How to Save Money on Bills in Australia in 2025: Joel Gibson’s Expert Tips

Is the Aussie Property Market Really That Bad? Let’s Find Out! Struggling to wrap your head around the wild world of Australian property right now? You’re not alone! In this episode, we're joined by property data guru Eliza Owen, Head of Research at CoreLogic, to break down exactly what’s going on. We’re talking:✨ Why it’s so much harder to buy a home today compared to previous generations✨ What’s driving property prices to keep rising (even with those scary interest rates!)✨ The state-by-state lowdown – from booming Brisbane to sliding Sydney✨ Regional hotspots you might not expect (spoiler: Townsville is on fire 🔥)✨ Tips for first-home buyers, including what to do if your dream city feels out of reach✨ Plus, Eliza’s predictions for the next 5 years and where the opportunities could be Whether you're saving for your first home, thinking of investing, or just love a property chat, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel informed and in control – no crystal ball required. Want to get better with Money? Join our Pink membership and get access to monthly masterclasses, discounted courses, insurance reviews and more!  💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances—subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites! Sign up here. 🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever felt like your money is running the show (instead of the other way around), this episode is for you! We're joined by author, entrepreneur, and all-round money pro Lloyd Ross, who shares his personal money rules—the simple (yet game-changing) boundaries he follows to build wealth and stay financially stress-free. From paying yourself first, to the real reason he rents instead of buys, to the one golden rule Warren Buffett swears by—Lloyd breaks it all down in his super relatable, no-nonsense style. We chat about:✅ What money rules actually are (and why you need them)✅ The exact rules Lloyd follows to grow his wealth✅ Why having financial boundaries with your partner matters✅ How to avoid “robbing” your own savings✅ The beginner-friendly habits anyone can start today So whether you're just getting started or looking to tighten up your financial game plan, this one’s packed with practical advice you can actually use. 🎧 Tune in now and get ready to set your own money rules! 💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances—subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites! Sign up here. 🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking about buying a car? 🚘 Whether you're tossing up between new or secondhand, wondering if electric vehicles (EVs) are worth it, or trying to figure out the best financing options, this episode is packed with must-know tips for Australian car buyers. Molly sits down with auto expert John Cadogan—and trust us, there’s not much he doesn’t know about cars! With decades of experience in the automotive industry, John has helped thousands of Aussies navigate the real costs of car ownership, avoid common car-buying traps, and make smarter purchasing decisions. In this episode, he breaks down car brands, depreciation, insurance, financing, and used car inspections, so you don’t get stuck with a lemon. 🍋🚗 🔹 What you’ll learn:✔️ New vs. used cars – which option saves you more in the long run?✔️ Understanding car depreciation – how to avoid losing thousands 💸✔️ The rise of EVs in Australia – are they a smart buy yet? ⚡🚗✔️ How to inspect a used car like a pro 🔍✔️ Car financing options & what to watch out for✔️ Insurance must-knows to avoid nasty surprises 🚦 Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your ride, this episode is your roadmap to making a smarter car purchase. 💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances- subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money tips, masterclasses and exclusive event invites! Sign up here. 🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that financial stress is the #1 cause of relationship breakdowns? 😬 According to Relationships Australia, money fights are one of the leading reasons couples call it quits. But here’s the good news: Couples who regularly talk about their finances are happier, more connected, and less likely to split. 🙌 Research from Indiana University even found that married couples who manage their finances together report higher relationship satisfaction. In this must-listen episode, Molly Benjamin and Terry Condon dive into the biggest money mistakes couples make, how to understand each other's money stories, and why shared financial goals are essential for long-term relationship success. They unpack the mental load of managing finances, the importance of open (and judgment-free) conversations, and strategies for creating a collaborative, stress-free approach to money. Whether it’s aligning spending with personal values, splitting financial responsibilities, or navigating different life stages, this chat is packed with practical insights for Aussie couples looking to strengthen their financial foundation. 🔹 What you’ll learn:✔️ Why money is such a big deal in relationships (and how to handle it better!)✔️ The most common financial mistakes couples make (and how to avoid them!)✔️ How to have stress-free money convos with your partner✔️ The power of setting shared financial goals for a thriving relationship✔️ How to stop sneaky spending from turning into relationship drama✔️ Proven strategies for building financial trust & teamwork Download Ladies Finance Club's Money + Love Couples  questionnaire!  Take Ladies Finance Club's free Quiz to see if you're financial match or mismatch! 💡 Not sure how to share your money with your honey? Pop this episode on in the car while your partner’s with you—because the best money convos happen when you’re both in the room! 🚗💰💕 🎧 Hit play now and start turning money talks into a relationship win! 🚀💑💸 💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances- subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money tips, masterclasses and exclusive event invites! Sign up here.   🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to save hundreds (or even thousands) each year? 