Would you take $19,000 to walk away from your job? And if you suddenly didn't have to pay rent or bills, would you invest every spare dollar or enjoy the extra cash while it lasts?

We've got two very different money dilemmas this week, and both have us wondering what we'd do with a little extra money in our pockets.

Victoria's off giving a keynote, so Jess and Bec are taking over Friday Drinks. And naturally, things are getting a little less serious while the boss is away.

First up, a 22-year-old has landed her first big-girl job, complete with free accommodation and no bills. An absolute dream in this economy. But now she's wondering what to do with all that extra money. Should she invest in shares she already owns, start building an ETF portfolio or take the opportunity to enjoy a little financial freedom?

Then there's a new mum on maternity leave who's considering taking a $19,000 voluntary redundancy payout. She was already thinking about leaving her teaching job, but with plans to return part-time and an uncertain job market, is taking the money a smart move or a gamble?

Plus, we're celebrating some seriously impressive community money wins, sharing a few clever ways to save, and debating whether knowing your entire future would be a blessing or an absolute nightmare.

Just another perfectly normal Friday Drinks with your money besties.

PAY IT DOWN: Here’s a playlist dedicated to the art of paying down debt https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02sw2NObvt18jd0ayvIHn3?si=qOdbgLrBS3STvMzELWiAqg

PERVE ON OTHER PEOPLE’S DEBT: Learn how much credit card debt other Aussies actually have by searching ‘debt’ on the blog: www.shesonthemoney.com/blog

CONTACT THE NATIONAL DEBT HELPLINE: Visit the National Debt Helpline at ndh.org.au/financial-counselling/what-is-financial-counselling/ for free, confidential, and independent support for getting out of debt, gang.

New here? Follow us on Instagram (@shesonthemoneyaus) for Q&As, bite-sized advice, daily money inspo... and relatable money memes that just get you.

Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett (nartarshabamblett.com.au)

The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk about cost per wear all the time. But what about cost per memory?

Think about the last really good holiday you went on. What do you actually remember? Probably not what the flights and hotel cost.

Hot off the plane from the Northern Territory, our very own travel correspondent Jessica Ricci is here to confirm with receipts that that off-peak travel is where it’s at. While everyone else chases that May to August peak, the NT’s Best Kept Season (September to April) is when the Territory shows a different side, with flowing waterfalls, rich sunsets, fewer crowds, better value and quieter moments that feel like they’re just for you.

Jess (and the team?) explored Darwin, Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park on Jawoyn Country, and now we unpack how to spend on travel in a way that actually feels worth it, and whether the price of an experience has anything to do with how much you remember it.

Plan your Northern Territory escape between September and April learn more here!
WIN A TRIP: Feel like a free holiday? Of course you do! Enter the Best Kept Season competition for a chance to win!

In this ep:

🌅 Why the best moments are often the free ones (same sunset, very different bill)
🌅 The two unhelpful extremes: save every dollar and retire with no stories vs “book the flight, money comes back”
🌅 Why off-peak travel is the ultimate life hack: no long lines, fewer crowds, cheaper flights and accommodation (and still shorts weather)
🌅 Why we overlook our own backyard, and why not everything valuable in your life appreciates financially

Because being good with money isn’t about spending as little as humanly possible. It’s being able to look at where your money went and think, “Yep. That was worth it to me.” And sometimes the return is something you’re still talking about 10 years later.

This episode was created in partnership with Tourism NT
Read about all our adventures and recommendations on our blog here

Acknowledgement of Country by Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements (queenacknowledgements.com).

The advice shared on She’s On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She’s On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She’s On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine receiving almost $1 million in insurance and realising it still might not be enough. At just 30, this week's Money Diarist's husband was forced to medically retire from his $250,000 tech career after developing a debilitating neurological condition. Suddenly, their plans for a future full of travel, financial freedom and enjoying their newly married life looked very different. Now she's supporting their household on her $85,000 salary while managing her own chronic health conditions, and the insurance payout they were so grateful for has to help replace decades of lost income. We're talking about the reality of claiming on income protection and TPD insurance, the one thing they wish they'd done differently, and why having insurance doesn't necessarily mean having enough of it. Because here's the thing: they actually did so much right. They had insurance, they'd updated their cover as their income grew, and it made an enormous difference. But their story raises a question I think we should all be asking ourselves. If something happened tomorrow and you couldn't work again, would the insurance you have today actually be enough?

SORT YOUR INSURANCE: If this week's Money Diary teaches us anything, it's that you never know when life is going to throw something completely unexpected your way. And by the time you need insurance, it's often too late to get it. A huge thank you to our long-standing partner Skye Wealth for bringing this episode to life. We only ever partner with people we genuinely trust, and if you've been putting off sorting your personal insurance, consider this your sign. Find out what cover you might need and get started here.

CHECK OUT THE SOTM INVESTING HUB: Full of our best investing freebies, resources, courses and podcast episodes here.

INVESTING FOR BEGINNERS: All our best beginner's investing podcast episodes in one place here.

Ready to binge more relatable, inspiring, and downright juicy money stories? Check out our ultimate Money Diaries playlist. Listen now

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Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements.

The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.