The Joyful Frugalista

135: The Financial Reset with Gemma Mitchell

Financial advisor and author of The Financial Reset: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life, Gemma Mitchell shares her insights on navigating financial upheaval during major life transitions—like divorce, job loss, or unexpected change. Drawing from her own experiences and professional expertise, Gemma shares details of her 12-step financial reset plan, designed to help listeners rebuild with clarity and confidence. 

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Financial resilience is essential during life transitions.

• Small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful recovery.

• You don’t need perfect goals to begin again.

• The “slingshot moment” is a powerful metaphor for post-crisis growth.

• A structured reset plan simplifies financial decision-making.

• Superannuation is a cornerstone of long-term financial health.

• Mindset influences every financial choice.

• The “treat yourself” culture can sabotage progress.

• Community support and resource-sharing are underrated tools.

• Financial habits can be unlearned and reshaped.

134: How to retire on $3,000 a Week with The Property Couch

In this episode of The Joyful Frugalista, Serina Bird is joined by Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley — co-hosts of The Property Couch podcast and authors of How to Retire on $3,000 a Week. Together, they explore how everyday Australians can build long-term wealth through smart property investing.

Holdaway and Kingsley discuss the evolution of their investment philosophy, the importance of managing cash flow, and how to distinguish between good and bad debt. You’ll also hear practical strategies like the “seven day float,” and how offset accounts can offer financial flexibility and peace of mind in retirement.

 

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💡 Topics

• Why cash flow is king in property investing
• The difference between good debt and bad debt
• How offset accounts can reduce interest and increase flexibility
• Why housing security is essential for retirement
• The power of the “seven day float” for managing spending
• How to avoid becoming a forced seller in a downturn
• Why property investing is a long-term game

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134: VIDEO How to retire on $3,000 a Week with The Property Couch

In this episode of The Joyful Frugalista, Serina Bird is joined by Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley — co-hosts of The Property Couch podcast and authors of How to Retire on $3,000 a Week. Together, they explore how everyday Australians can build long-term wealth through smart property investing.

Holdaway and Kingsley discuss the evolution of their investment philosophy, the importance of managing cash flow, and how to distinguish between good and bad debt. You’ll also hear practical strategies like the “seven day float,” and how offset accounts can offer financial flexibility and peace of mind in retirement.

 

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💡 Discussion topics

• Why cash flow is king in property investing
• The difference between good debt and bad debt
• How offset accounts can reduce interest and increase flexibility
• Why housing security is essential for retirement
• The power of the “seven day float” for managing spending
• How to avoid becoming a forced seller in a downturn
• Why property investing is a long-term game

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📌 Chapters:

07:30 – On Being a Podcaster
07:44 – Cash Flow Management
15:08 – Investment Property Costs
18:51 – Debt
21:31 – Accommodation in Retirement
25:38 – Offset Accounts
26:44 – Frugalista Tip

133: VIDEO Mel Browne talks about financial empowerment for women

Join Serina Bird as she sits down with Mel Browne, author of Unf*ck Your Finances, to explore the importance of financial empowerment for women. In this episode, they cover financial literacy, superannuation, investing, frugal living, and the ways menopause and ageism can shape women’s financial journeys. Mel shares her personal experiences, unpacks how traditional gender roles have influenced women’s financial independence, and offers practical strategies to build wealth at any stage of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial literacy is essential for women’s empowerment.

• Traditional gender roles can limit women’s financial independence.

• Superannuation is a vital but often overlooked part of women’s financial planning.

• Investing is possible and rewarding at any age.

• Menopause and ageism can significantly affect career opportunities and finances.

• Frugal living can improve long-term financial health.

• Women often outperform men as investors due to disciplined strategies.

• Open conversations about money are key to financial confidence.

