SugarMamma’s Fireplay

With so many skincare products, ingredients and promises competing for our attention, how do we know what is actually worth investing in?

In this special episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, proudly partnered with La Roche-Posay, Canna sits down with leading dermatologist Dr Shreya Andric to cut through the noise and unpack the science of skin longevity, ageing and the appearance of pigmentation.

Together they explore why dark spots, sunspots and uneven skin tone can become more noticeable as we age; the different types of hyperpigmentation; why they can be so stubborn to address; and the active...

Feeling overwhelmed by money? You're not alone.

If you've ever thought:

"I know I should be doing something... I just don't know where to start."

This episode is for you.

Today I'm joined by my co-host, Michael Thompson, to talk honestly about what it was really like before he took control of his finances.

We unpack the fear, confusion and overwhelm that kept him stuck, the moment he realised procrastination was costing him more than taking action ever would, and the simple steps that helped him finally begin building...

5 Things We Won’t Be Doing After the Federal Budget

Whenever a Federal Budget is handed down, the headlines start flying.

New taxes. Superannuation changes. Property rules. Cost-of-living measures. Winners. Losers.

And while it is important to understand changes that may affect your finances, I don't believe we should allow every new announcement to completely derail a well-thought-out financial plan.

In this episode of SugarMamma's Fireplay, I'm flipping the conversation around and sharing five things Tom and I will NOT be doing in response to the Federal Budget — and why.

In...

My House Is Worth Less Than I Paid. What Should I Do?

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. So, when headlines start warning about falling house prices, negative equity, and first-home buyers being "trapped", it's completely understandable to feel anxious.

But does negative equity automatically mean financial disaster?

In this episode of Start Here, Canna explains exactly what negative equity is, why it's suddenly making headlines, who is most at risk, and—most importantly—the practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your fina...

Could Missing This Property Valuation Cost You Thousands in Tax?

There’s a major capital gains tax (CGT) change coming for Australian property investors—and surprisingly, very few people are talking about it.

If you own an investment property, 30 June 2027 could become one of the most important dates in your financial calendar.

In this episode, I explain why obtaining a professional property valuation before the new CGT rules begin could potentially save some investors tens of thousands of dollars when they eventually sell.

You'll learn:

Has the Bank of Mum and Dad closed its doors?

After appearing on the Today Show to discuss a new report showing fewer parents are helping their children into the property market, I knew this was a conversation we needed to have.

This isn’t based on a listener question. Instead, it’s inspired by the growing uncertainty many Australian families are feeling right now.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Makeup Over 40: What’s Worth Your Money & What’s Not

Self-care is worth investing in — but wasting money on beauty products isn’t.

In this episode of SugarMamma’s FIREPLAY, Canna sits down with celebrity makeup artist Mia to talk about beauty, money and how our makeup needs can change after 40.

As our skin changes through our 40s, perimenopause and beyond, the products and techniques that once worked for us may not work in quite the same way anymore. But that doesn’t mean we need to throw everything out, buy an entirely new makeup b...

What happens when you’ve worked your whole life to pay off your home… but you’re struggling to afford retirement?

More Australians are finding themselves asset rich but cash poor. Their home may be worth over $1 million, but rising living costs, healthcare expenses and longer life expectancies are putting pressure on retirement savings.

One option that is becoming increasingly popular is a reverse mortgage.

But is it a smart way to unlock the equity in your home, or could it quietly erode your wealth over time?

In this episode of SugarM...

How to Make Your Super Last in Retirement: 8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Retirement isn't just about reaching a magic superannuation number.

It's about making sure your money lasts for the lifestyle you want to live.

After more than 20 years as a financial planner, I've seen that many Australians focus on the obvious retirement risks—like market crashes or inflation—but often overlook the hidden traps that quietly erode wealth over time.

In this episode of SugarMamma's Fireplay, I share the eight biggest retirement mistakes I see, along with practical strategies to help...

Should You Sell Your Car to Pay Off Your Mortgage?Episode Description

Would selling your car save you thousands of dollars... or could it actually be the wrong financial move?

In this episode of Start Here, Canna answers a listener's question about whether selling a $50,000 Toyota Hilux to put an extra $25,000 onto their mortgage is the smartest way to get ahead financially.

