As we ease into the Christmas break — that magical time where no one knows what day it is and leftovers count as a meal — we’re revisiting one of the most popular episodes of the year. Coming in as our second most-listened-to episode is Why Super Needs to Be Your Super Hero. And we are not surprised this was one of the most listened to episodes. Superannuation is one of the most powerful financial tools available to women — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this replay, Naomi pulls together 20 minutes of the very best moments from the original episode, breaking super down in a way that’s practical, relatable, and actually makes sense. Using the idea of super as your financial cape, this episode explores why we want super to be the hero of your future — not the villain quietly eroded by fees, poor performance, or neglect. Naomi also challenges listeners to think differently about their super by giving it a superhero identity of its own (hers? Lara Croft — bold, strong, adventurous, and absolutely not here to play small). In this replay, we cover: Why super really matters — especially for women Why you need to actively care about it (even if retirement feels far away) What makes super such a tax-efficient structure How much choice you actually have when it comes to your fund The different types of contributions you can make How and when you can access your super And the pop culture tie-in to Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out for a Hero — because your super really can be exactly that We’re taking a short festive breather, but Naomi is still around if you need support over the break. And from both Naomi and Helene — thank you for being part of this community. 🎄 Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy festive season.🎙️ We’ll be back with a brand-new live episode on 5 January. Because your money matters — and so do you.

If there was ever a time to channel Madonna and belt out Holiday — it would be so nice! — it’s the festive season. Between the Christmas chaos, end-of-year burnout, and the annual migration to beaches, airports, and relatives’ spare rooms, the silly season can be a very expensive time to “celebrate.” In today’s episode, we’re talking all things festive travel — the real costs, the hidden costs, and the “I did not budget for this!” costs. Whether you're heading up the coast, flying interstate, or just trying to escape your own kitchen, we’re breaking down how to plan, budget, and enjoy your holiday without coming home to a financial hangover. We are taking a page straight out of Madonna’s book, because if Holiday taught us anything, it’s that taking a break should feel joyful, simple, and liberating — not stressful, guilt-ridden, or funded by a credit card you’ll resent until Easter. We’ll cover:• Why festive-season expenses creep faster than a heatwave• Clever ways to plan your travel budget (that actually stick)• How to avoid blowing the cost-of-living Christmas budget• Smart money moves for accommodation, transport, food and the sneaky extras• And how to start the new year feeling refreshed — not financially frazzled So grab an iced latte, put on your favourite summer playlist, and let’s make this year’s holiday feel less like a financial avalanche… and a little more Madonna-level fabulous.

When we think about insurance, most of us picture paperwork, premiums, and things going wrong. But behind every policy is something far more meaningful: real people, real families, and real moments where life suddenly changes, and the right cover becomes the difference between crisis and stability. In this episode, Naomi sits down with Jacqui Lennon, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at Zurich Insurance Australia, to explore the deeply personal side of insurance — the part we don’t talk about enough. Jacqui has seen first-hand working with customers at their most vulnerable: illness, injury, loss, recovery, and everything in between. She’s encountered what happens when people do have the right cover… and when they don’t. Together, they dive into: The life moments where insurance steps in and holds things together Real client stories that show how a claim can change someone’s path, from medical crises to unexpected life twists Why GoFundMe shouldn’t be your financial plan The emotional decisions we make about insurance, and why so many women put it off What the four major covers — Life, TPD, Trauma, and Income Protection — are actually designed to protect This episode is all about understanding the heart behind the cover — how insurance supports you when the rest of life feels uncertain, and why building this safety net is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.

As the year winds down and the champagne starts calling, so does that little voice in your head asking, “Is this really what I want to be doing next year?”   In this episode, Naomi and Helene dive into the end-of-year phenomenon that has so many people standing at a career crossroads — weighing up whether to stay, go, or reinvent themselves altogether. December is bonus season, reflection season, and, for many, career-questioning season.   Naomi marks one year since her redundancy — and what a transformation it’s been, moving from corporate life to self-employment. Helene’s done the same, and together they unpack what triggers people to think about changing careers, how to recognise the signs it might be time, and what to consider — both financially and emotionally — before making a move.   They also dig into the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, which shows that 40% of Australians have been in their jobs for just one to four years, and 8.5% of women changed jobs last year, mostly for better opportunities, family reasons, or improved work conditions.   And of course, in true Her Money Matters style, there’s a pop culture nod — this time to The Clash and their 1982 anthem “Should I Stay or Should I Go” — because sometimes, deciding whether to stay or leave a job feels exactly like that.   So if you’ve been feeling restless, stuck, or just curious about what’s next, this episode is your permission slip to reflect, reassess, and maybe take that first step toward something new.

