Money with Alpha

In this episode of Money with Alpha, we're talking about the silent tug-of-war so many women live in every day: managing immediate financial pressures while completely avoiding long-term wealth building. Payroll. School fees. Groceries. Mortgage. Clients. Staff. The next invoice. The end of the month. When you're juggling so much in the "now," thinking about retirement, investing, or wealth can feel overwhelming, unrealistic, or even impossible. But, avoiding it doesn't make it disappear. In this episode, Alpha shares: Why the "I'll deal with it later" mindset is quietly costing you time and money Why wealth is not about earning more, it's about starting and working with what you have now Different investing pathways (property, ETFs, shares, superannuation), and how to choose what suits your personality, age and risk profile Why clarity and knowledge reduces overwhelm instantly How small, incremental actions shift your financial future dramatically The emotional patterns of hoarding vs spending, and how to find balance Why money gives you one powerful thing above all else: choice How the Money Pie Framework connects your day-to-day cashflow with long-term wealth If you've been telling yourself: "I don't have time." "I don't earn enough." "It's too complicated." "It's too late for me." This episode is your gentle wake-up call. Because you are not behind. You are not incapable. You are not bad with money. You've just been stuck in survival mode. And it's time to shift.

Wealth. It's a word that can trigger excitement… or a full-body freeze. In this episode of Money with Alpha, I'm unpacking why wealth is absolutely available to you, even if: No one in your family has ever been wealthy You think you're "bad with money" You believe you don't earn enough to invest You feel like managing money is complex, time-consuming, or overwhelming I'm breaking this down into seven key areas that shift you from doubt and avoidance into clarity, confidence and momentum. In This Episode We Cover: Identity & Beliefs The stories you've absorbed about who you are, "I'm not good with money," "I make bad decisions," "We're not wealthy people", and how those beliefs quietly shape your financial results. Habits & Stories How beliefs create habits (late payments, minimum repayments, avoiding investing) and how those habits reinforce the same old story. Defining Wealth Wealth doesn't have to mean private jets and millions in the bank. For many women, wealth is about choice. What does it mean for you? Purpose Why building wealth just for "more money" rarely works, and how aligning it to your values changes everything. Confidence Confidence isn't something you wait for. It's built through small, consistent action. Calm (Hint: Automation) How systems and automation remove the mental load and create physiological calm around money. Momentum Why momentum, not perfection, is what accelerates wealth. This episode is your invitation to stop outsourcing your financial power and start building wealth in a way that feels aligned, calm and possible. You can do this. Now it's time to believe that you can.

In this 200th episode of Money with Alpha, I take you behind the scenes of building my new financial app, and the unexpectedly powerful parallels it revealed about women and money. I am not a tech person. In fact, I've been on one of the steepest learning curves of my life, navigating tech stacks, hosting regions, API keys, compliance requirements, and software integrations. There were days when my head felt like it might explode. And then it hit me: This is exactly how many women feel about money. Not incapable. Not unintelligent. Just unfamiliar with the language, systems, and tools. In this episode, I unpack the five biggest hurdles I've encountered while building the app, and how they mirror the common blocks women face when managing money: Language – Jargon creates overwhelm. Knowledge gaps – Not knowing where to start. Cost (visible and invisible) – The price of action vs. the price of inaction. The Build – Creating visibility and systems. The Tech/Tools – Finding the right tool changes everything. You'll hear why: You don't need to be a "numbers person" to build wealth. Investing doesn't have to be complicated (hello ETFs and micro-investing). The real cost is often doing nothing. The right tool can fast-track your confidence and clarity. You are not behind, you're simply on a learning curve. This episode is about empowerment. If I can build a tech app from scratch with zero background, you can absolutely learn to manage and grow your money. You might not be there yet, but you are getting there. 🎧 Listen now 📌 Join the waitlist for the upcoming app at www.money-madesimple.com.au

