December 11, 2025 • 31 mins
Some weeks it feels like you’re doing everything right with money… and still getting nowhere. If that’s been your energy lately, you’re not alone. This week we’re unpacking why that happens, what it means when your effort isn’t matching the outcome, and the practical ways to reset without throwing your whole plan in the bin. We also heard from someone in our community who’s feeling the annual Christmas tug-of-war: wanting to keep things simple and values-aligned, but also navigating grandparents who love a shopping spree and a partner who’s all in on the festive chaos. So we chat through how to set boundaries without being the Grinch, how to rethink “enough” at Christmas, and the small shifts that stop the season from steamrolling your sanity or your savings. Plus your money wins, unhinged broke-tips we never see coming, and the usual Friday fun to kick-off the weekend.
Need the team’s take on your money dilemma? Send us a voicemail here.
Or if it's more of a spicy money drama and you want the communities verdict? Slide into our DMs here.
Ready for more laughs, lessons, and unhinged money chats? Check out our oh-so-bingeable Friday Drinks playlist. Listen here.
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Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements.
The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
My name is Aatasha Bamblet. I'm a proud First Nations
woman and I'm here to acknowledge country t Glenn Young Ganya, Niana,
Kaka yah y and Binahaka Nian Our gay In Mbini,
yakarum Jar Dominyamiga Umagahawaka Woman Damon Imlan Mbaban Gadabomba in
and now in wakah Ghana on yak rum Jar water Nadaa. Hello,
(00:22):
beautiful friends, we gather on the lands of the Aboriginal people.
We thank acknowledge and respect the Aboriginal people's land that
we're gathering on today. Take pleasure in all the land
and respect all that you see. She's on the Money
podcast acknowledges culture, country, community and connections, bringing you the tools,
knowledge and resources for you to thrive.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
She's on the Money. She's on the Money.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Hello and welcome to She's on the Money, the podcast
that makes personal finance.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Fun, especially on Friday.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
It's our favorite day of the week because we get
the team together and we celebrate you the incredible She's
on the Money community, and.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Yes, you're hearing right.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
It is Jess Ricky taking over today because poor Victoria
is under the weather. I'm still going to be sharing
all of our favorite money wins and confessions, and Beck
of course will be sharing her best broke tips. We're
going to be helping to answer a money to Lemma,
which is all about the relatable feeling of working hard
but not being able to get ahead, and something that
you slip into our DMS about how to handle feeling
(01:43):
anxious about Christmas consumerism. Okay, I get it, I get it?
Speaker 2 (01:48):
And are they with you?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
It's just us again today God isn't so gay. It
feels like we just get to go rogue. I know, sorry,
no offense TVD. She's listening to this. I don't know
why either, because it's not as if she the one
that keeps us in line.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
I mean when she's not here. I'm like, yeah, totally
that they're off I know. Seriously, we do, we do
or say whatever we want. We can do a hole
epsode and tailswift if you want, don't tempt me really
good time.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Instead of a tailor's full blown breakdown, because we would
be here for days.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
We would.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Should we do a five star review?
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Please?
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Alrighty, This one is actually from Google and I wanted
to remind you If you're not using Apple podcasts.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
That's totally fine.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
We'll take your five star reviews wherever we can get them,
that includes on Google. This one came from Stephanie, who said,
if you're not already listening to She's on the Money,
what are you even doing with your life? Victoria should
one hundred percent be our next prime minister. Imagine the
budget actually making sense and being sastly explained to us
with snacks. Beck is the voice in my head every
(02:47):
time I think about impulse buying another plant.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Do you really need it?
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Though?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
And Jess, Jess is.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
Your sunshine in podcast form. I feel karma just hearing
her speak. This podcast is like sitting down with your cleverest,
kindest friends who actually get the money stuff, no judgment,
just real talk, smart strategies and the occasional laugh so
hard you snort moment. I've learned more from these women
than I did in any education facility. Bless their budgeting souls.
(03:15):
Oh my, so sweet, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Oh I feel all warm and fuzzy that you do
have a very calming so much. Oh that's really really fine,
So I thank you so much. Sephanie. God, I love
that bit that's really fun. I will have to take
over that forever.
Speaker 4 (03:35):
Now.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Yes, I'm gonna have to ask you every week, I think,
because oh.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
It's just so lovely.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
People say thank you, thank you. I will say though
this next but is also very fun. I'm really enjoying
sitting in the driver. I don't get too comfortable.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
It's very natural on you. Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
But I've been loving doing the question because we have
to do something a little, a little off topic.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
That's my finance love it.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
So this week we have one from Rebecca who said,
what is your favorite thing to do at Christmas time
that doesn't cost anything?
Speaker 5 (04:08):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (04:10):
I don't know if it's like because it probably does
indirectly cost something in like petrol and stuff like that.
But something I do every single Christmas, yes, and I
force my family to do it is drive around or
you can walk around and look at Christmas lights and
I make a mass I look at all like Google
the best places you can find on TikTok the best
places to visit no matter where you are in Australia,
no matter where you are in the world. Yeah, go
(04:32):
on TikTok. Find the best places in your area in
your city, and either walk, public transport drive if you
have the means to. If you are driving, what I
love to do is start fromhere I am, and then
on maps I'll find where every place is that I
want to visit and then do like a loop. And
then also part of this tradition is getting a soft
serve or getting an ice cream from servo. And so
(04:55):
it's very very It doesn't cost too much, but it
also doesn't have to cost anything. Ye finding ways to
like you know, you can reastack from home exactly, doesn't
that cost anything at all. I love that I do
that every Christmas, and it is a necessity.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
One of the things I'm so excited about is next
Christmas because my house will be built by them. I'll
be able to decorate my house with lights. I aspire
to be. When I think of Christmas lights where I live,
there are some known houses, it is like a full
scale production.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
I aspire to be one of those houses.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
One of them.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
They even will come out and they will they have
like a popcorn machine and they'll sell like hold for
a dollar or something to like fundraise I think, to
cover like the cost of electricity. I don't know, but
it's like a whole thing, which is so good.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
That's so cool. You know when a mister Whoopy is there,
you know you've got it, You're in the right pot.
That sounds great. That's a great one I really love.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Also kind of my cost you in ingredients, but generally
you have all of them in your pantry. A gingerbread
house or gingerbread cookies one of my favorite traditions making them,
or you can pre make them and have everyone come
over and decorate them together. I'm partial to a gingerbread
cookie with a royal icing on top, so not just
like drawing the face, but like flooding the whole thing
(06:14):
and making a fun design if you're the one who
likes to partake in a little baking moment that it
tastes delicious. But otherwise just doing your like your fun
little outline designs like you traditionally would is also really exciting.
And then I feel like the best bit is like
the reward is at the end of you to eat
the cookies or the ginger of course. Oh actually on
the gingerbread house. Note, so we do a Christmas trip
with our big group of friends every year, and we'll
(06:36):
buy this one you could bake them though, so that
it's free. But we'll do a gingerbread house making competition.