If you’ve never been to a live podcast recording, picture this: fifty powerhouse women, a packed pub, a few glasses of wine, and a whole lot of laughter, energy, and inspiration flying around the room. We recorded this podcast in one take, with a LIVE audience - the audio fed straight into our computers.   This was recorded the day after Melbourne Cup, and we packed out the room with 50 incredible women from the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce who were ready to swap champagne flutes for goal sheets and channel their 2026 ambitions. With The Power by Snap! as our pop culture reference, we turned up the volume (literally) on what it means to set goals that align with your values, habits, and vision for the year ahead. We went through a couple of activities live which you can find in the resources below and talked about the importance of setting your goals early, and making sure they are SMART.   Now while the concept of setting SMART goals sounds simple, turning broad intentions into clear, measurable goals is often the hardest part and where most of us get stuck. Then came the magic moment: we asked everyone in the room to write down their 2026 goals. Some focused on fitness and wellbeing (including a future yoga teacher in the making), others on home renovations or creating more balance with family, and some were focused on growing businesses, increasing income, or taking brave steps into new ventures. Different goals, same thread — each reflected courage, clarity, and the determination to make next year count.   ⚡ Download & Get Involved Keep the momentum going with our free downloads: 📝 Goal Setting & Values Activity Sheet – https://www.thinkbowl.com.au/wheel-of-life-her-mindset-matters?qr=view 🎯 DL Flyer + QR Code – GOALS FROM OUR ATTENDEES Start my second business in Europe and Asia Pacific before the new year, website and media packs by end of January and first clients in Feb and continue to expand with incremental and measurable goals My goal is to set my SMART goals for 2026 - sitting here today I realize I need to spend time on clarifying this Increase income within the next 12 months by $100,000 To build my team to senior roles so I can have time off with my kids during school holidays Sell house in February for $xxm My Goal is to drop down to working 5 days a week by June 2026 Make $10,000 per month net by the end of the year A better understanding of my finances being a single women in my 50’s Renovate our house by Dec 2026 Home Renovation finished by Christmas Get married in September in Whistler Do yoga teacher training by September 2026   🎧 Press play and feel the power.Because when women back themselves, set direction, and share the journey — that’s when the real magic happens. 👉 Listen now, and use the QR code in the flyer to send us your 2026 goals.

For most of us, opening our super statement lands somewhere between “mildly overwhelming” and “absolutely not today.” In this very real and surprisingly empowering episode, Helene opens her actual superannuation statement live on the podcast — giving all Avoiders a soft place to land. Naomi walks through the 6 key things your super statement is trying to tell you — Fees, Investments, Performance, Contributions, Insurance, and Beneficiaries — breaking down what they mean in simple language, why they matter, and how to turn a yearly dread into a moment of clarity. Together, they unpack why our brains avoid financial information, how curiosity rewires money confidence faster than you think, and the small mindset shifts that turn “free-falling” into taking back control of your future self. This week’s pop-culture throwback is Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” (1989/1990) — the perfect anthem for the emotional rollercoaster of pretending you’re fine while things feel chaotic underneath. Just like Tom, many of us look calm while quietly avoiding the numbers… until today. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what to look for on your super statement, why even one small action counts, and how awareness always costs less than avoidance. Your future self will thank you.

Ever caught yourself wondering whether to stay, renovate, or move - but felt unsure where to even start?Before you call the agent or start planning that kitchen makeover, this episode of Her Money Matters is a great place to start. I’m joined by professional Property Valuer Belinda Botzolis, who takes us inside the world of property valuations.  We cover off what they really mean, how they’re done, and why understanding your home’s true worth can help you make every decision with more clarity and confidence. Inspired by Flo Rida’s hit “My House”, we’re talking about what it really means to own, love, or leave your home, and how a proper valuation can help you decide whether to marry it, spruce it up, or move on. We’ll break down why valuations differ from real estate appraisals, the surprising factors that influence your home’s value, and the practical steps you can take to get the most accurate result. Whether you’re refinancing, renovating, downsizing, or just curious, this episode will help you make informed choices about your biggest asset. 🎧 So kick back, press play, and welcome to your house — because knowing what it’s worth is the first step in shaping your financial future.

