Épisodes

  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 9 The Emotional Side of Buying Property, Finding the Balance Between Head and Heart
    May 6 2026
    📝 Episode SummaryBuying a property isn’t just a financial decision, it’s an emotional one too.
    In this episode, Maryanne and Bec dive into the real, often unspoken side of purchasing a home, from anxiety after signing a contract to the pressure of fast-moving markets.They share personal experiences, client stories, and practical insights to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of buying property, while still making smart financial decisions.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, rushed, or unsure during your property journey, this episode will help you feel more grounded and confident.💡 What We Cover
    • Why buying a home can feel emotionally overwhelming
    • Real client stories, including post-contract anxiety
    • The danger of waiting until you feel “100% ready”
    • Learning to trust your gut vs relying on logic
    • How the current market can create urgency and pressure
    • Why buying based on market predictions can be risky
    • The importance of affordability and long-term comfort
    • How banks assess borrowing and why buffers matter
    • Why pre-approval is a game changer
    • Balancing your heart and your head when making decisions
    • When walking away from a property is the best decision
    • How life changes can impact financial decisions
    • The rise of co-living and changing property trends
    🔑 Key Takeaways
    • There is no “perfect” time to buy, the right time is when you feel ready, have clarity, and find the right property
    • Emotion is part of the process, but it needs to be balanced with logic
    • Just because the bank says you can borrow more doesn’t mean you should
    • Understanding your comfort level with repayments is critical
    • A pre-approval removes uncertainty and reduces emotional stress
    • Property is a long-term game, markets will always cycle
    • Sometimes the best decision is not moving forward
    🧠 Quote Worth Remembering "The best time to buy is when you feel ready, have a fully assessed pre-approval, and you find the right property."

    🛠️ Practical Tips
    • Set your repayment comfort level first, then work backwards
    • Get a fully assessed pre-approval before house hunting
    • Don’t rush into a purchase due to competition or fear of missing out
    • If something feels off, pause and reassess
    • Think long-term, not just short-term market movements
    ❤️ Final ThoughtBuying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, but it’s also deeply personal.
    The goal isn’t to remove emotion entirely, it’s to use it wisely alongside solid financial strategy.

    📲 Need Help?If you’re unsure where to start or want clarity around your borrowing power, reach out to the team at 360 Mortgage Solutions. We’ll help you balance the numbers so you can move forward with confidence.
    Book a phone call here - https://app.teamos.ai/location/Z9gpJ4ioc4f1NPbCB6x0/page-builder/VnIGaMOE64W6aAlEHG9o
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    22 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 8 What Banks Really Look At (It’s Not Just Your Income)
    Apr 29 2026
    In this episode of Dollars and Destructions, Maryanne and Bec break down what lenders are actually looking at when assessing your borrowing power and spoiler alert… it’s not just your income.
    If you’ve ever wondered why someone earning less than you can borrow more, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been missing.
    💡 What You’ll Learn
    1. Income matters… but stability matters more Banks aren’t just looking at how much you earn they’re looking at how consistent and reliable that income is. Long-term employment can sometimes outweigh a higher but unstable income.
    2. Not all employment is treated equally, Full-time, part-time, casual, and self-employed income are all assessed differently.
    • Casual income is often shaded (e.g. only ~80% used)
    • Self-employed income must be proven and consistent
    • Contract roles depend heavily on industry and history
    3. Your tax strategy can impact your borrowing power
    Trying to minimise tax might reduce what you can borrow. What looks good to the ATO doesn’t always look good to a bank.
    4. Your spending habits matter more than you think
    Even high-income earners can be declined if their bank statements show poor money management like overdrawing accounts or missed payments.
    5. Credit scores can make or break your application
    • You can access a free credit report through Equifax
    • Some lenders won’t consider applications under a certain score (e.g. 600)
    • Multiple applications, unpaid debts, or forgotten accounts can hurt you
    6. Small debts still count
    Zip Pay, credit cards, and personal loans even small limits all impact your borrowing capacity.
    7. Dependents reduce your borrowing power
    Children, non-working partners, or even supporting parents can affect how much you can borrow, as lenders factor in living costs. 8. Life plans matter (yes, even future ones)
    Planning a family, taking maternity leave, or changing jobs can all influence your loan assessment because lenders are looking at your future ability to repay.

    🔑 Key Takeaway Every lender is different, and your situation is more than just a number.
    That’s why having a conversation early can help you understand your position, create a strategy, and avoid surprises.