 

BONUS:  Mel has prepared a list of resources for The Joyful Frugalista listeners, which you can find at https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/joyfulfrugalista.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment for Women
02:22 Mel Browne's Journey and Passion for Financial Literacy
05:27 The financial implications of the trad wife movement
06:40 Superannuation
13:00 Investing: It's Never Too Late to Start
20:19 Menopause and Its Financial Impact on Women
25:23 Re-entering the Workforce: Ageism and Opportunities
26:46 Frugalista tip

 

133: Mel Browne talks about financial empowerment for women

Join Serina Bird as she sits down with Mel Browne, author of Unf*ck Your Finances, to explore the importance of financial empowerment for women. In this episode, they cover financial literacy, superannuation, investing, frugal living, and the ways menopause and ageism can shape women’s financial journeys. Mel shares her personal experiences, unpacks how traditional gender roles have influenced women’s financial independence, and offers practical strategies to build wealth at any stage of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial literacy is essential for women’s empowerment.

• Traditional gender roles can limit women’s financial independence.

• Superannuation is a vital but often overlooked part of women’s financial planning.

• Investing is possible and rewarding at any age.

• Menopause and ageism can significantly affect career opportunities and finances.

• Frugal living can improve long-term financial health.

• Women often outperform men as investors due to disciplined strategies.

• Open conversations about money are key to financial confidence.

 

BONUS:  Mel has prepared a list of resources for The Joyful Frugalista listeners, which you can find at https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/joyfulfrugalista.

 

132: VIDEO Grant Dooley talks about being a diplomat during bomb season in Jakarta

In this episode, Serina is joined by her former boss, Grant Dooley, whose real-life memoir Bomb Season in Jakarta is more gripping than an action spy thriller. A former Australian diplomat with postings in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Jakarta, Grant takes us inside the high-stakes world of mid-2000s Australia-Indonesian diplomacy – a turbulent era of bombings, political unrest, and personal resilience, all while navigating life on dual diplomatic postings with his wife and children.

132: Grant Dooley talks about being a diplomat during bomb season in Jakarta

In this episode, Serina is joined by her former boss, Grant Dooley, whose real-life memoir Bomb Season in Jakarta is more gripping than any spy thriller. A former Australian diplomat with postings in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Jakarta, Grant takes us inside the high-stakes world of mid-2000s Australia-Indonesian diplomacy – a turbulent era of bombings, political unrest, and personal resilience, all while navigating life on dual diplomatic postings with his wife and children.

131: VIDEO Roxanne Calder talks about how to build wealth through earning power

Join Serina Bird as she welcomes back Roxanne Calder, Managing Director of EST10 and author of "Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women." In this episode, they delve into the gender pay gap, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical steps women can take to boost their earnings. Roxanne shares insights from her new book, featuring stories from influential figures like Julia Ross and Philip Kearns.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of the gender pay gap on women's lifetime earnings.
• Strategies for women to enhance their earning potential.
• The concept of the "glass cliff" and how to navigate it.
• The importance of networking for social capital and self-promotion.

Guest: Roxanne Calder - Managing Director of EST10 and author of "Earning Power."

#WomenEmpowerment #EarningPower #GenderPayGap #Podcast

131: Roxanne Calder talks about how to build wealth through earning power

Join Serina Bird as she welcomes back Roxanne Calder, Managing Director of EST10 and author of "Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women." In this episode, they delve into the gender pay gap, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical steps women can take to boost their earnings. Roxanne shares insights from her new book, featuring stories from influential figures like Julia Ross and Philip Kearns.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of the gender pay gap on women's lifetime earnings.
• Strategies for women to enhance their earning potential.
• The concept of the "glass cliff" and how to navigate it.
• The importance of networking for social capital and self-promotion.

Guest: Roxanne Calder - Managing Director of EST10 and author of "Earning Power."

#WomenEmpowerment #EarningPower #GenderPayGap #Podcast

130: Aussie Firebug on giving up the F.I.R.E. obsession

This year marks 10 years of podcasting for Aussie Firebug, one of Australia’s original voices in the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. From his early days tracking every cent to, working in the UK and (almost) reaching his FIRE goal, returning home to regional Victoria, and moving beyond retirement into new ventures, Aussie Firebug’s journey has evolved. Podcast host Serina Bird catches up with him in his hometown, explores his coworking space, and discovers why he’s no longer “obsessed” with the pursuit of financial independence—and what matters to him now.

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:10 The Journey of Aussie Firebug
06:56 Financial Independence and Life Changes
14:40 New Family Dynamics and Challenges
19:55 The Importance of Financial Security
24:52 Community and Family Support
30:07 Frugal Tips and Solar Energy Benefits