Wanting to own a property is one thing. Knowing how to get there, without putting the rest of your life on hold, is another. I’m joined by Bella Allan, who is preparing to buy her first investment property. We talk openly about the questions behind that ambition: where to begin, whose advice to trust and what taking on a mortgage will mean for everyday life. What I appreciate about Bella is her willingness to ask, rather than pretend she already has it all worked out. It gives us a starting point for a conversation about money, expectations and finding a path that feels right for you.

We look beyond saving a deposit to consider the decisions that shape a purchase. I explain what a mortgage broker does, how we’re paid and why the bank you’ve always used may not be the right fit for your circumstances. Bella also shares what she is learning about the difference between a property she loves and an investment that supports her goals. From location and rental income to growth potential, we discuss looking beyond appearances, doing the research and allowing yourself time to make a considered decision.

For me, the heart of this conversation is what Bella wants to build beyond property: financial independence, personal security and choices about her future. She shares how separating her savings and putting her expenses into a budget has made her more aware of where her money goes. We also talk about setting realistic targets that leave room to enjoy life along the way. Whether you’re considering your first home, exploring an investment or working towards another financial goal, the question is not just what you want to achieve, but how to make the journey sustainable.

“I'm trying to enjoy the process and not rush into buying something that potentially, you know, may regret. and just because it looks perfect, you know, not the first property isn't always the best property.”

• Bella Allan

We cover:

• Bella Allan's journey toward buying her first home and investment property.
• Motivations for entering the property market, influenced by family and partner.
• Challenges faced in finding the right property and location.
• Importance of understanding deposit requirements and borrowing capacity.
• Strategies for balancing savings with lifestyle choices.
• The role of credit scores and personal debt in the mortgage application process.
• The significance of having a professional support team for first-time buyers.
• Insights on property investment, including rental yield and capital growth.
• The impact of market conditions on homeownership opportunities.
• Financial habits and budgeting strategies for achieving property ownership goals.

Bella Allan:

https://dfys.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/doneforyouservices_

https://web.facebook.com/p/Done-For-You-Services

[email protected]

+61 405 855 582

Connect With Tracy:

https://www.instagram.com/tracykearey

https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-kearey/

https://www.facebook.com/TracyKeareyMAB/

Property management is often misunderstood as simply collecting rent, when the real work is happening behind the scenes – protecting an asset, managing risk, navigating legislation, coordinating maintenance and balancing the needs of owners and tenants. I sat down with Christine Houliston, an experienced property management professional with a strong focus on personalised service and her local Redlands community. What stood out to me was her commitment to quality over quantity, deliberately keeping her portfolio manageable so communication, care and oversight never become compromised.

There’s a real strategic value in proactive property management. From selecting the right tenant and conducting regular inspections to addressing maintenance before small issues become expensive ones, Christine shares why good management is ultimately about protecting the long-term performance of the investment. We also explore the growing complexity of legislation, the expectations created by faster technology, and why human communication still matters enormously when difficult conversations arise. Her approach is refreshingly simple: be honest, transparent and empathetic, understand the problem early, and work towards a practical solution before it becomes a crisis.

For property management professionals, there’s an important reminder here about the value of the work you do that clients may never see. Owners are entrusting you with what may be one of their largest assets, while tenants are trusting you with the place they call home. Managing that responsibility well takes experience, judgement, responsiveness and strong relationships – not just efficient systems. Christine’s perspective reinforces something I strongly believe across property and finance: technology can support great service, but it’s the people, communication and care behind it that ultimately build trust.

“My wealth and success is in having a good family life, you know, good relationships with family. Everybody's happy, and that means a lot, you know, can mean a lot more than monetary wealth.”

Christine Houliston

We cover:

• Misconceptions about the role of property managers beyond just rent collection.
• The importance of honesty, transparency, and empathy in tenant relations.
• The necessity of good communication and staying informed about changing legislation.
• Strategies for finding the right tenants and the advantages of longer lease terms.
• The challenges faced by property owners who manage their properties themselves.
• The value of professional property management in protecting investments and reducing stress.
• The significance of local engagement and community ties in property management.
• The evolving perception of property management as a specialized field requiring experience and training.
• Key qualities to look for in a property manager for successful investment outcomes.
• The proactive approach to maintenance as a means to protect property value.

Christine Houliston:

https://www.realestate.com.au/agent/christine-houliston-3527384

https://www.instagram.com/baysiderentalss/

https://thehoolyteam.com.au/about/meet-the-team/christine-houliston/

Connect With Tracy:

https://www.instagram.com/tracykearey

https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-kearey/

https://www.facebook.com/TracyKeareyMAB/

Money conversations are rarely just about the numbers. The way we earn, spend, save and invest is often shaped by beliefs we’ve carried for years–sometimes without even realising they’re influencing our decisions. I’m joined by performance counsellor and coach Zoe Slater, who helps people explore the deeper psychology behind their choices, confidence and relationship with money. We unpack how childhood experiences, family dynamics and our sense of self-worth can quietly shape everything from buying property to building wealth and backing ourselves financially.

For mortgage and finance brokers, understanding this emotional layer of money matters. A client may have the borrowing capacity, the strategy and a clear pathway forward, yet still hesitate when it comes time to make a decision. That hesitation isn’t always about the deal–it can come from fear, past experiences, limiting beliefs or simply not feeling financially confident. Zoe shares why financial literacy and financial confidence are two very different things, and why creating space for honest conversations can help people move from avoidance and overwhelm towards clearer, more intentional decisions.

