Do you really need a credit card to build a good score?

Does Afterpay actually affect your credit?

And does your credit score even matter?

In this episode of Plant. Grow. Reap., finance experts Steve Lake (National Lending Group) and Amanda Byrne (Aintree Group Finance) break down the most common credit score myths they hear from borrowers every day.

If you’re thinking about applying for a loan in the next 6–12 months, this is one you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we cover what credit scores are, how they actually work, how to get a better credit score - and the benefits when you have a good credit score.

Get informed, get prepared, and set yourself up for success.

Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stlake/

Connect with Amanda: finance@aintreegroup.com.au

Book a Finance Consultation: https://aintreefinance.com.au/book-a-consultation

AI is your intern, not your replacement!

In this episode, Chelsea is joined by Monica Marquez from Flipwork — a specialist in change management, culture, people and technology — to unpack what it really means to integrate AI into businesses the right way.

They challenge the outdated idea that effort equals success, exploring how impact — not busyness — is the new measure of meaningful work. Monica introduces a powerful reframe: AI isn’t a threat — it’s your intern. When trained well, AI can support teams, reduce friction and make work easier, not replace human expertise. Spending less time on repetitive tasks isn’t cutting corners; it’s creating space to apply your uniquely human skills where they matter most.

The conversation explores what successful AI adoption looks like in practice, where organisations often get stuck, and why some initiatives thrive while others fail — including real-world examples from companies like IKEA.

Reach Out FlipWork: https://www.flipwork.ai/

Connect with Monica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/

This episode of Plant Grow Reap is a must-listen for all employers, Directors and business owners.

Payday Super is taking effect from 1 July 2026. Chartered Accountant and Aintree Group Manager Trung Le breaks down the key items you should be across, and the steps you can take to be the most prepared and proactive ahead of the rollout of these rules - including doing a practice payrun.

Payday Super Resources:

• https://aintreegroup.com.au/insights/payday-super-update/
• https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/payday-super

If you need assistance with your payroll or superannuation obligations, you can reach out via our website: aintreeaccounting.com.au.

Andrea McKenna from Aintree Group and Ash Tickell from Salty Theatre share the ultimate guide to financial success for people working in the Australian arts industry.

Building on a seminar they hosted earlier this year for local performing artists, this episode dives deep into how creatives can confidently manage irregular, gig-based income and make smart financial decisions that support long-term stability and growth.

From saving and budgeting to investing, superannuation, contracting, invoicing, taxes, and building wealth on a gig income, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help artists and performers take control of their financial future.

BOOK A SPOT AT OUR NEXT FINANCE FOR ARTISTS WORKSHOP: https://aintreegroup.com.au/finance-for-artists-workshop/

More from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintregroup

More from Salty Theatre: https://saltytheatre.com.au/ | @saltytheatre

Why is it so hard to succeed in hospitality — and what’s the recipe for success?

In this episode of Plant Grow Reap, CEO and business advisor Andrea McKenna sits down with long-time hospitality professional Shaun De Vries from Open Pantry Co. to unpack the realities of running a hospitality business.

With over 25 years of hands-on industry experience, Shaun shares why hospitality can be such a challenging space to succeed in, and how he’s now working to strengthen the industry by advising both new and established hospitality business owners. The conversation explores key challenges including supply chains, technology, investor management, and recruitment and training.

This episode offers a practical, honest look at what it really takes to build a sustainable hospitality business — and how stronger foundations can lead to long-term success.

Hear more from Shaun & Open Pantry Co:

https://www.openpantryconsulting.com/

https://www.instagram.com/openpantryconsulting/

To celebrate our 100th Aintree Group podcast episode across Plant Grow Reap and Q&A with S&A, we’re stepping back to reflect on the biggest lessons, recurring themes and insights shared by our incredible guests so far.

Across conversations with business owners, professionals, athletes, creatives and community leaders, clear patterns have emerged. In this special milestone episode, we distil 100 episodes of wisdom into 10 powerful takeaways — from finding and following your personal purpose, to recognising early warning signs of burnout, rethinking what retirement really looks like, and why empathy, values and connection matter more than ever.

We explore why there’s no single “right” career path, how the long way around can often be the most fulfilling, and why asking for help from trusted advisors is a strength, not a weakness.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or discovering the podcast for the first time, this episode is a chance to pause, reflect and take something meaningful from the collective experience of 100 honest conversations — and counting.

Subscribe to Plant Grow Reap or Q&A with S&A wherever you get your podcasts:

https://aintreegroup.com.au/podcasts/

Find out more about Aintree Group:

https://aintreegroup.com.au/

From icecream for breakfast to reading A Christmas Carol - here is what the team at Aintree Group enjoys most about this time of year!

We reflect on what we achieved in 2025, how we'll be celebrating and relaxing over the holidays, and what we're looking forward to most in the New Year.

Merry Christmas from the whole team at Aintree Group! Have a happy and safe holidays.

We'll be back with new podcast episodes from February 2026!

More from our team: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

In this episode of Plant Grow Reap, Ruth Kent, Founder and Director of Sunrise Well, sits down with P&C Adviser and yoga teacher Jasmin Marotta to explore practical, meaningful ways workplaces can support genuine team wellbeing.

With Victoria introducing new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations from 1 December 2025, employers will soon be required to identify, assess and control psychosocial hazards with the same rigour as physical risks. But Ruth and Jasmin go beyond the legal requirements — they examine how a more holistic, preventative approach to wellness can create immediate benefits for individuals while also delivering long-term cultural and financial returns for organisations.

From sleep hygiene and meditation to leadership responsibility and the real ROI of wellness programs, this conversation offers an insightful look at what supporting teams truly requires in today’s evolving workplace landscape.

See more from Ruth and Sunrise Well: https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/

Instagram: @sunrise_well

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/

More from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintreegroup