As we wave goodbye to 2025, I'm taking time to reflect on the financial journey we've all trekked this year. This has been a mixed bag of unexpected aha moments and those little nudges to keep us grounded. Managing money isn't about flashy moments; it's about the steady, everyday stuff that actually gets you somewhere. Today, I'm sharing what 2025 has taught me about money, and I hope these lessons resonate with you and maybe even spark your own reflections as we gear up for what's next.

We're exploring the relentless truth of compounding and how it shows up in every part of life, not just investments. I'll share how decisions from years ago, like saving regularly and investing early, are now paying off with our house and cars paid off. But it hasn't been all smooth sailing. A house renovation this year threw some curveballs and reminded me that compounding works on both good and not so good habits. We'll also discuss the power of consistent choices, the 80/20 rule and why aligning your spending with what really matters can bring more joy than those small, forgettable purchases.

This year has taught me that boring financial routines are actually something to celebrate, knowing they bring true stability and peace of mind. From cutting back on school tuck shops to save for a family trip to Japan, to embracing the steady work of budgeting and saving, these lessons have shown me that it's never too late to make better financial decisions. Your future self will thank you for the intentional moves you make today.

LINKS

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag/podcast-calendar-booking

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Or send an email to our commercial property strategist John Herman: john@gtfgroup.com.au

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

If you're standing at the crossroads of finishing school and stepping into adulthood, you're likely riding a wave of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, anticipation, maybe even a bit of fear about what comes next. Today, I'm sharing the financial lessons I wish someone had sat me down and explained when I was leaving school. These tips can make a massive difference to your future, whether you're heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, jumping straight into work or still figuring out your next move.

We're diving into four essential money habits that will set you up for success. From the golden rule of saving 10% of everything you earn (even if it's just $10 a week) to avoiding the trap of expensive car loans that can clip your financial wings. We'll also tackle the boring but essential topic of superannuation and why getting it right now saves you from extra fees and headaches down the track. Plus, if you're on Centrelink benefits, we'll discuss how to avoid that dreaded surprise letter saying you owe money.

This phase is all about learning and growing. You don't need to have it all figured out right away. Start with these small steps, be consistent and watch your confidence build. Money smarts don't come from having it all but from starting, making mistakes and learning as you go. Remember, it's never about how much money you have but how smartly you handle it from here on out.

Links

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag/podcast-calendar-booking

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Or send an email to our commercial property strategist John Herman: john@gtfgroup.com.au

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

Spring is here, and while most people are doing a spring clean of their homes, we're doing a spring clean of our finances and money habits. Today I'm sharing the top nine things I do every spring to stay mindful about my money. I usually take a look at not only what I'm spending, but what's happening to that money.

The episode covers practical steps like checking subscriptions you haven't used in 90 days, finding better deals on utilities and insurance, and reassessing your home loan to avoid that costly loyalty tax. We'll also discuss the importance of rekindling your money goals - whether it's saving for a holiday or paying down debt - and how small adjustments can add up to significant improvements over time.

You don't have to turn your financial world upside down overnight. Tackle one or two tips a week, and by the end of spring, you'll breathe easier knowing you've made real progress. Spring isn't about drastic changes, but rather making small adjustments that add up to significant improvements. Here’s to a financially savvy spring!

Links

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag/podcast-calendar-booking

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Or send an email to our commercial property strategist John Herman: john@gtfgroup.com.au

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

If you've been with the same bank, phone company or electricity provider for years, you might be paying what's called a "loyalty tax" - and it's costing you more than you think. This isn't an actual government tax, but rather the extra money you're forking out simply because you've stayed loyal to a service provider while they roll out the red carpet for new customers with better deals.

Today we’re diving into how this system works across industries - from telecommunications to banking - and why loyal customers like you are essentially subsidising the flashy offers companies use to attract new business. You'll discover why that attractive introductory offer you signed up for years ago has likely been surpassed by what new customers are getting today, and how companies bank on your loyalty while quietly hiking your rates.

The good news? Breaking free from loyalty tax is often surprisingly simple, and we'll share practical strategies for doing just that. From the magic question you should ask your providers annually to when it might be worth bringing in professional help, this episode arms you with the tools to stop overpaying for services simply because you've been a loyal customer.

Links

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag/podcast-calendar-booking

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Or send an email to our commercial property strategist John Herman: john@gtfgroup.com.au

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

I'll be the first to admit - there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the residential properties my family invested in over the years. But looking back with the knowledge I have now? I absolutely wish we'd done things differently. Through running our mortgage broking and business finance operation, I get to see something most investors never do - the real numbers on both residential and commercial deals. And here's what I've learnt: once you truly understand these numbers, you become a firm believer in commercial over residential.

