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October 13, 2025 36 mins

If your money situation is making you feel hopeless, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Money & a Good Life, Steph and Ryan sit down with Mel Browne—bestselling author, financial educator, and someone who knows exactly what it's like to hit financial rock bottom and come out the other side.

In her 30s, after a divorce, Mel had nothing. No rental bond. No money for wages. No business cashflow. She was living in a "frat house" with five flatmates and five-figures of debt, wondering how to start over in her late 30s.

But instead of giving up, Mel chose to face her financial fears head-on. By her 40s, she'd completely turned things around and achieved financial independence.

Now she helps others do the same, calling out BS in the finance world, challenging traditional advice, and helping women take control of their money without shame.

What we talk about:

  • Mel's journey from financial rock bottom to financial independence
  • The practical first steps she took to turn things around
  • Her 30-day financial detox concept and becoming a "conscious consumer"
  • Why credit card points aren't worth it (despite the marketing)
  • Her new book's controversial claim: budgets don't work
  • Why women in their 40s and 50s say "I don't have 30 years for compound interest" but men never do
  • The ageism that limits women's financial potential
  • The lost superannuation that couples never consider
  • What women in their 40s and over should be doing differently
  • Moving from financial dire to financially well

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your finances or wondering if it's too late to turn things around, this conversation will show you it's not.

Resources:

Mel’s case study – Do credit card points add up

Mel’s books – purchase here

Money & a Good Life – Cashflow hacks episode


Here’s to your Good Life. And thanks for listening.  

You can find us at https://www.tribecafinancial.com.au/   


Our guest:  

Mel Browne, Financial educator, bestselling author, and entrepreneur

Visit Mel’s website

Follow Mel on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

 

Our hosts:  

Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial   

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/  

Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist  

Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/  
 
 

Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd.   

Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.  

Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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