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 

There is a lot of focus and information on "money mindset", and while that is important, it misses how your body responds to money.  This applies to what you currently have or don't have, and where you want to be (which is often an arbitrary "I want more money").   Before you can have more, your body needs to recognise and feel that it's safe to have more, and that's where your nervous system comes into it. In this episode of Money with Alpha, Alpha explores the powerful (and often overlooked) relationship between your nervous system and your financial capacity. Drawing on her own journey, including personal growth, and years of working with women around money, Alpha unpacks why sudden financial growth can feel unsafe, why incremental change matters, and why success can feel more threatening than failure. This episode is for you if you: Feel like you want more money, but struggle to hold onto it Notice self-sabotage when things start going well Feel conflicted between wanting more and judging yourself for it Know you need both practical money systems and emotional safety In this episode, we explore: Why success (not failure) often disregulates the nervous system The difference between safety and security with money Why lottery winners often lose everything Money as energy: inflow, outflow, and intentional circulation How confidence is built through small, consistent actions Why self-judgment is more damaging than external judgment How clarity, visibility, and flexibility support financial growth Alpha invites you to reflect on where you are right now: safety, security, energy, confidence, or judgment, and how you might begin expanding your capacity to hold more, without overwhelming your system. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to grow your wealth without overloading your nervous system.

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.

In this episode, Alpha invites you to rethink your relationship with money. Not as something to fear or avoid, but as something to get to know and to come at with curiosity rather than confusion. Using the metaphor of dating, Alpha walks through simple, practical steps to help you reconnect with your finances, gain clarity, and reduce money anxiety. In this episode, you'll learn: Why avoidance makes money stress worse (not better) How your past money "mistakes" can become learning points The five key steps to building visibility and clarity with money Why knowing when bills hit matters as much as how much they are How to create a money date that actually feels supportive Takeaway: Money doesn't need perfection, it needs attention. A little curiosity can transform your entire financial relationship.

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 solo episode, Alpha invites listeners behind the scenes of her personal money journey.  From her multicultural upbringing in Australia, shaped by financial scarcity and cultural expectations, to discovering her passion for financial empowerment for women. Alpha dives into: Growing up as a daughter of migrants who had no money when they were growing up How money stories are inherited from generations before us — even when no one talks about money directly Why she became a "squirreler" with money, and the pivotal moment she realised she needed to learn how money really works The career path that didn't fit — including depression, burnout, and a brave leap into something new The spark that led her to financial education, property investing, and ultimately launching Money Made Simple How her love of travel helped her reconnect with joy and lifestyle vision in mid-life Why the Money Pie framework was born, and why "simple + intentional" will always beat complexity ✨This episode is your reminder that your past does not dictate your financial future, and that it's never too late to rewrite your money story with intention.

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

In this enlightening episode of Money with Alpha, Alpha Schulte sits down with Selena Hillier, Human Design practitioner, life coach, and corporate leader turned soul-led entrepreneur. Together they explore how understanding your unique Human Design type can unlock self-acceptance, release shame, and create alignment in every area of life — including money. Selena shares her journey from corporate sales manager to Human Design guide, explaining how this blend of science and spirituality helps people reconnect with who they truly are. She and Alpha discuss practical ways to apply Human Design in relationships, parenting, business, and even how we relate to money. From breaking free of conditioning and "shoulds," to accepting your natural energy flow, this conversation will inspire you to live—and spend—more consciously and authentically. Key Takeaways Human Design blends science and spirituality using birth data to reveal how you're uniquely wired. Five energy types—Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, and Reflector—each operate differently. Self-awareness leads to self-acceptance. Understanding your design removes shame and judgment. Parenting and relationships transform when we honour how others are designed to operate. Money blocks often mirror conditioning. Human Design helps uncover energetic patterns behind financial habits. Goals aren't for everyone. Some people thrive through flow and intuition rather than rigid planning. Connect with Selena Hillier Instagram: www.instagram.com/selena_hillier_/ Website: www.pivotalmoments.com.au

