Key Takeaways:

• Shrinkflation Defined: Products reduce in size or quantity, but prices remain unchanged, leading to effectively higher costs per unit.
• Skimflation Insight: Some products may have reduced quality or fewer ingredients, offering less value for the same price.
• Consumer Response: Use unit pricing for more informed purchasing decisions and consider paring back on non-essential items.
• Financial Wisdom: Evaluate product necessity and embrace contentment as part of smart financial stewardship.
• Brand Loyalty’s Cost: Recognizing the potential financial impact of sticking to familiar brands without considering alternatives.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think we've got a little bit of nostalgia, but I do think packaging is generally a little bit smaller these days."

• "Inflation is not necessarily a bad thing. The cost of things go up, people's wages go up."

• "The company didn’t promise you that that block of family-sized chocolate was always going to be 250 grams." - Pete Burrows
• "It sounds like these really caring companies out there are trying to encourage me to do that." - Ben McEachen
• "Smaller isn't cheaper really. That's probably what we're going to get." - Pete Burrows

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.

Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Win a copy of the book by Gemma Mitchell here:
Hope1032's Win Page

Head to the previous episode in this pod to have a listen to Gemma share wisdom from the book.

If you want to purchase a copy for you and your family (GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT, just sayin') head to Amazon Australia here!

Hurry competition closes 5th November 2025!!

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gemma Mitchell is a seasoned financial advisor and the author of The Money Reset. With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Gemma has transitioned from traditional financial advising to managing a team of advisors while focusing on large-scale educational initiatives. These include corporate workshops, podcasts, and writing. Her mission is to make financial advice more accessible and to help individuals in difficult life transitions take control of their financial future. Gemma is also a co-host of the Australian Finance Podcast, where she shares insights into financial management and planning.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalized Financial Strategies: Gemma emphasizes the importance of tailoring financial plans to individual circumstances rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
• The Power of Awareness: Knowing your starting line and acknowledging financial realities are crucial steps toward effective money management and making informed decisions.
• Emotional Aspects of Finance: Understanding and balancing the emotional aspects of financial decision-making can prevent overwhelm and encourage sound decisions.
• The Importance of a Village: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of advisors, mentors, and cheerleaders—the 'village'—is key to financial resilience.
• Income Potential vs. Expense Cutting: Recognizing both the need to manage expenses and the potential to increase income can help stabilize finances during crises.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should." - Gemma Mitchell
2. "It's not about being perfect; it's just about making progress." - Gemma Mitchell
3. "You have to decide that you want things to change, so you're not stuck." - Gemma Mitchell
4. "Awareness is the most important thing, and you don't have to change everything overnight." - Gemma Mitchell
5. "Your village doesn't need to be big, it needs to be strong." - Gemma Mitchell

Resources:

• Gemma Mitchell’s Book: "The Money Reset"
• Australian Finance Podcast: Co-hosted by Gemma Mitchell
• Money, Faith, and Finance Podcast: YouTube Channel

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.

Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.