Good or usually cumbles or partners. Everyone does it, so
you do that. But then obviously not everybody is creatively inclined,
and that's okay. So we then also do a structural
integrity test of course at the end. So once they're
all built, you know, you judge, you pick the winn
or whatever, and then everyone like bangs on the table like, yes,
(06:59):
you see which one holds up the longest. Oh my god,
that's everyone's.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Got a chance to win. Yeah. Great, So one most
beautiful and one the most structurally integral. Yes, great, idea,
very very love. That's a great question.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
I'd love to hear what everybody else's favorite free Christmas
trutions are leaving in the comments front.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
I'd love to have a look at them. If Victoria
could also leave hers in the comments. I wonder what
she would have answered, great, I don't know, maybe her
handmade homemade? Yeah true, too true Chris Kringle. Yes, that's
a really good one. Yeah, so true. I don't know. Gorgeous.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
We'll send her a text after. But with that being said,
I actually have lots of very fun money wins to share.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Great if I may please.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Alrighty, So the first one that I have this week
comes from Sarah, who said she's found out her GP
can now describe her daughter's eighthd medication, so she no
longer has to pay two hundred and havy dollars every
six months to get the script when she can just
have it bulk build instead.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Oh my god, that's so good.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
I feel like that's a game changer, because if there
is such a big tax people to ADHD or all
of our neurodiverse friends who have varying things that you
need perhaps medications for, it feels really unsane to me
that you have to I know that we need it
to be regulated and safe, and that's very important, but
I also think it's not ideal that you have to
pay to have access to the thing that you need
(08:17):
to be able to function more effectively.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
I agree. It's like, God, can we catch a break.
We've got this thing, your neurodiverse already, the world's not
made for you, and now you've got to spend so
much money for the rest of your life. Yeah, God, God,
can we have a little break.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Just a little piece of something totally.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Next, I've got a money win from Bianca, who said
she stayed home all weekend again for the fourth weekend
in a row. She did go to the gyms day
and then afterwards bought three items at the supermarket, but
staying away from the shops is working wonders for her
bank account. Great, I bet at this time of year
that's making a huge difference. Well done, Bianca. Next, I've
got a money win from Cerese, who said I recently
(08:53):
lost a bit of weight and a lot of my
clothes don't fit me anymore. But my sister just gave
me three huge bin bags her old clothes that she
no longer wants, and she has really good taste.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Oh my god, sick.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
There's nothing more fun than when someone you know goes
Oh I've done a wardrobe clean out.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Do you want to dig through? Totally? Absolutely? I do
such a good feel this.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Next, I've got a money loss from Anita, who said
I bought an older model Dice an air app, but
money win. It was retailing at eight hundred and ninety
nine dollars and I got it for six hundred and
seventy one. I also think it's a money win because
I have been and will continue to use it a
couple of times a week. Good reminder when new tech
comes out, check the old tech. You know your iPhone
means old iPhones on sale, all that sort of thing.
(09:38):
New tony box, old tony box.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
That is so true.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
The old ones just as good. Like just because it
doesn't have the newest, fanciest thing, it doesn't mean it's
going to do the job. Especially a Christmas when we're
shopping for gifts and stuff, exactly, a slightly older model
is a great option. Next, I've got a money win
from Charlotte who said she did a click and collect
from Coals for the first time in a long time
and actually got twenty dollars off of her shop. She
says she doesn't really know what it.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Was from, but it was a good win for the week. Beautiful.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
And then I've also got one from Louisa who said
we needed to do some electrical work on our rental
house and we were dreading the bill, but I realized
I had a bucket for this, and I'm now no
longer completely dreading it. Hates to be prepared absolutely. And
then lastly this week I've got a money win from Jackie,
who said I got an Apple Watch series eleven with
points via my private health insurance. I've had enough points
(10:25):
three months ago, but I was hopeful to get a
brand new one for the same amount of points.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Oh my god, that's great. Great. I didn't even know
there was the thing. I know.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
I would love to know which private health insurance that is. Yes,
maybe Switch, he sounds like it, But that's it for
me this week.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Amazing. They also have great Okay, so I've got a
few broke tips. If you're ready and willing, Oh please,
I've never been more ready and willing. So this rest
comes from Jets, who says, my local Hey, your first
money win came from Beck. That's so weird. True, everything's
lining up today.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
I love a little coincidence exact.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
So this special comes with Jess, who says, my local
church op shop does fill a bag for two dollars
from their baby and kids' clothes. Oh my god, it's
so good. That is so good. I've been going weekly
and it's such a dope being rush. Plus the kids
are clothed on a budget. Once they've outgrown, I'll donate back.
So it's basically a rental service, especially for my two
month old who is growing it rapidly.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Oh, that's a really sweet way to approach it, tutor,
donate it back totally.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
I really really like that. That's genius. And I love
that things aren't going to ways and you're not taking
in fast fashion, which sometimes we gotta and that's okay.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
I wish there were more places I see this in
on TikTok of people in the US, where you can
go to like a good Will or one of their
thrift stores and it'll be the same. It's like pay
by weight, like, yeah, fill a bag for X amount
of dollars per Totally. I want that here. I know
if I feel like op shops are getting extremely pricey,
especially for stuff like a lot of it's polyester and
(11:54):
not great quality exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
And guys, op shop means opportunity shops for people who cannot.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Afford, you know, so it's like we stop overpricing, stop overpricing.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
The sexon one comes from Stephanie who says, frozen spinach
it's one dollar a pack. It makes a cheap meal
look more healthy by adding a bit of green, which
I totally agree with. Example, Chuck some in a pack
of mac and cheese I bought half price. That's so clever.
I mean, doesn't sound very advertising, but I think like
spinach is actually kind of delicious.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Spinach disappears or whatever you put it into, especially if
you're blending it or if it's hot and it shrivels
total wait to go, like a whole bag of spinach.
It's literally like a tablespoon by the time it's done.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Really, and it's not like a super strong flavor, like yeah,
you could really get away with just like adding so
much more nutrition to your meal. That's one of my
preferred greens. Absolutely. Okay, so my one this week is
one that I loved from a Christmas idea thread from
last year. But it's such a creative, fun and cheap
group gift activity Graces. You can get some great books
(12:59):
looking knee new from the op shop for two to
four dollars. You wrap them in brown paper and write
a vague description on the back, and each person chooses
description they like the most. You can even do it
for dirty sander or stealing sander or bout sand or
whatever you call it to make it even more fun
as well. So I think that's it's great, and it's festive.
And if you're trying to not spend too much this year,
(13:19):
or if you just don't have the money to spend,
it's so funny the distinction between the two people be like,
I'm trying not to spend and I'm like over here
thinking I am not trying not to spend because they
don't have to spend. So if you're like me, you
don't have the money, then this is actually a really
good idea and you can just get a book from
your own house.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
I love that it's a blind date with the book,
like it's a surprise exactly exactly fun I think it's
so clever. So that's me for this week. Beautiful, really
good wrap up. Very I love that you got a
festive one in there. I really appreciate you. Oh I
did try to thank you so much. Well, let's go
to a really quick break though, and when we come back,
we're going to be helping to answer a money j
lemma all about the relatable feeling of working hard but
not being able to get ahead, and also chatting through
(13:58):
the DM that you sent us this week, which was
asking how to handle feeling anxious around Christmas. Consumerism don't
go anywhere.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Welcome back everyone. Here's this week's money dilemma.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Hi, there, have you got a money dilemma you just
can't solve that. She's on the Money team is here
to help. Every week we tackle your dilemmas, both big
and small, to answer your most burning money, career and
life questions. To get involved, simply head to our website
and leave us a short voice recording and you might
just find yourself on the show. Now, let's take a
listen to this week's money dilemma.
