From Pay to Wealth for Tradies

Building wealth is about more than earning a good income or investing wisely. It’s also about protecting what you’ve built, managing lifestyle inflation and making sure money strengthens your family rather than creating stress or conflict.

In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Karl Misulis to explore the psychology behind wealth and the challenges families face as their finances grow. Karl explains why people earning over $100,000 can still live paycheck to paycheck, how parents can teach their children responsibility around money, and why honest conversations about inheritance are essential for preserving family relationships.

In this episode:• Why lifestyle inflation can leave high-income earners living paycheck to paycheck• How to balance supporting your children with teaching financial responsibility• Why investing in your kids’ interests and opportunities can create lasting value• How open conversations about inheritance can prevent family disputes• Why a will and legal documents should be supported by clear family communication• The difference between looking wealthy and building genuine, lasting wealth• How to balance spending on what you love with protecting your financial future• How psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people manage financial stress• Why adaptability and empathy matter when navigating family wealth challenges• How networking and learning from others can help you avoid costly financial mistakes• Why protecting your wealth is just as important as growing it

Karl Misulis combines psychology and family wealth insights to help people better understand the emotional and practical sides of managing money. Through his newsletter, Wealth Meets Mind, he explores how financial decisions, family relationships and personal wellbeing intersect.

Find Karl Misulis on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and read Wealth Meets Mind.

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

Making money is one thing. Knowing what to do with it is another. In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Tony Bradshaw to explore practical strategies for managing money, reducing debt and building long-term wealth.

Tony shares the lessons that changed his own financial journey, from learning the difference between good and bad debt to using cash-flow budgeting, multiple accounts and a clear four-part millionaire plan. He also explains why financial education, mentorship and having the right people around you can make a major difference.

In this episode:
• The difference between good debt and bad debt
• Why cash-flow budgeting can be more practical than tracking every dollar
• How multiple bank accounts can help control spending and build savings
• Tony’s four-part plan covering income, debt, spending and wealth investment
• How to create an emergency fund and think about asset diversification
• Why financial education and mentorship can accelerate your progress
• The role of real estate, dividend stocks, precious metals and cryptocurrency in Tony’s investment philosophy
• How to take a more active approach to superannuation and retirement funds
• Why simple, consistent money systems often work better than complicated budgets
• How to develop an abundance mindset and build better financial habits for the next generation

Tony Bradshaw is passionate about helping people become more financially educated and intentional with their money. Through his books, community and educational resources, he encourages people to stop simply earning and start building a clear, structured path toward financial freedom.

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

Building a successful trade business takes more than being good at the work. In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Mike Agugliaro to explore what it really takes to move from being the person doing everything to becoming the owner and leader of a growing business.

Mike shares lessons from growing his electrical company from under $1 million to $32 million in annual revenue, including the mindset shifts, education, systems and leadership skills that helped him scale. He also explains why many tradies get stuck because of unclear client targeting, poor pricing, weak money management and limiting beliefs.

In this episode:
• Why tradies need to shift from working in the business to owning and leading it
• The common bottlenecks that hold trade businesses back
• How limiting beliefs and “business trauma” can affect sales, hiring and growth
• Why investing in education and coaching can accelerate business growth
• How simple checklists and processes can improve consistency and reduce burnout
• Why marketing, sales and leadership are essential business skills for tradies
• How AI, cloud software and modern technology can give small businesses access to powerful tools
• Practical ways to identify inefficiencies and start thinking like an owner

Mike Agugliaro has spent decades helping trade business owners develop their business, leadership and mindset. His approach focuses on practical education, sustainable growth and helping hardworking tradies build businesses that work for them rather than keeping them trapped in the day-to-day.

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

Building wealth is one thing. Protecting it is another.

In this episode of Tradies Earn, David Kennington explores the often-overlooked side of wealth building: asset protection, estate planning, business structures, tax strategy, and succession planning.

The conversation highlights why having wealth without the right protection can create serious vulnerabilities. From separating business assets from operating companies to having a proper will and succession plan, the focus is on putting systems in place before a crisis happens.

They also discuss trusts, holding companies, insurance, superannuation, tax strategy, and the importance of planning for incapacity — not just death. For tradies and small business owners, these are practical considerations that can help protect the assets and businesses they’ve worked hard to build.