Let’s be honest: Christmas shopping can bring out the best and worst in us. One minute you’re full of festive cheer, the next you’re panic-buying matching pyjamas, random gadgets, and “funny” mugs that no one actually needs and it all just ends up wasted, in landfill. In this episode, we unwrap why we keep giving our kids shitty Christmas presents and how to stop this perpetual pattern. We’ll dive into the psychology of giving (spoiler: it’s more about us than them), why buying “stuff” makes us feel momentarily generous, and how to rewire our thinking so gifts become meaningful, not mindless. We cover off three buckets of gifts depending on your budget:  <$100 $100 - $500 $1,000+ So listen in to discover gifts that will help your kids into the future, or why the gift of giving to charity can be so fulfilling.  We do have lots of fun in this episode and we will have you laughing, reflecting, and maybe cancelling that Amazon cart.  The best gift you can give this year isn’t necessarily something they’ll open… it’s something they’ll grow from. So pour the eggnog, crank Mariah, and let’s make this the year we end the reign of crappy Christmas gifts — for good. 🎄

In this episode of Her Money Matters, we’re diving into one of the most accessible and empowering ways to invest — Exchange Traded Funds, or ETFs. Whether this is your first time hearing the term, or you’ve already got a few on your radar, this episode will break it all down — what ETFs are, how they work, and how you can use them to build a diverse, affordable portfolio. Naomi is joined by Jessica Leung, Portfolio Manager at Global X, to explore the ins and outs of ETFs, including: What makes ETFs different from managed funds and individual shares How to choose and buy ETFs Real examples like the Global X Australia 300 ETF (A300) and Global X US 100 ETF (U100) The risks to be aware of — and how to manage them Why ETFs have become one of the fastest-growing investment options in Australia And yes — we even have a little fun with Madonna’s Material Girl along the way. 💬 Want to learn more about your own investment comfort zone?👉 Take the Risk Profiling Questionnaire on our website to understand what kind of investor you are:🔗 https://www.hermoneymatters.com.au/resources 📊 Keen to explore the latest ETF insights and trends?Download the Global X Australian ETF Landscape Report here:🔗 https://www.globalxetfs.com.au/australian-etf-landscape/

Divorce is one of those life events that no one plans for, but many of us face. In Australia, almost 50,000 couples separate each year, and the average age for divorce sits squarely in the mid to late 40s. It’s a big emotional and financial shift, and while it can feel daunting, understanding the process can make all the difference. In this episode, I’m joined by family lawyer Sam Lewis, Founder of Lewis Family Lawyers.  Sam walks through the entire divorce process, explaining what you need to consider, why it is so important to be clear upfront what outcome you are seeking, and she walks through the legal process: building your balance sheet, assessing both financial and non-financial contributions, considering adjustments like income and health, and making sure the final split is fair and equitable. We also explore a client story that shows how these steps play out in real life — and the small, practical actions that can make a big difference along the way. Divorce doesn’t apply to everyone, however ~45% of marriages end in divorce.  So, whilst this episode might not directly apply to you, but it may be helpful for you to know in case you need to support a friend or family member got through the process.  If you would like to connect with Sam for legal support, her details are samantha@lewisfamilylawyers.com.au or the website https://lewisfamilylawyers.com.au/.  For money coaching and financial guidance during separation, reach out to me at naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au or visit hermoneymatters.com.au. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need it and follow Her Money Matters on your favourite podcast platform, because no one should have to go through this alone.

We can all identify with a money persona: which is like a financial personality type, and each one comes with its own strengths, blind spots, and deeply ingrained habits. We discuss 5 different money personas and how they help us understand how we handle money day to day, and how they are tied to the beliefs we hold about ourselves and what’s possible for our future. In this episode of Her Money Matters, Naomi and Helene explore how money personas develop, the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck, and the habit loops that quietly run our financial lives. From the Spender’s “I deserve this” mindset to the Helper’s “It’s selfish to put myself first,” these beliefs shape the choices we make often without us realising it. Out link this week is to Sex and the City, and how each of the women had a completely different relationship with money. From closets full of shoes to high-powered careers, romantic entanglements, and big business moves, their financial choices were as unique as their personalities. That’s the beauty of money personas: they show up in all kinds of ways, sometimes glamorous, sometimes messy, and often more familiar than we’d like to admit. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to identify our dominant money persona, recognise the beliefs driving it, and start reshaping your habits so they work for you, not against you. 