    🛠️ Action Steps
    • ✔️ Download your free credit report (Equifax)
    • ✔️ Review your spending habits and direct debits
    • ✔️ Avoid multiple credit applications before applying
    • ✔️ Speak to a broker early to understand your options
    📞 Need Help? If you want clarity on your borrowing power and next steps, book a quick 15-minute chat:
    👉 https://link.teamos.ai/widget/booking/7qm3GDqWiTMjczOzhMlH

    🎧 Coming Up We’re planning a future episode with a credit repair expert to dive deeper into credit files and how to fix them stay tuned!
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    31 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 7: Money Leaks, Are They Draining Your Bank Account Without You Knowing?
    Apr 22 2026
    Episode Summary In this episode of Dolls and Distractions, Maryanne and Bec dive into a topic that hits every household, money leaks. Those sneaky expenses that quietly drain your bank account without you even realising. From subscriptions you forgot about, to everyday spending habits, to how our upbringing shapes our perception of money, this episode is equal parts relatable, honest, and practical. They also explore how modern life, social media, and parenting have shifted what we think we “need” versus what we actually want, and why that matters more than ever in today’s cost of living environment.

    💡 What You’ll Learn
    • What “money leaks” actually are and how they show up in everyday life
    • Why most people underestimate how much they’re really spending
    • The difference between needs vs wants, and why it’s not always obvious
    • How subscriptions, apps, and small purchases add up quickly
    • Why higher income doesn’t always mean more savings
    • How mindset plays a huge role in managing money
    • Simple ways to start taking control of your finances today
    🔍 Key Takeaways
    • Money leaks aren’t always big expenses, they’re often small, recurring ones
    • If you don’t track your spending, you’re likely losing money without knowing it
    • Lifestyle creep is real, the more you earn, the more you tend to spend
    • Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates change
    • It’s not about cutting everything out, it’s about finding balance
    🛠️ Practical Tip from This Episode Go through your last 90 days of bank transactions. Yes, it sounds boring… but it’s powerful. Look for:
    • Subscriptions you don’t use
    • Duplicate services (multiple streaming platforms, apps, etc.)
    • “Small” purchases that happen often
    You might be surprised how much you can save just by cleaning this up.

    🎁 Free Resource Want help getting started? We’ve created a free budget template to help you identify your own money leaks and take control of your cash flow. 📩 Email: info@360mortgagesolutions.com.au
    …and we’ll send it through to you.

    💬 Quote from the Episode “Money does sort of siphon out of our accounts without us even being aware of how much is going out.”

    ❤️ Final Thoughts This episode is a reminder that managing money isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being aware. Because once you know where your money is going…
    you get to decide where it should go instead.
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    20 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 6: Pre-Approval First, Property Second - Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
    Apr 15 2026
    Episode Summary In this episode of Dollars and Destructions, we’re diving into a topic that can make or break your home buying journey… pre-approvals. We’ve been seeing a growing trend lately, buyers signing contracts before their finance is properly sorted, and honestly… it’s creating a lot of unnecessary stress (for you and for us 😅). So today, we’re breaking down:
    • What a pre-approval actually is
    • The difference between “quick” vs fully assessed pre-approvals
    • The risks of skipping this step
    • And how getting organised upfront can save you time, money, and a whole lot of pressure
    If you’re thinking about buying, or even just starting to look, this episode is a must-listen. What We Cover

    💡 What is a Pre-Approval (and why it matters) Not all pre-approvals are created equal. We explain the difference between:
    • A computer-generated (generic) pre-approval
    • A fully assessed pre-approval by a lender
    Spoiler alert… one of these gives you real confidence, the other not so much.

    ⚠️ The Risk of Signing a Contract Too Early We’re seeing more buyers:
    • Signing contracts before finance is approved
    • Rushing decisions due to competition in the market
    • Backing themselves into tight finance deadlines
    The reality?
    You can end up:
    • Racing the clock
    • Limited to certain lenders
    • Or needing stressful extensions just to make things work
    ⏳ Why Timing is Everything Without a pre-approval, your finance timeline starts after you sign the contract. With one already in place:
    • The heavy lifting is done
    • You can move faster
    • You may even negotiate better contract terms
    💸 Hidden Risks You Might Not Expect We also talk about things that can come up after you sign:
    • Credit history surprises
    • Changes in employment
    • Taking on new debt (like car finance 🚗)
    These can impact your approval… even if you thought everything was fine.

