In this episode, host Barry sits down with long-term clients Daniel and Vicky Ryan to unpack their six-year journey from feeling stuck and under financial pressure to owning a new car, restructuring their debt and purchasing an investment property. What began as a desperate search for an $8,000 car loan turned into a complete rethink of how they manage money, set goals and make decisions for their family’s future.
They talk candidly about the stress of money, why people avoid talking about finances, how a poor experience with a bank shaped their views, and why working with an experienced broker who looks at the whole picture – not just a single loan – changed everything. The conversation also explores ongoing support, regular “check-ins” on their loans, and how better financial habits are now flowing through to their kids.
Key Discussion Points
Opening thoughts on brokers and “cowboys”
Barry reflects on how easy it is to become a broker, why inexperience scares him, and why people’s lives are literally on the line with financial decisions.
Barry welcomes long-term clients and now friends Daniel and Vicky Ryan, and frames the chat: why they chose SW Brokerage and how their perception of brokers has changed.
Rock-bottom moment and the $8,000 car loan
With three young kids, a car written off and no real financial strategy, Daniel and Vicky describe feeling like they “couldn’t go any lower” and how online bank portals only offered a tiny personal loan.
Breaking the silence: talking about money at school pick-up
Vicky shares how rare it was to find other parents who were honest about seeing someone for financial help, and how a recommendation led them to SW Brokerage.
First meeting: from $8k to a brand-new car
They recall bringing in the famous whiteboard, expecting just an $8,000 car loan, and leaving with a structure that allowed them to buy a brand-new car and rethink their approach.
Why they chose SW Brokerage over other brokers and banks
Daniel and Vicky explain unsuccessful attempts to talk to banks and other brokers, the importance of feeling heard, and how testimonials on the SW Brokerage website helped build trust before they’d even met Barry.
More than a single loan: goals, habits and a 10-year plan
The conversation turns to goal-setting, identifying bad spending habits and building a structured five- to ten-year financial plan – not just ticking a loan box.
When going straight to the bank goes wrong
They revisit the purchase of their home through a bank – and how no one asked about future children, long-term goals or the bigger picture, which later added financial strain.
The phone call that saved $150 a month
Vicky shares the surprise of getting a proactive call from SW Brokerage about a better deal, resulting in monthly savings – something that never happened with their bank.
Holding banks accountable and ongoing reviews
Barry explains how SW Brokerage regularly goes back to lenders to negotiate better pricing for clients, and why that ongoing service is core to their model.
The power of “just call us”
Daniel and Vicky describe the comfort of being able to pick up the phone about anything – car, renovation, investment, holiday – and know they’ll get straight, tailored advice.
Referral partners, SMSFs and debt recycling
They talk about working with trusted referral partners for SMSF investment property and other strategies, and how having a “financial team” matters more than any single product.
Education through newsletters and podcasts
Vicky loves the newsletter, Daniel prefers the podcast – together they show how ongoing education from SW Brokerage keeps them inspired and informed about next steps.
“The best brokerage”: summing up the experience
Put on the spot to describe SW Brokerage in three words, Daniel lands on “The best brokerage”, and they explore what that really means in practice.
Underestimating the value of an experienced guide
Vicky admits she underestimated how crucial it is to have an experienced broker coordinating a re-mortgage and SMSF at the same time – and how surprisingly stress-free it felt.
“What would Barry say?” – building decision-making confidence
They now use Barry as a mental check-in for every major financial decision. If he says “not today”, he also shows them what to do so it can happen in future.
Why chasing only the cheapest rate can cost you more
Barry and the Ryans discuss how big brands often flog interest rates without looking at long-term impact, and how focusing solely on “cheap” can mean missing much bigger opportunities.
Teaching the kids: pocket money, savings and the ASX
They share how their teenagers are now opening multiple accounts, learning about trading and thinking in five-year plans, thanks to the money conversations at home.
Final reflections and gratitude
The episode closes with mutual thanks: Barry appreciates having them as clients and friends, and Daniel and Vicky reflect on how far they’ve come in just six years.
About Our Guests – Daniel and Vicky Ryan
Daniel and Vicky Ryan are Brisbane-based parents of three and long-term clients of SW Brokerage. When they first reached out, they were juggling young kids, a written-off car and limited financial options. Six years later, they’ve not only replaced the car but restructured their debt, purchased an investment property and built a clear long-term plan for their family. They’re passionate about being honest about money, choosing advisers they genuinely trust and passing on better financial habits to their children.
Key Takeaways
Silence around money keeps people stuck.
It took courage for Vicky to admit to other mums that they were seeing a broker; once she did, she discovered many were in the same boat but afraid to talk.
A good broker looks at your whole story, not just one loan.
Instead of simply arranging an $8,000 car loan, Barry helped them restructure their finances, upgrade to a new car and set longer-term goals that led to an investment property.
Experience and trust matter more than a flashy headline rate.
Daniel and Vicky’s earlier experience with a bank left key questions unasked: future children, lifestyle goals and long-term plans. An experienced broker joined the dots across home, car, SMSF and investment.
The relationship doesn’t end at settlement.
SW Brokerage proactively reviews their loans, negotiates with banks and calls when there’s a better deal – saving them money without them having to chase it.
Having a financial team beats going it alone.
With referral partners for SMSFs, accountants and planners, the Ryans now have a coordinated team around them instead of disjointed advice.
Your money mindset flows to your kids.
Their teens are already opening separate accounts, saving for cars and tracking the ASX – proof that better financial conversations at home can change the next generation’s trajectory.
Links & Resources Mentioned
SW Brokerage – Your Partners in Finance
The team supporting Daniel and Vicky’s journey, providing mortgage and finance broking services across Queensland and beyond.
How to Choose the Best Mortgage Broker in Brisbane (SW Brokerage Blog)
An article outlining what to look for in a broker, aligning closely with Daniel and Vicky’s focus on trust, experience and long-term support.
Produced by The Podcast Boss