In this episode:

• Why wealth needs redundancy and protection against unexpected events
• How trusts can help with business succession and continuity
• Why separating operating companies from asset-holding entities can reduce exposure
• The role of holding companies in protecting business assets
• Why insurance is important but shouldn’t be your only layer of protection
• Why estate planning needs to account for incapacity as well as death
• How choosing the right executor can help prevent family disputes
• Why having a properly structured will matters for business owners
• The difference between tax planning and proactive tax strategy
• How real estate and other investments can form part of a tax strategy
• Why Australian superannuation can provide important creditor protection
• The importance of keeping personal and business finances organized
• Why tradies should start succession and estate planning early
• How to make sure the right people can access your assets and business if something happens to you

A practical conversation for tradies and small business owners who want to think beyond building wealth and start protecting what they’ve already built.

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

What if the best property investment isn’t in the hottest market — but the one that actually produces strong cash flow?

In this episode of Tradies Earn, David Kennington sits down with Jullion Cooper to unpack the strategy behind his 23-unit apartment deal in Michigan and the lessons he’s learned about building wealth through property.

Jullion explains why cash flow matters more than location or proximity, how he managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from investors, and why trust and reputation are just as important as finding a good deal.

They also dive into remote property management, due diligence, choosing the right market, and the mindset new investors need to take action instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity.

In this episode:

• Why cash flow can matter more than chasing the “perfect” location
• How Jullion negotiated $100,000 off a 23-unit Michigan property
• Why he reviewed 49 deals before finding the right investment
• How to raise capital by offering an opportunity rather than asking for money
• Why trust and reputation are critical when working with investors
• How to manage property remotely using trusted local professionals
• Why property management fees should be built into your numbers from the start
• Why Jullion chose Michigan for value, familiarity, and workforce housing
• How below-market rents and deferred maintenance can create opportunities
• Why new investors should define their “why” before getting started
• The importance of investing in education and mentorship
• Why taking action — even when you’re scared — can accelerate your progress
• How syndication can provide a lower-cost entry into apartment investing

Jullion Cooper shares practical lessons for tradies, professionals, and anyone looking to start building wealth beyond their day job.

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

A teacher, author, and real estate entrepreneur proves that the money trap crosses every industry and every education level.

What if chasing money is actually getting in the way of building the life you want?

In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Zhara York to explore the connection between financial freedom, personal clarity, purpose, and the mindset needed to build lasting wealth.

Zhara shares why traditional education often prepares people for careers but doesn't teach them how to manage, invest, or grow their money. They discuss how finding clarity around what you actually want from life can lead to better financial decisions and help prevent burnout from chasing money or external validation.

The conversation also explores overcoming fear, starting side income streams, investing with purpose, and using property as a long-term wealth-building strategy. Zhara explains why affordability and cash flow matter more than simply borrowing what the bank says you can afford.

If you're a tradie or anyone looking to build financial freedom without getting caught up in comparison, fear, or chasing money for the wrong reasons, this episode offers practical insights to help you think differently about wealth and your future.

In this episode:
• Why financial literacy is missing from traditional education
• How finding personal clarity can improve financial decisions
• Why fear can stop you from investing or starting a side income
• How to take calculated risks aligned with your goals
• Why property can be a long-term wealth-building tool
• Why affordability matters more than your maximum borrowing capacity
• The difference between assets and liabilities
• Why chasing money alone can lead to stress and burnout
• How an entrepreneurial mindset can change your approach to wealth
• Why you should compete with yourself, not others
• How purpose and financial freedom can work together

Learn more about Zara York, her books, financial education, and real estate resources.

Guest: Zhara York

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

A lot of tradies reach a point where the business stops growing — not because the market has changed, but because the owner is still trying to control everything.

In this episode of Tradies Earn, David Kennington sits down with Michael Carboneau to talk about the mindset shift that takes a tradie from being the person doing everything to becoming the CEO of the business.

They unpack delegation, leadership, financial literacy, client boundaries, burnout, and the importance of stepping back to build a business that can grow without relying entirely on you.

In this episode:

• Why your mindset and leadership can be the biggest thing holding your business back
• Why being great at your trade doesn’t automatically mean you’re great at business
• The importance of building a financial mindset and planning for retirement
• How delegation and trusting the right people can help you escape the 70–80 hour work week
• Why setting client boundaries and charging for your time can protect your business
• How Michael moved from an operator mindset to a CEO mindset
• The role of coaching, mentorship, accountability and tough love in business growth
• Why asking five trusted people about your strengths and blind spots can reveal what you need to work on
• Lessons from construction and craftsmanship around the world, including Mexico and Japan
• Why protecting your time, energy and mental space is just as important as growing your bank balance

Guest: Michael Carboneau
Coaching: Coaching by Rosewood
Email: [email protected]

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

What happens in the first few seconds of a crisis can affect the decisions you make next.

