Her Money Matters

63 What Happens…. When the Person You Were Supposed to Grow Old With You Dies Too Soon

Stephanie Duran's story is not one chapter, it is three. It begins in childhood, in a home where money was unpredictable and frightening, and where those early lessons left their mark on everything that followed. The second chapter is a marriage of twenty-one years, and then a divorce followed by the financial reckoning that comes with it. And then the third chapter: falling in love again, building a business together, and then receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis just three months after opening their doors. From that moment to his death, she had three and a half years: three and a half years of loving someone through the unimaginable, to advocate and fight for his life, and of facing decisions no one should ever have to make in the middle of grief.
Somewhere in the middle of telling it, we both ran out of words for a moment as the tears rolled down our cheeks. Some stories don't just inform you, they remind you of what is actually at risk, and what it really means to be a woman navigating money and life and love all at the same time.
In this episode we cover:
How a childhood shaped by financial chaos follows you into adulthood and what it takes to finally face that story
The money lessons Stephanie took from a 21-year marriage, and what she wishes she had known before the divorce
The financial reality of a terminal diagnosis: the decisions, and the debt that comes with fighting for someone's life
Voluntary Assisted Dying and what it means emotionally, financially, and practically, and why more families need to be having this conversation
How Stephanie turned the hardest chapters of her life into Because I Loved You - a memoir about the journey she shared with the love of her life, and why financial advisers and oncology professionals across Australia and the United States are now using it as a resource
Stephanie is a former attorney, an ICF certified grief and trauma coach, and the author of Because I Loved You — now being used by financial advisers and oncology professionals across Australia and the United States. This is one of the most important conversations I have had on this podcast. I think you will feel that too.
You can purchase the book here through amazon:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Because-Loved-You-Surviving-Unthinkable/dp/B0FCYTYVWX
This episode covers grief, terminal illness, early partner loss and divorce. Please take care as you listen.

62 Super Fund Not Working For You? A Step-by-Step Guide to Compare, Choose and Switch

If you are unhappy with your super fund or your super fund failed the audit from your review after episode 21, this episode is for you.
In Episode 21, Naomi and Helene did a live super audit together and discovered Helene had two crosses out of three in the big areas that matter. So what do you do next? How do you actually find a better fund? And how do you know who to trust when the internet is full of comparison sites that earn money from the very funds they recommend?
In this episode, Naomi and Helene pick up exactly where Episode 21 left off. We break down a clear 7-step process for comparing, choosing and switching super funds, including a guide to some independent resources, and one excellent free comparison tool that most people have never heard of. 
Whether you have one cross or three, this episode gives you the exact process to take action on your super — today.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN
The six things everyone needs to know about their super 
What your audit results mean and when it is time to make a move
The difference between industry super funds, retail super funds and self-managed super funds — and which type most people should be looking at
How to build a shortlist of funds using independent research rather than sponsored rankings
The AppleCheck tool powered by Chant West research — a free, detailed side-by-side comparison report that takes the guesswork out of comparing funds
How to make the switch smoothly, including the insurance warning most people miss and the cooling-off period you probably did not know about
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Chant West — independent super fund research, ratings and benchmarking chantwest.com.au
AppleCheck — free side-by-side super fund comparison tool powered by Chant West independent research. Compare up to three funds and get a detailed report. ngssuper.com.au (search "AppleCheck" on the NGS Super website — confirm URL before publishing)
ATO YourSuper Comparison Tool — government tool that shows fees in real dollar terms based on your actual balance ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/super-yoursuper-comparison-tool
MoneySmart — ASIC's guide to choosing a super fund, including a fee impact calculator moneysmart.gov.au/how-super-works/choosing-a-super-fund
GET YOUR FREE RISK PROFILE
Not sure which investment option you should be in inside your super fund? Start with a risk profile — it tells you whether you are in the right growth/conservative/balanced option for your situation.
Naomi will send you one for free. Just email her at: naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au
ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?
If this episode helped you take a step forward with your super, the best thing you can do is leave a review wherever you listen. It takes less than two minutes and it helps more women find this show.
And if you know someone who has been putting off looking at their super, send this episode to her today. This is the kind of thing that can genuinely change someone's financial future — and it starts with a conversation like this one.
DISCLAIMER
The information shared in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial product advice. Before making any decisions about your superannuation, please consider whether this information is appropriate for your circumstances. We recommend speaking with a licensed financial adviser if you need personal advice.
This episode is sponsored by NGS Super. Sponsorship does not influence the general information provided in this episode. References to the AppleCheck tool relate to independent third-party Chant West research data and do not constitute a recommendation of NGS Super as a superannuation fund.