Today we’re talking about why residential property's comfort zone might actually be a double-edged sword. Sure, everyone's lived in a house and it feels familiar, but when you peel that back, you'll find a 5% return that sounds okay until you factor in the relentless parade of bills. Suddenly, you're barely breaking even. Then there's commercial properties - yes, they ask for a heftier deposit, but the reward is in the numbers. We're talking 6.5% returns where tenants often shoulder many costs, leaving you with tidy and predictable cash flow that's frankly a lot more gratifying.

I'm making the pitch for embracing the "boring" side of commercial real estate - and let me tell you, that's precisely its charm. We'll explore why dealing with businesses and professionals beats residential tenant horror stories and how commercial properties shift this paradigm significantly.

The numbers don't lie, and neither does experience. If you're serious about building wealth through property investment, it's time to look beyond the familiar and embrace the boring brilliance of commercial real estate. Your future self will thank you for making decisions based on logic rather than emotion.

Links

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

You've probably heard that you need a 5% deposit to buy your first home, but is that the whole story? In this episode, we're unpacking the reality behind that magic number and what it actually means for your home buying journey. We'll explore why banks aren't just looking for any 5% - they want to see "genuine savings" that demonstrate your financial discipline and money management skills.

Beyond the deposit itself, there are significant additional costs that can catch first home buyers off guard. We'll break down expenses like Lender's Mortgage Insurance, stamp duty and conveyancing fees - costs that can add tens of thousands to your property purchase. We'll also examine state-specific concessions and schemes, including how Queensland's stamp duty concessions work and when you might face upwards of $7,500 in fees if you don't qualify.

The episode also covers the First Home Deposit Scheme, where the government can step in as your guarantor instead of you paying mortgage insurance. We'll discuss the eligibility requirements, income thresholds and why acting quickly is essential due to limited places available with participating lenders. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why successful home buying requires more than just that 5% figure and how to prepare for all the costs involved.

Key Takeaways:

• Banks require "genuine savings" not just any 5% deposit
• Additional costs like LMI can add $15-20,000 to your purchase
• State-specific concessions can significantly reduce your costs
• 
  
• The First Home Deposit Scheme has limited places and specific eligibility criteria

Links

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

Having financial goals in place is great. But have you really thought about how you’re actually going to get there?

Today, we’re talking all about strategy. Whether you want to pay off your home loan in 10 years, go on that overseas holiday or get the renovations started, having a solid game plan of how to get there is crucial.

Now, saving for success isn’t always exciting. You might have to forgo weekend getaways or fancy dinners for a while. You also might need regular check-ins to ensure you’re on track to meet your goals. For my husband and I, we sit down every fortnight with our favourite drink and hash out our budget. Yep, it can feel a little tedious and repetitive, but it works. It’s the strategy that got us to where we could take a family holiday overseas and actually pay off our mortgage before we hit 40!

Now, here’s a little secret: be cautious about broadcasting your goals. There’s power in holding them close. Sharing too soon invites well-meaning naysayers who can chip away at your confidence. Once your goal is in the bag, that's the time to celebrate and spread the joy. Until then, let your success speak for itself when it’s ready.

Here’s your mission for today: pinpoint what your financial goals look like, and start planning step-by-step how you can make them a reality. Whether it’s about surviving an expensive phase in life or planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip, each dream needs a solid strategy to become reality.

So, keep hustling towards your goals, and remember—a sound strategy is the heart of your money journey!

Links

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/

If you've ever felt a bit adrift in the sea of finances, you're in good company. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or you're still figuring things out as a seasoned professional, managing money isn't a walk in the park. Today we're diving into the often sneaky world of financial red flags that particularly affect those in their twenties and thirties - and more importantly, what you can do to successfully turn things around.

We're exploring three major financial traps that can derail your money goals without you even realising it. First up is lifestyle creep - that sneaky trap where your income jumps from $500 to $2,000 a week, and suddenly you're trading homemade lunches for daily bakery stops and upgrading to that shiny new car. Next, we'll tackle the payment pitfall of only paying minimums on debt - imagine a $3,000 credit card bill taking 20 years to clear and costing you double what you borrowed. Finally, we're addressing the financial fog where your money seems to evaporate without explanation, leaving your finances resembling a sieve more than a solid ship.

For each red flag, we're providing practical strategies to get back on track. From creating detailed plans for pay rises and setting up automatic transfers, to actively managing debt and tracking every dollar for 30 days, this episode arms you with the tools to spot and tackle these issues head-on. Remember, it's not about feeling shame - it's about building better habits and ensuring your financial future is bright.

Links

Recommended book: Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alissa: https://calendly.com/gtag

Want to know more about commercial property? Join our commercial property mailing list here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/145360/emails/143452890515637989

Website: https://goldentrianglefinancegroup.com.au/