SugarMamma’s Fireplay

You earn good money. On paper, you're doing well.

So why does payday arrive… only for you to find yourself counting down the days until the next one?

In this episode of Start Here, I answer a listener who earns $120,000 a year but regularly has nothing left at the end of their pay cycle — and sometimes relies on Buy Now Pay Later just to maintain their social life.

And they are certainly not alone.

With housing, groceries, insurance and everyday living costs taking an increasingly large bite out of our income, it c...

Your Business Bank Balance Is Lying To You

A business can look incredibly successful from the outside — millions in revenue, a growing team, huge social media following, sold-out launches and all the visible signs of success — while quietly struggling to pay its bills.

And right now, we're seeing more Australian businesses collapse with significant debts owing to the ATO.

In 2024–25, 14,722 Australian companies entered external administration for the first time, while small-business collectable tax debt reached a staggering $35.9 billion.

So how does a seemingly successful business end up owing hundreds of thousands — or even...

How Much Does It Really Cost to Own a Dog?

Thinking about getting a dog? Before you fall in love with the puppy, it is worth falling in love with the numbers first.

In this episode of Start Here, I answer a listener question about how much you should realistically budget before bringing a dog into your family.

As the very proud owner of three Labradors — Pablo, Tulip and Peppi — I know firsthand that the cost of owning a dog goes well beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee, a bag of food and...

The Mortgage Borrowing Trap That Could Leave You Stuck

Property investors are constantly looking for ways to grow their portfolios, improve borrowing capacity and structure their investments more effectively.

But what happens when a strategy designed to help you borrow more ends up leaving you with more debt than you can comfortably manage — and fewer lenders willing to refinance you?

In this special episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with mortgage broker Adam McCabe from Long Game Financial to unpack a lending strategy he has been increasingly concerned about.

It in...

How to Get Closer to Financial Freedom: Your Next 1%

So, you know your Freedom Score. You’ve worked out your Mindful Money Number. Now comes the most important question:

How do you actually move the number?

In Part Two of this Start Here series, Canna turns the idea of financial freedom into a practical roadmap you can start following from wherever you are today.

And you don’t need thousands of dollars left over each month, the perfect investment or a complete financial overhaul to begin.

Instead, Canna explains how...

Podcast NotesWhere Real Financial Confidence Comes From

Do you ever feel like you're constantly searching for certainty when it comes to your money?

Whether it's predictions about the stock market, property prices, interest rates or even AI-generated financial advice, we're surrounded by people claiming they know exactly what comes next.

But what if real financial confidence has nothing to do with predicting the future?

In this episode of SugarMamma's Fireplay, I explore why we're naturally drawn to certainty, how fear can quietly influence our financial decisions, and why the most successful...

How Close Are You to Financial Freedom? Calculate Your Freedom Score

What if you could actually put a number on your financial freedom — and see exactly how far you’ve already travelled towards it?

In this episode of Start Here, Canna explores the Freedom Score: a simple way to measure how much of your current lifestyle could theoretically be funded by the passive income your investments are already generating.

She also explains how the Freedom Score compares with the Mindful Money Number — the personal annual passive-income target Canna has used for years to define...

Build Financial Independence From Your First Paycheck

Graduating and starting your first full-time job is one of the biggest financial milestones of your life. What you do with your very first paycheck can shape your financial future for decades to come.

In this podcast episode, I'm sharing the five financial foundations I put in place early in my own journey—habits that helped me build financial independence, create long-term wealth and give myself more choice, security and freedom.

We'll cover:
✔️ How to create a budget that actually works
✔️ Why an emergency fund shoul...

My Mother-In-Law Will Gamble Away Their Retirement. What Can We Do? | How To Protect Ageing Parents From Financial Harm

What do you do when someone you love is about to receive a life-changing inheritance... but you're genuinely worried it could disappear?

In this episode of Start Here, I answer one of the most heartbreaking questions I've ever received.

A listener shares her fears that her in-laws—both in their early seventies with no home, no superannuation and very little financial security—are about to inherit around $700,000. Instead of feeling relieved, she's terrified. She beli...

Refinancing Your Mortgage: How to Save Money Without Starting Again

If you have a mortgage, when was the last time you actually checked whether it was still working for you?

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with mortgage broker Adam McCabe from Long Game Financial (previously Blue Lantern) to unpack refinancing — what it actually means, when it may be worth considering and how to make sure a lower interest rate genuinely helps you get ahead financially.

Because refinancing isn't simply about finding a cheaper rate or lowering your monthly repay...

If you keep creating a budget only to blow it, dip into your savings or run out of money before payday, this episode is for you.

Because sticking to a budget isn't necessarily about having more discipline.

Often, you simply need a better system.

In this Start Here episode, Canna answers one of the most common budgeting frustrations: "I genuinely want to be better with money, but no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to stick to my budget."

Canna explains why so many budgets fail, the expenses...

The Biggest ETF Investing Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

Think you've built a great ETF portfolio?

Before you invest another dollar, make sure you're not making one of these common mistakes.

In this episode of SugarMamma's Fireplay, Canna Campbell shares the biggest ETF investing mistakes she has seen over more than 20 years as a financial adviser—and, more importantly, exactly what to do instead.

Whether you're a beginner investor or already have an ETF portfolio, these practical tips will help you build wealth with greater confidence while avoiding costly investing mi...

What happens when you reach 65 and your finances don't look anything like the retirement plan you thought you'd have?

Today's Start Here question comes from a 65-year-old woman who is single, still working FIFO and still has a mortgage. After attempting retirement at 60, she discovered that the lifestyle she'd imagined left her feeling isolated — and she spent a significant amount of her superannuation in the process.

She returned to work, bought a home and started rebuilding.

Now she's worried about what would happen if her income disappeared before she's financially ready to retire.

How To Build Your First ETF Portfolio (Step by Step)

You’ve saved the money. You’ve opened the share trading account. Now comes the big question… which ETF do you actually buy?

With hundreds of ETFs to choose from, getting started can quickly become overwhelming. Australian shares, international shares, high-growth funds, dividend ETFs, sector ETFs, bonds—the choices are endless.

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I strip away the noise and walk you through a practical, step-by-step process for building your first ETF portfolio.

We cover:

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...