61 Why Women Should Invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Busting 5 Common Myths

Did you know that only 13% of women in Australia hold an ETF compared to 27% of men? That means men are more than twice as likely to be investing in one of the most accessible, low-cost, and diversified investment options available on the ASX.  The reason that gap exists is not because women are less capable investors, it is that women tend to be more risk adverse and want to know more about their investments before they jump in.
To help anyone who may be considering an ETF, Naomi sits down with Jessica Leung from Global X ETFs to bust the five most common myths about ETFs. Whether you thought ETFs were boring, complicated, risky, expensive, or only for people who already know what they are doing, this episode is going to challenge each of those assumptions.
In this episode we cover:
Why only 13% of Australian women hold an ETF versus 27% of men 
Myth 1: ETFs don't perform as well as other investments — the data that proves otherwise, including how most active fund managers struggle to outperform an index ETF over the long term
Myth 2: ETFs are only for experienced investors — what you actually need to get started, and why it is far less than you think
Myth 3: All ETFs are basically the same — the extraordinary breadth of what is available on the ASX, from AI and clean energy to income and global markets
Myth 4: ETFs are too risky for everyday investors — why ETFs are actually one of the most powerful diversification tools available, and how to find a starting point that suits your risk appetite
Myth 5: ETFs are expensive — how ETF costs compare to managed funds, what fees to look for, and why the difference matters more than you think over time
The first steps any woman can take this week to explore whether ETFs are right for her
About Jessica Leung: Jessica is a Portfolio Manager at Global X ETFs, one of Australia's leading providers of thematic and income ETFs. With deep expertise across the ASX-listed ETF market, Jessica is passionate about making investing more accessible and more understandable for everyday Australians. Find Global X at globalxetfs.com.au.
Have a question? Email Naomi at naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au or got the website https://www.hermoneymatters.com.au/.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a woman in your life who has been meaning to start investing — and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or a follow on Spotify. It genuinely helps more women find us.
The information shared in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information discussed, please consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. This episode is proudly supported by Global X ETFs.

60 Happy Birthday to Us! Celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary with Our Biggest Lessons, Best Episodes, and Funniest Bloopers

One year. Sixty episodes. And approximately four hundred "ums" in Episode 1 alone. We are putting on our party hats, popping the bubbles, ripping open a bag of party mix lollies, and we are absolutely not sharing the clinkers.
This week, there is no homework, no super statements, no spreadsheets — just Naomi and Helene celebrating one gloriously chaotic year by pulling back the curtain on everything that actually happens behind the mic. The re-recordings, all about the imposter syndrome, and the moment Helene decided live radio was the appropriate setting for her personal sealed section. And the blooper reel that Kieran — our long-suffering, endlessly patient sound guy — has been lovingly curating since the beginning! 
In this episode:
The terror of Episode 1, the re-recordings, and the microphone that felt like a personal attack
How Helene joined as a guest in Episode 7 and never really left
Best and hardest episodes of the year — and what each one taught them
Episode 51: Helene's live sealed section, the DMs that followed, and confirmation there are more stories
A proper tribute to Kieran — the man who has listened to every episode at least twice and deserves a monument
The blooper reel, with one absolute masterpiece saved for last
What listener feedback this year actually said — and why "you make me feel normal" gets them every time
This week's pop culture pick: Happy Birthday Mr. President — Marilyn Monroe (1962). Sewn into a dress, barely able to breathe, completely unapologetically herself. Sounds familiar.
Have a question? Email Naomi at naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au or find us on Instagram — @hermoneymatters and @hermindsetmatters.
If you have been listening and haven't left a review yet — today is the day. It takes less than a minute and it genuinely helps more women find this podcast. That is exactly why we do this.
The information shared in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any financial information, please consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser.

59 Women and the Media: How to Stand Out, Get Paid More and Never Apologise for Taking Up Space

Naomi sits down with Maz Farrelly, the creative force behind some of the biggest TV shows on earth, including Big Brother, The X Factor, The Weakest Link, Dancing with the Stars and more, to go behind the scenes of a career built on standing out, backing herself and refusing to shrink. 
 