Speaker 4 (14:37):
Hi, She's on the Money. My money dilemma is I'm
twenty one and only about six months ago gained any
consciousness of financial literacy. I thought I was fairly good
with money, pretty frugal, good at saving, But it turns
out I've been saving like a child. I only have
a savings and a spending account. My savings isn't very
high interest, and I'm so struggling right now. I'm at
(15:00):
you need to do a full load. I'm working eighteen
hours a week paid, nine hours a week unpaid. I'm
commuting nine hours a week, so the majority of my
money is gone onwards petrol. I want to move out
within the next year or so. Me and my partner
are talking about moving overseas within the next couple of years.
I just really need a new car. And I've just
been sitting at about six grand for the last six months,
(15:21):
six grande in total, and i just feel like I'm drowning.
Even though I'm so very privileged and I have my
family support and I live at home. I feel like
I'm working so hard and I'm just not gaining anything.
I'm just like barely staying afloat with no free days off.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
I'm so lost.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Yeah, thank you so much for listening. Firstly, twenty one,
you ain't going to worry about anything. But also I
don't think, oh gosh, I have so many thoughts. Unpaid work.
I understand like placement and stuff like that, and I
understand like some companies can't afford to hire an extra person.
I'm just like this should be like government. I don't know,
(16:00):
the unpaid stuff. I don't love it because some people
do have the luxury of living at home and some
people don't, and some people are living like paycheck to
paycheck and to get by or to make it like
through UNI to kind of get ahead, to do more
with your life. You're gonna have to, Like some people
can just live at home and make it work, and
some people have to support themselves. And I'm like, it's
(16:21):
not very accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
You know.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
It's just like I don't really like the unpaid thing,
but I'm sure there are reasons why, but I don't
like anyway. So I respect and I appreciate that you
are in a situation where you are being seriously overworked.
But I would say you have money and savings. That's
an incredible start. I understand like the urgency. You're probably
feeling like, oh, I've wasted time or how do I
(16:47):
get ahead if I'm literally just making it every single week. Also,
all of my time is spent working, either paid or unpaid,
and you probably pretty burnt out right now. You probably
hear this a lot from people who are older than you.
Is that like when I was your age, I had
all these plans that just like didn't happen or whatever,
(17:10):
and it's probably like, Okay, that's not very helpful. Right Now,
you have this goal, which is to maybe move overseas,
maybe with your partner, and let's just say for argument's sake,
that's going to happen. But as someone who is thirty
three and who has been your age before and who
has had many goals and kind of like not achieved
(17:31):
many of them or just things took a different turn,
I would say, don't be hard on yourself if things
don't go to plan, or if things go to plan
later on, just don't be so hard and stuff. You're
very very young, you're trying to make it through yours
sounds like you're doing everything right. I'd say, maybe, like
try and look into a high interest savings account right now.
But the urgency in the panic and the worry I
(17:54):
can undersand where it comes from. But you're very very
young and dorty to worry about that. Just try And
I don't know, six thousand dollars sounds like incredible to me.
I'm like, that's but I understand when you're like, god,
I could have been doing so much more or whatever,
or like I thought I was doing great, but you
need X amount and your seat you're super to be
on track, and you know, I get so I can
understand that. But six thousand dollars sounds incredible. I'd be like,
(18:15):
I've made it. Yeah, I'll truly made it.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
You know, my sweet baby angel, you are so far
ahead of where I was at twenty one. Totally not
to infantilize you, but you are very young. At twenty one,
I was coming back from Greece that if mis trip
where I had like twenty seven cents in my bangage daring, I.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Couldn't allow at the thing like you are.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Having the financial literacy is such a huge, wonderful first step,
and you have the benefit of time on your side.
I know at that age you really probably are finding
your independence. That's what I was doing anyway. I was
moving out of home, I was doing all those sorts
of things, and it is a bit of a shock
to the system really when you get out into the
real world and you're like, whoa, it costs money to
(18:55):
breathe totally. But I would say exactly is what you
were saying back. Don't push yourself to do something before
you're ready financially. If you have the privilege of being
at home, which it sounds like you do, use that
to your advantage. Would be my advice, live and budget
as if you would living out of home, and just
(19:16):
enjoy the fact that you have that luxury without the
actual pressure you know, if you do need to replace
your car, if you do need to do something, you've
got that safety net of being at home, I suppose,
But I would really focus on using this time to
build up your emergency fund, build up your fund to
save for a new car if you really need it,
all those sorts of things, and also at the same time,
(19:39):
give yourself some grace because I think it sounds like
when you're at UNI doing what I'm assuming is a
placement or an internship. You know, my partner did this,
and it is really taxing on you working or you know,
studying full time, working your paid hours, working your unpaid hours,
commuting long distances.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
It is a lot to take on.
Speaker 3 (19:59):
And yes, throughout your adult life there will be periods
where you commit to so many things at once, Like
I'm in a phase of life where it's kind of
like that for me right now. But I think that
take advantage of what you've got and just understand that
you don't have to do everything right now. You don't
have to move out of home next year, you don't
have to move overseas next year. It is so great
(20:19):
to have the luxury of time to plan and to
be able to do things at a pace that doesn't
have to give you anxiety. That means that you can
hopefully put yourself in a really solid position by getting
your foundational sorted out and then pursuing those things that
you want to totally.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
And if it sounds like you're burnt out, have a
little break, don't behind yourself. Life is so long for
those who are of us, who are lucky enough to
experience all of it something. I know it's not long
for everyone, but I think you're doing great job. You're
on the right track, and just like, go easy, have
a rest.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
I completely agree. Should we jump into something a little
more controversial, Yes?
Speaker 4 (20:56):
Please?
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Alrighty.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
I've got a DM from the community this week and
it goes a little something like this, Hey, she's on
the money. I hate feeling like this, but I really
struggle with Christmas. It just makes me so anxious. The consumerism,
the waste, the pressure to keep up. It doesn't align
with my values at all. I've tried to do Christmas
with less, but it kind of backfired. The grandparents went
(21:18):
way overboard, and I ended up crying on Boxing Day
because they'd bought more for the kids than I did.