    🧠 Confidence Comes from Clarity A pre-approval doesn’t just tick a box, it gives you:
    • A clear budget
    • Confidence when making offers
    • The ability to act quickly in a competitive market
    As we say in the episode:
    Knowledge = confidence

    📅 How Long Does a Pre-Approval Last?
    • Typically valid for 90 days
    • Often extendable for another 90 days
    • Up to 6 months total, as long as your situation doesn’t change
    Key Takeaway Even if you’re “just looking”… getting a pre-approval early can:
    • Reduce stress
    • Give you clarity
    • And put you in a stronger position when the right property comes along
    🎯 Your Next Step Thinking about buying but not sure where to start? Let’s have a chat 😊
    We’ll help you understand your position and get you set up the right way, before you start house hunting.

    Connect With Us

    📲 Follow along for more first home buyer tips
    📅 Book a quick chat with us to get started - https://link.teamos.ai/widget/bookings/maryanne-elliott-phone-meeting
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    19 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 5: Interest Rates, Fear & Making the Right Money Decisions
    Apr 8 2026
    🎙️ Episode TitleInterest Rates, Fear & Making the Right Money Decisions
    📝 Episode Summary
    In this episode of Dollars and Distractions, Maryanne and Bec dive into one of the most common conversations happening right now, navigating interest rate uncertainty and making financial decisions in a changing market.With rising costs, media noise, and mixed opinions on whether to buy, wait, or fix your rate, they unpack what really matters. Instead of trying to predict the market, they bring the focus back to personal comfort, financial stability, and making decisions that align with your own situation.This episode is a reminder that there is no one size fits all answer when it comes to property or interest rates, only what is right for you.

    💡 What You’ll Learn
    • Why people respond differently to market uncertainty
    • The real risk of trying to “time the market”
    • What happens when you fix your rate at the wrong time
    • Why banks often move before the Reserve Bank
    • The importance of job stability when making big financial decisions
    • How fear and media can influence money decisions
    • Why budgeting is key, regardless of fixed or variable rates
    • The importance of having backup plans (even simple ones)
    • How to make decisions based on your comfort level, not panic
    🔑 Key Takeaways1. There’s no perfect time to buy
    Some people will move forward confidently, others will wait, both are valid. The right time is when you feel financially and emotionally ready.
    2. You can’t predict the market
    Trying to “wait and see” or lock in at the perfect time can backfire. No one knows exactly when rates will peak.
    3. Fixed rates = certainty, not perfection
    Fixing your loan is about peace of mind, not winning the rate game. Once you commit, avoid second guessing.
    4. Your situation matters more than headlines
    Job stability, cash flow, and long term plans are more important than what the media is saying.
    5. Budget first, then decide Understanding what you can comfortably afford is the foundation, whether you choose fixed, variable, or both.
    6. Have a plan (even a loose one)
    Knowing your fallback options reduces stress and helps you make clearer decisions.
    7. Don’t let fear drive your decisions
    Constant exposure to negative news can create panic.

    Stay informed, but stay grounded in your own situation.
    🧠 Quote from the Episode“It’s not about what the market’s doing, it’s about what your plans are and what you’re comfortable with.”