Maz has a two-word mantra she has used to walk into every terrifying room, every high-stakes negotiation and every live TV crisis of her career: tits and teeth. It sounds cheeky, but the philosophy behind it — stand tall, smile, be memorable and never apologise for being in the room — is one of the most practical pieces of career advice you will ever hear. Together they explore what it really means to be a woman in a male-dominated industry, why the way we talk about ourselves matters more than we think, and the financial lessons Maz wishes someone had handed her at nineteen.
Whether you are navigating a pay negotiation, building your personal brand or simply tired of apologising for taking up space — this one is for you.
In this episode we cover:
How Maz went from fashion stylist to Emmy-winning TV producer — and what she learned along the way
Women and the media: the invisible ways gender bias shapes what we see, read and believe about ourselves
Being underestimated as a competitive advantage — and how Maz used it to quietly take everyone's jobs
Personal brand 101: why looking the part, owning your body language and being memorable are career strategies, not vanity
Salary negotiation tips from a woman who built every show she touched into a number one
The "tits and teeth" confidence trick for walking into any room like you own it
Compound interest — the single money concept Maz's friend Fee wishes every 19-year-old knew
About Maz Farrelly: Maz is a BAFTA, Logie and ASTRA-winning TV producer and global keynote speaker whose content has been watched more than eight billion times. She has worked with everyone from King Charles to Beyoncé, and now coaches leaders and organisations around the world through her business Maz Speaks Global. Find her at mazspeaks.com.
Have a question? Email Naomi at naomi@hermoneymatters.com.au or find us on Instagram — @hermoneymatters.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a woman in your life who needs to hear it — and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or a follow on Spotify. It genuinely helps more women find us.
The information shared in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information discussed, please consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.

58 End Of Financial Year Checklist: Super, Tax Deductions and What Not to Miss Before June 30

The end of the financial year is an important point on the Australian calendar and most of us let it pass without making the most of our possible tax deductions.  
In this episode, Naomi and Helene break down five superannuation strategies you can action before June 30, plus a quick-fire checklist of tax deductions worth having on your radar. The focus? Super, as it is a great tax-effective investment option available to everyday Australians, and the EOFY window is a great opportunity to review whether you have the ability to increase your contributions and get a tax benefit at the same time.
Whether you have taken a career break, are self-employed, or simply haven't looked at your super in a while, there is something in here for you — and it could potentially save you thousands.
In this episode we cover:
How to make the most of your concessional contributions cap before June 30
The carry-forward rule — and why it is particularly powerful for women who have taken career breaks
Personal deductible contributions and the spouse super top-up strategy
The Government Co-contribution strategy and how you could get $500 for nothing (so long as you are eligible 😊)
A quick-fire checklist of other deductions to have on your radar before the year closes
If this episode was useful, please share it and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or a follow on Spotify — it genuinely helps more women find us.
DISCLAIMER
The information shared in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information discussed, please consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. This episode is proudly supported by NGS Super.

57 Why Your Credit Report Could Be Costing You Your Home Loan

Every time you shop around for a home loan online, you could be silently damaging your credit score. One missed payment can stay on your file for 2 years. A default? 5 years.
Most women have never checked their credit report — and some only find out what's on it when the mortgage is declined.
Today, we change that.
Victoria Coster is the Founder & CEO of Credit Fix Solutions — Australia's #1 trusted credit repair company. She built it on one radical principle: no win, no fee. She now works with 9,000+ finance brokers across Australia, has expanded into New Zealand, and is developing a financial literacy program for Year 10 students.
In this episode we cover:
What's actually in your credit report — and the 3 bureaus holding your data (Equifax, Illion, Experian)
The 5 data sets that make up your credit score and how long they stay
Why shopping around for loans online is damaging your score
What one missed payment really does
What hardship, divorce and financial difficulty look like on your file
The truth about debt management plans — some are a form of bankruptcy
What can be fixed, what can't, and when to call in a professional 
Your red pill moment starts now.
Connect with Victoria: Website: creditfixsolutions.com.au Phone: 1300 436 569
 Get your FREE credit reports: Equifax → mycreditfile.com.au Experian → experian.com.au
If this episode helped you, please follow the show and share it with someone who's thinking about buying a home or has ever had a financial setback. It could change everything for them. 💗

56 Ten Hacks to Boost Your Frequent Flyer Points and How to Use Your Points (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our frequent flyer series, Helene and I break down the practical side of points collecting. We share 10 ways Australians can accumulate points faster using spending they're already doing every day, along with the strategies that can help you get the most value from the points you earn.
The reality is that most frequent flyer points are no longer earned from flying. They're earned through credit cards, supermarkets, insurance, utilities, shopping portals, wine clubs, hotels, and everyday household spending. We also discuss the best ways to redeem your points, including why flights generally offer far greater value than shopping rewards, gift cards, or fuel discounts.
In this episode we cover:
• The 10 ways to build a frequent flyer points balance
• Credit card sign on bonuses and how they work
• Using supermarkets, utilities and insurance to earn points
• Shopping portals and hidden points opportunities
• Why Qantas Wine has become a favourite points hack
• The biggest mistakes people make when redeeming points
• Why Business Class flights often provide the best value for your points
• The difference between Classic Reward flights and Points Plus Pay
If travel is on your bucket list, this episode will show you how to earn points faster, redeem them smarter, and potentially save thousands of dollars on your next holiday.

