Uncensored Money

Nobody in finance talks about this. How trauma responses — freeze, flight, fight, fawn — show up in your financial decisions. And what they're actually costing you. In this episode I share something personal: I have PTSD from experiences in my teenage years. And for a long time I didn't connect that to my finances. Looking back — it was there in everything. This episode covers: — What a trauma response actually is (and why it's not what most people think) — How freeze, flight, fight and fawn show up specifically in financial behaviour — The fawn response — the one that costs women the most and gets talked about the least — Three practical financial steps to take alongside therapy — Why you cannot separate your nervous system from your bank account If you're working through difficult experiences, please reach out to a qualified therapist. — General Advice Warning: This podcast contains general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, objectives or needs. Mel Browne Money Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd (AFSL: 563 907). Please consider whether the information is appropriate for you, and speak to a licensed financial adviser, accountant or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook or Instagram @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

Content warning: This episode discusses financial abuse, coercive control, and intimate partner violence. Support services are listed at the end of these notes, including 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If anything in this episode is distressing, please reach out. In New South Wales, on 1 July 2024, coercive control became a criminal offence in intimate partner relationships. Queensland followed in May 2025. In 2026, the federal family law reform formally recognised financial abuse for the first time in Australian history. Which means a lot of the behaviours we've spent decades calling "a controlling marriage" or "he's just careful with money" are now, in a pattern — illegal. In this episode, Mel and Lawsie walk through the six signs of financial coercive control. Some you'll recognise. Some you'll have lived through and never had a word for. All of them are named in the legislation, the BOCSAR research, or both. The six signs covered The six signs of financial coercive control: 1. A lack of control over your own income — or a strict, often small, allowance that is tracked 2. Sabotaging your career or education to keep you financially reliant 3. Surveillance of every dollar you spend — big or small 4. Pressuring or tricking you into signing for loans and credit in your name 5. His money pays for him; your money pays for the kids, the groceries, and the essentials 6. Keeping you in the dark about household finances, debt, and investments Plus: Mel reclaims the term sexually transmitted debt: and explains why it's never been more relevant. Including the three things every Australian woman needs in her own name, no matter her relationship status. Save this episode, send it to a woman in your life, and we'll see you next week. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Links mentioned in the episode are below https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/what-the-finance/sexually-transmitted-debt/ 1800RESPECTNational sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 24/7, free, confidential. 1800 737 732 1800respect.org.au National Debt HelplineFree, independent financial counsellors. Specialists in financial abuse. 1800 007 007 ndh.org.au Centre for Women's Economic SafetyNational charity focused on economic abuse. Runs free Money Clinics — one-on-one sessions with a trauma-informed female financial counsellor. Bookable online from anywhere in Australia. cwes.org.au · financialsafety.org.au Lifeline24/7 crisis support. 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au Your bank's DV teamEvery major Australian bank has a specialist domestic and family violence assistance team. Call your bank's main customer service line and ask to be referred — they will help with account separation, hardship arrangements, and credit reporting. Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

Last night's Federal Budget made a splash — but did it go far enough? In this episode, Mel gives you her unfiltered take on the 2026/27 Budget and walks you through exactly what's changing, who's affected, and what (if anything) you actually need to do about it. No political spin. No media clickbait. Just plain-English answers from someone who's spent 25 years in accounting and financial education. In this episode, Mel covers: Her honest take on the Budget — and why she thinks Labor stumbled on the biggest reform opportunity The Working Australians Tax Offset and the lifted $1,000 receipt-free deduction threshold Negative gearing changes for established properties — who's affected, who isn't, and the critical timeline The new build exemption and why Mel has thoughts Capital Gains Tax explained through Maxine's story — a worked example showing how the 50% discount, indexation, and the new minimum 30% tax rule all fit together What happens to pre-1985 assets (this one matters for older investors) The crackdown on discretionary trusts and income splitting Small business wins — including the permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off and loss carry-back rules The NDIS overhaul and what it means for 160,000 Australians Support changes for young people at risk of homelessness Mel's action list — five things to actually do with this information This podcast contains general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, objectives or needs. Please speak to a licensed financial adviser, accountant, or tax professional before making any financial decisions based on the content of this episode. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