In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Ed Howard to explore how something as simple as your breathing can help you manage stress, think more clearly, and respond rather than react under pressure.

Ed explains how the body's fight-or-flight response can kick in within seconds, causing shallow breathing, tension, and emotional reactions. He shares a simple breathing practice that can be used anywhere—from the worksite to the car—to create a pause between stress and your response.

They discuss how recognising early warning signs like shallow breathing, tight shoulders, jaw tension, and the urge to act immediately can help you catch stress before it takes over. The conversation also explores how staying calm can improve leadership, relationships, and the way parents respond to their children.

If you're a tradie or work in a high-pressure environment, this episode offers a simple tool you can use to stay focused, avoid rash decisions, and handle stressful situations one breath at a time.

In this episode:
• Why stress can affect your thinking within seconds
• How breathing can interrupt the fight-or-flight response
• A simple 6-second inhale and 6-second exhale technique
• How to recognise your body's early stress signals
• Why pausing before reacting can prevent poor decisions
• How breathing can improve focus and leadership
• Using breath control during stressful family situations
• Why practising when calm makes the technique easier under pressure
• How one simple habit can help reduce stress and improve presence

Learn more about Ed Howard and his book, One Breath for Leadership.

Guest website: onebreathleadership.com

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

What happens when you nod along to expert advice you don't actually understand? It can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

1

In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Rochelle Callard to explore why communication between experts and clients often breaks down—and what you can do about it. Rochelle explains how jargon and short, rushed meetings can leave parents confused, while David draws parallels to the way tradies interact with financial experts and advisors.

They discuss why preparation is key, how sending questions before a meeting can help you get better answers, and why the simple question “What are the next steps?” can turn a confusing conversation into a clear action plan.

The conversation also explores common education terms like “working below benchmark,” “differentiated learning,” “extension activities,” and “intervention programs,” showing how understanding expert language can help you make better decisions. The same principle applies to finance: you should never be afraid to ask an expert to explain something in plain English.

If you're a tradie, parent, or anyone who regularly deals with experts, this episode will help you prepare better, ask better questions, and take control of conversations that affect your future.

In this episode:
• Why experts often use jargon that clients don't understand
• How embarrassment can stop people from asking questions
• Why sending questions before a meeting can make a huge difference
• The most important question to ask: “What are the next steps?”
• How to follow up and keep experts accountable
• Why you should be the expert on your own situation
• How to ask experts to explain things in plain language
• What common education terms really mean
• How lessons from education can improve financial conversations

Learn more about Rochelle Callard and access resources including the free ebook “Cracking the School Code” and parent-teacher meeting kit.

Guest website: schoolclarityhub.com

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com

What does your reputation have to do with your income, career, and financial future? More than you might think.

In this episode, David Kennington sits down with Mitch Carson to explore why your reputation can be one of the most valuable financial assets you have as a tradie. Mitch explains why working hard isn't always enough to get ahead, and how being known as reliable, proactive, positive, and solution-focused can create better opportunities, higher pay, and career growth.

They discuss the importance of making your value visible, taking initiative, avoiding excuses, and doing 10–15% more than what's expected. Mitch also shares practical ways tradies can build their reputation, from sharing achievements during performance reviews to writing for trade publications, building a presence on LinkedIn, and using travel or downtime to keep learning.

The conversation also explores why supervisors value people who reduce stress and solve problems, particularly in industries like mining where downtime can be extremely costly. The key message is simple: become the person others can rely on, make your value visible, and deliberately build a reputation that creates opportunities.

If you're a tradie looking to increase your earning potential, stand out from the crowd, and build a career that goes beyond simply trading hours for money, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start applying today.

In this episode:
• Why your reputation is a valuable financial asset
• How reliability and punctuality create career opportunities
• Why being a solution provider makes you stand out
• How doing 10–15% more can separate you from the crowd
• Why making your achievements visible matters
• How to use LinkedIn and trade publications to build authority
• Why learning during downtime can accelerate your career
• How to choose one reputation trait and build it consistently
• Why supervisors value tradies who reduce stress and solve problems

Learn more about Mitch Carson and his work around authority, reputation, podcasting, and AI.

David Kennington is a financial educator and industry professional who helps tradies and everyday Australians develop stronger financial habits through simple, practical, preventative strategies.

Website: tradiesearn.com