The numbers are surprising.

Yes, a lump sum repayment could save around $76,000 in interest over the life of the loan. But when you're already making significant extra mortgage repayments...

Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions most Australians will ever make.

But many buyers don’t realise:

This episode is NOT about attacking real estate agents.

Important framing:

Key message:

“The calmer and more informed you are as a buye...

Is It Okay to Slow Down? Building Wealth Without Burning Out

Have you ever wondered whether taking your foot off the accelerator could actually be one of the smartest financial decisions you make?

We're constantly told to earn more, save more, invest more and keep pushing for the next financial milestone. But what happens when life, your health or your family needs something different from you?

In this episode of Start Here, we explore a question that so many working parents quietly ask themselves:

Can you slow down without sacrificing your...

How She Paid Off Even More of Her Mortgage (An Inspiring Debt-Free Update)

A few years ago, Laura from The Savvy Mam  https://www.instagram.com/thesavvymam/  joined me on Fireplay to share how she and her husband paid an incredible $316,500 off their mortgage in just four and a half years.

It quickly became one of our most inspiring conversations, proving that you don't need a huge income or a perfect financial situation to make extraordinary progress—you simply need a clear goal, consistency and a willingness to take action.

Today, Laura is back...

Will Your Super Last? How to Avoid Running Out of Money in Retirement

One of the biggest fears Australians have about retirement isn't building enough super.

It's running out of it.

In this episode of Start Here, I answer a thoughtful question from a listener who is about to retire with almost $800,000 in superannuation but is worried it may not last.

If you've ever wondered:

Why Money Is The #1 Cause Of Relationship Stress (And How To Fix It)

Money touches almost every area of our lives. It affects where we live, how we raise our children, our lifestyle choices, retirement plans, career decisions and even our sense of security.

It's therefore no surprise that financial stress is one of the leading causes of relationship conflict, with recent research showing that 71% of relationship breakdowns involve financial stress.

In this episode, I unpack why money creates so much tension in relationships, the warning signs to watch for, and the practical...

Debt free. Savings in the bank. No financial stress.

It sounds like the finish line.

But for many people, it’s actually the beginning of a completely new financial chapter.

In this episode of Start Here, I answer a listener’s question about what happened after she worked incredibly hard to pay off a significant amount of debt. Instead of feeling excited, she found herself feeling a little lost—without a clear financial direction and slowly dipping into her savings.

If you’ve ever reached a major money milestone and wondered, “What now?”...

5 Changes We're Making After The Federal Budget

The recent Federal Budget didn't change our financial goals... but it did change how we're thinking about achieving them.

Over the past few months, Tom and I have been reviewing every part of our financial strategy. Not because we're panicking or abandoning our long-term investing philosophy, but because when tax laws and legislation change, it's worth asking one simple question:

Does our financial plan still support the future we're trying to build?

In this personal episode of SugarMamma's Fireplay, I'm taking you behind the...

Some people describe it as one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies available. Others say if you're investing in ETFs while still paying off your home loan without debt recycling, you're "leaving money on the table."

But is that really true?

In this Start Here episode, I answer a listener's excellent question about whether debt recycling is essential for building long-term wealth, or whether you can still create financial freedom without it.

We'll unpack what debt recycling actually is, how it works, why so many investors use it, and just as importantly, the...

We often assume that financial confidence comes from having more money.

A bigger salary.
A bigger investment portfolio.
A bigger net worth.

But what if financial confidence has very little to do with how much money you have and far more to do with how much control you feel you have over your finances?

Inspired by the latest ING Sense of Us Report, this episode explores how Australians are adapting to economic uncertainty, rising living costs and financial pressure by focusing on what they can control.

Rather than waiting...

Many Australians eventually reach the same crossroads in their wealth-building journey:

Should I invest more money into superannuation?

Or should I build wealth outside of super?

In this week's Start Here episode, inspired by a listener question, we're unpacking one of the most important investing decisions you'll ever make.

Using a real-life example of a 38-year-old investor with $372,000 in superannuation and a growing share portfolio, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of investing inside and outside super, including:

✔️ The tax benefits of superannuation

✔️ The power of flexibility and acce...