💸 In this episode, Molly Benjamin sat down with Joel Gibson to break down the smartest ways to cut costs on everyday expenses, from grocery shopping and energy bills to negotiating better deals and unlocking government rebates you might not even know exist! Joel shares practical, no-BS strategies to help you spend smarter, reduce financial stress, and keep more money in your pocket—without feeling like you're missing out. Whether you're looking to slash your electricity bill, maximise discounts, or uncover hidden savings opportunities, this chat is packed with simple, actionable steps you can start using today. 🔹 What you'll learn:✔️ The biggest grocery shopping mistakes that are costing you money—fix them now!✔️ How to negotiate your bills like a pro (yep, you can ask for a better deal!)✔️ The best Aussie comparison tools to find cheaper energy, internet & insurance✔️ How to optimise your streaming services and ditch sneaky subscription fees✔️ Government rebates and discounts most people forget to claim 💡 Bonus: Joel also shares his top "quick wins"—easy tweaks you can make today to start seeing real savings instantly! If you're ready to boost your savings, stress less, and make your money work harder, hit play now and start saving today! 🚀💰 Free scripts on how to best negotiate your bills in 2025. Sign up for a FREE money budgeting app here. 💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances- subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money tips, masterclasses and exclusive event invites! Sign up here.   🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to get better with money but not sure where to start? With so many finance books out there, picking the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why Molly Benjamin (Ladies Finance Club) sat down with Dawn Thomas who's done the hard work for you!  In this must-listen episode, they break down the best finance books for Australians in 2025 - covering everything from budgeting and investing to superannuation and financial freedom. Whether you’re just starting your money journey or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights, no BS advice, and relatable recommendations to help you take control of your financial future. 🔹 What you'll learn:✔️ What makes a great finance book (no jargon, no shame—just practical advice!)✔️ The top 5 money books to read in 2025—and why they’re game-changers✔️ Superannuation 101—why sticking with your default fund could be costing you $$$✔️ How to decode investment jargon and make informed financial decisions✔️ Why most people ignore their superannuation (and how to fix that)✔️ How to raise financially smart kids—the book every parent should read✔️ Real budgeting strategies—how Dawn keeps her finances on track Grab a copy of Molly's book Girl Just Wanna Have Funds here.  💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances- subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money tips, masterclasses and exclusive event invites! Sign up here.   🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to stop spending and save? You’re not alone! Molly Benjamin and Broke Generation’s Emma Edwards are here to spill the tea on why we keep spending (even when we know we shouldn’t) and how to break the cycle for good. From the sneaky tricks social media plays on our wallets to the emotional traps that keep us stuck in bad money habits, this episode dives deep into the real reasons we struggle to save. Emma unpacks how to reprogram your money mindset, ditch financial guilt, and set goals that actually stick. ✨ What you’ll learn: Why your brain wants you to spend money (and how to outsmart it!) The social media spending trap – and how to escape it Budgeting hacks that won’t make you feel deprived How to build a money plan that fits your life (not someone else’s) Quick, practical fixes to start saving today Grab our FREE budgeting template here. 💌 Want more money tips straight to your inbox?Join thousands of Australian women getting savvy with their finances—subscribe to the Ladies Finance Club newsletter for the latest money hacks, expert advice, and exclusive event invites! Sign up here. 🙏 A big thank you to our sponsor, InvestorKit! The Only Buyer’s Agency Awarded as Australia’s #1 for 2 Years in A Row. The advice shared by Ladies Finance Club is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. Our content is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make financial decisions. If you are considering purchasing a financial product, read the PDS and TMD and seek financial advice tailored to your personal needs. Molly Benjamin and Ladies Finance Club Pty Ltd are authorised representatives of Wattle Partners Pty Ltd, AFSL 383169. Ladies Finance Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.]Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered how someone achieves success in the stock market? Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Heloise Greeff, the first Female Elite Pro and one of the most popular copied investors on eToro, the world’s leading social trading platform. In this episode, she shares with us her approach to investing and the winning strategies that have made her the powerhouse investor she is today.  Heloise’s journey to becoming an investment superstar begins with the pocket money budgeting her mother taught her at a young age, as well as some playful exercises in investing. Growing up playing with cars with her older brother, she found herself drawn to study engineering after school and became trained as a mechatronics engineer. This led to her obtaining both an MBA and PHD in machine learning, and has made her the data-obsessed engineer she is today! With this impressive background, Heloise spends time not only researching and publishing novel machine learning algorithms, but consulting some of the world’s largest tech companies and exciting startups. So, how does all of this tie in with investing?  Heloise applies her skills in data analysis to navigate the stock market and lead her in her decision-making. The results speak for themselves, with her average return being almost 30%. For context, the S&P 500 clocks in at around 10% on average, making Heloise’s success more than a little impressive!  Heloise talks about the concerns she faced around her future pension, which led her to take her first steps into the world of investing. While she’s now at the top of her game, it wasn’t immediately smooth sailing, and she talks about the regrets she has on certain decisions she made in the early days. This serves as a reminder to those of us starting out that it's a learning curve for everyone, and mistakes are bound to happen.  