Over the next two decades, trillions of dollars will move from one generation to the next, and women will be at the centre of it. From inheritances and divorce settlements to entrepreneurship and family wealth, women are increasingly stepping into the role of financial decision-maker. In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Lykouras, former CEO of JBWere and the force behind the Growth of Women and Wealth white paper. Together, we explore what this historic shift means for women, families, and the generations to come. We unpack the “eldest-daughter effect,” the rise of the Bank of Mum and Dad, why self-education is so important, and the three key things every woman should do to be ready when money flows her way. Maria has chosen Janet Jackson’s Control as her pop culture pick, which is  a perfect anthem for women taking ownership of their financial future. Just like Janet, it’s time to say: “I’ve got my own mind, I want to make my own decisions.” We discuss two white papers that Maria commissioned - here are the links to both. https://www.jbwere.com.au/content/dam/jbwere/documents/campaigns/JBWere-Growth-of-Women-and-Wealth.pdf https://www.jbwere.com.au/content/dam/jbwere/documents/campaigns/JBWere-Bequest-Report.pdf Tune in and discover how to prepare, where to start, and why having the right information will build your confidence to prepare you for when the time comes.

Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from work: it’s about designing the LIFE you want to live. So much of preparing for retirement is about the financial preparation, however there is arguably a more important aspect - the emotional or psychological transition.  In this episode of Her Money Matters, Naomi Holmes and Helene explore what it really means to design your retirement life, drawing on Naomi’s four-step LIFE framework. Inspired by David Bowie’s Ch-ch-ch-changes and that retirement is one of the most significant events in a person’s life, this conversation dives into the non-financial side of retirement. The LIFE framework breaks retirement design into four steps: L – Lifestyle & Wellbeing: Creating daily routines that support the life you want, while prioritising health as your real wealth. I – Identity & Purpose: Exploring your ‘who-ness', and finding the “why” that makes this next chapter meaningful. F – Financial & Security: We don’t unpack this piece in today’s episode, but it’s part of the bigger picture, the element of knowing your resources are secure so you can live with confidence. E – Engagement (Social & Relationships): Staying connected through friendships, community, and family, because your relationships matter just as much as your retirement plan. Together, Naomi and Helene share insights, examples, and practical ways to start preparing 1–2 years before retirement.  You will have everything you need to know so that when the time comes, you are completely prepared and ready to jump into retirement with open arms.

Saving money often feels impossible — like MC Hammer says, “Can’t touch this.” But what if $10,000 in a year wasn’t a dream, but a plan? In this episode of Her Money Matters, Naomi breaks down the psychology of why saving is so hard — why our brains crave instant rewards, why we avoid long-term goals, and how to flip the script by linking your savings to your values. Because when your goals align with what really matters — security, family, freedom, adventure — saving suddenly feels worth it. Naomi then counts down 10 practical, bite-sized ways to save $1,000 each, from switching mortgages and shopping around your insurance, to meal planning, packing lunch, and even side hustles you can start tomorrow. Ten steps, $1,000 at a time, adds up to your $10K year — and to more choices, more confidence, and more freedom with your money. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why saving feels so hard (and how to change that mindset). How to tie savings goals to your personal values. 10 practical, real-world strategies to save $1,000 each. How small, consistent steps lead to big wealth over time. Saving $10K isn’t untouchable. You can touch this.  Follow the show so you don’t miss an episode. Visit hermoneymatters.com.au or email naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au for coaching and courses. Share this episode with a friend — because your money matters, your future matters, and you matter.

Money touches every part of our lives, yet most of us were never formally taught how to deal with it. We’re expected to just “know,” but the truth is, for many women, money becomes something we avoid and a big part of this has to do with our mindset. In this episode of Her Money Matters, Naomi is joined again by Helene Psarakis to explore how your values and beliefs shape every financial choice you make. Together, they unpack why discipline isn’t the answer, why alignment is, and how to uncover your true colours so your money reflects what matters most to you. You’ll learn: What values really are Why certain values can hold you back from engaging with money How to determine your own highest values using Dr. John Demartini’s Values Determination Process Practical ways to link your values to money habits so they stick Why “getting money on the way, not in the way” is the key to thriving financially The big takeaway from this episode, is when your values and money aren’t in harmony, money becomes something you avoid. However when they are aligned, money becomes a powerful tool to help you live those values more fully. 🎧 Tune in, and let your true colours shine through your money choices.

In this episode of Her Money Matters, Naomi is joined by the fabulous Helene Psarakis for a deep dive into the kind of debt we don’t talk about enough—mortgages. Inspired by Salt-N-Pepa’s iconic anthem, this episode injects a bit of fun on debt and brings the sass, the stats, and the solutions. You’ll learn: Why “No Debt by Retirement” should be your new mantra The 5 levers that can save you hundreds of thousands on your mortgage How to renegotiate your rate, restructure your loan, and supercharge your repayments Real-life examples that show how small changes = big savings Whether you’re refinancing, downsizing, or just starting to pay attention, this episode is your wake-up call. You’ll walk away with practical strategies that could shave years off your loan and save you hundreds of thousands in interest.   So grab your banking app, turn up the volume, and let’s talk about debt, baby!