With recent changes to negative gearing for investment properties, many Australians are starting to ask an important question:

Can you negatively gear shares instead?

The answer is yes — but borrowing to invest in the share market comes with its own risks, responsibilities and opportunities.

In this episode of SugarMamma's Fireplay, financial planner Canna Campbell explains how negative gearing shares works, the two most common ways Australians borrow to invest, and the practical steps you can take to reduce your risk and build wealth more safely.

Whether you're curious about debt recycling, co...

Becoming mortgage free is one of the biggest financial milestones you can achieve — but what happens next?

In this episode of Start Here (the mini-series within SugarMamma’s Fireplay), Canna answers a powerful listener question from Georgie, who is just four repayments away from owning her home outright.

After years of discipline, sacrifice, and consistency, Georgie is ready for her next chapter — but she wants to make sure she doesn’t lose momentum.

This episode explores the smart, strategic next steps after paying off your mortgage, including how to transition from debt repayment to wealt...

Cost-of-living pressures have changed the way Australians shop.

According to new research commissioned by Amazon Australia, - who are proud sponsors of today's episode - share that almost 9 in 10 Australians have changed their shopping habits, and four out of five are now deliberately timing purchases around major sales events - with Amazon Prime Day kicking off this week (Tuesday the 7th of July, through to Monday the 13th of July).

But is this really about spending more?

Or are Australians simply becoming smarter with their money?

In this episode of SugarMamma's...

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we work, learn and manage our money.

But should you trust AI to create your financial plan?

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I unpack a growing trend I’ve been seeing online: people uploading highly confidential financial documents into AI platforms and relying on the output as their financial strategy.

As a Financial Planner with more than 20 years of experience, I believe there is a huge difference between using AI as an educational tool and relying on it to make decisions that could impact your fina...

Right now, many Australian families are doing everything “right” — working hard, budgeting carefully, cutting back — and still feeling like they’re falling behind.

In this deeply honest and practical Start Here episode, Canna responds to a message from a listener who feels like they simply can’t keep going under the pressure of rising mortgage repayments and the increasing cost of living.

If you’re feeling stretched, exhausted, and like there’s nothing left at the end of the week… this episode is for you.

This is not about budgeting harder.

This is about unde...

How to Build a Better Share Portfolio (Beyond ETFs & LICs)

Many Australians begin their investing journey through ETFs, LICs and superannuation — and rightly so, it is the easiest and fastest way to being your investing journey and start earning passive income via dividends. 

But eventually, many investors become curious about taking the next step:
How do you actually identify a great business?
What makes one company stronger than another?
How do experienced investors determine value?
And how do you build a stronger, more intentional share portfolio over time?

In thi...

Do you feel like you need to have your own finances “perfect” before you start investing for your children?

You don’t.

In this Start Here episode, Canna breaks down how you can begin building wealth for your kids — even if you’re still learning, growing and figuring things out yourself.

Because waiting for the “perfect time” often means missing the most powerful advantage your children have:

Time.

In this episode, we cover:

✔ Why you don’t need to be financially perfect to get started
✔ The power of starting sm...

So many Australians feel financially exhausted right now. 

If you need help reviewing your mortgage, understanding your options or improving your cashflow structure, Adam can be contacted here: Adam.mccabe@bluelantern.com.au or 0423 685 133

Please know that I do not receive any benefit both upfront and ongoing if you work with Adam. I am grateful for his time and the value that he gives us and the peace of mind that I get knowing that if you do work with Adam, that you are in very capable hands. 

Back to the cost of li...

Debt Recycling, CGT Changes & a Baby on the Way: Should We Change Our Wealth Plan?

In this Start Here episode, Canna answers a thoughtful question from a listener who is debt recycling their mortgage into a share portfolio while preparing to welcome their first child.

With ongoing discussion around proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing, many investors are understandably wondering whether they should rethink their long-term wealth building strategy.

In this episode, Canna explains what these potential changes could mean, who may actually be impacted, and why reconnecting with...

Have you ever opened your wardrobe and felt like you had nothing to wear… despite owning so much?

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with Carlz J Soderstrom — a lifestyle photographer and visual storyteller whose work explores the deeper cultural shifts behind consumerism, identity and modern fashion.

