Category: Money Tips
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Planning to buy your first home next financial year?
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first home buyer, First Home Buyer Checklist Australia, first home buyer end of financial year , first home buyer savings tips 2026, first home buyer schemes, First Home Super Saver Scheme, Grants and subsidies, Home buying, How to buy your first home, how to prepare to buy a home Australia, mortgage broker Australia, what taxes you need to pay when buying a homeHere’s what you need to be doing now. The new financial year is around the corner. And if you’re planning to buy your first home in the next 12 months, the window between now and 1 July may be one of the most important periods in your entire home buying journey. Not because there’s a deadline you’ll miss if you don’t act. But, because the decisions you make now around your…
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The hidden cost of sitting on cash: what women saving for a home need to know
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Many of us grew up hearing the same message about money. Save what you earn. Be careful. Avoid risk. For women especially, saving was often the only financial lesson we were taught. Saving feels safe. Your balance grows. You can see it. You can touch it. It is there when you need it. But if…
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Why owning your own home matters more than ever
Searches for “financial independence for women Australia”, “how to buy a first home alone”, and “how to leave a controlling relationship financially” have been rising steadily. And it is not hard to understand why. Recent cultural conversations, including Louis Theroux’s documentary Inside the Manosphere, have brought renewed attention to online spaces where misogynistic ideas about…
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Buying your first home after 40 in Australia: Why more women are entering the property market later
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Buying your first home used to feel like something most Australians would achieve in their twenties or early thirties. Today, that is no longer the reality for many people. At Penny, we’re speaking with more women buying their first home after 40, not because they have “failed financially”, but because the path to home ownership…
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How to survive Black Friday, Christmas and the summer sales when you’re saving for your first home
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We’re heading into the most tempting shopping season of the year. It kicks off with Black Friday, followed by Cyber Monday, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year deals and the end-of-season sales. It is one continuous sale fuelled by countdown timers, limited-time offers and serious FOMO. If you’re saving for a home deposit, this time of…
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Strategies young Australians are using to get into the property market
Despite rising prices, strong competition and limited supply, not all young Australians have given up on their homeownership dreams (and honestly, why should they?). The market is a lot tougher to crack than it was for previous generations, but with the right strategy, flexibility and support, many Gen Z and Millennial buyers are still making…
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It’s not about free food. It’s about financial security
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A survey making headlines recently claimed that nearly 1 in 3 Gen Z singles have gone on a date just for the free meal. At first glance, it’s an easy headline to scoff at or judge. But beneath the clickbait is a story about money, gender, and power that deserves a much closer look. According…
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Taking a financial gap year
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A strategic pause for long-term gain In a culture that glorifies speed and hustle, slowing down can feel radical or even counterintuitive. But for many Australians, a “financial gap “year isn’t about quitting or escaping. It’s about creating breathing space, cutting costs, and resetting for a stronger future. By temporarily relocating to a more affordable area,…
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When property listings lie: how to avoid the pitfalls of underquoting and misleading price guides
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You see the listing. $750,000. You feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this time. Maybe this one. Then it sells for $951,000. Welcome to the “Mirage Economy”, where price guides are bait, auctions are a blood sport, and disappointment is all too common. Why lowball price tags hurt more than your wallet It’s not just…
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What no one tells you about your first pay rise
You did it!! You asked for a pay rise, you negotiated, or maybe you were finally recognised for the value you’ve been delivering quietly for months (or years). Either way, your pay just went up. Cue the confetti, right? But here’s the thing no one really talks about; sometimes, that first pay rise doesn’t feel…
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Share the knowledge with Priya Sood
Supporting women with clarity, care, and confidence Buying your first home is more than just securing a loan it’s about building stability, confidence, and a life that reflects your values. But for many first-time buyers, the journey can be overwhelming, especially in a space that hasn’t always put women’s needs first. As part of Penny’s…
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Share the knowledge: meet Helena Wang
Empowering women with expert home loan guidance At Penny, we believe that when knowledge is shared, confidence follows. That’s why we’ve partnered with outsource Financial, connecting you with brokers like Helena Wang – experts in their field and aligned with our mission to make home buying more transparent, inclusive, and empowering. Meet Helena Wang With…
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Share the knowledge with Mia van Baar
Building financial confidence through strategy, clarity, and connection At Penny, we believe that when knowledge is shared, confidence follows. Through our partnership with outsource Financial, we’re excited to feature mortgage brokers like Mia van Baar: strategic leaders who are changing the way women approach lending, wealth, and financial empowerment. From service to strategy: Mia’s journey…
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From kiss cam to wake-up call
What every woman should know about protecting herself financially You’ve probably seen that Coldplay concert clip, the one where a couple was caught kissing on the big screen. At first, it seemed like a sweet moment. Then the internet erupted when viewers realised the camera-shy lovers had something to hide. The memes came quickly. So…
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Is owning a home for you? Perhaps it’s time to rethink what’s possible
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Owning a home is a dream for many Australians, but let’s be real—it can feel impossible. Between rising property prices, confusing mortgage terms, and uncertainty about where to start, it’s no wonder so many women feel like home ownership is out of reach. One of our Penny team members once felt the same way—convinced buying…
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Take control of your home buying journey with Penny
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Buying a home is exciting—but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming. How much can you borrow? What will it actually cost? Can you afford it on your own, or should you buy with someone else? Too many women feel stuck, unsure where to start or who to trust. That’s where Penny comes in. …
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Turning challenges into change: Why I started Penny
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I’m often asked, “Why Penny?” The truth is; there’s isn’t a single answer. It’s a combination of personal experience and countless conversations revealing a frustrating reality: too many women lack financial confidence, especially when facing big decisions like buying your first home and investing toward wealth building. Over the years, I’ve noticed some recurring challenges…
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Big Changes in HECS-HELP and Interest Rates
What It Means for Women Buying Their First Home It’s been a big few weeks for aspiring homeowners in Australia. First, the government and major banks announced a review into how HECS-HELP debts affect young graduates’ ability to secure a home loan. Then, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates by 0.25%. But…
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Is Valentine’s Day Cancelled?
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What the ‘Relationship Recession’ Means for Women’s Financial Independence Valentine’s Day is here—but in 2025, fewer people are celebrating with a partner. We’re in what some are calling a “relationship recession,” with fewer young people dating and marriage rates steadily declining. Take Australia, for example. Over the past 25 years, marriage rates have dropped by…
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How to handle Buy Now – Pay Later, like a pro
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How to manage the tempting Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) ads that pop up while shopping online.