55 Business Class Dreams on a Budget: Inside the World of Australia’s Frequent Flyer Programs (Part 1)

Ever wondered how people seem to casually fly business class to Europe while the rest of us are still recovering financially from booking economy seats to Bali?
Welcome to the slightly obsessive, highly strategic, and surprisingly entertaining world of frequent flyer points.
 
As we head into holiday season and everyone starts dreaming about escaping the Australian winter for sunshine, cocktails, long lunches, and a European summer, there is one problem… travel has become expensive. Really expensive. Flights, accommodation, airport food, baggage fees, travel insurance: it all adds up quickly. And this year, with global tensions, fuel prices, airline disruptions, and endless schedule changes, travel feels more unpredictable than ever.
 
So in this two-part series, Naomi and Helene are diving headfirst into the world of Australia’s frequent flyer programs, travel hacks, reward seats, points strategies, and business class dreams. In Part 1, they unpack how the major frequent flyer programs actually work, who the different “points personalities” are, and Naomi makes a shocking confession… she and her husband have essentially built their lives around the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
 
From refreshing reward seats at exactly midday like Taylor Swift concert tickets, to planning multi-country “milk run” routes across the globe just to secure a lie-flat bed and champagne at 35,000 feet, this episode proves that frequent flyer points are not just luck… they are strategy.
 
Meanwhile, Helene reveals she absolutely hates flying and would genuinely rather walk 500 miles than board a plane — making this week’s pop culture theme from The Proclaimers painfully appropriate.
 
This episode is funny, nostalgic, practical, slightly chaotic, and full of insights for anyone who has ever looked at a business class cabin and wondered, “How are these people affording this?”
In this episode:
Breaking down the two frequent flyer programs in Australia: Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer
The hidden psychology and personalities of “points people”
Naomi’s confession as a full-blown frequent flyer obsessive
The reality of chasing business class flights to Europe
Why frequent flyer points are less about luxury… and more about understanding the system
Part 2 of this series dives into the practical side of points hacking, including the best ways to accumulate points in Australia, how to maximise credit card bonuses, and the strategies frequent flyer pros use to actually secure reward flights and business class upgrades.
 
Because travel might be expensive… but paying full price is apparently optional.

54 The Smart Way to Fund Your Kids’ and Grandkids’ Education

School fees. University costs. Tutoring. Technology. Uniforms. Excursions. Somehow, every year the cost of education seems to climb even higher and for many families, it can feel like a financial treadmill that never quite slows down.
This conversation is not just for parents currently raising children as increasingly, grandparents are stepping in too. Whether it is helping with private school fees, contributing towards university costs, or wanting to create a meaningful financial legacy for the next generation, many women in their 50s, 60s and beyond are asking the same question: “How can I help my kids and grandkids without compromising my own future?”
In this episode of the Her Money Matters podcast, I sit down with Marie Lazar from Futurity Investment Group to unpack one of the financial planning tools more families are beginning to explore: education bonds.
For many women, this sits right at the intersection of family, legacy, and financial planning. You may be in the thick of paying school fees right now. You may have adult children struggling with the rising cost of raising kids, or you may be looking at your grandchildren and wanting to create opportunities for them in a practical and meaningful way.
Marie and I discuss the rising cost of education in Australia, the different ways families currently fund education, and how education bonds actually work in practice. We also unpack who they may suit, the tax considerations, the flexibility they offer, and why this has become an increasingly important conversation for both parents and grandparents.
In this episode we cover:
The rising cost of education in Australia
Why education planning matters more than ever for families
The different ways parents and grandparents fund education costs
What an education bond actually is
How education bonds work from a tax perspective
The key features and benefits of education bonds
Who education bonds may be suitable for
How grandparents can use education bonds as part of legacy planning
As always, this episode is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances or financial needs.
So join us for a practical, thoughtful, and surprisingly fascinating conversation about one of the biggest investments many families will ever make - education.