If you're in your 50s and thinking it might be "too late" to change your financial future, this episode is for you. In this Gen X edition of the series, Mel shares what she would do differently if she was turning 50 again when it comes to money, investing and financial independence. Because while time matters, strategy matters more. Too many women in their 50s are focused solely on paying off the mortgage, assuming investing is over, or avoiding the uncomfortable question of "how much do I actually need?" This episode is about replacing wishful thinking with clarity and making the next decade financially powerful. We cover why your home is an asset but not necessarily a retirement plan, why knowing your "number" matters more than ever, and how to find more cash without working yourself into the ground. If you're Gen X, consider this your financial pep talk. Because we've adapted before and we can absolutely do it again. In This Episode, We Discuss • Why focusing only on paying off the mortgage can limit your retirement strategy • The difference between assets and investments • Why knowing your retirement "number" matters in your 50s • How to find more cash and create more financial choice • Why investing is not "over" just because you're in your 50s • Using superannuation and investing strategically in this stage of life • Rethinking housing options including downsizing, rentvesting or alternative living arrangements • Why financial literacy becomes even more important for women as we age For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Links mentioned in the episode are below My Financial Adulting Plan can be found at melissabrowne.com.au/financialadulting Find $10K in 12 Months Freebie can be found at melissabrowne.com.au/find$10kin12months Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

Turning 40 isn't a crisis. It's clarity. In this episode, Mel and LL unpack what they'd do differently financially if they were entering their 40s again. From investing myths to hormone health, divorce realities and reinvention. Because here's the truth: Your 40s aren't too late. They're often where confidence, income and courage finally align. We cover: • Why women (but not men) think they've "left it too late" to start investing • How $500 per month invested for 30 years could approach $1 million • Why investing doesn't have to be complicated (yes, even one broad-based ETF can be enough) • The mortgage obsession trap and why paying it off first doesn't always "math" • The real overspending stats behind Buy Now Pay Later (+54%) and credit cards (+18%) • The $17 billion impact of perimenopause and menopause on Australian women's earnings and super • Brain fog, automation and protecting your financial decision-making during hormonal transitions • Why your 40s are peak divorce years and how to protect your financial independence • Why 40 is not "too old" to start something bold (and the women who prove it) This episode isn't about panic. It's about power. If you're in your 40s this isn't a warning. It's an invitation. You still have time. But only if you start For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Links mentioned in the episode are below: The 10k in 12 months link: melissabrowne.com.au/find$10kin12months Investing in shares masterclass link: melissabrowne.com.au/shares Dare to be Wealthy: melissabrowne.com.au/books If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe, share with a friend and leave a review!

If you could rewind to your 20s… would you actually change anything? In this episode, we're not doing regret, we're doing perspective. Because your 20s aren't about earning the most money. They're about owning the most valuable asset you'll ever have: time. And whether you're currently 25, 45 or 55, understanding what a "time millionaire" is might completely change how you think about your finances today. Mel and Lawsie unpack the money moves that matter early (and the ones that quietly derail women for decades): – why bad debt steals your future without you noticing – how a few inconvenient years can transform your entire financial trajectory – the shocking long-term power of tiny, consistent investing – the financial truth behind relationships and wealth – and why confidence, not perfection, is the real goal of your 20s This episode isn't really about your 20s. It's about realising you're not as behind as you think and what to do next, no matter your age. You're richer than you think For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Links mentioned in the episode are below My Financial Adulting Plan can be found at melissabrowne.com.au/financialadulting Find $10K in 12 Months Freebie can be found at melissabrowne.com.au/find$10kin12months Share Investing Masterclass can be found at melissabrowne.com.au/shares Dare to be Wealthy can be found at melissabrowne.com.au/books Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

This season we're diving into the hot topics and issues that we think you need to know about when it comes to your money. This episode is the third in our miniseries where we're talking about the big impact a decade can really have on your finances. We started off by looking at financially where you're at now and then dove deeper into what that looks like, as well as where you'd like to go. In this episode, we continue with this, and Mel talks about challenging what you're working with. Lifestyle creep is something that all of us can fall victim to, as our expenses rise with our income. And as small an impact as you might think it's making, the reality is over time it's adding up. In this episode, Mel offers strategies to manage that lifestyle creep, exploring ways you could potentially increase your income to help you maximise your financial potential over the next decade. If you're stuck wishing you had just a little bit more in your account each pay but have no clue how to make that happen, this is the episode to tune into to make things finally change. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. My Financial Adulting Plan is here 25 Ways to find $10K in 12 months is here Her Wealth, Her Way Conference is here Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