I felt like I'd failed as a mum. I've tried
bringing it up but always caused tension. And when I
zoom out, I get it. They want to spoil their
grandkids because it makes them happy. My partner loves Christmas,
and every time I try to rein it in, he
reminds me how upset I was that year. I hate
(21:39):
feeling like the Grinch and I'm so jealous of people
who can just enjoy Christmas. I'd love the community's advice
on how to handle it this year. Ah, that's a
tough spot to be in.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
It really is, and it is so much more than
just like because I understand, like the anxiety can come
from a lack of funds and other things like that sometimes,
or like maybe a lack of like even community or
connection around you. That's those things are all completely valid,
but this is very like this is like an existential
based yeah, And I completely get that because I think
(22:12):
when you really think about like where these toys come from,
like is everything ethically sourced or like it's just it
does seem like a big waste. I think that if
you can't avoid it, there are two things I think
if you can try and explain to your family that
you would like. If they're going to go overboard, try
and find toys that are locally made, ethically sourced, ethically
(22:39):
everything like, try and find things that are like you know,
you can kind of feel a little bit better about
how it's made and how the impact on the environment
and the impact on the world, I guess, and if
you can kind of find peace there, great the are
the end. And I guess you can do this in
both situations. If they're just going to go overboard and
(23:00):
you're not super comfortable with where these things are coming from,
what they're buying, whether it's ethically sourced or ethically made.
The other alternative is to be very greatful for everything
and all that kind of thing, and then when the
time is right, donating all of those things to people
who are way less advantage. Like, you know, some people
(23:20):
are disadvantaged and they don't have the funds to buy
these kind of toys for their own children, and they
don't have they don't have access to all this kind
of stuff. So I think, one hand, it does feel
very wasteful, It feels very uncomfortable to see this all
this plastic in the world. But if you can use
that to someone else's advantage and you can give that
(23:41):
to the less fortunate, and I don't. I don't know why.
I have always kind of hated saying it like that
the less fortunate, but like.
Speaker 3 (23:49):
It's creating a divide, yeah, or even just like like
oh poor you, you know, and like some people do
feel that way.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
But some people are like, hey, I just don't have
as much money as you do, you know whatever, And
so you know, people that can't afford those kind of
gifts or those toys for their own children or those
toys for the adults. I love toys, so you know,
it could be for anyone. But yeah, I think you
can't avoid it. Then making use of that and kind
of like spreading that joy in other places would be
(24:17):
another option.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
Yeah, you know, I totally agree. I think that it
is probably about communicating. You know, I understand why the grandparents.
I mean, if I got told that my nephews were
having a low by Christmas, I'd probably be like.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
Oh, well, buy the more toys.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
You know, so I understand the quick like oh I
want to spoil, I want to love, I want to nurture.
But raising with your family, why you're taking this perspective
like what your concerns with it are exactly as you said,
might be a really great way to find a middle
ground in terms of finding things that are produced or
doing Victoria's favorite handmade, homemade secondhand totally like type of vibe.
(24:51):
The other thing I would say is Christmas, there are
a lot of opportunities to volunteer to give back, and
I feel like that is a really fantastic way to
still enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Depending on the age
of your children, it also can be a really positive
exercise in you know, there is a lot of disparity
in the world, and you know, not everybody is in
(25:12):
the same position. So whether it's regifting additional things that
you receive like you said, or whether it's volunteering time.
There's a lot of meal services that operate during that period.
You can volunteer, wrapping gifts, There's lots that you can do.
I think it is a really positive time to Obviously,
when you can doing it year round is really important,
but there are a lot of opportunities available for you
(25:32):
to participate during the holiday season, and I think that's
a really powerful message to teach your children. It can
be a family activity. You can all go together to
participate and do something to help out in your local community.
And that also, I think I'm not saying you should
volunteer to override feelings of guilt, but I think it
sounds like a lot of your guilt is coming from
(25:53):
feeling as though it's a wasteful period. And so maybe
we can turn that wastefulness exactly as you were saying
back into something positive and impactful and also a learning
opportunity as well, which it might feel really good. It
might open the door for you to do more of
that throughout the year, which is also a fantastic thing.
But also it is a middle ground, I suppose. And
(26:13):
while you want to consume in a certain way, it's
out you. You said your partner really loves Christmas, they
might have a different take on what they want that
to look like. So you might need to compromise a
little bit to find a spot that works for everybody.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
But yeah, there's lots of options.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
There's lots of I think we've done a thread in
the Facebook group before around ethical even like you're gift trapping.
You know, you can gift in tea towels or wrap
in newspapers, or you know things you've already got. There
are lots of ways to reduce the physical waste. You
don't need all the trims, and you can repurpose decorations
shop them secondhand. So there are also lots of ways
to do those traditional holiday things without having that hugely
(26:51):
wasteful impact on the environment too, which I would encourage you.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
To look into.
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Yes, absolutely, but we did obviously put it to the
community to see what everybody else thought.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
First of all, we said what would you do if
you were our community member. Thirteen percent of people said,
just lean into Christmas, sixty seven percent said I would
accept that we all do Christmas differently, and twenty percent
said I would set firm boundaries with the grandparents. Next,
we said what's your biggest stressor at Christmas? Thirty four
percent of people said financial pressure very close, thirty two
(27:22):
percent of people said family dynamics, thirteen percent said gift guilt,
and twenty two percent of people said waste and excess.
So it sounds like our community members definitely not alone
in their concerns. After that, we obviously said what is
your two cents, and as always, we got lots of answers.
Somebody said the mental load is just next level. During
(27:44):
the end of the year, speak up and look after yourself.
Speaker 2 (27:47):
Yes, very true.
Speaker 3 (27:48):
Someone else said Christmas is a time of year people
seem to be the most wasteful. Look at doing gifts
during the year instead.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
That's a good idea. Yes, so wasteful. It's almost like
a buffer between you and your spending. But like, make
a Christmas totally totally.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Someone else said, the gift of self compassion can go
a long way. I have a note on my mirror
to remind myself my love is not defined by what
I can afford, and at Christmas, I have to repeat
this often to myself, which I think is true.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
Beautiful. I love that.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Yeah, literally, so true. My love is not defined by
what I can afford. Say it again, put it in
your mirror.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
I really like that. That's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (28:25):
Somebody else said, at a time of year when a
lot of us don't get to be with our loved ones,
just enjoy it while it's there.
Speaker 2 (28:30):
Yeah, that's fair. It's a good point which I can't understand.
But that doesn't mean that you have to give in
on everything.
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Yes, we had someone else say, kids don't care about
the amount or have words around it, but they'll sense
your feelings.
Speaker 2 (28:42):
Yeah, that's true. They don't know how much things cost. True.
Speaker 3 (28:46):
I think it is like you really remember, like when
I think about Christmas, I think about joy and happiness
and love, and you can do that with or without
any of the extra stuff.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Really conclutely.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
Absolutely, somebody else said, respectfully, grandparents need to see it
from your point of view and compromise. We had someone
else say conversations are hard, the classic we hardly have
room for anything. Else often works, wonders, little loophole.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
That's a good idea.
Speaker 3 (29:10):
Someone else says in their home Santa does something you want,
something you need, something to wear, something to share, and
something to read.
Speaker 2 (29:17):
Cute.
Speaker 4 (29:18):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Take a couple of boxes. Yeah, and then give one
big gift. And then I'm going to end on this
one because I think it just really sums everything up.
And they said sometimes joy can be your priority gorgeous,
which I think is really true. And yeah, as I said, Christmas,
there's a lot of pressure on people, I think, but
ultimately it is it is just another day in the year. Yeah,
(29:40):
And if you want to participate in everything, that's wonderful,
But there's no benchmark.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
There's no right way to do Christmas.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
And you know, if you and somebody else wants to
celebrate it differently, that's okay, but you might just dare
I say, need to communicate a little bit.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
Just find a middle ground. That's crazy, it's a crazy take.