What really stands out is the importance of taking responsibility for the financial story we want to create from here. We explore the value of surrounding yourself with trusted advisers, building deliberate rituals around money, recognising when other people’s fears are influencing your choices, and learning to back yourself without ignoring sound advice. Whether you’re guiding clients through major financial decisions or reflecting on your own relationship with money, it’s a thoughtful reminder that sustainable wealth isn’t only about what sits in the bank–it’s also about confidence, self-awareness and having the courage to make choices that support the future you actually want.

“People who respect themselves respect their money.”

-Zoe Slater

We cover:

• Exploration of money psychology and its emotional aspects.
• Impact of childhood experiences on financial behaviors and beliefs.
• Differences between money coaching and traditional financial advising.
• The role of self-confidence in financial decision-making.
• Influence of early messages about money on adult spending habits.
• Challenges couples face when coming from different financial backgrounds.
• Importance of open communication about finances in relationships.
• Strategies for overcoming financial overwhelm and building self-trust.
• Distinction between financial literacy and financial confidence.
• Gender differences in attitudes towards money and financial empowerment.

Connect with Zoe Slater:

https://freedomchoiceacademy.com/home

https://www.instagram.com/freedomchoiceacademy

https://www.facebook.com/freedomchoiceacademy

Connect With Tracy:

https://www.instagram.com/tracykearey

https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-kearey/

https://www.facebook.com/TracyKeareyMAB/

Building wealth is one thing, but protecting your ability to keep building it is where a thoughtful financial strategy really earns its place. I’m joined by Maria Snegovaya, an experienced financial planner who helps people build long-term wealth while protecting themselves and their families along the way. We unpack why financial planning is about far more than investments, and why getting advice earlier–particularly around major decisions like buying property, changing careers, starting a family or growing a business–can help create a much stronger foundation for the future.

For those of us working in property management, mortgage and finance broking, this conversation is an important reminder that property is only one piece of a much bigger financial picture. Maria shares practical insights around superannuation, personal insurance, income protection, cash flow and diversified wealth strategies, including why your ability to earn an income may actually be one of your most valuable assets. We also explore the value of having your broker, accountant and financial adviser working together, so financial decisions aren’t being made in isolation but as part of a clear, cohesive strategy.

What really stands out is the importance of knowing what you’re working towards before getting distracted by the latest investment trend, headline or shiny opportunity. Wealth creation isn’t about copying somebody else’s strategy; it’s about making considered decisions that support your goals, reviewing those decisions as life changes, and giving time and consistency the opportunity to do their job. Whether you’re building a portfolio, helping clients make significant financial decisions or thinking more seriously about your own future, there’s plenty here to encourage a more strategic approach to creating not just wealth, but genuine financial choice.

“A lot of Australians don't realise that their biggest asset isn't actually their home or portfolio, it's actually their ability to earn an income to then pay for that home.”

• Maria Snegovaya

We cover:

• Importance of financial planning beyond just investing
• Income protection insurance and its significance
• Life insurance and total and permanent disablement (TPD) cover
• Superannuation strategies and consolidation of funds
• Common misconceptions about financial planners
• Timing for seeking financial advice during major life events
• Benefits of a diversified investment strategy
• Importance of regular financial plan reviews
• Role of a coordinated team in financial planning (e.g., mortgage broker, accountant)
• Strategies for transitioning into retirement and accessing superannuation

Connect with Maria Snegovaya:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-snegovaya-b8a583163/

https://www.instagram.com/smartmoney.maria/

Connect With Tracy:

https://www.instagram.com/tracykearey

https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-kearey/

https://www.facebook.com/TracyKeareyMAB/

Buying property is exciting, but the decisions made before a contract is signed can have lasting financial consequences. I'm joined by Chris Andary from McBride Legal, an experienced property and commercial lawyer who helps buyers and sellers navigate property transactions with greater clarity and confidence. Their conversation explores why having the right legal advice early matters, particularly when it comes to contract conditions, finance, building and pest inspections, due diligence and understanding exactly what you’re committing to before going unconditional.

For property professionals, there’s an important reminder here about the value of a connected advisory team. Chris explains how lawyers, conveyancers, mortgage brokers and agents each play a different role, but the strongest outcomes often come when those professionals communicate early and work together around the client. From first-home buyers who need more guidance through the process to investors navigating corporate records, ownership structures and contract negotiations, clear communication can reduce unnecessary pressure, uncover risks and help clients make decisions based on facts rather than emotion.

The broader lesson is simple: confidence comes from preparation and knowledge. Chris shares practical insights into contract negotiations, deposits, settlement challenges, family guarantees, seller disclosure obligations and the importance of keeping the right conditions available when circumstances change. For property management and real estate professionals, it’s a valuable perspective on what happens around the transaction–and why encouraging clients to build their professional team before they need it can make one of life’s biggest financial decisions far easier to navigate.

“People, when they’re in that emotional state, can make decisions based on emotion.”

– Chris Andary

We cover:

• Legal and financial aspects of property transactions in Australia
• Importance of contract review before signing
• Conditions in contracts (finance approval, inspections) and their significance
• Differences between using a lawyer and a conveyancer
• Risks associated with unconditional contracts
• Considerations for buying apartments and understanding body corporates
• Guidance for first home buyers and investors
• Negotiation strategies for contract terms
• Common mistakes in property contracts and their implications
• Importance of assembling a coordinated property buying team

Connect with Chris Andary:

https://www.mcbridelegal.com.au/our-team#chris-andary

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-a-65945791/

Connect With Tracy:

https://www.instagram.com/tracykearey

https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com.au/brokers/brisbane/meet-the-team/tracy-kearey/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-kearey/

https://www.facebook.com/TracyKeareyMAB/