In this reflective episode, Alpha takes you behind the scenes of her 2025 wrap-up — the highs, the lows, the unexpected, and the profoundly transformative. Using her five-part reflection framework (What worked well? What didn't? What did I learn? What do I want more of? What do I want less of?), she shares the real human side of a year filled with growth, disruption, loss, clarity, and powerful financial lessons. You'll hear: ✨ What Worked Well Attracting aligned, entrepreneurial clients who value clarity and empowerment Beautiful stories of couples leaning into shared financial understanding How the Money Pie again proved its power — helping Alpha redirect an extra $12,000 toward her daughter's school plan without sacrificing lifestyle Wins in personal investing and steady long-term growth 💔 What Didn't Go as Planned Delays in launching her software and writing her book A challenging year caring for her father and processing his unexpected passing The shock of funeral expenses — and why emergency funds matter more than we realise The true cost of international travel and the sting of exchange rates 📚 What She Learned The absolute necessity of buffers and emergency funds The importance of transparent financial conversations with family How settling an estate reinforces why wills, enduring powers of attorney, and paperwork matter A deep dive into investment strategies, lump sum decisions, ETFs, super, tax implications, and the emotional side of investing The reminder that clarity comes from education, support, and time — not rushing big financial decisions 🌱 What She Wants More Of in 2026 Calm, joy, and lightness Community, connection, and a safe space for women to talk about money Giving and receiving support (even when it feels uncomfortable) 🔻 What She Wants Less Of Heavy energy, drama, and emotional depletion Busyness that takes her away from creativity and presence Energetic disruptions that drain instead of empower. 📈 Financial Themes Emerging for 2026 Volatile markets and political uncertainty Further increases in property prices and the pressure this puts on buyers The continued rise of ETFs and why they're changing the game Why long-term investing beats market-watching every single time The possibility of interest rate increases — and what that means for your budget. Alpha also shares what's brewing for early 2026: a community-focused program designed to bring women together to grow, learn, and create empowered money momentum. This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and think about your own year — financially, emotionally, and personally — so you can step into the new year with clarity and intention.

In this inspiring episode of Money with Alpha, Alpha sits down with the dynamic Billie Sharp — entrepreneur, public speaker, and founder of multiple thriving businesses — to talk about what it really takes to dream big and create generational wealth. Billie shares her journey from working three jobs as a teenager to becoming the owner of six diverse businesses across industries like tech, e-commerce, and trades. She opens up about: The mindset shift from earning money to creating wealth Building businesses based on real-world gaps rather than rigid plans Using data and intuition to make smart financial and business decisions How she runs multiple companies without running herself ragged Why she and her husband chose to homeschool their daughter and design life on their own terms The lessons she learned from early money mistakes — and how she rewired her habits What generational wealth really means to her (and why it's about more than money) The power of authenticity, confidence, and letting your sparkle shine — even if it's with a tiara! 👑 Billie also talks about her big, audacious goal: to become a billionaire not for status, but to create global change through impact investing — much like the Gates Foundation. 💡 Key takeaway: Money is opportunity. Power is the ability to create change. Dreaming big is not selfish — it's necessary. Connect with Billie Sharp: Instagram: www.instagram.com/billiesharp.official  Facebook: www.facebook.com/billiesharp.official  Website: https://billiesharp.com.au/  The Bizillionaire Academy: https://bizillionaireacademy.billiesharp.com.au/ 

In this heartwarming and eye-opening conversation, Alpha sits down with Raylz Wynyard, co-founder of a family-run NDIS support service built on empathy, lived experience, and integrity. Raylz shares how her journey began when her son was diagnosed with autism, before the NDIS in its current form even existed, and how that personal experience led her to create a business that does things differently. With her husband and adult children now part of the company, Raylz has built more than a business: she's built a legacy of care, community, and respect for people living with disabilities. They talk about: The personal story that inspired Raylz to start her business The importance of empathy, humour, and humanity in disability care Navigating the financial side of NDIS with fairness and transparency Running a family business (and keeping the peace!) How Raylz's daughter (who works in the busiess), at just 20 years old, has already saved a house deposit Creating a business that gives back time, freedom, and stability for future generations. This episode is a celebration of heart-led leadership, resilience, and the power of aligning your values with your business and money decisions. Tune in if you want to: ✔️ Learn how to grow a service business without losing its soul ✔️ Be inspired by a family who turned adversity into impact ✔️ See what real values-driven entrepreneurship looks like in action.

