'll break down expenses like Lender's Mortgage Insurance, stamp duty and conveyancing fees - costs that can add tens of thousands to your property purchase. We'll also examine state-specific concessions and schemes, including how Queensland's stamp duty concessions work and when you might face upwards of $7,500 in fees if you don't qualify.The episode also covers the First Home Deposit Scheme, where the government can step in as your guarantor instead of you paying mortgage insurance. We'll discuss the eligibility requirements, income thresholds and why acting quickly is essential due to limited places available with participating lenders. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why successful home buying requires more than just that 5% figure and how to prepare for all the costs involved.Key Takeaways:Banks require "genuine savings" not just any 5% depositAdditional costs like LMI can add $15-20,000 to your purchaseState-specific concessions can significantly reduce your costsThe First Home Deposit Scheme has limited places and specific eligibility criteriaLinksBook a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtagWant to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/
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11:10
What's My Money Strategy?
Having financial goals in place is great. But have you really thought about how you’re actually going to get there?Today, we’re talking all about strategy. Whether you want to pay off your home loan in 10 years, go on that overseas holiday or get the renovations started, having a solid game plan of how to get there is crucial.Now, saving for success isn’t always exciting. You might have to forgo weekend getaways or fancy dinners for a while. You also might need regular check-ins to ensure you’re on track to meet your goals. For my husband and I, we sit down every fortnight with our favourite drink and hash out our budget. Yep, it can feel a little tedious and repetitive, but it works. It’s the strategy that got us to where we could take a family holiday overseas and actually pay off our mortgage before we hit 40!Now, here’s a little secret: be cautious about broadcasting your goals. There’s power in holding them close. Sharing too soon invites well-meaning naysayers who can chip away at your confidence. Once your goal is in the bag, that's the time to celebrate and spread the joy. Until then, let your success speak for itself when it’s ready.Here’s your mission for today: pinpoint what your financial goals look like, and start planning step-by-step how you can make them a reality. Whether it’s about surviving an expensive phase in life or planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip, each dream needs a solid strategy to become reality.So, keep hustling towards your goals, and remember—a sound strategy is the heart of your money journey!LinksBook a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtagWant to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/
Money can often feel like a mysterious, taboo subject that we're reluctant to discuss with our friends and family. It's often seen as rude or unsavoury to talk about finances openly, but I'm here to change that narrative. Money doesn't have to be complicated, though it's not necessarily easy either. It all comes down to making those small, consistent steps that can shape your financial future.
With over 20 years in finance, five years as a mortgage broker, and running my own finance and mortgage broking business for the last three years, I have the qualifications and passion for sharing my knowledge with you. Through my work, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges many families face when it comes to managing money. Some have been taught well, while others just need a few tweaks to change the trajectory of their lives. And then there are those recovering from costly financial mistakes.
In "Teach Me Money," we'll break down the how, why, and what next of money management in a straightforward way. I'll tackle your toughest questions, debunk common myths, and most importantly, offer actionable tips to help you get ahead. Whether it's making your money a non-negotiable part of every pay cycle or understanding how to finally buy that property to grow your wealth, I've got your back.
If you're just starting on your financial journey or have already faced some bumps along the way, you're in the right place. Join me every fortnight as I dive into practical tips and share inspiring stories of clients who have successfully navigated this path. Together, we'll make sense of money and craft a plan for your financial success.
Please note, this podcast is for general information purposes only and not financial advice. Always consult with a licensed financial planner before making decisions about your personal finances.
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