What started as a conversation about Australian fashion quickly unfolds into something much bigger.

Together, we unpack:

In today’s Start Here episode, we’re answering a very common question:

👉 “Is micro-investing enough… and is something like Raiz a good place to start?”

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to begin investing — or you’ve come across apps like Raiz Invest and wondered if they’re the right path — this episode will give you the clarity you need.

This is not about right or wrong.

It’s about understanding:
✔️ How micro-investing works
✔️ Where it fits in your financial journey
✔️ And when it may be time to evolve your strategy

Why Hard Work Isn’t Paying Off (And The New Way To Build Wealth)

Lately, something has shifted.

People are working harder than ever…
Doing the “right” things…
Trying to save, invest, and get ahead…

And yet still feeling like they’re falling behind.

In this episode, I unpack the growing sense of financial frustration and what economists are calling the “giving up cliff”— where people begin to disengage from their financial future because the traditional path no longer feels achievable.

But this isn’t about fear.

It’s about awaren...

Insurance inside superannuation is one of the most misunderstood — and often overlooked — parts of your financial plan.

In this Start Here episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I answer a powerful listener question from Cat, who is facing a 35% increase in her insurance premiums inside her super fund.

Feeling overwhelmed, she’s wondering:

If you’ve ever questioned whether your insurance is worth it — or worried about how it’s impacting your super balance — this...

Hello and welcome back to SugarMamma’s Fireplay 🔥

This episode is one that may challenge everything you’ve been taught about money, property, and what it really means to build wealth.

Because for many Australians, buying your home is seen as the ultimate financial milestone — a symbol of success, security, and stability.

But what if that belief isn’t always the best financial move?

In this episode, I sit down with Sydney-based wealth manager Mark Welsh, who has made the conscious decision to rent — despite having the financial capacity to buy property.

With the rising cost of living placing pressure on households, many families are being forced to make incredibly difficult financial decisions.

In this episode of Start Here, Canna responds to a listener who is considering selling an inherited investment property to relieve financial stress and stay afloat.

This is a complex situation involving cashflow pressure, tax implications, lending structures, long-term wealth, and emotional considerations — particularly when the asset belongs to one partner.

This episode unpacks the key things to understand before making a decision, and the conversations that need to happen to protect bo...

What if one financial decision today could be worth over $1 million in your future?

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna Campbell breaks down the powerful long-term impact of contributing $10,000 into your superannuation — and more importantly, what happens when you repeat that decision consistently over time.

But this isn’t just about having $10,000.

This episode is about:

Using simple projections and real-life scenarios, Canna shows how small, intentio...

How much superannuation do you actually need to retire comfortably?

In this Start Here episode, Canna answers a listener question from a 39-year-old who wants to retire at age 60 with an income of $100,000 per year.

But here’s the catch…

That $100,000 is in today’s dollars — which means in 20+ years, it could require closer to $180,000+ per year due to inflation.

This episode breaks down the reality behind retirement numbers — and why so many people underestimate what they truly need.

💡 What You’ll Learn

✔ Why $100,000 today is not $100,000 in the future

The Shift That Changed How I Build Wealth (And Why I’m Choosing Quiet Wealth

For a long time, I felt like something was missing from the way we talk about money.

Not the strategies.

Not the numbers.

But the feeling.

In this episode, I’m sharing a more personal reflection on what I’ve come to understand about wealth — beyond what it looks like on the outside.

I talk about:

The Budget That Could Change How Australians Build Wealth, Financial Independence & Stability 

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, Canna shares her honest thoughts and concerns around the proposed Federal Budget changes to Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing — and what she believes these changes may mean for everyday Australians trying to build wealth, financial independence and long-term security.

This is not a political episode.

Instead, this is a calm and thoughtful conversation around:

Right now, the wellness industry is louder than ever.

Protein powders, greens blends, creatine, collagen, gut health supplements…

Everywhere you turn, there’s a new product promising better energy, improved health, and longevity.

But with so many options—many of them expensive and subscription-based—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed… and even easier to overspend.

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with Susie Burrell to cut through the noise.

Together, we explore what’s actually worth it when it comes to supplements—and what might simply be clever m...