October 02, 2025

START HERE: Should We Move to a Regional Town to Afford the Life We Want? (Housing Affordability, Family Finances & The “Financial Gap Year”)

16 minutes

What do you do when the dream of home ownership feels impossible in a big city?

In this Start Here episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I respond to a young family of four, with a third baby on the way, who wrote in with this heartfelt question:

“We are desperate to buy a home but can’t seem to save while living in Sydney. Should we move to a regional area where housing is cheaper, living costs are lower, and my husband could earn a stronger base salary? Am I silly for even considering this?”

Here’s what we explore together:

💡 The reality of housing affordability — why saving for a deposit in major cities feels impossible for many families right now.
🌿 The concept of a ‘Financial Gap Year’ — how moving regionally for a few years can be a circuit-breaker for savings, cashflow, and lifestyle.
🏡 The benefits of moving regionally — lower housing costs, cheaper living, less stress, and a stronger sense of community.
⚠️ The challenges you need to consider — career trade-offs, access to schools, healthcare, social support, and whether the slower pace truly fits your family.
✍️ How to make the decision — practical questions to ask, how to crunch the numbers, and why it’s best to set clear savings goals and timelines before moving.
✨ The encouragement — you’re not silly, you’re strategic. Sometimes stepping sideways (or even back) is what allows you to leap forward financially.

The key takeaway? A move like this doesn’t have to be permanent. But whether it’s for 2 years or 20, a regional shift could transform your financial trajectory and give you the breathing space to create the life you really want.

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Reach out to me anytime on Instagram @SugarMammaTV so we can keep this important conversation alive.

📚 My Books

If you’re ready to deepen your financial knowledge, check out my books:

Best Seller:The $1000 Project
**Mindful Money](https://amzn.to/3RV0poc)
Motivated Money by Peter Thornhill(a huge inspiration for me): Read it here

(These are Amazon affiliate links to my own books.)

💡 Work With Me

Want more support on your financial journey? Here’s how we can work together:

The SugarMamma Budget & Cashflow Academy
Sick of living paycheque to paycheque or feeling overwhelmed by your money?
This course includes aone-on-one appointment with me so I can personally help you.
👉 Enrol here
Money Mindset & Manifestation Coaching
Join my program for ongoing support, clarity, and motivation. You’ll get direct access to me and a community of like-minded people ready to make powerful change.
👉Join here

🌟 Stay Connected & Inspired

Instagram:@SugarMammaTV — money, budgeting, cashflow & motivation
Instagram:@CannaCampbellofficial — lifestyle, capsule wardrobe fashion, motherhood
TikTok:@SugarMammaTV
YouTube:SugarMammaTV — over 500 bite-sized videos with more than 12 million views!
Website:SugarMammaTV.com
Don’t forget my other podcast:How Do They Afford That? 👉 Listen here

⚖️ General Advice Warning

While we discuss financial topics, everything shared here is general information only — never personal, product, or investment advice. Always:

Do your own research.
Weigh up the pros, cons, fees, caps, taxes, and risks.
Seek professional advice before making financial decisions.

📜 Financial Planning License Details

The information in this podcast does not take into account your personal circumstances, goals, or needs. Always read relevant Product Disclosure Statements before acquiring any financial product, and seek independent financial advice where appropriate.

Canna Campbell is an Authorised Representative and Financial Adviser of Links Licensee Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 700012 | ABN 97 678 975 589).

moving to a regional town Australia, housing affordability, financial gap year, family finances Australia, saving for a home deposit, Sydney housing costs, regional move pros and cons, SugarMamma Fireplay, Canna Campbell podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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By Canna Campbell SugarMammaTV

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