Communication is key. I fear people are going to start
listening to this.
Speaker 3 (30:02):
I know we're aaza, yeah, but please stay with us,
Please don't leave us. Enjoy the holiday season.
Speaker 2 (30:09):
For those who celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and
very happy holidays. And we'll see you guys bright and
early on Monday morning. See you guys. Bye.
Speaker 5 (30:23):
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(30:46):
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(00:22):
beautiful friends, we gather on the lands of the Aboriginal people.
We thank acknowledge and respect the Aboriginal people's land that
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Speaker 2 (00:45):
She's on the Money. She's on the Money.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Hello and welcome to She's on the Money, the podcast
that makes personal finance.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Fun, especially on Friday.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
It's our favorite day of the week because we get
the team together and we celebrate you the incredible She's
on the Money community, and.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Yes, you're hearing right.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
It is Jess Ricky taking over today because poor Victoria
is under the weather. I'm still going to be sharing
all of our favorite money wins and confessions, and Beck
of course will be sharing her best broke tips. We're
going to be helping to answer a money to Lemma,
which is all about the relatable feeling of working hard
but not being able to get ahead, and something that
you slip into our DMS about how to handle feeling
(01:43):
anxious about Christmas consumerism. Okay, I get it, I get it?
Speaker 2 (01:48):
And are they with you?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
It's just us again today God isn't so gay. It
feels like we just get to go rogue. I know, sorry,
no offense TVD. She's listening to this. I don't know
why either, because it's not as if she the one
that keeps us in line.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
I mean when she's not here. I'm like, yeah, totally
that they're off I know. Seriously, we do, we do
or say whatever we want. We can do a hole
epsode and tailswift if you want, don't tempt me really
good time.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Instead of a tailor's full blown breakdown, because we would
be here for days.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
We would.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Should we do a five star review?
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Please?
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Alrighty, This one is actually from Google and I wanted
to remind you If you're not using Apple podcasts.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
That's totally fine.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
We'll take your five star reviews wherever we can get them,
that includes on Google. This one came from Stephanie, who said,
if you're not already listening to She's on the Money,
what are you even doing with your life? Victoria should
one hundred percent be our next prime minister. Imagine the
budget actually making sense and being sastly explained to us
with snacks. Beck is the voice in my head every
(02:47):
time I think about impulse buying another plant.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Do you really need it?
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Though?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
And Jess, Jess is.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
Your sunshine in podcast form. I feel karma just hearing
her speak. This podcast is like sitting down with your cleverest,
kindest friends who actually get the money stuff, no judgment,
just real talk, smart strategies and the occasional laugh so
hard you snort moment. I've learned more from these women
than I did in any education facility. Bless their budgeting souls.
(03:15):
Oh my, so sweet, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Oh I feel all warm and fuzzy that you do
have a very calming so much. Oh that's really really fine,
So I thank you so much. Sephanie. God, I love
that bit that's really fun. I will have to take
over that forever.
Speaker 4 (03:35):
Now.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Yes, I'm gonna have to ask you every week, I think,
because oh.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
It's just so lovely.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
People say thank you, thank you. I will say though
this next but is also very fun. I'm really enjoying
sitting in the driver. I don't get too comfortable.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
It's very natural on you. Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
But I've been loving doing the question because we have
to do something a little, a little off topic.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
That's my finance love it.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
So this week we have one from Rebecca who said,
what is your favorite thing to do at Christmas time
that doesn't cost anything?
Speaker 5 (04:08):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (04:10):
I don't know if it's like because it probably does
indirectly cost something in like petrol and stuff like that.
But something I do every single Christmas, yes, and I
force my family to do it is drive around or
you can walk around and look at Christmas lights and
I make a mass I look at all like Google
the best places you can find on TikTok the best
places to visit no matter where you are in Australia,
no matter where you are in the world. Yeah, go
(04:32):
on TikTok. Find the best places in your area in
your city, and either walk, public transport drive if you
have the means to. If you are driving, what I
love to do is start fromhere I am, and then
on maps I'll find where every place is that I
want to visit and then do like a loop. And
then also part of this tradition is getting a soft
serve or getting an ice cream from servo. And so
(04:55):
it's very very It doesn't cost too much, but it
also doesn't have to cost anything. Ye finding ways to
like you know, you can reastack from home exactly, doesn't
that cost anything at all. I love that I do
that every Christmas, and it is a necessity.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
One of the things I'm so excited about is next
Christmas because my house will be built by them. I'll
be able to decorate my house with lights. I aspire
to be. When I think of Christmas lights where I live,
there are some known houses, it is like a full
scale production.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
I aspire to be one of those houses.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
One of them.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
They even will come out and they will they have
like a popcorn machine and they'll sell like hold for
a dollar or something to like fundraise I think, to
cover like the cost of electricity. I don't know, but
it's like a whole thing, which is so good.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
That's so cool. You know when a mister Whoopy is there,
you know you've got it, You're in the right pot.
That sounds great. That's a great one I really love.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Also kind of my cost you in ingredients, but generally
you have all of them in your pantry. A gingerbread
house or gingerbread cookies one of my favorite traditions making them,
or you can pre make them and have everyone come
over and decorate them together. I'm partial to a gingerbread
cookie with a royal icing on top, so not just
like drawing the face, but like flooding the whole thing
(06:14):
and making a fun design if you're the one who
likes to partake in a little baking moment that it
tastes delicious. But otherwise just doing your like your fun
little outline designs like you traditionally would is also really exciting.
And then I feel like the best bit is like
the reward is at the end of you to eat
the cookies or the ginger of course. Oh actually on
the gingerbread house. Note, so we do a Christmas trip
with our big group of friends every year, and we'll
(06:36):
buy this one you could bake them though, so that
it's free. But we'll do a gingerbread house making competition.
Good or usually cumbles or partners. Everyone does it, so
you do that. But then obviously not everybody is creatively inclined,
and that's okay. So we then also do a structural
integrity test of course at the end. So once they're
all built, you know, you judge, you pick the winn
or whatever, and then everyone like bangs on the table like, yes,
(06:59):
you see which one holds up the longest. Oh my god,
that's everyone's.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Got a chance to win. Yeah. Great, So one most
beautiful and one the most structurally integral. Yes, great, idea,
very very love. That's a great question.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
I'd love to hear what everybody else's favorite free Christmas
trutions are leaving in the comments front.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
I'd love to have a look at them. If Victoria
could also leave hers in the comments. I wonder what
she would have answered, great, I don't know, maybe her
handmade homemade? Yeah true, too true Chris Kringle. Yes, that's
a really good one. Yeah, so true. I don't know. Gorgeous.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
We'll send her a text after. But with that being said,
I actually have lots of very fun money wins to share.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Great if I may please.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Alrighty, So the first one that I have this week
comes from Sarah, who said she's found out her GP
can now describe her daughter's eighthd medication, so she no
longer has to pay two hundred and havy dollars every
six months to get the script when she can just
have it bulk build instead.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Oh my god, that's so good.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
I feel like that's a game changer, because if there
is such a big tax people to ADHD or all
of our neurodiverse friends who have varying things that you
need perhaps medications for, it feels really unsane to me
that you have to I know that we need it
to be regulated and safe, and that's very important, but
I also think it's not ideal that you have to
pay to have access to the thing that you need
(08:17):
to be able to function more effectively.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
I agree. It's like, God, can we catch a break.