This season we're diving into the hot topics and issues that we think you need to know about when it comes to your money. Today we're talking about the big impact a decade can really have on your finances. Starting off, Mel asks the question, how old you'll be in 10 years time. For some of you it's a number you're itching to get to, while for others that number can be confronting. Society today is all about living in the moment, it's built on ageism, valuing youth and beauty and as a result for so many women, looking ahead can be daunting at best, and frightening at worst. While we can't impact how you feel about that age physically, we can help you financially and emotionally, by helping you understand the big impact you can have on your finances in just a decade. So, if you're thinking of that age you'll be and feeling a little nervous for her, this is the episode for you to tune into. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. My Financial Adulting Plan is here Mel's Money Quiz is here Her Wealth, Her Way Conference is here Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

This season we're diving into the hot topics and issues that we think you need to know about when it comes to your money. Today we're talking money and hormones. While we've talked in previous episodes about perimenopause, menopause and money - today we're diving into money and hormones, for those still menstruating. It's about leaning into what we as women already know. We behave and feel differently during different parts of our menstrual cycle. Knowing this, understanding how different stages can impact your behaviour and how you might best set your self up for success. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. My Financial Adulting Plan is here Listen to my episode talking about Money and Hormones with Dr Ginni Mansberg here. Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

This season we're diving into the hot topics and issues that we think you need to know about when it comes to your money. Today, Mel is talking about what is normal financially. Am I doing okay? It's a question one of Mel's friends asked her recently, and it's one she hears a lot. What they're asking when they say that is: How am I compared to other women my age How am I compared to how I want to live Todays episode looks at that question more in depth, diving into what is financially normal anyway. If you've ever wondered how you compare, tune in for the episode that answers just that. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. My Financial Adulting Plan is here Share Investing Masterclass is here 25+ ways to find $10K in 1 months is here Super Catch Up Calculator is here Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

It's a new season and we're talking about your Financial Second Act and whatever form that may come in. Today, Mel talks about some of the scary headlines that have been appearing when it comes to share investing and money generally. From the R word – recession – in US markets, to crashes in the US market, global markets, and even in Australian markets, the headlines appearing are far from reassuring. In this solo episode, Mel talks about what she thinks you should be doing, and most importantly what you shouldn't be doing. And maybe even how to turn down that noise a little so that you can keep investing, or start investing with confidence. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. The link for the My Financial Adulting Plan is here: https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/financialadulting The link for our Share Investing Masterclass is here: https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/shares Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

It's a new season and we're heading back to the basics to help you reduce your financial overwhelm and start (or keep) doing money better. This week Mel and Lawsie talk everything business, side hustle, and hobby related. Starting a business, side hustle, or paying hobby is easier than ever, but if you're going to do it, you may as well be as successful and profitable as you can while you do. In this episode they'll share things they've seen business owners do badly (so you can dodge those same mistakes), top tips, and the things that they've seen business owners do successfully that you should absolutely implement. Whether you're firmly unemployable like Mel (AKA a business queen), or forever and always an employee like Lawsie, this is the episode to learn all things business, and more. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Books and resources mentioned in this episode My Financial Adulting Plan Mel's Money Lesson: Double My Business Mel's Money Lesson: Pricing Psychology Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

It's a new season and we're heading back to the basics to help you reduce your financial overwhelm and start (or keep) doing money better. Today Mel and Lawsie dive into all things property and home ownership in 2025. We know that so many people don't feel like they're really 'adulting' until they own their own home. Today, we're calling BS on that, sharing why that's simply not true. But, for those of you who do have buying a property (whether its a home, or investment), here's a few tips and tricks to make sure you're being financially smart with what you're doing. From their own experiences, to interest rate predictions, and some of the best financial property tips, if climbing the property ladder interests you, this is the episode you'll want to tune into. For more tips and resources, visit us at melissabrowne.com.au, on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok @MelBrowne.Money or send us an email at hello@melissabrowne.com.au. Books and resources mentioned in this episode My Financial Adulting Plan Mel's Money Lesson: Buying and Investing in Property Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.