Falling in love again can be the easy part. Combining two financial lives, children, ex-partners, assets, debts and very different ideas about money? That’s where things can get complicated.

In this episode of Money Talk, Real Talk, co-hosts Trish Gregory and Suzanne Alexander are joined by financial planner Amie Baker from Rekab Advice to unpack the financial reality of blended families.

Amie brings both professional and personal experience to the conversation. As a divorced mum who built a business as a single parent before remarrying and creating a blended family herself, she knows firsthand that the spreadsheet is often the easy part. It’s the emotions, expectations and family dynamics underneath it that make these conversations difficult.

We talk about:

💰 Combining finances without giving up your financial independence
❤️ Why the honeymoon phase isn't the best time to ignore the money conversation
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Managing money when children and ex-partners are part of the equation
⚖️ Why fair doesn't always mean equal in blended families
🏡 Property, debt and assets each partner brings into the relationship
📜 Estate planning and protecting children from previous relationships
🛡️ Life insurance, TPD, superannuation and beneficiary considerations
🤝 When a Binding Financial Agreement may need to be considered
💬 Why some financial decisions need more than one conversation
🧠 How our individual money stories follow us into a new relationship
✈️ And Amie’s very honest experience of becoming the saver in a relationship with someone whose lifestyle looked very different to hers.

One of the biggest takeaways?

You can build something together without giving up everything you've built independently.

Resources & where to find Amie

Amie Baker | Rekab Advice
🌐 Rekab Advice website
💼 LinkedIn: Amie Baker
📱 Instagram: @centsable_amie

If this episode raises questions about your own blended-family arrangements, consider speaking with your financial adviser and, where appropriate, an estate-planning/family lawyer and tax professional before making changes to your assets, estate planning, superannuation or financial arrangements.

Email: moneytalkrealtalkpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The advice or information shared on this podcast is general and doesn't consider your personal circumstances. You should consider if the advice or information is appropriate for you before acting. Make sure you read any product disclosure statements and or target market determinations of any financial product you use or purchase and consider obtaining professional advice appropriate to your need. Trish Gregory, Authorised Representative number 1252041 is an Authorised Representative of Dirigere Advisory Pty Ltd trading as Intelligent Planning AFSL number 524371. Suzanne Alexander, while a former Financial Advisor, is now a Certified Money Coach (CMC®) and Mindset Mentor.

Most couples don't have money problems. They have communication, expectation and equity problems that show up through money.

In this episode, Trish Gregory and Suzanne Alexander speak with Dr Amanda Craft about the invisible dynamics that influence money in relationships.

Together they explore how childhood experiences shape financial beliefs, why the mental load has both emotional and economic value, and how couples can create healthier conversations around spending, caregiving, financial independence and decision-making.

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating relationships, parenting, household finances or major life transitions.

Because money is about time, opportunity, contribution, care and power.

Connect with Dr Amanda Craft:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-craft-31335134b//

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573235237235

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auriaviaptyltd?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Website: www.auriavia.com.au

Email: moneytalkrealtalkpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer:The advice or information shared on this podcast is general and doesn't consider your personal circumstances. You should consider if the advice or information is appropriate for you before acting. Make sure you read any product disclosure statements and or target market determinations of any financial product you use or purchase and consider obtaining professional advice appropriate to your need. Trish Gregory, Authorised Representative number 1252041 is an Authorised Representative of Dirigere Advisory Pty Ltd trading as Intelligent Planning AFSL number 524371. Suzanne Alexander, while a former Financial Advisor, is now a Certified Money Coach (CMC®) and Mindset Mentor.

Being single doesn't mean you're doing your finances alone.

Whether you're single by choice, rebuilding after a relationship, navigating divorce, widowed, or simply the person taking the lead with money in your household, there comes a moment when you realise:

Nobody is coming to save you financially.

And while that can feel overwhelming at first, it can also be one of the most empowering discoveries you'll ever make.

In this episode, Trish Gregory and Suzanne Alexander unpack the realities of being financially responsible for yourself. They share personal stories, lessons from clients, financial mistakes they've made, and the practical steps that can help you build confidence and financial security.

Together they explore:

✅ Why being single financially can feel overwhelming (and why that's normal)

✅ The importance of emergency buffers and financial safety nets

✅ How insurance can protect your greatest asset: your ability to earn an income

✅ Why indecision can cost more than making a mistake

✅ The hidden risks of holding too much cash

✅ Estate planning considerations many single women overlook

✅ Lifestyle creep and other common financial traps

✅ The mindset shifts that helped them take control of their own financial futures

But most important of all, this episode reminds you that financial confidence isn't built from knowing everything.

It's built taking the next little step forward.

Email: moneytalkrealtalkpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer:The advice or information shared on this podcast is general and doesn't consider your personal circumstances. You should consider if the advice or information is appropriate for you before acting. Make sure you read any product disclosure statements and or target market determinations of any financial product you use or purchase and consider obtaining professional advice appropriate to your need. Trish Gregory, Authorised Representative number 1252041 is an Authorised Representative of Dirigere Advisory Pty Ltd trading as Intelligent Planning AFSL number 524371. Suzanne Alexander, while a former Financial Advisor, is now a Certified Money Coach (CMC®) and Mindset Mentor.