We've got this thing, your neurodiverse already, the world's not
made for you, and now you've got to spend so
much money for the rest of your life. Yeah, God, God,
can we have a little break.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Just a little piece of something totally.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Next, I've got a money win from Bianca, who said
she stayed home all weekend again for the fourth weekend
in a row. She did go to the gyms day
and then afterwards bought three items at the supermarket, but
staying away from the shops is working wonders for her
bank account. Great, I bet at this time of year
that's making a huge difference. Well done, Bianca. Next, I've
got a money win from Cerese, who said I recently
(08:53):
lost a bit of weight and a lot of my
clothes don't fit me anymore. But my sister just gave
me three huge bin bags her old clothes that she
no longer wants, and she has really good taste.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Oh my god, sick.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
There's nothing more fun than when someone you know goes
Oh I've done a wardrobe clean out.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Do you want to dig through? Totally? Absolutely? I do
such a good feel this.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Next, I've got a money loss from Anita, who said
I bought an older model Dice an air app, but
money win. It was retailing at eight hundred and ninety
nine dollars and I got it for six hundred and
seventy one. I also think it's a money win because
I have been and will continue to use it a
couple of times a week. Good reminder when new tech
comes out, check the old tech. You know your iPhone
means old iPhones on sale, all that sort of thing.
(09:38):
New tony box, old tony box.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
That is so true.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
The old ones just as good. Like just because it
doesn't have the newest, fanciest thing, it doesn't mean it's
going to do the job. Especially a Christmas when we're
shopping for gifts and stuff, exactly, a slightly older model
is a great option. Next, I've got a money win
from Charlotte who said she did a click and collect
from Coals for the first time in a long time
and actually got twenty dollars off of her shop. She
says she doesn't really know what it.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Was from, but it was a good win for the week. Beautiful.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
And then I've also got one from Louisa who said
we needed to do some electrical work on our rental
house and we were dreading the bill, but I realized
I had a bucket for this, and I'm now no
longer completely dreading it. Hates to be prepared absolutely. And
then lastly this week I've got a money win from Jackie,
who said I got an Apple Watch series eleven with
points via my private health insurance. I've had enough points
(10:25):
three months ago, but I was hopeful to get a
brand new one for the same amount of points.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Oh my god, that's great. Great. I didn't even know
there was the thing. I know.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
I would love to know which private health insurance that is. Yes,
maybe Switch, he sounds like it, But that's it for
me this week.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Amazing. They also have great Okay, so I've got a
few broke tips. If you're ready and willing, Oh please,
I've never been more ready and willing. So this rest
comes from Jets, who says, my local Hey, your first
money win came from Beck. That's so weird. True, everything's
lining up today.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
I love a little coincidence exact.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
So this special comes with Jess, who says, my local
church op shop does fill a bag for two dollars
from their baby and kids' clothes. Oh my god, it's
so good. That is so good. I've been going weekly
and it's such a dope being rush. Plus the kids
are clothed on a budget. Once they've outgrown, I'll donate back.
So it's basically a rental service, especially for my two
month old who is growing it rapidly.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Oh, that's a really sweet way to approach it, tutor,
donate it back totally.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
I really really like that. That's genius. And I love
that things aren't going to ways and you're not taking
in fast fashion, which sometimes we gotta and that's okay.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
I wish there were more places I see this in
on TikTok of people in the US, where you can
go to like a good Will or one of their
thrift stores and it'll be the same. It's like pay
by weight, like, yeah, fill a bag for X amount
of dollars per Totally. I want that here. I know
if I feel like op shops are getting extremely pricey,
especially for stuff like a lot of it's polyester and
(11:54):
not great quality exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
And guys, op shop means opportunity shops for people who cannot.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Afford, you know, so it's like we stop overpricing, stop overpricing.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
The sexon one comes from Stephanie who says, frozen spinach
it's one dollar a pack. It makes a cheap meal
look more healthy by adding a bit of green, which
I totally agree with. Example, Chuck some in a pack
of mac and cheese I bought half price. That's so clever.
I mean, doesn't sound very advertising, but I think like
spinach is actually kind of delicious.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Spinach disappears or whatever you put it into, especially if
you're blending it or if it's hot and it shrivels
total wait to go, like a whole bag of spinach.
It's literally like a tablespoon by the time it's done.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Really, and it's not like a super strong flavor, like yeah,
you could really get away with just like adding so
much more nutrition to your meal. That's one of my
preferred greens. Absolutely. Okay, so my one this week is
one that I loved from a Christmas idea thread from
last year. But it's such a creative, fun and cheap
group gift activity Graces. You can get some great books
(12:59):
looking knee new from the op shop for two to
four dollars. You wrap them in brown paper and write
a vague description on the back, and each person chooses
description they like the most. You can even do it
for dirty sander or stealing sander or bout sand or
whatever you call it to make it even more fun
as well. So I think that's it's great, and it's festive.
And if you're trying to not spend too much this year,
(13:19):
or if you just don't have the money to spend,
it's so funny the distinction between the two people be like,
I'm trying not to spend and I'm like over here
thinking I am not trying not to spend because they
don't have to spend. So if you're like me, you
don't have the money, then this is actually a really
good idea and you can just get a book from
your own house.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
I love that it's a blind date with the book,
like it's a surprise exactly exactly fun I think it's
so clever. So that's me for this week. Beautiful, really
good wrap up. Very I love that you got a
festive one in there. I really appreciate you. Oh I
did try to thank you so much. Well, let's go
to a really quick break though, and when we come back,
we're going to be helping to answer a money j
lemma all about the relatable feeling of working hard but
not being able to get ahead, and also chatting through
(13:58):
the DM that you sent us this week, which was
asking how to handle feeling anxious around Christmas. Consumerism don't
go anywhere.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Welcome back everyone. Here's this week's money dilemma.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Hi, there, have you got a money dilemma you just
can't solve that. She's on the Money team is here
to help. Every week we tackle your dilemmas, both big
and small, to answer your most burning money, career and
life questions. To get involved, simply head to our website
and leave us a short voice recording and you might
just find yourself on the show. Now, let's take a
listen to this week's money dilemma.
Speaker 4 (14:37):
Hi, She's on the Money. My money dilemma is I'm
twenty one and only about six months ago gained any
consciousness of financial literacy. I thought I was fairly good
with money, pretty frugal, good at saving, But it turns
out I've been saving like a child. I only have
a savings and a spending account. My savings isn't very
high interest, and I'm so struggling right now. I'm at
(15:00):
you need to do a full load. I'm working eighteen
hours a week paid, nine hours a week unpaid. I'm
commuting nine hours a week, so the majority of my
money is gone onwards petrol. I want to move out
within the next year or so. Me and my partner
are talking about moving overseas within the next couple of years.