    🎯 Who This Episode Is For
    • First home buyers feeling unsure about when to enter the market
    • Anyone worried about rising interest rates
    • Homeowners considering fixing their loan
    • People feeling overwhelmed by financial news and uncertainty
    📣 Call to ActionIf you’re feeling unsure about your next step, this is exactly the time to have a conversation. The right strategy comes from understanding your situation, not guessing the market.
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    20 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 4: Deposit Options Explained: Using Equity, Guarantors and Other Alternatives to Buy Property
    Apr 1 2026
    Deposit Options Explained: Cash, Equity and Guarantor Support for Home BuyersDollars and Distractions with Maryanne Elliott and Bec WatsonWhen most people think about a home deposit, they think of one thing: cash in the bank. But in reality, there can be more than one way to come up with a deposit when buying property.In this episode of Dollars and Distractions, Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson unpack the different ways buyers can fund a deposit, from cash savings through to usable equity and guarantor support.They also explain why many buyers assume they need a full 20% deposit, when that is not always the case.This episode is a practical and easy-to-understand conversation about how deposits really work, what lenders look for, and why having the right loan structure matters. Whether you are a first home buyer, planning your next purchase, or thinking about using equity to invest, this episode will help you understand your options more clearly.In This EpisodeMaryanne Elliott and Bec Watson discuss:what a deposit actually means when buying propertywhy a deposit is not always just cash savingshow equity in an existing property can be used as a deposithow lenders calculate usable equitywhy most lenders only allow borrowing up to 80% of a property’s value without LMIhow guarantor loans can help first home buyers get into the market soonerthe difference between separate lending structures and cross-collateralisationwhy loan structure can impact flexibility and future financial decisionswhy a conversation with a broker can uncover options you may not know you haveEpisode Summaryn this episode, Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson break down one of the most common misconceptions in property finance: that a home deposit must always be saved in cash.They explain how buyers may be able to use equity from an existing property instead of relying solely on savings, and why this can be a powerful strategy for people looking to upgrade, invest, or buy again.Maryanne and Bec also walk through how usable equity is calculated and why lenders typically keep a buffer by only allowing access up to 80% of a property’s value.The conversation also covers guarantor support, including how parents may be able to help first home buyers purchase sooner by using equity in their own property as additional security. Maryanne and Bec explain that while guarantor loans can be a great short-term option, the long-term goal is usually to remove the guarantor as soon as possible.They also dive into the importance of loan structure, including the difference between keeping loans separate versus cross-collateralising properties, and why the right setup depends on your goals, future plans and overall strategy.The key takeaway from this episode is simple: the deposit you think you need may not be the only option available to you.ey TakeawaysA property deposit does not always have to be cashEquity can sometimes be used instead of savings for a new purchaseGuarantor loans may help first home buyers enter the market soonerNot every buyer needs a 20% depositLoan structure matters just as much as loan rateThe right strategy depends on your goals and circumstancesSound Bites“Most people think a deposit has to be cash, but there are other ways to structure it.”“You can use equity in your property to make the next purchase.”“Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.”“Sometimes the deposit you think you need, you might already have.”Chapters00:50 – Intro: what comes to mind when you think about a deposit?01:22 – Deposit options beyond cash01:47 – What equity actually means03:20 – How usable equity is calculated04:32 – Using equity to buy again06:33 – Guarantor loans explained08:42 – Why you do not always need a 20% deposit10:19 – Matching lender policy to your goals14:50 – Structuring loans using equity17:26 – Cross-collateralisation and the risks19:23 – Using equity for renovations and other purposes21:33 – Why it all starts with a conversationAbout the PodcastDollars and Distractions with Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson is a podcast that breaks down property, lending and money topics into practical, real-life conversations. With a mix of industry knowledge and honest discussion, Maryanne and Bec help listeners better understand the finance side of buying property and making smart money decisions.SEO Keywordsproperty deposit options, home deposit Australia, using equity as a deposit, guarantor home loan Australia, first home buyer deposit help, usable equity explained, mortgage broker Australia, cross collateralisation explained, how much deposit do I need to buy a house, buying property with equityMeta DescriptionCan you buy property without a cash deposit? In this episode, Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson explain deposit options, equity, guarantor loans and smarter ways to buy.If you'd like, I can also turn this into a podcast page version, a shorter Spotify/Apple version, or a YouTube ...
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    23 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 3: The Truth About Borrowing Capacity: What Online Calculators Don’t Tell You
    Mar 25 2026
    Dollars and Distractions Podcast | Featuring Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson

    Understanding how much you can borrow for a home loan is one of the biggest questions for first home buyers.
    Many people turn to online borrowing calculators, but these tools often miss key factors lenders use when assessing a mortgage application.

    In this episode of Dollars and Distractions, mortgage broker Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson from 360 Mortgage Solutions breaks down the truth about borrowing capacity and explains why personalised advice can make a huge difference when planning to buy property.

    You’ll learn how interest rates, bank buffers, living expenses, debts, and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your borrowing power — and why what a calculator says you can borrow might not reflect reality. If you’re planning to buy your first home or simply want to understand how banks assess mortgage applications, this episode will help you make smarter financial decisions. What

    You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • What borrowing capacity actually means when applying for a mortgage
    • Why online borrowing calculators can be misleading
    • How lenders assess your loan using higher “buffer” interest rates
    • The role of living expenses and lifestyle spending in loan approvals
    • How debts like credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later services affect borrowing power
    • Why speaking with a mortgage broker can provide a more accurate picture of your borrowing potential
    Many borrowers are surprised to learn that lenders don’t assess home loans using the advertised interest rate. Instead, banks apply a buffer rate, meaning your borrowing capacity is tested at a significantly higher interest rate to ensure you could still afford repayments if rates increase. Maryanne also explains that lenders carefully review living expenses and discretionary spending, which means everyday financial habits can directly influence how much you’re able to borrow. Another common oversight is Buy Now Pay Later services, which many borrowers assume don’t affect their application — but lenders often treat them the same as other debts. Sound Bites
    • “That’s not the rate they assess you at.”
    • “Buy now pay later is counted as a debt.”
    • “Mandatory expenses include car insurance and rego.”
    Episode Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction to Borrowing Power
    01:24 – Understanding Borrowing Capacity
    05:17 – The Role of Online Calculators
    09:08 – Living Expenses and Their Impact
    13:00 – Managing Debt and Credit Cards
    16:56 – The Importance of Financial Clarity

