Managing everyday money can feel exhausting when you are juggling bills, household expenses and the uncertainty of what is coming next.

In this episode of Spending Made Easy,

Ron Fiedler welcomes fortnightly resident expert Samantha Boardman to explore how a spending plan can help you understand your commitments and make more informed spending decisions.

Their conversation focuses on building clarity, confidence and a practical picture of the months ahead.

Samantha explains the story behind her DIY Spending Plan package: a client wanted access to the software so she could organise her own goals without ongoing coaching.

The resulting package lets people work at their own pace, with numbered instructions and three hours of Samantha’s time available to help check their setup and understanding.

They discuss how this approach may suit people who already feel comfortable managing money, as well as those seeking a clearer alternative to their existing spreadsheet.

Ron and Samantha explore the difference between reviewing previous transactions and projecting upcoming income and expenses.

Samantha describes the software’s visual display, how it can highlight potential shortfalls, and how users can explore changes before committing to them.

They also discuss spending buffers, changing household costs and the importance of choosing the right level of support rather than selecting a package on price alone.

The episode marks ten years of Spending Made Easy and includes an anniversary offer announced during the recording: 50% off the $247 DIY package with code IKNOWSAM, bringing it to $123.50.

Listeners can contact Samantha to check offer availability, discuss the packages and find support that suits their circumstances.

The conversation offers practical budgeting education; projections depend on the income and expense information entered and are not guarantees of future outcomes.

Co - Host: Samantha Boardman

🌐 Website: https://www.spendingmadeeasy.com.au

📅 Bookings & Callbacks: Available via the website

Co - Host: Ron Fiedler

Senior Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Podcast City

Ron is a radio and podcast host, producer, and media mentor passionate about giving people a voice and creating conversations that educate, empower, and connect communities.

🌐 www.podcastcity.com.au

Produced by:

Podcast City – Business & Lifestyle Network

🌐 www.podcastcity.com.au

Producer: Ron Fiedler

Money decisions are rarely just about numbers.

A bill, a shopping trip or a conversation about saving can bring up fear, pride, guilt or memories of how money was handled at home.

In this episode, Ron Fiedler and Samantha Boardman speak with Carol Buchanan of Moveon Counselling about the stories people carry into their adult financial lives.

Samantha shares how paying rent while living with her parents helped shape her understanding of contributing to household costs.

She also reflects on receiving hand-me-downs as a child and why buying something new can still carry a special sense of achievement.

Carol explains how experiences like these can influence decisions long after circumstances have changed.

The conversation looks at spending for a quick lift, holding tightly to money out of fear, and feeling pressure to appear successful.

Carol encourages listeners to become curious about what they think and feel before making a money decision.

Awareness can create room for a different choice, particularly when an old habit is causing stress.

Ron, Samantha and Carol also discuss financial learning for young people and the value of seeking help early.

Their shared message is encouraging: you do not need to feel ashamed or work everything out alone. A conversation, a spending plan or emotional support can be a useful first step.

Key talking points

• Why money can stir up strong feelings beyond the figures in a bank account.
• How messages heard in childhood can shape adult spending and saving.
• Samantha’s experience of paying rent while living at home.
• The different money habits that can grow from periods of uncertainty or plenty.
• Why some purchases offer a brief emotional lift.
• The pressure to look successful, even when finances are stretched.
• Samantha’s connection between childhood hand-me-downs and her preference for buying new.
• How to notice an automatic money reaction before acting on it.
• Why Carol suggests responding to old feelings with compassion.
• The difference between enjoying a planned purchase and spending in a way that creates stress.
• Why young people could benefit from learning about both money and emotions.
• Carol’s supportive approach to helping clients reach their own insights.
• How Samantha uses a spending plan to help clients see beyond a difficult few weeks.
• Why talking to someone can reduce the pressure of keeping money worries to yourself.
• The reassurance that support is available without judgement.

Co - Host: Samantha Boardman

🌐 Website: https://www.spendingmadeeasy.com.au

📅 Bookings & Callbacks: Available via the website

Co - Host: Ron Fiedler

Senior Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Podcast City

Ron is a radio and podcast host, producer, and media mentor passionate about giving people a voice and creating conversations that educate, empower, and connect communities.

🌐 www.podcastcity.com.au

Guess: Carol Buchanan

Carol Buchanan is a counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist at Moveon Counselling. With a background in nursing, she supports people experiencing stress, overwhelm and unhelpful beliefs, helping them understand their patterns and move towards change. In this episode, she brings that perspective to the emotions behind spending and saving.

🌐 https://moveoncounselling.com.au/

Produced by:

Podcast City – Business & Lifestyle Network

🌐 www.podcastcity.com.au

Producer: Ron Fiedler

Busting Australia’s Biggest Money Myths

In this episode of Spending Made Easy, Ron Fiedler is joined by resident spending plan expert Samantha Boardman from Spending Made Easy to challenge some of the most common money myths Australians believe.

Have you ever stopped to think about what your beliefs are about money and where they actually came from? Maybe it was something your parents said, advice from a friend, something you read online, or a message you have heard so many times that you started to accept it as fact.

In today’s conversation, Ron and Sam put some of these everyday money beliefs under the microscope. They discuss whether earning more money really makes financial problems disappear, whether budgeting has to feel restrictive, and whether saving money means giving up everything you enjoy in life.

Sam explains why it is not always about how much income you earn, but what you do with the money you have. As she says, “It’s not about the income, it’s about the outcome.” The episode also explores why wealthy people are not always better with money, why small savings still matter, and why buy now, pay later is never truly free money.

Ron and Sam also discuss the difference between a traditional budget and a flexible spending plan. While budgeting can often feel restrictive, a spending plan helps people see what is coming in, what is going out, what needs to be paid, and where there may still be room for the things they enjoy.

This episode is a practical reminder that financial confidence does not come from being perfect or earning a massive income. It comes from awareness, consistency, good habits, and having a plan that works for your lifestyle.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Do you really need more income to get ahead financially?
• Is budgeting restrictive?
• Does saving money mean giving up everything you enjoy?
• Are wealthy people naturally better with money?
• Can a credit card be used as an emergency fund?
• Is there any point in saving small amounts?
• Is buy now, pay later really free money?
• Will earning more money make financial problems disappear?
• Is it ever too late to improve your finances?
• Do most people really know their true cost of living?

The biggest takeaway from today’s episode is that financial success is available to anyone, no matter what income they are on. Small changes matter, awareness is powerful, and it is never too late to start improving your financial situation.

To learn more about Samantha Boardman and Spending Made Easy, visit:

spendingmadeeasy.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share and subscribe, and share it with someone who may need help changing the way they think about money.

Catch Ron Fiedler and Samantha Boardman again next fortnight on Spending Made Easy through the Podcast City Business and Lifestyle Network.