I just really need a new car. And I've just
been sitting at about six grand for the last six months,
(15:21):
six grande in total, and i just feel like I'm drowning.
Even though I'm so very privileged and I have my
family support and I live at home. I feel like
I'm working so hard and I'm just not gaining anything.
I'm just like barely staying afloat with no free days off.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
I'm so lost.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Yeah, thank you so much for listening. Firstly, twenty one,
you ain't going to worry about anything. But also I
don't think, oh gosh, I have so many thoughts. Unpaid work.
I understand like placement and stuff like that, and I
understand like some companies can't afford to hire an extra person.
I'm just like this should be like government. I don't know,
(16:00):
the unpaid stuff. I don't love it because some people
do have the luxury of living at home and some
people don't, and some people are living like paycheck to
paycheck and to get by or to make it like
through UNI to kind of get ahead, to do more
with your life. You're gonna have to, Like some people
can just live at home and make it work, and
some people have to support themselves. And I'm like, it's
(16:21):
not very accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
You know.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
It's just like I don't really like the unpaid thing,
but I'm sure there are reasons why, but I don't
like anyway. So I respect and I appreciate that you
are in a situation where you are being seriously overworked.
But I would say you have money and savings. That's
an incredible start. I understand like the urgency. You're probably
feeling like, oh, I've wasted time or how do I
(16:47):
get ahead if I'm literally just making it every single week. Also,
all of my time is spent working, either paid or unpaid,
and you probably pretty burnt out right now. You probably
hear this a lot from people who are older than you.
Is that like when I was your age, I had
all these plans that just like didn't happen or whatever,
(17:10):
and it's probably like, Okay, that's not very helpful. Right Now,
you have this goal, which is to maybe move overseas,
maybe with your partner, and let's just say for argument's sake,
that's going to happen. But as someone who is thirty
three and who has been your age before and who
has had many goals and kind of like not achieved
(17:31):
many of them or just things took a different turn,
I would say, don't be hard on yourself if things
don't go to plan, or if things go to plan
later on, just don't be so hard and stuff. You're
very very young, you're trying to make it through yours
sounds like you're doing everything right. I'd say, maybe, like
try and look into a high interest savings account right now.
But the urgency in the panic and the worry I
(17:54):
can undersand where it comes from. But you're very very
young and dorty to worry about that. Just try And
I don't know, six thousand dollars sounds like incredible to me.
I'm like, that's but I understand when you're like, god,
I could have been doing so much more or whatever,
or like I thought I was doing great, but you
need X amount and your seat you're super to be
on track, and you know, I get so I can
understand that. But six thousand dollars sounds incredible. I'd be like,
(18:15):
I've made it. Yeah, I'll truly made it.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
You know, my sweet baby angel, you are so far
ahead of where I was at twenty one. Totally not
to infantilize you, but you are very young. At twenty one,
I was coming back from Greece that if mis trip
where I had like twenty seven cents in my bangage daring, I.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Couldn't allow at the thing like you are.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Having the financial literacy is such a huge, wonderful first step,
and you have the benefit of time on your side.
I know at that age you really probably are finding
your independence. That's what I was doing anyway. I was
moving out of home, I was doing all those sorts
of things, and it is a bit of a shock
to the system really when you get out into the
real world and you're like, whoa, it costs money to
(18:55):
breathe totally. But I would say exactly is what you
were saying back. Don't push yourself to do something before
you're ready financially. If you have the privilege of being
at home, which it sounds like you do, use that
to your advantage. Would be my advice, live and budget
as if you would living out of home, and just
(19:16):
enjoy the fact that you have that luxury without the
actual pressure you know, if you do need to replace
your car, if you do need to do something, you've
got that safety net of being at home, I suppose,
But I would really focus on using this time to
build up your emergency fund, build up your fund to
save for a new car if you really need it,
all those sorts of things, and also at the same time,
(19:39):
give yourself some grace because I think it sounds like
when you're at UNI doing what I'm assuming is a
placement or an internship. You know, my partner did this,
and it is really taxing on you working or you know,
studying full time, working your paid hours, working your unpaid hours,
commuting long distances.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
It is a lot to take on.
Speaker 3 (19:59):
And yes, throughout your adult life there will be periods
where you commit to so many things at once, Like
I'm in a phase of life where it's kind of
like that for me right now. But I think that
take advantage of what you've got and just understand that
you don't have to do everything right now. You don't
have to move out of home next year, you don't
have to move overseas next year. It is so great
(20:19):
to have the luxury of time to plan and to
be able to do things at a pace that doesn't
have to give you anxiety. That means that you can
hopefully put yourself in a really solid position by getting
your foundational sorted out and then pursuing those things that
you want to totally.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
And if it sounds like you're burnt out, have a
little break, don't behind yourself. Life is so long for
those who are of us, who are lucky enough to
experience all of it something. I know it's not long
for everyone, but I think you're doing great job. You're
on the right track, and just like, go easy, have
a rest.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
I completely agree. Should we jump into something a little
more controversial, Yes?
Speaker 4 (20:56):
Please?
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Alrighty.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
I've got a DM from the community this week and
it goes a little something like this, Hey, she's on
the money. I hate feeling like this, but I really
struggle with Christmas. It just makes me so anxious. The consumerism,
the waste, the pressure to keep up. It doesn't align
with my values at all. I've tried to do Christmas
with less, but it kind of backfired. The grandparents went
(21:18):
way overboard, and I ended up crying on Boxing Day
because they'd bought more for the kids than I did.
I felt like I'd failed as a mum. I've tried
bringing it up but always caused tension. And when I
zoom out, I get it. They want to spoil their
grandkids because it makes them happy. My partner loves Christmas,
and every time I try to rein it in, he
reminds me how upset I was that year. I hate
(21:39):
feeling like the Grinch and I'm so jealous of people
who can just enjoy Christmas. I'd love the community's advice
on how to handle it this year. Ah, that's a
tough spot to be in.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
It really is, and it is so much more than
just like because I understand, like the anxiety can come
from a lack of funds and other things like that sometimes,
or like maybe a lack of like even community or
connection around you. That's those things are all completely valid,
but this is very like this is like an existential
based yeah, And I completely get that because I think
(22:12):
when you really think about like where these toys come from,
like is everything ethically sourced or like it's just it
does seem like a big waste. I think that if
you can't avoid it, there are two things I think
if you can try and explain to your family that
you would like. If they're going to go overboard, try
and find toys that are locally made, ethically sourced, ethically
(22:39):
everything like, try and find things that are like you know,
you can kind of feel a little bit better about
how it's made and how the impact on the environment
and the impact on the world, I guess, and if
you can kind of find peace there, great the are
the end. And I guess you can do this in
both situations. If they're just going to go overboard and
(23:00):
you're not super comfortable with where these things are coming from,
what they're buying, whether it's ethically sourced or ethically made.
