In this episode, Rebecca and Anthony dive deep into the reality of today’s cost of living pressures—why everything feels harder, where the pressure is really coming from, and what you can actually do about it.
This is not just about petrol prices or groceries. It’s about the compounding effect of rising interest rates, stagnant wages, and increasing everyday expenses—and how it’s impacting households across Australia.
More importantly, they explore how to regain control, shift your mindset, and build financial resilience during uncertain times.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro + why we’re talking cost of living
01:10 – “It’s not just petrol” – what’s actually causing the pressure
03:30 – The stacking effect (interest rates, groceries, insurance, everything)
06:00 – Why it feels worse now than ever (post-COVID cost floor)
08:20 – How interest rates actually work (simple breakdown)
12:00 – What the RBA is trying to do (and why it hurts households)
16:30 – Why this inflation is different (you can’t control it)
20:00 – The real reason people feel stuck financially
22:30 – Why “just budget better” doesn’t work anymore
25:00 – Shifting mindset: growth vs resilience
28:00 – What you can actually control right now
31:00 – Creating a “crisis budget” (without panic decisions)
34:30 – Temporary vs permanent financial decisions
38:00 – What happens when you don’t have a plan (GFC example)
42:00 – Buffers, risk, and preparing for worst-case scenarios
45:00 – Money stress + relationships (what actually causes arguments)
49:00 – Why people avoid their numbers
52:00 – The role of coaching + getting perspective
56:00 – Inflation explained simply (and why it kills buying power)
59:00 – Final thoughts: this is a season, not forever


This one’s real.
We break down why everything feels harder right now —
and more importantly, what you can actually do about it.
Because the truth is:
👉 it’s not just one thing
👉 it’s everything stacking at once
And most people aren’t prepared for that.

Welcome to the very first episode of the My Money Circle Podcast.

In this episode, hosts Rebecca Maher and Anthony Matthews introduce themselves, share their unique backgrounds in finance, and unpack why they’ve created a completely different kind of money podcast.

This isn’t about stock tips or investment hype.

It’s about real conversations around money, mindset, and the gaps that most people fall into, regardless of how much they earn.

If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or stuck with your finances… this is where it starts.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• Why financial stress has nothing to do with income
• The “advice gap” and why most people aren’t being properly supported
• The difference between financial advice and financial coaching
• Why knowledge alone doesn’t fix money problems
• How money mindset and behaviour impact your financial future
• The real reason people don’t take action (even when they know what to do)
• Why financial systems are built for the top, not everyday people
• The importance of confidence, clarity, and having a plan

⏱️ Timestamps (Approx. 50 mins)

00:00 Introduction & welcome
01:30 Why this podcast exists
04:30 Rebecca’s background & the advice gap
10:00 Anthony’s investment banking experience
15:30 Why the financial system isn’t built for everyday people
20:00 Financial stress at every income level
25:00 Why knowledge alone doesn’t solve money problems
30:00 Money mindset & behavioural finance
35:00 What financial coaching actually is
40:00 Real-life money challenges (life stages, pressure, uncertainty)
45:00 Why having a plan matters
48:00 What to expect from future episodes
50:00 Outro

🚀 Who This Podcast Is For

• People who feel overwhelmed or unsure about money
• High earners who still feel financially stressed
• Anyone stuck between DIY finance and expensive advice
• Business owners, professionals, and families wanting clarity