Money with Alpha

This one's a bit of a pep talk, and honestly, it's one I needed for myself too. This year has thrown a lot of people off, and if you've been feeling like things are just harder than they should be right now, this episode is for you. I'm sharing 5 things that help me when life (or money stuff) feels overwhelming, and they work whether you're dealing with a to-do list that won't quit or trying to get your head around your finances. Because here's the truth: you can do hard things. You just need a bit of structure to prove it to yourself. In this episode I cover: Write it down. Get it out of your head and onto a list before your brain loses it. Schedule time for strategic thinking separately from tactical planning. They use different brain cells. Don't look at the big picture too often. Set the strategy, trust it, and let it run. Do one thing at a time. Complete it. Then move to the next. Keep going. Consistent micro steps beat one big leap every single time. Mentioned in this episode: Financial Future Review: a 90-minute targeted session to get clear on where you are, where you're going, and what to do next: https://www.moneymadesimple.com.au/review

So much of the anxiety we feel around money doesn't come from a lack of income, it comes from a lack of clarity. In this practical and grounding episode of Money with Alpha, Alpha walks you through a simple but powerful exercise to help you identify your retirement number. Not to overwhelm you, but to give you something solid to aim for. If the future feels like a big black hole… If you're doing "all the right things" but still feel unsure… If money feels like one more thing you don't have the mental space to deal with… This episode is for you. Alpha breaks down: Why uncertainty fuels money anxiety How having a number changes your present-day decisions A simple, step-by-step way to calculate your retirement target How to assess your current net worth (without judgment) What to do once you see the gap, and why it's not as scary as it sounds The small, realistic money levers that actually move the needle Why momentum matters more than perfection This isn't about scrimping, sacrificing, or living a joyless life now for a future that may never come. It's about clarity, intention, and balance, so you can enjoy your life now and later. 🎧 You may want a pen and paper for this one or listen once, then come back to it. 🔗 Join the waitlist for Alpha's upcoming app (designed to make all of this easier): 👉 www.money-madesimple.com.au

Investing can feel like a black hole: confusing, intimidating, and risky, especially when you've worked hard for every dollar you've earned. In this episode of Money with Alpha, I share my real, lived investing journey. Not from a financial markets background, but as someone who had to figure it out step by step. I walk you through: The difference between income returns and capital growth (and why this matters more than most people realise) How to understand your risk profile beyond generic questionnaires What diversification actually means (and what it definitely isn't) How I structure my own portfolio, including defensive vs growth assets Why I invest in ETFs and micro-investing Why "time in the market" always outperforms "timing the market" How consistent, boring investing quietly builds wealth over time. This episode is about taking the fear out of investing, simplifying your decisions, and helping you feel more confident taking action, even if you're starting small. 🎧 Listen now and discover why investing doesn't have to feel like gambling.

Big New Year's resolutions often lead to big overwhelm, and very little follow-through. In this episode, Alpha explores why micro-changes are the real key to sustainable financial growth and confidence. Rather than focusing on drastic transformations, Alpha invites you to look at the small shifts in awareness, habits, language, and identity that quietly create powerful momentum over time. In This Episode, We Cover: Why New Year's money resolutions often fail The role of identity in financial behaviour How beliefs, stories, and language shape your money habits The difference between intentional money management and avoidance Why micro-investing and small automations are so powerful How to create CEO-level clarity without micromanaging your finances Simple micro-actions you can implement immediately This episode is perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by money, short on time, or stuck in cycles of avoidance, and is ready for a gentler, smarter way forward. 🎧 Tune in and start building momentum through micro-changes.

In this episode of Money with Alpha, Alpha sits down with financial advisor Dylon Mackriel, founder of DreamWise Financial Services, to unpack what financial planning actually involves — beyond the jargon, beyond the misconceptions, and beyond the old-school commission-driven model many people still fear. Dylon shares his personal journey from South Africa to Australia, shifting from accounting into financial planning, and why the emotional side of money plays such a huge role in his work. You'll hear: ✨ In this episode, we explore: Why everyone earning an income can benefit from financial advice What financial planners do beyond investing How superannuation, insurance, and retirement strategies really work The truth about self-managed super funds (SMSFs) — who they're for and who they're not ETFs vs direct shares vs SMAs (and why diversification is essential) How to choose the right advisor, and why education is a non-negotiable part of quality advice The emotional and behavioural side of money Dylon's personal money story, including growing up with limited resources and how that shaped his mission This is an empowering conversation that helps remove the mystery from financial planning — so you can make smarter decisions, feel more confident, and understand the mechanics behind wealth-building… at any age. Connect with Dylon: DreamWise Financial Services – DreamWise Financial Services Dylon Mackriel | LinkedIn