The other alternative is to be very greatful for everything
and all that kind of thing, and then when the
time is right, donating all of those things to people
who are way less advantage. Like, you know, some people
(23:20):
are disadvantaged and they don't have the funds to buy
these kind of toys for their own children, and they
don't have they don't have access to all this kind
of stuff. So I think, one hand, it does feel
very wasteful, It feels very uncomfortable to see this all
this plastic in the world. But if you can use
that to someone else's advantage and you can give that
(23:41):
to the less fortunate, and I don't. I don't know why.
I have always kind of hated saying it like that
the less fortunate, but like.
Speaker 3 (23:49):
It's creating a divide, yeah, or even just like like
oh poor you, you know, and like some people do
feel that way.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
But some people are like, hey, I just don't have
as much money as you do, you know whatever, And
so you know, people that can't afford those kind of
gifts or those toys for their own children or those
toys for the adults. I love toys, so you know,
it could be for anyone. But yeah, I think you
can't avoid it. Then making use of that and kind
of like spreading that joy in other places would be
(24:17):
another option.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
Yeah, you know, I totally agree. I think that it
is probably about communicating. You know, I understand why the grandparents.
I mean, if I got told that my nephews were
having a low by Christmas, I'd probably be like.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
Oh, well, buy the more toys.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
You know, so I understand the quick like oh I
want to spoil, I want to love, I want to nurture.
But raising with your family, why you're taking this perspective
like what your concerns with it are exactly as you said,
might be a really great way to find a middle
ground in terms of finding things that are produced or
doing Victoria's favorite handmade, homemade secondhand totally like type of vibe.
(24:51):
The other thing I would say is Christmas, there are
a lot of opportunities to volunteer to give back, and
I feel like that is a really fantastic way to
still enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Depending on the age
of your children, it also can be a really positive
exercise in you know, there is a lot of disparity
in the world, and you know, not everybody is in
(25:12):
the same position. So whether it's regifting additional things that
you receive like you said, or whether it's volunteering time.
There's a lot of meal services that operate during that period.
You can volunteer, wrapping gifts, There's lots that you can do.
I think it is a really positive time to Obviously,
when you can doing it year round is really important,
but there are a lot of opportunities available for you
(25:32):
to participate during the holiday season, and I think that's
a really powerful message to teach your children. It can
be a family activity. You can all go together to
participate and do something to help out in your local community.
And that also, I think I'm not saying you should
volunteer to override feelings of guilt, but I think it
sounds like a lot of your guilt is coming from
(25:53):
feeling as though it's a wasteful period. And so maybe
we can turn that wastefulness exactly as you were saying
back into something positive and impactful and also a learning
opportunity as well, which it might feel really good. It
might open the door for you to do more of
that throughout the year, which is also a fantastic thing.
But also it is a middle ground, I suppose. And
(26:13):
while you want to consume in a certain way, it's
out you. You said your partner really loves Christmas, they
might have a different take on what they want that
to look like. So you might need to compromise a
little bit to find a spot that works for everybody.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
But yeah, there's lots of options.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
There's lots of I think we've done a thread in
the Facebook group before around ethical even like you're gift trapping.
You know, you can gift in tea towels or wrap
in newspapers, or you know things you've already got. There
are lots of ways to reduce the physical waste. You
don't need all the trims, and you can repurpose decorations
shop them secondhand. So there are also lots of ways
to do those traditional holiday things without having that hugely
(26:51):
wasteful impact on the environment too, which I would encourage you.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
To look into.
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Yes, absolutely, but we did obviously put it to the
community to see what everybody else thought.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
First of all, we said what would you do if
you were our community member. Thirteen percent of people said,
just lean into Christmas, sixty seven percent said I would
accept that we all do Christmas differently, and twenty percent
said I would set firm boundaries with the grandparents. Next,
we said what's your biggest stressor at Christmas? Thirty four
percent of people said financial pressure very close, thirty two
(27:22):
percent of people said family dynamics, thirteen percent said gift guilt,
and twenty two percent of people said waste and excess.
So it sounds like our community members definitely not alone
in their concerns. After that, we obviously said what is
your two cents, and as always, we got lots of answers.
Somebody said the mental load is just next level. During
(27:44):
the end of the year, speak up and look after yourself.
Speaker 2 (27:47):
Yes, very true.
Speaker 3 (27:48):
Someone else said Christmas is a time of year people
seem to be the most wasteful. Look at doing gifts
during the year instead.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
That's a good idea. Yes, so wasteful. It's almost like
a buffer between you and your spending. But like, make
a Christmas totally totally.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Someone else said, the gift of self compassion can go
a long way. I have a note on my mirror
to remind myself my love is not defined by what
I can afford, and at Christmas, I have to repeat
this often to myself, which I think is true.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
Beautiful. I love that.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Yeah, literally, so true. My love is not defined by
what I can afford. Say it again, put it in
your mirror.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
I really like that. That's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (28:25):
Somebody else said, at a time of year when a
lot of us don't get to be with our loved ones,
just enjoy it while it's there.
Speaker 2 (28:30):
Yeah, that's fair. It's a good point which I can't understand.
But that doesn't mean that you have to give in
on everything.
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Yes, we had someone else say, kids don't care about
the amount or have words around it, but they'll sense
your feelings.
Speaker 2 (28:42):
Yeah, that's true. They don't know how much things cost. True.
Speaker 3 (28:46):
I think it is like you really remember, like when
I think about Christmas, I think about joy and happiness
and love, and you can do that with or without
any of the extra stuff.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Really conclutely.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
Absolutely, somebody else said, respectfully, grandparents need to see it
from your point of view and compromise. We had someone
else say conversations are hard, the classic we hardly have
room for anything. Else often works, wonders, little loophole.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
That's a good idea.
Speaker 3 (29:10):
Someone else says in their home Santa does something you want,
something you need, something to wear, something to share, and
something to read.
Speaker 2 (29:17):
Cute.
Speaker 4 (29:18):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Take a couple of boxes. Yeah, and then give one
big gift. And then I'm going to end on this
one because I think it just really sums everything up.
And they said sometimes joy can be your priority gorgeous,
which I think is really true. And yeah, as I said, Christmas,
there's a lot of pressure on people, I think, but
ultimately it is it is just another day in the year. Yeah,
(29:40):
And if you want to participate in everything, that's wonderful,
But there's no benchmark.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
There's no right way to do Christmas.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
And you know, if you and somebody else wants to
celebrate it differently, that's okay, but you might just dare
I say, need to communicate a little bit.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
Just find a middle ground. That's crazy, it's a crazy take.
Communication is key. I fear people are going to start
listening to this.
Speaker 3 (30:02):
I know we're aaza, yeah, but please stay with us,
Please don't leave us. Enjoy the holiday season.
Speaker 2 (30:09):
For those who celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and
very happy holidays. And we'll see you guys bright and
early on Monday morning. See you guys. Bye.
Speaker 5 (30:23):
The ad buy shared on She's on the Money is
general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances.
She's on the Money exists purely for educational purposes and
should not be relied upon to make an investment or
financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product,
read the PDS TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored
towards your needs. Victoria Divine and She's on the Money
(30:46):
are authorized representatives of Money.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
Sheirper Pty Ltd
Speaker 5 (30:50):
ABN three two one is six four nine two seven
seven zero eight AFSL four five, one two eight nine
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