If you’re helping Mum or Dad navigate the move into aged care, or starting to think about what your own retirement years might look like, this episode is for you. The journey through later life is rarely straightforward. One moment your parents are in the Active Years, still independent and enjoying freedom, the next they’re stepping into the Quiet Years where routines slow, and before long you may find yourself supporting them through the Frailty Years where care and decisions about living arrangements become essential.   In this episode of Her Money Matters, I’m joined by aged care guru Danni Dixon to unpack what we call the Ageing Journey. Much like the Time Warp in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, moving through these phases can feel like a series of sudden steps and spins — sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right — and it’s easy to lose your footing if you don’t know the moves.   We’ll explore: The three phases of the ageing journey and what to expect in each phase Housing and accommodation options as needs change Why a support network matters more than you think The key financial and estate planning considerations along the way Where to turn when aged care gets complex, and how to get the right help Whether you’re planning your own future or supporting your parents through theirs, this episode will give you the perspective and practical tools to step confidently through the twists and turns of later life.   🎧 Tune in, because just like the Time Warp, once you know the steps you can keep your balance — even when the journey takes you somewhere unexpected.   👉 If you’d like help with your own retirement planning or navigating the sandwich generation, you can contact me at hermoneymatters.com.au  or directly at naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au.   👉 For specialist aged care guidance, you can reach out to my guest Danni Dixon at Aged Care Steps — you can reach her at support@personaladvice.com.au.

It’s my birthday week, and every year I use this moment as my own personal checkpoint — a time to pause, look back at the year that’s been, and set fresh goals for the year ahead. That’s why we’re talking about goal setting this week — because just like Bon Jovi sang, “It’s my life, it’s now or never” — the best time to get intentional about your future is now. In this episode of Her Money Matters, I’ll share why I choose my birthday as my annual reset, and how you can pick a date that works for you — whether it’s your birthday, New Year’s Day, 1 July, or any date that feels meaningful. Together we’ll explore: Why goal setting is the single most important step in creating the life you want The psychology of motivation (and why action comes before inspiration) How to use the SMART framework to turn vague dreams into achievable plans What meaningful goals look like for women progressing towards retirement Tools and accountability strategies to actually follow through By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to choose your own date, set goals that matter, and start building momentum. As Bon Jovi sang: it’s your life, it's now or never, and your goals deserve more than “someday.”

Your super is one of the most powerful tools you have to build wealth, but it can just as easily work against you if you ignore it. In this episode of Her Money Matters, we’re diving into everything you need to know about super, from what it is to how you can make it work harder for your future. You might not think of your super as a superhero, but it has the power to be one of the greatest financial forces in your life. However it can also turn into a bit of a villain if you leave it to its own devices. In this episode, we’re diving into what super actually is, how it works, and why giving it a little attention now can make a big difference down the track. You’ll learn: Why should we care about it and what makes it so attractive What happens if you don’t pick a fund (and why that’s still a choice) The difference between industry, retail and SMSFs How and when you can access your super Channelling Bonnie Tyler, "If you’ve been holding out for a hero" this episode will show you that your super might just be it. 🎧 Subscribe to Her Money Matters for more real conversations about money, or head to hermoneymatters.com.au if you’d like a hand getting your super sorted through 1:1 coaching.

What happens when you realise you’ve been playing by someone else’s rules with your money and it’s time to take the pen back and write a new story?   In this episode of Her Money Matters, we use Chris Isaak’s haunting Wicked Game as the soundtrack to a conversation about regaining control, rebuilding confidence, and designing a financial future on your own terms. You’ll hear:• How financial control can creep in and how to recognise when it’s happening• Helene’s inspiring story of reclaiming her independence and rewriting her financial life• The practical steps that helped her move from confusion to clarity and confidence• Why knowing your numbers is one of the most powerful tools for freedom and choice   By the end of this episode, you’ll feel uplifted and inspired by what’s possible when you decide to take ownership of your money and your future.   If you’d like support in building clarity and confidence with your finances, you can find out more about coaching at:https://www.hermoneymatters.com.au/coaching   So join us for this powerful episode because you deserve to be in the driver’s seat of your financial life, and it’s never too late to take it back.