We discuss the six pillar strategy Heloise has adopted, with an emphasis on the three main ones she calls ‘the basics’. While she focuses strongly on risk management, Heloise also believes in making investment choices based on what makes you ‘uniquely you’. In what areas are your strengths? What gets you excited? Finding out where your passions lie is one secret to developing a strong portfolio.  When it comes to successful investing, there’s no magic wand. Heloise emphasises the value of patience and discipline, and shares her tips on how to get started on what can be an exciting, long term journey in the stock market.  So, grab your notepad and pen and get ready to take your investment game up a notch with Heloise's incredible words of wisdom!   This episode is brought to you by eToro, Australia's leading social investing platform with over 30M users worldwide allowing you to explore local & global markets, diversify your investments and copy popular investors strategies! Click here to find out more.   LINKS: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: https://www.amazon.com.au/Psychology-Money-Morgan-Housel/dp/0857197681    CONNECT WITH HELOISE: Website: http://greeffinvest.com/  Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/greeffinvest/  eToro: https://www.etoro.com/people/rubymza  CONNECT WITH LADIES FINANCE CLUB   Join our free Facebook group - Ladies Finance Club Money Chat   Website: https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Marina, a pioneering feminist who challenged societal norms by investing whilst running a business. She embarked on this journey at a time when it was uncommon for women to do so and in this episode, we hear all about Marina's investing history, tips and experiences that have shaped her journey towards financial freedom. Marina's financial story begins with her decision to study dentistry after school, a field that appealed to her as a challenge given it was largely male-dominated at the time. At a time when many women were encouraged to stay home and have babies, she had rather different goals for her life. Marina talks about her longtime desire to become self-employed and the master of her own destiny, leading her to eventually start her own business and take the leap into investing.  Though she admits she didn’t know a lot about making investments at the time, Marina talks about the inherent self-confidence and determination she possessed from an early age. We hear about how this drove her to make her first property purchase in her twenties, and the challenges she faced entering the share market in a time before the internet or online brokers.  Calling herself a conservative investor, Marina warns us not to become tied up in fear and greed, two things that we know drive the markets. Instead, she encourages us to start simple, build slowly and be in it for the long game. While investing in the share market can feel daunting for those starting out, Marina reminds us that with today’s platforms, it’s possible to start out with small amounts and is certainly never too late to begin.  Marina's journey is a great reminder that investing isn't merely about accumulating wealth; it's about taking control of your life and future. She talks about the comfort and financial freedom she’s gained, and how her financial independence has afforded her the life she truly desires.  So tune in for some amazing insights on how to level up your knowledge on investing, take charge of your finances and begin to create the life of your dreams!    This episode is brought to you by eToro, Australia's leading social investing platform with over 30M users worldwide allowing you to explore local & global markets, diversify your investments and copy popular investors strategies! Click here to find out more.   LINKS: Australian Investors Association CONNECT WITH LADIES FINANCE CLUB   Join our free Facebook group - Ladies Finance Club Money Chat   Website: https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Grace Sha, a compelling speaker, author, and the innovative founder of the Mental Wealth Institute. Grace is a high achiever and successful dentist but years ago found herself burning out. Questions of what she was doing and where she was going overwhelmed her and a rocky relationship added to the struggle. She refused to let these challenges define her and began a journey of self-discovery.  When Grace reached the other side of burnout, she decided to use her experience to help others suffering like she had and wrote the book "Mental Wealth, How to Journey From Burnout to Abundance."  In this book, she details her experiences and offers practical advice on identifying burnout and achieving work-life balance. In this conversation, we discuss some of Grace's experiences working with patients with mental health challenges, volunteering in mental institutes, and being in a psych ward. She notes the value of conversations with psychologists and psychiatrists in understanding the reasons behind her actions and the impact they have on her life. We also talk about Grace’s journey investing in property. The value of investing this way was instilled in her as a child and she started as soon as she could. Now she’s not only a property investor but a property developer. Not wanting other women to be scared of entering the property market, she shares the top lessons she has learned to help you stay confident and informed.  Grace also shares how her perspective on wealth has changed over the years. While many people associate wealth solely with money, Grace highlights that true abundance involves being free to choose the life you live. She stresses that financial freedom is a good first step to living comfortably and fulfilling one's basic needs. This episode is brought to you by eToro, Australia's leading social investing platform with over 30M users worldwide allowing you to explore local & global markets, diversify your investments and copy popular investors strategies! Click here to find out more.   CONNECT WITH Grace Sha Website: https://www.thementalwealthinstitute.com/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/drgracesha CONNECT WITH LADIES FINANCE CLUB Join our free Facebook group - Ladies Finance Club Money Chat Website: https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiesfinanceclub/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladies-finance-club/Throw some coins in our tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/ladiesfcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.