In this episode, Alpha sits down with Feng Shui specialist Suzanne Butler to explore how the energy of your home and workspace influences your money flow, health, and overall wellbeing. Suzanne shares her fascinating journey from the Australian Defence Force to becoming a sought-after Feng Shui expert, helping clients transform chaos into clarity — both energetically and financially. They dive deep into how clutter, blocked spaces, and even the position of your desk can affect your sense of worthiness and ability to attract abundance. Suzanne's story of financial turnaround — from toxic relationships and debt to flow and prosperity — illustrates just how powerful intentional space design can be. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your environment mirrors your inner state (and your bank balance) How clutter, disorganization, and "energy hoarding" create financial blockages The subtle link between worthiness, self-belief, and money flow Practical Feng Shui tips to invite abundance into your home and business The importance of decluttering as an act of self-respect and empowerment Resources Mentioned: www.harmonisingEnergies.com – Suzanne's website with free quizzes Suzanne's podcast WTF is Feng Shui Follow Suzanne on Instagram (@harmonising_energies_fengshui) and Facebook at harmonisingenergiesfengshui

In this episode: The surprising link between your skin health and emotional health How somatic awareness and nervous system regulation can change your energy and appearance Why your body literally stores emotions — and how to listen to its signals What emotional anatomy and face reading can reveal about your inner world How your subconscious beliefs about money are reflected in your body Practical ways to ground, rebalance, and build emotional resilience Key quote: "You can make as much money as you like if you're willing to work on the beliefs your body is holding." Connect with Jayde: 🌐 www.jaydecelieste.com 📸 Instagram: @jayde_celieste 📘 Facebook: @jayde.philips

In this episode of Money with Alpha, we dive into what I like to call Money School — the foundational lessons we all wish we'd been taught about money, but weren't. Just like school gave us structure for learning, we can create our own curriculum for financial wisdom — one that blends knowledge with experience and real-life relevance. There is an upside to learning about money as an adult - we have real-world experience which makes us (hopefully) better able to understand how to apply what we learn to our lives.  The wisdom that comes with age gives us an advantage here! Alpha walks through the five core fundamentals of Money School, helping you move from confusion to clarity, and from reaction to intentional action with your money. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What money really is – beyond numbers and emotions, it's simply a tool for value exchange. How much money you truly need (and want) – and why clarity here changes everything. How you earn – identifying ways to earn aligned with your skills, passions, and lifestyle. What to do with the money you earn – learning the balance between saving, spending, and investing. Why automation is freedom – how setting systems helps you stress less and live more. Key Takeaway: Money is a tool, not a test. When you understand how to earn, use, and automate it, you unlock the freedom to focus on what really matters — living the life you choose. 👉 Listen now to start building your own Money School toolkit for a simpler, calmer, and more abundant financial life.

In this episode we go through: Why school-style maths and real-life money skills are different The 5 levers that matter more than maths: Beliefs, Technology, Knowledge, Clear Actions, Consistency How to use calculators and automation so progress happens on autopilot The mindset shift from "I work for money" to "money works for me" Practical micro-actions you can take this week (no equations needed) Key takeaways: Remove the label "bad at maths"—it's not a useful metric for money success Use technology to calculate; use your judgment to decide Start small (automate $50/month, review subscriptions, set a monthly money date) Consistency compounds confidence. Take one small action towards your financial health today!

In this week's episode of Money with Alpha, we're tackling one of the most common excuses women make when it comes to managing their money — "I don't have time." Alpha breaks down why this belief is just another myth that keeps you from financial clarity and freedom. Through five practical steps — Beliefs and Stories, Clarity, Visibility, System, and Flexibility — you'll discover how to make space for your money without feeling overwhelmed or deprived. You'll also hear personal stories and relatable examples (including a hilarious one involving a stuffed crocodile!) that remind us how easily we can find time and money for what truly matters — when we decide to. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "not having time" is a story you can rewrite. How your money beliefs may be quietly sabotaging your progress. Why clarity about what lights you up is essential to building financial freedom. The power of visibility — seeing your money clearly and without fear. How to create a simple, flexible system (like the Money Pie framework) that fits your lifestyle.

In this episode we dismantle the belief that you've missed the investing boat because you are too old. Alpha walks you through the five-step pathway:  Clarity  Knowledge Know Yourself Plan Action. Plus, simple compounding examples, how to think about superannuation (retirement savings) + property, and what to do next.   You'll learn: How to define a lifestyle-aligned investing target Why women's investing strengths give us an edge A simple compounding play you can start this month How to sense-check risk with your nervous system Your three levers: investments, superannuation, and debt reduction.