    About 360 Mortgage Solutions, helping Australians navigate the home loan process with confidence. With over a decade of experience in banking and finance, Maryanne specialises in helping first home buyers understand their borrowing power and enter the property market with clarity and confidence. Keywords borrowing capacity, mortgage borrowing power, home loan borrowing calculator, mortgage broker advice, interest rates and borrowing capacity, bank buffer rates, living expenses mortgage assessment, first home buyer mortgage tips, buying a home Australia
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    24 min
  • Dollars & Distractions – Episode 2: Why Most People Feel Financially Behind (And How to Stop Comparing Your Money Journey)
    Mar 18 2026
    Have you ever looked around and felt like everyone else has their finances sorted out while you're falling behind?
    In this episode of Dollars & Distractions, mortgage brokers Maryanne Elliott and Bec Watson, talk about the very real feeling of financial comparison and why so many people feel like they’ve missed the boat when it comes to money, property and wealth building.

    With social media highlight reels, conversations at barbecues about property, and the pressure to “keep up,” it’s easy to believe everyone else is ahead financially. But the truth is, you’re probably not as far behind as you think.
    Maryanne and Bec unpack the mindset traps that lead people to compare themselves financially, share real client experiences, and explain why clarity around your finances is far more powerful than comparison.

    💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why so many people feel financially behind
    • The impact of social media on money confidence
    • Why comparing your financial journey to others can be misleading
    • How different life circumstances affect financial timelines
    • The importance of having clear financial goals
    • Why financial confidence comes from action, not perfection
    • How small financial steps can move you closer to your goals

    🧠 Money Mindset Takeaway One of the key themes of this episode is learning to create a “circuit breaker” when comparison starts creeping in.
    Maryanne shares how she resets her thinking by reflecting on how far she has come in business and life, instead of comparing herself to others.
    Bec talks about recognising that everyone’s financial journey is different, and that success looks different for everyone depending on their goals, circumstances and risk tolerance. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply take one small step toward your own goal instead of focusing on someone else’s progress.

    👀 What Clients Are Asking Us Right Now In this week’s recurring segment, Maryanne and Bec answer one of the most common questions they are hearing from clients right now: “What is going to happen with interest rates?”
    Their answer highlights an important truth in lending and planning, no one has a crystal ball.

    Instead of trying to predict the market, the better approach is to focus on:
    • Your personal financial goals
    • Your comfort level with risk
    • Whether stability or flexibility suits your situation
    • Planning for worst-case scenarios in your budget

    Maryanne explains why some borrowers choose to fix part of their loan for certainty, while others remain variable depending on their personal circumstances.
    🏡 Practical Tip from This Episode If rising interest rates or cost of living pressures worry you, try running the numbers using a budget calculator to understand how changes might affect your repayments. Having a plan for potential rate increases can help reduce stress and give you more control over your finances.

    🎯 Key Message Financial confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from having the conversation, gaining clarity and taking the first step toward your financial goals. Everyone’s timeline is different and that’s okay.

    🔗 Resources Mentioned 360 Mortgage Solutions Budget Calculator - Grab a copy here - https://app.teamos.ai/v2/preview/rEUp5PUktZfEkuYcYRKH?notrack=true

    🎧 About the Podcast Dollars & Distractions is an Australian money and property podcast hosted by mortgage brokers Maryanne Elliott and Bec. Each week they talk about real-life finance topics including: • Home loans and borrowing power
    • Saving for a house deposit
    • Property investing in Australia
    • Money mindset and financial confidence
    • Real client questions and experiences Along the way there may be a few distractions but the goal is always the same: helping you gain clarity around your finances.

    📌 Follow & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow Dollars & Distractions so you don’t miss future episodes. Share this episode with someone who might be feeling financially behind, it might be exactly what they need to hear.

    🔍 SEO Keywords Mortgage broker Australia
    Why people feel financially behind
    Money mindset podcast
    Home loan advice Australia
    First home buyer education
    Property podcast Australia
    Borrowing power explained
    Financial confidence for women
    Interest rate discussion Australia
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    23 min